Priority Construction in Baltimore: Full-Service General Contracting for Residential Renovations and Additions

Priority Construction is a licensed general contractor in Baltimore serving residential clients through kitchen and bathroom remodels, whole-home renovations, and room additions. The firm operates as a mid-sized operation handling projects from $30,000 to $500,000, positioning it between one-person handymen and large commercial-focused GCs typical of the Washington corridor contractors that frequently work in Baltimore.

What Priority Construction Actually Does

Priority Construction pulls permits, manages subcontractors, and oversees construction from demolition through final inspection. The company holds a Maryland Home Improvement License (required for any job exceeding $500 in labor) and carries general liability insurance. Its scope includes structural work, framing, plumbing, electrical rough-in coordination, HVAC integration, and finish carpentry. Unlike handymen, who typically handle smaller tasks without pulling permits, Priority Construction assumes legal responsibility for code compliance and can execute projects requiring permit inspections at multiple stages.

The firm focuses on residential work within Baltimore city and the immediate surrounding counties. It does not operate as a design-build firm; clients either bring finished plans or hire an architect separately, then contract Priority Construction for execution.

Services and Pricing Structure

Priority Construction operates on a fixed-bid model for most projects. A kitchen remodel in Baltimore typically ranges from $40,000 to $90,000 depending on cabinet selection, countertop material, and whether plumbing or electrical relocation occurs. Bathroom renovations run $15,000 to $35,000 for mid-range finishes. Room additions (a common request in rowhouse neighborhoods where square footage is limited) cost $60 to $120 per square foot fully built out, placing a 200-square-foot addition between $12,000 and $24,000 before permits and site-specific challenges.

The firm charges a consultation fee of $500, credited toward the final contract if the client proceeds. This fee covers site measurement, structural assessment, and a written estimate. Customers should confirm current pricing directly, as material costs shift quarterly.

Priority Construction requires 50 percent deposit upon contract signing and 50 percent upon project completion. The company does not offer financing; clients arrange that separately.

How Priority Construction Compares to Other Baltimore Contractors

Baltimore's general contracting market divides into three tiers. Solo operators and small two-person crews (often unlicensed or operating without permits) charge lower rates but provide limited accountability and no formal warranty. Mid-sized firms like Priority Construction carry proper licensing, insurance, and bonding, assume permit responsibility, and typically offer one-year workmanship warranties. Large commercial contractors (Whiting-Turner, Gilbane) focus on institutional and commercial projects and rarely take residential work under $100,000.

For a homeowner in Canton or Federal Hill planning a $50,000 kitchen remodel, Priority Construction represents a middle ground: higher cost than an unlicensed crew but faster, more predictable completion than waiting for a major contractor to prioritize a single-family job. A competitor like Evergreen Home Solutions operates similarly in the Baltimore area but typically handles smaller jobs ($10,000 to $40,000), making it better suited to modest bathroom updates. Priority Construction is the appropriate choice when a project requires structural or electrical complexity that exceeds handyman scope.

Who This Suits and Who It Does Not

Priority Construction works well for homeowners with a finished vision (either self-designed or architect-prepared) who need reliable execution and legal compliance. It suits people who cannot tolerate unpermitted work or extended timelines. It does not suit budget-conscious customers seeking the absolute lowest price, nor does it replace an architect if you lack drawings.

The company is poorly matched for emergency or same-week repairs. Its projects typically begin 4 to 8 weeks after contract signing, depending on crew availability and permit processing time in Baltimore (currently 2 to 4 weeks for most residential permits). For urgent plumbing or electrical failures, call a licensed plumber or electrician directly rather than a general contractor.

The First Visit and Process

An initial consultation involves a site walk, discussion of scope, and measurement. Bring existing plans if available or be prepared to describe the project verbally. Priority Construction will identify potential code concerns (common in older Baltimore row houses: inadequate electrical service, plumbing not up to code, structural issues around door openings).

Within 7 to 10 days, the firm delivers a written estimate detailing labor, materials, timeline, and permit fees. If you accept, you sign a contract and pay the deposit. Construction typically begins within 2 to 6 weeks. The project manager provides weekly updates; most kitchens or bathroom remodels take 6 to 12 weeks depending on unforeseen conditions (rotted framing, hidden asbestos tile, lead paint remediation).

Hours, Location, and Logistics

Priority Construction operates during standard business hours for phone consultations (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; verify current hours directly). On-site work generally runs 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, with occasional Saturday work on schedule-compressed jobs. The company does not maintain a public showroom; all interactions occur at your home or via phone.

Parking during construction depends on your street. In dense neighborhoods like Fells Point or Canton, crews may require parking permits or coordinate with nearby lots. Discuss this during the initial consultation.

Priority Construction has handled Baltimore's rowhouse-specific challenges (shared walls, limited lot depth, narrow alley access) for over a decade, making it familiar with permitting quirks and contractor availability in the city proper.