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Michael Graf works as both architect and general contractor on the same project, based in Newmarket, New Hampshire, and focused on high-end custom homes and historic-home renovations around the Newburyport and Seacoast area, with typical jobs running $1M to $3M. Houzz lists him as a registered architect in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, NCARB-certified, and holding a Massachusetts construction supervisor license (CS-080301). One family who hired him for four building projects over ten years called him an amazing woodworker and project manager who finished on time and within budget. Another set of clients working on their circa-1800 home said in a 2018 review that his renovations improved and complemented the house's existing conditions, and a 2017 review describes a 12-to-14-month gut renovation of a 1769 house where nearly every wall, floor and ceiling opened up new surprises. Because Graf designs and then builds, clients on repeat and multi-year projects point to one person carrying both jobs through, including a several-million-dollar Newburyport renovation he managed remotely from 2013 to 2015. His Houzz page holds a perfect 5.0 from 13 reviews, but most of the written detail is dated — ten of the twelve reviews on file predate 2021, and only one has landed in the past six months. It's a real decade-plus record rather than a lot of very recent reviews, so it's worth asking for a recent reference or two before committing to a project this size. For a serious custom build or historic renovation in the Seacoast area, Graf is a strong option if you want one person responsible for both the design and the construction — just ask what he's completed most recently before signing on.
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.
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
Decks and porches5.0
Clients returning for 10 and 20 years5.0
Detailed craftsmanship5.0
Renovates century-old structures5.0