When you’re planning a renovation or custom build in Greater Boston, understanding how your contractor manages projects matters as much as the work itself. At S+H Construction, we’ve spent 45+ years developing processes that keep clients informed, budgets transparent, and projects moving forward.
What can you expect from S+H’s project management?
S+H Construction was founded in 1978 and became the first residential contractor to win Best of Boston in 2007. Since then, we’ve earned countless awards, including but not limited to — Best of Boston Home and PRISM Awards –- by focusing on quality workmanship, transparent communication, and client involvement.
Every project gets a dedicated project manager who serves as your single point of contact from start to finish. We use time-and-material pricing with bi-weekly invoicing, meaning you see line-by-line where your money goes. No hidden fees, no surprise costs.
Our 37-person team follows OSHA-compliant safety protocols on every job site, and we back all work with a one-year warranty. Our warranty rate sits at 0.85% of gross sales, exceptionally low for residential construction.
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Who leads S+H Construction?
Sarah Lawson, Chair and Owner, joined S+H as a Project Manager in 2006 and purchased the company from its founders, Alex Slive and Doug Hanna, in 2016. Her expertise in historic preservation earned her a Preservation Award from the Cambridge Historical Commission. She also co-hosts the award-winning Builder's Notebook podcast, an informative, nuts-and-bolts series on home design, construction, and renovation.
Ed Sullivan, President, started in construction at age 14. He joined S+H in 2007 as an Assistant Project Manager and worked his way up before becoming President in 2025.
Both came up through S+H's project management ranks and understand what clients need because they've managed projects themselves.
What are the key phases of an S+H Construction project?
Phase 1: Initial consultation and planning
We start by meeting with you to review your scope of work and plans. S+H executes projects based on client-provided plans — we don't provide design services, but work with your design team to ensure what's been drawn can be built well.
Our team will conduct a site visit with subcontractors and provide sample documentation showing how we contract, invoice, and perform work.
During planning, we:
- Review plans for constructability and quality
- Develop a detailed, transparent cost estimate
- Review the estimate in person with you
- Establish project approach and scope
- Answer your questions about the construction process
Phase 2: Pre-construction preparation
Once contracts are finalized, we create a Gantt schedule mapping out your entire project timeline and review it with you regularly as construction progresses.
During pre-construction, we:
- Finalize and submit permit applications
- Order materials with long lead times
- Schedule subcontractor and internal teams
- Coordinate site logistics and protection
- Establish communication protocols
We also hold a pre-construction meeting to walk through expectations, from work hours to daily communication through our project management software.
Phase 3: Construction and project execution
Construction begins with site preparation and protection of a clearly defined work zone. Your dedicated project manager provides daily onsite supervision, meaning someone from S+H is there every day coordinating work and maintaining quality control.
We keep you informed through multiple channels:
- Daily updates: Photos and notes uploaded to ProCore, our project management software
- Weekly recaps: Every Friday, you receive a summary of what happened and what to expect next week
- Bi-weekly meetings: Reviews of your latest invoice, Gantt schedule status, and any open questions
Any changes go through a documented change order process that requires your approval. We follow rigorous site safety and cleanliness protocols and maintain OSHA-compliant practices across all trades.
Our Small Works Division (launched in 2025) handles smaller projects — window replacements, siding repairs, mechanical upgrades, flooring, and custom built-ins — with the same management approach.
Phase 4: Project completion and warranty
Before we call a project complete, S+H walks through everything with you. We address punch list items, show you how systems work, and perform a full site clean and restoration.
At closeout, you receive a job binder containing all warranty information, operating manuals, and project documentation. We'll also introduce you to our Small Works Division for future maintenance needs.
Every project comes with a one-year warranty. Given our 0.85% warranty rate, issues rarely arise. When they do, we handle them.
How does S+H handle complex and historic projects?
Historic restoration project management
S+H specializes in Colonial, Victorian, and mid-century architecture throughout Greater Boston. We work closely with Historic District Commissions to ensure projects meet preservation standards while upgrading homes for modern living.
Sarah Lawson received a Preservation Award from the Cambridge Historical Commission. We've been navigating historic district requirements in Cambridge, Belmont, Boston, Charlestown, South Boston, Somerville, and Wayland for decades.
Historic projects require:
- Coordination with Historic District Commissions (which extends timelines)
- Period-specific construction techniques
- Foundation monitoring for older structures
- Balancing preservation with modern codes and energy standards
- Integration of updated systems with historic structures
We account for these requirements during planning and build them into your Gantt schedule.
Managing unexpected discoveries
Renovation projects — especially in older homes — sometimes reveal unexpected conditions.
When issues arise, we document what we've found through ProCore, present solution options, and discuss cost implications transparently. Nothing proceeds without your approval.
Our time-and-material pricing means you see exactly what the issue is and what it takes to address it.
How does S+H's pricing and communication work?
Understanding time-and-material pricing
Time-and-material pricing means you pay actual material and labor costs plus a transparent markup we agree on upfront. Every two weeks, you receive a detailed invoice showing exactly what was purchased, who worked on your project, and what it cost.
