Matthews Construction & Design in Baltimore: Full-Service Renovations and Custom Builds
Matthews Construction & Design is a general contractor specializing in residential renovations, custom home builds, and kitchen and bath remodels across Baltimore and surrounding counties. The firm handles projects from design conception through final inspection, managing permits, subcontractors, and timeline oversight in-house rather than outsourcing coordination.
What Matthews Construction & Design Actually Does
The company operates as a full-service general contractor, meaning it takes on the role of project manager and primary builder rather than acting as a trade specialist. This structure matters because the homeowner works with one point of contact instead than juggling separate bids from electricians, plumbers, framers, and finish carpenters. Matthews handles residential work only; it does not bid on commercial or industrial projects. Project scope ranges from targeted renovations (kitchen overhauls, bathroom updates, addition framing) to ground-up custom builds. The firm also offers in-house design consultation, which allows clients to refine plans before permits are submitted, reducing back-and-forth delays common when design and construction are separated.
Services and Pricing
Matthews quotes projects on a fixed-bid basis after design and permit review. For kitchen renovations in Baltimore, typical budgets range from $40,000 to $100,000 depending on square footage, material selection, and whether structural work is involved. Bathroom remodels generally cost between $15,000 and $50,000. Room additions and whole-home renovations are quoted individually because variables like foundation work, electrical panel upgrades, and HVAC modifications cascade in cost quickly.
The firm requires a deposit upon contract signing (typically 20 to 30 percent of the total bid) and schedules payments tied to project milestones: foundation completion, framing inspection, mechanical rough-in, drywall hanging, and final walkthrough. All projects include building permits, inspections, and code compliance as part of the contract price; these costs are not billed separately. Warranty coverage extends one year on workmanship and follows manufacturer terms on materials and appliances.
How It Compares to Other Baltimore Contractors
General contracting in Baltimore spans a wide spectrum. Large regional firms like Weaver Construction and Whiting-Turner operate at commercial and high-end residential scales, often managing six-figure renovations with dedicated site supervisors; they typically cost 15 to 20 percent more than mid-sized shops but offer deeper subcontractor networks and faster scheduling. Smaller one-person operations and handyman services handle minor repairs and single-trade work but cannot manage permitting or multi-phase coordination. Matthews positions itself in the middle: experienced enough to handle complex permitting and custom design but owner-operated enough to keep overhead low and respond quickly to client questions. Choose Matthews for projects requiring design input and full-permit compliance; choose a larger firm if you need simultaneous work on multiple properties or have budget north of $250,000; choose a handyman if the job is cosmetic and under $5,000.
Who It Suits and Who It Does Not
Matthews works well for homeowners executing their first major renovation, families expanding a kitchen or bath, and buyers of older Baltimore rowhouses who need structural assessment and phased updates. The in-house design service appeals to clients with a budget in mind but no concrete plan. It is less suited to developers flipping multiple properties (timeline and scale favor larger operations) or to homeowners who want to hire and manage trades independently to save money; Matthews' fee structure assumes you are paying for coordination and accountability, not acting as your own general contractor.
What the First Consultation Involves
Initial contact typically results in a site visit within two to three business days. The principal or a senior estimator walks the space, photographs existing conditions, and asks about budget, timeline, and design preferences. For renovation work, this visit takes 45 minutes to an hour. Matthews then produces a preliminary scope and estimate, usually within one week. If the client approves the direction, design refinement begins; this phase costs $500 to $2,000 depending on complexity and is credited against the final contract if you proceed. Once design and permits are finalized, a start date is scheduled; most projects begin within 30 to 45 days of contract signing.
Hours, Parking, and Logistics
Matthews operates Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., with job-site hours often extending earlier and later depending on weather and subcontractor availability. The office is located in Baltimore County; site meetings can be held at your home or at the office. No parking is required for the initial consultation if held at your property. Permits are pulled by Matthews and filed with the Baltimore Department of Housing and Community Development or relevant county authority.
Matthews Construction & Design has built a reputation in Baltimore by managing the headaches of renovation coordination and code navigation that most homeowners lack expertise to handle alone.
