Verified record
Typical Greater Boston range for this kind of work, from regional averages — not a quote from Tighe James Custom Build. Use it to sanity-check bids, then get the real number in writing.
A typical single-level deck is 12×16 — about 200 sq ft.
Estimated range
$7,750 – $14,500
Typical carpentry project around $11,100
Tighe James Custom Build is a Milton carpenter-builder whose customers keep describing the same thing: a peninsula matched to existing Italian cabinetry, a pair of built-ins with stools made from the leftover stock, a bent-leg custom table. The company says it is owner-operated by Tighe out of a small Boston-area shop, with a furniture-making background that carries into its renovation and finish-carpentry work. Its Massachusetts home improvement contractor registration is active, and its BBB page carries an A+ grade without accreditation. All 18 Google ratings sit at five stars, and the written reviews run from late 2021 into April 2026. Recent customers write about attention to detail and a tidy site during multi-day work; one, in April 2026, had used Tighe on an earlier renovation and came back for built-ins and custom stools. The larger jobs read the same way: a January 2026 reviewer had him remodel a master bathroom and basement after years of smaller projects, a February 2024 studio renovation in a historic Fort Point building came in on time and on budget with a City of Boston permit and an accessible bathroom, and a December 2022 kitchen-and-bath remodel in a 100-year-old house involved moving windows and a closet while vendors ran late. In June 2022 a homeowner described a kitchen peninsula built to tight dimensions on a faster timeline than any other contractor he had talked to. Word of mouth reaches beyond the review pages: in a July 2026 r/SouthShore thread about a custom baby gate, a commenter named Tighe Smalley as a custom carpenter who had done incredible work for them. Reviewers also mention the subcontractors he brings in as easy to have in the house. He is the right call for finish carpentry, custom furniture and a remodel where fit and detail matter more than speed; ask up front how his schedule looks and which parts of the job his own team handles versus subcontractors.
“Tighe Smalley is a custom carpenter who did incredible work for us. I believe his website is tighejames.com.”
Tighe built a pair beautiful built-ins for us as well as a set of custom stools utilizing the remaining material from the job. We had worked with Tighe previously, as a member of the team on our original renovation, so already knew what to expect, in terms of thoughtful input, and deliberate communication around often overlooked design decisions. This time around though, we were blown away with the level of craft he and his team poured into the pieces - truly beautiful! They also made very steady and diligent progress on the job once it kicked off, which was much appreciated. Highly recommend - Tighe and his team are seriously skilled and great to work with!
Tighe is a true talent. His attention to detail and ability to understand exactly what his clients are looking for is exceptional. He’s also very tidy which is important for multi-day projects, so you can comfortably live in your home without the disruption or mess. And in the end, he delivers something truly beautiful.
Tighe has done multiple projects for us over the years and most recently remodeled our master bathroom and basement. He did an absolutely phenomenal job. Not only is the quality of his work excellent but he is organized, responsive and an excellent communicator. He stands by his work and has been terrific at trouble shooting and addressing any questions or issues we’ve had (thankfully very few!) He also has a group of terrific, trustworthy sub contractors. I would recommend Tighe without hesitation for any home renovation project. He is truly outstanding!
We got an awesome custom table. Bent wood legs! Super attention to detail. Enjoyed the planning process and final product. 👍
Tighe was wonderfully communicative from start to finish. Him and his team did impeccable and efficient work on my bakery and executed a project I could not be happier with. Since then, I have recommended his work to a number of friends and business owners. Currently looking for my next project/excuse!
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1 change recorded — last scanned Jul 17, 2026.
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11 years in business4.1
Active state license3.4