During bi-weekly meetings, we review each invoice line by line. When material prices change or you make selections that differ from original plans, you see the impact immediately.
Your dedicated project manager's role
Your project manager coordinates subcontractors, scheduling, quality control, problem-solving, and communication. They're on-site daily, supervising work, not managing from an office.
Between ProCore updates, weekly recaps, and bi-weekly meetings, you're never left wondering what's happening. Your project manager addresses concerns, explains what's happening on site, and walks you through decisions.
Project documentation and records
We maintain thorough documentation using ProCore, which tracks:
- Photos and progress notes
- Bi-weekly invoices with line-item detail
- Change order records
- Gantt schedule updates
- Permit and inspection documentation
At completion, your job binder includes final project files, warranty information, and operating manuals.
What should you know about project timelines?
Every project is unique. Timelines depend on scope, complexity, material selections, permitting, site conditions, and weather.
Factors that affect schedules include:
- Custom elements and specialty finishes
- Historic District Commission approvals
- Structural requirements discovered during construction
- Material availability
- Weather impacts on exterior work
We create a detailed Gantt schedule during pre-construction based on 45+ years of experience. We focus on realistic timelines rather than aggressive promises, and communicate proactively if adjustments are needed.
S+H's commitment to quality and safety
We follow OSHA-compliant practices on every project and maintain rigorous safety protocols throughout construction. Daily onsite supervision means problems get caught and addressed immediately.
We also maintain site cleanliness out of respect for your home and neighbors. Our 0.85% warranty rate demonstrates the quality of our work. Multiple awards recognize our commitment to craftsmanship and client satisfaction.
Frequently asked questions:
1) How long has S+H Construction been in business?
S+H Construction has been managing residential projects throughout Greater Boston since 1978, bringing over 45 years of experience in high-end renovations, historic restorations, custom builds, and complex residential construction projects.
2) Who will manage my project?
Every project receives a dedicated project manager who oversees the construction, coordinates trades, handles scheduling, and serves as your single point of contact from pre-construction planning through final completion.
3) What is time-and-material pricing, and how does it work?
S+H uses a transparent model where clients pay actual labor and material costs plus an agreed markup. Bi-weekly invoices detail expenses, and meetings ensure clarity and alignment throughout the project.
4) How will I know what's happening during construction?
Clients receive daily photo updates and notes through ProCore, weekly recaps summarizing progress, and bi-weekly in-person meetings reviewing schedules, invoices, questions, and next steps, keeping communication clear and projects fully transparent.
5) Does S+H provide design services?
S+H executes projects based on client-provided plans. We coordinate closely with your architect or designer to ensure constructability and quality, but do not provide in-house design services or create layouts.
6) How does S+H handle changes during construction?
Any change is processed through a documented change order system. Your project manager reviews the cost, schedule impact, and options before proceeding, and no work begins without your approval.
7) What is S+H's warranty policy?
S+H provides a one-year warranty on all work. Our exceptionally low warranty rate reflects high-quality craftsmanship, OSHA-compliant safety standards, and thorough project management that minimizes issues after completion.
8) How does S+H manage historic district projects?
S+H specializes in historic work, coordinating all Historic District Commission approvals. Our expertise ensures compliance while preserving architectural integrity, a capability recognized with Sarah Lawson’s Preservation Award from the Cambridge Historical Commission.
9) What areas does S+H Construction serve?
S+H serves Greater Boston, including Cambridge, Belmont, Boston, Charlestown, South Boston, Somerville, and Wayland, providing neighborhood-specific knowledge, local building department experience, and expertise with historic and contemporary homes.
10) What happens if unexpected issues are discovered?
If an issue arises, your project manager documents it in ProCore, presents solution options, and reviews cost and timeline implications. No work proceeds without client approval, ensuring transparency and control.
Ready to discuss your project?
With 45+ years of proven processes, transparent communication, and dedicated daily supervision, S+H Construction delivers quality throughout Greater Boston.
Contact us at (617) 876-8286 or visit shconstruction.com to discuss your renovation, restoration, or custom build. We'll walk you through our process and answer your questions about timeline, budget, and what to expect.
Also Read:
Green Building in Greater Boston: Sustainable Home Construction
Custom Home Builders in Boston: Expert Design, Lasting Craftsmanship
Luxury Home Builders in Boston: Balancing Modern Comfort and Classic Charm
Planning a Kitchen Renovation in Boston? Here’s What to Know Before You Start
About S+H Construction
S+H Construction is a leading residential construction and renovation firm based in Massachusetts, recognized for its exceptional craftsmanship and commitment to quality. With decades of experience, S+H specializes in custom home building, historic restorations, and complex renovations, delivering projects that seamlessly blend timeless design with modern functionality. The company is known for its collaborative approach, working closely with homeowners, architects, and designers to bring unique visions to life. S+H’s dedicated team of skilled professionals prioritizes communication, attention to detail, and sustainable practices, ensuring every project exceeds expectations.
Builder’s Notebook: The Podcast
S+H’s Sarah Lawson and real estate and renovation consultant Bruce Irving talk about building, renovating, design, and everything in between. The podcast has dropped and is available on the following apps; Anchor FM, Apple, and Spotify.