Verified record
Michael Graf works as both the architect and the general contractor on his projects — a dual role that keeps showing up as the throughline in what his clients say. Based in Newmarket, New Hampshire and working mostly in the Newburyport/Seacoast area, Houzz lists him as a registered architect in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, NCARB certified, and a Massachusetts Construction Supervisor (license CS-080301) — his typical projects run $1M to $3M, custom homes and historic-home renovation. The reviews back that up with specifics, not adjectives. In a 2017 review, one couple described a 12-14 month gut renovation of a house built in 1769 with a 19th-century addition, calling out the surprises that came with opening walls, floors, and ceilings that old. A 2018 review described multiple renovation projects on a circa-1800 home, and another 2018 review from a family who worked with him on four separate building projects over ten years called him "an amazing woodworker and project manager," with every project finishing on time and within budget. That pattern — on-time, on-budget delivery — repeats across several of the 2017 reviews too, on both large custom builds and smaller ones. Houzz shows him at 5.0 out of 5 across 13 ratings, with 12 written reviews posted between 2017 and 2026 — the most recent from mid-2026. His Houzz profile lists Custom Homes, New Home Construction, Green Building, Sustainable Design, and Custom Cabinets among his services, plus two Houzz Awards and two Houzz Badges. There's nothing negative to flag here — every review, from a 2013-2015 remote international project to this year's, describes the same combination: an architect's design sense paired with a builder's hands-on construction knowledge, applied to complex, often historic renovations. Given the scale of the typical project, this is a fit for a substantial custom build or a serious historic renovation rather than a smaller job — worth confirming his current availability and licensing status directly given the specialized, high-end nature of the work.
Typical Greater Boston range for this kind of work, from regional averages — not a quote from Michael Graf. Use it to sanity-check bids, then get the real number in writing.
Estimated range
$23,000 – $35,000
Typical remodeling project around $29,000
Michael is an amazingly creative and pragmatic architect and general contractor. His formative years as a builder make him a thoughtful designer. Michael's designs are unique, modern, timeless, and practical. His ability to listen and translate his client's vision to perfect execution are remarakable. He took our run-down historical saltbox New England house and turned it into our perfect home. And, nearly four years after finishing the project, he continues to check in. Michael is one of a kind and a very dear person, to boot.
Michael was both the architect and the general contractor for our addition. We have done several prior home construction projects and working with Michael was by far the best experience. He devoted as much time as we needed to get the right plan. As an architect, he carefully listened to our thoughts and created a substantial addition to our house that was perfect for our needs and our property. Even now, we get compliments from neighbors and visitors about our project, including its high quality and how it fits seamlessly with the original house and our backyard. Michael also has a construction backgound and was frequently on the job site supervising the workers. On more than one occasion he had the crew redo something that did not meet his high standards. His also built wonderful custom cabinets and shelving for our addition that were ideal for our project.
My husband and I were relocating our family from Colorado to Massachusetts. We first met with Michael because we knew we would need an architect/builder for whatever we purchased. Majority of the older homes we were considering needed an upgrade. We also had a few needs and wants for our lifestyle. Michael listened a lot. We appreciated his suggestions, his opinions, his advice and his exceptional work. The attention to detail and craftsmanship does not go unrecognized. He has the best sub-contractors, the best painters, the best cabinet maker, the best plumber, the best electrician, the best tile layer. Plus, Michael's contacts for interior design, lighting, landscape, and technology system integrator are phenomenal. We truly had an unbelievable team that all worked and communicated very well. There's a lot of builders that can build a house but Michael Graf designed and built us a home!
We have worked with Michael Graf on multiple renovation projects in our circa 1800 home. Michael is very skilled at designing and constructing space that improves and complements existing conditions. The quality and detail of his work is outstanding. Each project exceeded our expectations. Michael and his team are professional, friendly and pleasure to work with.
Michael Graf has assisted us with four building projects over the past ten years. He is an amazing woodworker and project manager and so easy to work with. Our projects have finished on time and within budget. We highly recommend him! Jean and Steven Berger
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1 change recorded — last scanned Sep 1, 2026.
Renovates century-old structures5.0
Called the most professional of hundreds of contractors5.0
Owner named across years of reviews5.0
Sustainability focus5.0