Verified record
Typical Greater Boston range for this kind of work, from regional averages — not a quote from Thomas Buckborough & Associates. 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
Thomas Buckborough & Associates is an Acton design-build firm built around one kind of job: substantial whole-home renovations, additions, and luxury kitchen and bath remodels for homeowners in Boston's western suburbs. The company says Thomas Buckborough started it in 1988 as a small renovation outfit, later picking up a Universal Design Contractor of the Year award in 2001 and a spot on a national remodeling trade publication's list of top firms in 2004. Its Massachusetts home improvement contractor registration is active, and it lists Acton, Concord, Lexington, Newton, Sudbury, and a cluster of nearby towns as its service area. Nineteen Google ratings average a perfect 5.0, and the written reviews on file back that up with specifics rather than adjectives: a first-floor gut remodel spanning a kitchen, three bedrooms, and two bathrooms; a two-story addition with a new master suite and full kitchen; kitchen after kitchen redone on schedule and on budget. One client says they first hired the firm in 1995 for a kitchen renovation and have since brought it back for at least five more projects, including a finished basement and a garage insulation upgrade — the kind of repeat business a firm doesn't get from one good year. Several reviewers single out the carpentry and trim work specifically, calling the moldings and finish details meticulous, and a 2025 Reddit thread mentions the firm favorably in the context of a design-build project. One thing worth asking about directly: a Better Business Bureau review describes paying for a feasibility study and then having the owner stop returning calls partway through — a different experience than what the rest of its reviews describe, and reason enough to pin down how the design phase is scoped and staffed before paying for it. This is a fit for a homeowner planning a real renovation or addition — not a single-room swap-out — who wants one firm carrying a project from design through the punch list. Before booking, confirm how the feasibility/design phase works and get a clear timeline for a project the size of the additions and whole-floor remodels its recent clients describe.
“We used [Thomas Buckborough](http://www.tbadesigns.com) and liked working with them on our design build project.”
“Thomas Buckborough of Thomas Buckborough & Associates in Acton, Massachusetts, used Geode’s Spoke, in three colors”
“Regional Winner Thomas Buckborough & Associates, Acton, Mass.”
“Industry Associations: NARI, NKBAProfessional Designation: CR”
Thomas Buckborough is by far the best contractor I have dealt with. He does high quality work for a reasonable price. And you can trust him. He is great at the start of a project, identifying the key choices and giving advice. And then he follows through to make sure everything works out as planned. He has redesigned and rebuilt my kitchen and my bathrooms. I highly recommend him and look forward to working with him again.
We had the entire first floor of our house remodeled by Thomas and it turned out excellent. This included a kitchen, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a living room. The original house was pretty old and the layout was stifling. From the very beginning Thomas took a look at our house and knew exactly what to do. We had never done a project like this before and Thomas helped up through all the design choices. He's got a great eye and his chances were the choices he suggested were the ones we went with. His crew were top notch and the workmanship was all impeccable. I'm definitely glad we chose TBA for our remodel.
We worked with TBA on a significant renovation comprising a 2-story addition, including a master-suite, full kitchen renovation, family bath, laundry room and dining room and all the associated mechanicals and finishes in Concord MA. Thomas offers comprehensive, one-stop design-build services. Timeless, livable design that suited our family needs now and in the future. Many unique, custom details were incorporated that makes the spaces functional, cohesive, and comfortable. Thomas prepared several initial design plans that we reviewed and tweaked before we started. His budgeting was transparent and we were able to upgrade or downgrade features as we wanted and the impacts to cost were clearly communicated before hand. Changes to scope were also well accommodated while underway. Timeline management was excellent, work progressed at a steady pace and finished on-time. Having Thomas as a single point of contact for all issues, trades, and design was a huge benefit particularly with such a diverse project that spanned structural/engineering, framing, electrical, plumbing, fine carpentry, siding, roofing, flooring, paint etc. If we had a question, issue, change - we had only one person to talk to and Thomas made it right. Thomas used quality materials with high-end finishes offering value for dollar. TBA not only renovated our house, they created our forever home.
We are very happy with our newly finished basement and excited about how it looks. Now, all we have to do is change the rest of the house. :-) It was a pleasure to work with Thomas. To summarize our experience: on time, on budget, quality work, excellent communication, great design, and finally—a great value for the money. Home renovation is scary. You hear about all the bad experiences people have had, and in our busy lives, who has the time to chase general contractors? With Thomas, you don’t just get a general contractor who makes sure the work gets done on time and within budget, but also someone who has an eye for design, cares about the quality of work, and takes pride in the finished product. We highly recommend Thomas Buckborough & Associates.
A great team to work with on a renovation project. From the design process, to the team on site daily during construction, to the punch list, everything was professional and kept the project on time, and no budget surprises. We loved the attention to detail and receiving a high quality and functional living space that we will enjoy for years to come.
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1 change recorded — last scanned Aug 1, 2026.
Restored decks and façade on an 1838 home4.8
Finished a job another contractor abandoned4.7
An architect and an interior designer keep hiring them4.4
Bathroom and shower rebuilds4.3
High-end custom builds3.8
Detailed workmanship4.2