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Sterling Homes Development Corp.

Local business · 400 Tradecenter Dr Ste 5900, Woburn, MA 01801, USA

3.9(12)
General Contractor / Remodelingcustom home buildingwhole-home renovation

Their work

7 photos

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Verified record

License not state-verified. We could not confirm a current registration in the state registry. Insurance is self-reported.

Highlights

  • Whole-house renovationsa decade of gut remodels and rebuilds described
  • Weekly communication2024 client credited regular updates and fast replies
  • Schedule performance2018 Lexington rebuild finished in four of eight months
  • Owner-led jobsRuss Busa named personally across ten years of reviews
  • Coverage runs inlandnamed towns sit west and north-west of Boston
  • Unnumbered credentialsHouzz lists HIC and builder licences without numbers
  • Dated written historynewest client account was posted April 2024
  • Large-project pricingstated typical job runs $50,000 to $1 million

Twelve reviews on Houzz, every one of them five stars, stretching from 2014 to 2024 — and the same first name running through nearly all of them. Russ Busa is named as the principal of Sterling Homes Development, a Woburn-based design-build company that its own site describes as doing custom homes, whole-house renovations, additions, kitchens, baths and roofing, with more than 30 years behind it (the About page on that same site says 'nearly 30'). An unbroken five-star run usually invites suspicion. This one holds up better than most: the reviews run long, most are signed with full names, and they name particular jobs. A 2018 reviewer described rebuilding a house in Lexington quoted at six to eight months and finished in four. A 2014 client walked through a top-to-bottom renovation of a 1930s colonial, from the first zoning board meeting to the final punch-list item. Another 2014 reviewer described a custom modular home built to an energy-efficient spec. What people keep describing is the process more than the finish. In a 2024 review a client credited weekly communication and said Russ came back quickly on questions when the picture got murky. A 2022 client said their new kitchen arrived on time. A 2020 client who had a basement finished wrote about trust holding from the bid through completion, and a 2014 bathroom client said the job stayed on budget inside a room with awkward constraints. Two things to pin down before calling. Geography first: the towns the company names are west and north-west of Boston — Concord, Lexington, Needham, Sudbury, Weston — so anyone on the coast should ask whether they travel. Credentials second: the awards line on its Houzz profile claims an HIC license and a Licensed Builder title, along with Lead, OSHA and Energy Star credentials, but no registration number appears there. Ask for the number and check it against the state registry yourself. The company states a typical job cost of $50,000 to $1 million, which tells you the shape of the work — this is a firm for the whole-floor renovation or the new build, not the weekend repair. And the newest of those written accounts is from April 2024, so the history, while consistent, runs a couple of years behind the present.

Read the comments

Most recent comments

  • 5.0Apr 8, 2024

    My experience was great. I appreciated the weekly communication as well as the quality of the work and subcontractors. For the most part, I felt like I knew what was going on each week and in the times where I didn't, Russell would respond back to any of my questions in a timely and very professional manner. Overall, I'd highly recommend working with Sterling Homes. After meeting with many contractors, my gut told me Russell was the best for the job and he exceeded my expectations.

    Leah SklarzView on Houzz
  • 5.0Jun 16, 2023

    Before our first-floor home renovation, I found my home cluttered and stressful. There was no flow to the house. Now that the project is complete, living in the space is relaxing and makes me feel happy and at ease. Russ is the best. He was always one step ahead of our asks on the project and answered all of our questions and concerns in a timely manner. He is caring, professional, and I consider him a good friend. I have worked with other contractors on multiple house projects so I had my doubts going in this renovation. Having someone like Russ on the project made a huge difference and I am so happy to have had the pleasure to work with Russ and his amazing team.

    Mela SchView on Houzz
  • 5.0Aug 26, 2022

    We are very happy with our new kitchen by Sterling Homes. Russ and his team were professional, honest, and easy to work with. Our needs and design choices were paid close attention to and the installation went seamlessly. We are thrilled with our new kitchen, delivered on time and on budget by Sterling Homes. Thank you Russ!

    HU-570423768View on Houzz
  • 5.0Jan 2, 2020

    Russ and team served as a true partner during the project to finish our basement. As with any successful partnership, an element of trust of critical. From project bid through completion of work, Russ' actions stood out and demonstrated that he was trustworthy and was a true partner with us for this project. Russ' focus on client service stood out during the entirety of the project. He was always transparent on pricing and scope changes, always accessible, and willing to lend perspectives based on his years of experience. We couldn't be happier with the high quality finish and craftsmanship and are looking forward to working with Russ and the team during our next project.

    David SwerlingView on Houzz
  • 5.0Jan 10, 2018

    This is a high endorsement for Sterling Homes Development. My wife and I decided to rebuild her house in Lexington, MA during the winter of 2017. At this time we didn't know what it would take to rebuild. In doing an internet search I was able to find Sterling Homes. We then consequently met with the owner Russ Busa to discuss what it would take to do a new construction. During our meeting my wife and I were impressed with Russ, the one thing that stood out was his orientation toward the customer. In addition he provided us with a list of references for other projects he worked on. In speaking with them they spoke very highly of Russ and his company. In the initial contract with Sterling Homes we were quoted that the project would take 6-8months to complete. In the end the whole project only took 4 months. This was due to the diligence and professional approach that Russ took in the project, he was very hands on and making sure when things needed to get done they were done. Overall, my wife and are very impressed with the final product. The house is of very fine craftsmanship and construction, due to Russ's insistence and assurance to quality. In conclusion we recommend Sterling Homes for any construction project that one may consider.

    Harvey TobinView on Houzz

Specializes in

General Contractor / Remodelingcustom home buildingwhole-home renovation

Also offers

Bathroom RemodelKitchen RemodelRoofinghome additionsmodular home constructionkitchen remodelingbathroom remodelingbasement finishingroofing

Service area

Arlington, MABillerica, MACambridge, MALowell, MAMalden, MAMedford, MAMelrose, MARevere, MASaugus, MASomerville, MA+4 more

Languages

English

Update history

  1. Added 12 new comments, added 7 new photos, established rating 4.0

    • behind the score: Dated record — nine of twelve reviews predate the last five years

What does a remodeling project cost in Greater Boston?

Typical Greater Boston range for this kind of work, from regional averages — not a quote from Sterling Homes Development Corp.. 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

See the full Greater Boston cost guide →

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