Costello Construction in Baltimore: General Contractor for Residential Renovations and Additions
Costello Construction is a licensed general contractor based in Baltimore that handles residential renovation, addition, and structural work for homeowners across the city and surrounding counties. The firm operates at the mid-market scale: large enough to manage multiphase projects and secure necessary permits, small enough that owners typically work directly with a principal rather than a project manager assigned from a roster. Their work spans kitchen and bathroom remodels, second-story additions, basement finishing, and foundation repair.
What Costello Construction actually does
Costello Construction holds a Maryland Home Improvement License and is insured and bonded. The company handles full-scope residential projects where the general contractor must coordinate subcontractors, manage inspections, and pull permits from Baltimore City or Baltimore County depending on location. This differs from handyman services, which handle isolated repairs, and from design-build firms, which include architectural design in their fee. Costello Construction typically works from plans provided by a homeowner's architect or designer, though they can recommend designers if needed.
Services and pricing
The firm quotes projects on a fixed-price basis after an initial walk-through and review of plans. Common scopes include:
Kitchen remodels typically range from $35,000 to $75,000 depending on square footage, material selection, and whether plumbing or electrical work requires relocation. A bathroom renovation averages $12,000 to $25,000 for a full gut and reinstall. Second-story additions and structural work are priced per square footage and site conditions; estimates require detailed site assessment because foundation capacity, roof framing, and setback requirements vary sharply between rowhouse, detached, and semi-detached properties in Baltimore.
The company requires a deposit equal to 30 percent of the contract price upon signing, with subsequent draws tied to completion milestones. Final payment is due upon project completion and final inspection approval. Timeline varies: a kitchen remodel typically takes 6 to 10 weeks; an addition or structural project runs 12 to 20 weeks depending on permit processing speed and weather.
How Costello Construction compares to other Baltimore general contractors
Several other licensed general contractors operate in Baltimore, each with different positioning. Chesapeake Restoration focuses on historic rowhouse work and preservation detail, making them the better fit if your home is pre-1920 and you need expertise in plaster, period trim, and structural quirks specific to old Baltimore construction. Their fees run higher, reflecting that specialized knowledge. Kitchen & Bath Direct handles kitchen and bath remodels exclusively and offers design services in-house, which streamlines decision-making if you do not have plans ready. That convenience costs more per project than Costello's approach of working from existing plans.
For additions and substantial structural work, Costello's generalist model is clearer: you are not paying for design overhead if you already have an architect. If your project is isolated repair (a rotted soffit, failed drywall) rather than renovation, a licensed handyman will be faster and cheaper than a general contractor's minimum service threshold.
Who Costello Construction suits and who it does not
Choose Costello Construction if you have specific renovation or addition plans, are comfortable managing design separately, and want a contractor who takes on full permit and inspection responsibility. This firm works well for Baltimore homeowners tackling a single major project, not ongoing maintenance. They are not the fit if your project is cosmetic only (painting, hardware replacement) or if you need architectural design included in the contract. Similarly, if you want a turnkey experience with no decision-making, a design-build firm absorbs more of that load, though at higher cost.
What the first visit involves
After an initial phone call, Costello Construction schedules a site visit, typically within a week. The walk-through takes 30 to 45 minutes. You will bring plans if you have them, or discuss scope verbally and they will provide a rough estimate range that day. If you proceed, they prepare a detailed written estimate, usually within 5 business days, which outlines labor, materials, timeline, and payment schedule. Once you sign the contract, they obtain permits (typically 2 to 4 weeks for Baltimore City or County, depending on complexity) and schedule a start date.
Hours, location, and logistics
Costello Construction operates Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and takes calls during those hours. They are based in Towson and serve Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and parts of Howard and Anne Arundel counties. Most communication happens by phone or in-person site visits; email inquiries receive response within one business day. Project work typically runs 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on-site, Monday through Friday, though timelines adjust for permit delays and weather.
Costello Construction handles the logistics that distinguish a general contractor: permit acquisition, code compliance, and final sign-off. For Baltimore homeowners ready to move past planning and into execution, their fixed-price model and direct-owner relationship remove guesswork.
