Shored Construction in Baltimore: Full-Service Residential and Commercial Framing
Shored Construction is a Baltimore-based general contractor specializing in foundation repair, structural reinforcement, and framing work for residential and light commercial projects throughout the metro area. The company handles everything from underpinning failing foundations to installing new support systems and completing full framing phases on renovation and new-build work.
What Shored Construction Actually Does
The firm operates as a licensed general contractor (License #106468) and focuses on structural work rather than finish trades. This means the bulk of projects involve concrete foundation work, steel or wood framing installation, and the structural problem-solving that precedes drywall, plumbing, and electrical. Shored takes on both emergency repairs (a cracking foundation, a sagging beam) and planned structural work as part of larger renovations. The company also performs interior demolition and structural alterations in older Baltimore rowhouses, a common need in Federal Hill, Canton, and Fells Point.
Services and Pricing
Shored provides estimates on a project basis rather than hourly rates. Foundation underpinning and helical pier installation typically runs $3,000 to $12,000 depending on the number of piers and soil conditions. Structural beam replacement costs between $2,000 and $8,000 per beam, including temporary bracing and final installation. Full framing packages for additions or new construction are quoted based on square footage and complexity; expect $8 to $15 per square foot for rough framing labor alone, not including materials.
The company offers a free initial site visit and written estimate. Turnaround on a written estimate is typically 5 to 7 business days. Payment terms are usually 50 percent down to start work, with the balance due upon completion. A verification call to confirm current pricing is wise, as structural material costs (steel, specialty fasteners) fluctuate quarterly.
How Shored Compares to Other Baltimore General Contractors
Shored's structural focus separates it from full-service general contractors like Cornerstone Building Group or Batter Up Construction, which handle end-to-end renovations including finish work. If you need a kitchen remodel with flooring, cabinetry, and paint, those firms are better equipped. Shored works well as a subcontractor within a larger project or as the standalone expert for foundation or framing problems.
For foundation-specific work, Shored competes with more specialized foundation companies such as Basement Systems Mid-Atlantic, which also serves Baltimore and uses different repair methods (wall anchors, sump systems). Shored's approach leans toward permanent structural solutions (underpinning, piers) rather than stabilization of existing foundations. If your foundation is actively leaking and you need waterproofing alongside structural repair, Basement Systems may bundle both; Shored will address structure and recommend a separate waterproofing contractor if needed.
Who Shored Suits and Who It Does Not
Shored is the right call if you have a cracked or settling foundation, a bowing basement wall, a sagging floor system, or a structural beam that needs replacement. It also fits if you are planning a significant renovation or addition and need a contractor who understands how to alter or reinforce existing structures in older Baltimore homes. Shored works well for homeowners who want a specialist rather than a generalist, or who need structural sign-off before proceeding with other trades.
Shored is not the choice if you need a single contractor to oversee the full renovation from foundation to final paint. It is also not ideal if you are looking for cosmetic-only work or if your project is plumbing, electrical, or HVAC focused. Some clients prefer one point of contact; if that matters to you, a full-service firm may reduce coordination overhead, even if they bring in Shored as a subcontractor anyway.
What the First Visit Involves
Call or email Shored with a description of the problem (cracks, settlement, water intrusion, beam issues) and your address. A representative will schedule a time to visit, typically within a week. The site visit lasts 30 to 45 minutes. They will examine the foundation, measure and photograph damage, ask about the home's age and any history of movement, and take soil notes if needed. They will not give you a price on site but will send a detailed written estimate within 5 to 7 days, including a scope of work, materials, timeline, and any permits required.
Hours and Logistics
Shored operates Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with weekend availability by arrangement for emergency calls. The company maintains a project office in Canton. There is no walk-in option; all work is appointment-based. If you have an active leak or a structural emergency, call to flag it as urgent; response time for emergency estimates is typically 24 to 48 hours.
Shored Construction fills a specific and necessary role in Baltimore's contractor ecosystem: structural problems require structural expertise, and a firm that knows how to handle a 1920s rowhouse foundation or a 1980s addition framing is worth the focused scope.
