iCornerstone, Inc.

General Remodeling, Architects, Basement Remodeling,

About us

iCornerstone offers design through construction services and promotes Consumer Controlled Construction as a solution to over-pricing, under performance, unrealistic allowances, and quality issues. We provide designs, labor and material specifications, accurate project costs, camera monitoring, invoice review, project accounting, and construction support that allow the homeowner to act as the general contractor easily and with a minimal time commitment. The first three carry an hourly rate of $100, while the fourth is 15% of the cost of the work as you have defined it. After a free Initial Consultation, we provide a proposal for the cost of our services. Our platform networks regulators, engineers, subcontractors, service providers, and suppliers involved in your project so that everyone knows what everyone else knows, which is the hallmark of transparency and accountability. Everyone is on the same page. Their E-folios resolve the dilemma of "If only I had known, I would have asked." Everyone benefits, and nothing like the platform exists in the industry. Clients must provide us the names of subcontractors we do not know as a means of proving to themselves we do not steer business or have a conflict of interest. This strategy helps our network grow and ensures fairness. Our free, online, Consumer E-Folio / Project Organizer / Property Profile / Research Tool will help you, even if you do not involve us in your project, comes with no strings attached, and respects your privacy. Simply register at icornerstoneinc.com and have fun using it. We claim three remarkable achievements: no client has ever gone over budget; no subcontractor has ever been overpaid or unpaid without cause; and all clients receive the highest quality at the lowest price.

Business highlights

36 years of trusted experience

Services we offer

We offer a sensible, proven, cost-effective alternative to a G. C, starting with the online research tool: How To Avoid Building or Remodeling Hell, The Consumers Guide. Our pre-construction services pay for themselves, a claim we can prove, and include 3D modeling, labor / material specifications, competitive bidding of both, and accurate costs. Our construction services include project coordination, plans, camera monitoring, invoice review, project accounting, and support. All documentation is online so that everyone knows what everyone else knows.

Services we don't offer

general contracting


Accepted payment methods

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Photos of past projects

Reviews

4.947 Reviews
Number of StarsImage of DistributionNumber of Ratings
5
98%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
2%


Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
4.9
value
4.8
professionalism
4.9
responsiveness
4.9
punctuality
4.9

Filter reviews by category

Showing 26-47 of 47 reviews

Sarah D.
04/2022
5.0
flooring contractor
  + -1 more
Excellent.
Description of Work: Consumer education seminar

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Response from iCornerstone, Inc.
This person participated in my six-week, adult education seminar, Planning Your Remodeling Project, sponsored by the Weymouth Tufts Library. I assume the comment relates to the seminar, as the category does not apply.

Jean R.
03/2020
5.0
remodeling, sunrooms
  + 0 more
Everything was done good
Description of Work: Backyard Renovation

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Response from iCornerstone, Inc.
This person is a trash removal subcontractor with exceptional professionalism who leaves the site whistle clean and makes sure that no debris drifts to adjoining properties. He takes pride in his work and never fails to respond to a phone call, email, or text, and usually does so in minutes. He has had an opportunity to see how I operate, and I welcome his approval.

Rory D.
09/2017
5.0
remodeling, home builders, architect, home remodeling, sunrooms, basement remodeling
  + 4 more
It's so refreshing to have work done by someone who is beyond competent! Richard has the vision and the craftsman skills to get the job done. He is timely, considerate and extremely detailed and conscientious. He cleans up so well after himself you would never know he had been there. Also I felt comfortable enough to leave a key for him and trust him to do work when my teenage children were home alone.
Description of Work: I had just moved into a new home where the contractor did shoddy work and things were falling apart. I hired icornerstone to come in and fix everything from the railing that came off the wall to the hole in my ceiling. Richard was able to build bookshelves for my daughter's room and a utility closet as well as finish an incomplete linen closet.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Response from iCornerstone, Inc.
Rarely do I do the physical work for a client, but this person's situation was special because she works full time, has two teenage girls, two large, amazing dogs that loved me, and a secret cat in a basement bedroom that sought my attention. I faced many interesting challenges making the house as perfect as I know how to do. The size of the project was relatively small, but I have an adage that describes the work: no job is bigger than a small job.

Horace J.
09/2017
5.0
remodeling
  + -1 more
I was going replace the existing decking because of never ending maintenance. I looked into the various types of decking and rail systems available and found it to be very confusing, the material is very expensive and not a simple install. Having used iCornerstone before I contacted Richard as to the best way to go. Richard cam up and photographed and measured the deck and then arranged for a visit to the Cape Cod Lumber showroom to view the various systems and styles. After selecting what we wanted Richard wrote a specification for us with drawings to obtain quotations for the material that would be required to complete the work. After purchasing the material Richard had recommend a contractor that was familiar with this type of work and we decided to hire him. The work was done in about 16 hours time and I could not have been happier. The work included the removal of the old deck floor, railing on stairs and railing on the front side of the deck. There was very little waste when the job was completed which is important due the cost of material. All the old material was disposed of properly and the site cleaned before the contractor left. All in all I could not have been happier as there no headaches on my part.
Description of Work: Replace 12' x 24' wooden decking and rails with Azek decking and railing Intek rail system on one side.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Response from iCornerstone, Inc.
This client attended my adult education remodeling class, even though he had hired me for a project years ago. I never stand still with the development of my company, so he had the added benefit of many years of experience, even though iCornerstone's core principals have not changed. Once again, all decisions regarding products and scope of the work were made beforehand and included in the labor and material specifications. The carpenter worked after hours, sometimes until 10 P.M. with lights, because he had made a commitment to the client to finish the deck before summer ended. He also valued my referral and wanted iCornerstone to shine. Everyone benefits from transparency, accountability, and making and keeping commitments.

