Exquisite Construction in Baltimore: Full-Service Renovation for Row Houses and Historic Homes
Exquisite Construction is a Baltimore-based general contractor specializing in residential renovation, with a focus on the row house restorations and historic home updates that dominate the city's renovation market. The firm handles projects ranging from kitchen and bathroom overhauls to full structural work, and operates across Baltimore County and the city proper.
What Exquisite Construction Actually Does
The company takes on interior and exterior renovation work across residential properties, with particular depth in the masonry, window, and structural repairs that older Baltimore homes require. They pull permits, manage subcontractors, and serve as the primary point of contact for homeowners navigating code compliance and timeline management. The firm operates as a licensed and insured contractor; Maryland requires all general contractors to hold a Home Improvement Commission license, which Exquisite Construction maintains.
Services and Pricing
Exquisite Construction charges labor at $65 to $85 per hour for crew work, with project estimates provided after a site visit. Kitchen renovations typically run $35,000 to $75,000 depending on scope, cabinetry selection, and whether structural walls require modification. Bathroom updates range from $12,000 for a basic refresh to $30,000 or more for full gut renovations with custom tile and heated floors. Exterior work, including roof repairs, window replacement, or masonry repointing, is quoted individually; a typical roof inspection and minor repair estimate is generated within 48 hours of the initial call.
The company operates on a deposit-and-milestone payment structure. A standard deposit is 25 percent of the contract value, with subsequent payments tied to project phases. Homeowners should verify current rates by phone, as labor costs shift seasonally and with material prices.
How Exquisite Construction Compares Locally
Baltimore's general contractor market splits roughly between large firms managing multiple concurrent projects and solo operators who handle smaller jobs. Exquisite Construction sits in the middle: large enough to manage complex timelines and coordinate multiple trades, but small enough that the owner is typically present on major projects. That contrasts with firms like Restoration Hardware or Chesapeake Contracting, which handle high-end builds across Maryland but often charge 15 to 20 percent premium labor rates and may have longer scheduling windows. It also differs from neighborhood handymen who avoid permitting work or structural jobs; Exquisite Construction's willingness to pull permits and manage city inspections matters for Baltimore properties, where unpermitted work can create liability at resale.
Choose Exquisite Construction if your project requires city permits, involves older masonry or structural questions, or spans multiple trades. Choose a smaller operator if your job is confined to cosmetic updates or painting. Choose a larger firm if you need design-build services under one roof or have a timeline so flexible it tolerates longer lead times.
Who It Suits and Who It Does Not
The firm works well for Baltimore homeowners with row houses, colonials, or older detached homes where hidden structural surprises are common. Projects involving asbestos abatement coordination, plaster wall repair, or original window restoration align with their experience. Owners of newly built homes in suburban developments, or those planning minor cosmetic changes, would find the firm's overhead unnecessary.
Exquisite Construction is not a design-build firm; they do not provide architectural services or interior design. Homeowners who want a single entity to conceive and execute a renovation should contract a designer separately or seek a firm that bundles those services.
What the First Visit Involves
A homeowner calls or emails with project scope and photos. Exquisite Construction schedules a site visit, typically within 5 to 10 business days. The owner or project manager walks the space, identifies structural or code-compliance concerns, discusses timeline and budget, and asks clarifying questions about fixtures and finishes. Within a week, a written estimate arrives with itemized labor, materials (if the contractor is sourcing them), timeline, and contract terms. The estimate includes a line for permits and inspection fees where applicable.
Hours, Location, and Logistics
Exquisite Construction operates Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for office calls and scheduling. Job sites typically run 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to comply with Baltimore's noise ordinances in residential zones. The company does not maintain a public showroom; all business is conducted via phone, email, and site visits. Call ahead to confirm availability for estimates, as scheduling can extend 2 to 3 weeks during spring and early fall.
Exquisite Construction fills a practical gap in Baltimore's contractor landscape: licensed, permit-capable, and sized for the city's stock of older homes without the overhead or wait times of larger firms.
