Candew Construction in Baltimore: General Contracting for Residential Renovations and Additions

Candew Construction is a Baltimore-based general contracting firm that handles residential renovation, addition, and remodeling projects, primarily serving homeowners in the city and surrounding counties who need licensed oversight and project management rather than single-trade work.

What Candew Construction actually does

Candew operates as a full-service general contractor, meaning it manages the entire scope of a renovation or addition project: permit acquisition, subcontractor coordination, inspections, and timeline management. The firm handles kitchen and bathroom remodels, room additions, basement finishing, and structural repairs. It does not perform the individual trades (plumbing, electrical, framing) itself but hires licensed subcontractors to execute each phase. This structure is standard for general contractors and distinguishes them from handymen, who typically handle smaller repairs without permits or design input.

Services and pricing

Candew offers estimates at no charge for projects ranging from $15,000 kitchen refreshes to six-figure additions. The firm requires a signed contract and a deposit (typically 30 percent of the total cost) before work begins. Labor and material costs vary by project scope; a bathroom renovation in Baltimore typically runs $12,000 to $35,000 depending on fixture selection and whether walls are moved, while kitchen remodels start around $20,000 and exceed $80,000 with custom cabinetry and high-end appliances. Payment is structured in draws tied to project milestones rather than one lump sum, reducing financial risk for the homeowner.

Candew carries Maryland general contractor licensing and liability insurance. The firm pulls all required permits, which Baltimore requires for any structural change, electrical upgrade, or plumbing alteration. Many homeowners underestimate permit costs (typically $500 to $2,000 for a kitchen remodel in Baltimore) but hiring a licensed general contractor ensures these are handled correctly and inspections pass on the first cycle, avoiding costly delays.

How Candew compares to other Baltimore-area contractors

Baltimore has a large pool of general contractors; choosing among them hinges on project type, budget, and communication style. Larger firms like Renovation Design Group, which handles mid-range to luxury projects across Maryland, charge higher overhead and have longer timelines but manage multiple crews simultaneously. Smaller independent contractors often charge less but may juggle fewer projects and have less formal systems for scheduling and change orders. Candew positions itself in the middle: experienced enough to manage permits and multiple trades but responsive to single-home projects that larger firms deprioritize.

For a homeowner with a $30,000 bathroom renovation, Candew's approach suits someone comfortable with the general contractor model (phased payments, permit responsibility, subcontractor coordination) but wary of micromanaging trades individually. For a $150,000 addition with custom design requirements, a larger firm with in-house architects may be a better fit. For a $5,000 repair or small remodel, a licensed handyman is faster and cheaper than hiring a general contractor.

Who Candew suits and who it does not

Candew works best for homeowners planning a single substantial project (not scattered small jobs), who want one point of contact to manage complexity, and who can commit to a 4- to 12-week timeline depending on scope. It suits those unfamiliar with Baltimore's permit process and building codes because the firm handles compliance. It does not suit homeowners wanting to save money by acting as their own general contractor (managing permits, scheduling, and paying trades directly), or those seeking quick turnarounds on cosmetic-only work that does not require permits.

What the first visit involves

Candew schedules a walkthrough at your home, typically lasting one to two hours. The estimator photographs existing conditions, takes measurements, asks about your goals and budget, and outlines what permits will be required. From this visit, the firm prepares a written estimate (free) detailing scope, materials, labor, timeline, and total cost. If you approve, you sign a contract and schedule a start date. This process usually takes one to three weeks from initial consultation to mobilization on site.

Hours, location, and logistics

Candew operates Monday through Friday during standard business hours for estimates and office communication. Job sites typically run 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday, though weekend work can be negotiated. The firm is based in Baltimore and primarily serves Baltimore City and Baltimore, Anne Arundel, and Howard counties. For estimates or inquiries, contact the office directly to confirm current availability, as project lead times vary seasonally (fall and winter often have longer waits than spring).

Candew earns its listing because it simplifies a complex process that many Baltimore homeowners face without clear guidance, and because it carries the licensing and accountability that protect you from unpermitted work and code violations.