Hani E.
08/2017
5.0
architect
  + -1 more
Exallent , Richard is one of the best , he returns email while he was on vacation in Italy ... who dose that , he is professional, I will tell my my family & friends a bout Richard, thank you
Description of Work: Design my business 2500 sf

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$500

Response from iCornerstone, Inc.
This client represents my first venture into light commercial work because he is planning to open a convenience store. He was such a delight to work with and could easily be a friend.

Starleen B.
05/2017
5.0
remodeling, home builders, architect, home remodeling, basement remodeling
  + 3 more
Richard is the epitome of professionalism and integrity. He saved me thousands of dollars, because he wants the client to pay a fair price for work done, and he has a keen and experienced eye for what is needed, and what is not needed. His honesty is refreshing. He is punctual, diligent, professional and his work is of the highest quality. He refers amazing contractors as well. He has a real passion for helping people to navigate repairs and remodeling projects, without getting gouged. He is the best!
Description of Work: Richard oversaw, and performed work, on several aspects of repair in my home, including fefinishing, painting, and coordination of electrical and HVAC. He has worked, or consulted, for me a few different times. I trust him completely.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Response from iCornerstone, Inc.
This client's comments are further evidence that building or remodeling are about relationships, not construction, and It is a privilege to be held in such high esteem. I love my work because it is based on respect, trust, integrity, fairness, honesty, and accountability. I take pride in my work, whether it is designing, developing specifications, coordinating a project, or custom woodworking, and am always surprised by what I have accomplished. My passion for empowering people to help themselves comes from several years of teaching English in public school and college. The common denominator between my business and teaching experience is communication.

Alice F.
04/2017
5.0
remodeling, home builders, architect, home remodeling, basement remodeling
  + 3 more
Many years ago, my husband and I hired a general contractor to build a one story in-law apartment four our daughter and her family, and the experience was a disaster. We worried about a repeat when our home was extensively damaged by the record snowfall of 2014-2105. The insurance company required us to gut the kitchen and bathroom and replace everything except the cabinets. Through Angie's List, we found an alternative to a GC, a company that placed us in charge of the project in a way that gave us control over all decisions regarding products, labor, schedule, and scope. The president of the company, iCornerstone, is Richard Connolly, and we hired him to develop designs and labor and material specifications, submit them for competitive bids, establish the project cost and timelines, and coordinate the work once construction began. Richard's services rely heavily on a computer for communication and documentation, and we had almost no experience with technology. With his steady guidance and coaching, we managed fairly well. It was easy to access all the specifications, designs, and progress pictures Richard posted to DropBox, and his daily project updates or phone calls kept us in the know. At first, we were hesitant to be the GC because we are retired, on fixed income, and in our mid-seventies, but Richard was by our side every step of the way. I am very much hands-on, and Richard encouraged my active participation. A GC would provably accuse me of micro-managing or being difficult to work with. We could have hired anyone or purchased materials anywhere but decided to use the network of resources Richard referred to us. The workmanship of the subcontractors was excellent, but two had to be prodded to provide invoices. It was frustrating because the insurance company required evidence of payment before our settlement could be released, and the clock was winding down. Richard helped us resolve the situation by providing the insurance company with detailed costs for the project, which was done in two phases and included work beyond our claim. He persuaded the company to increase its estimate of the insulation costs because the building code would not allow us to replace the original fiberglass batts. Everything Richard said he would do, he did, which was not always the case with the plumbing company and the vanity and countertop supplier, especially when it came to the schedule or accommodating changes I wanted. Richard volunteered to cut sink holes in the bathroom vanities and kitchen counter tops to help the plumber and avoid delays or inconvenience to us. He even made, installed, and painted adjustable shelving in a closet and never charged for any physical work he did. Despite a few issues, I am thrilled with the result, and the project did not go over budget. The time it took was another matter, and one delay was at our request while others were caused by some contractors being unavailable when we needed them. Our space is beautiful and inviting, and Richard's suggestion that we raise the low kitchen ceiling to create a cathedral ceiling changed the overall feeling of the room. I cannot imagine a more ethical, professional, and cost-effective solution than iCornerstone and highly recommend Richard. We saw firsthand his commitment to us, love for his work, and passion for his company.
Description of Work: We remodeled out kitchen and first floor bathroom, which were damaged by heavy snow and added another bathroom on the second floor.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Response from iCornerstone, Inc.
This client was a delight and fun to work with, and her experience proves that being your own general contractor does not depend on age, technical ability, or abundant time. It does require involvement, especially before the project starts, but that effort pays dividends once the work begins because all decisions are made beforehand, and the project proceeds smoothly. iCornerstone prevents untimely decisions during the work and the inordinate stress they cause. Attitude is a major factor, and she needed only a little coaching and encouragement to build her confidence. Chasing contractors for an invoice was new to me, and I have been involved in this business for twenty-five years. On the other hand, it demonstrates the benefit I provide to them because I also look out for their interests. What I love most about my business is the manner by which it promotes transparency and accountability to the benefit of everyone..

Mary O.
03/2017
5.0
remodeling, architect
  + 0 more
I found Richard to be an incredibly informative, enthusiastic and professional instructor. The emphasis of the seminar was how to remain in control of the project, limit conflicts of interests and cost overruns, and become knowledgeable about building codes and zoning laws. The class syllabus is more involved with case studies and discussions of bids, specifications, experts, products and hiring. Use of the DROPBOX application is encouraged to share photos, etc. In addition to being extremely organized, Mr. Connolly seems to be a very ethical person.
Description of Work: I am thinking of embarking on a total kitchen remodel so I attended a one night seminar at South Shore Bank in Weymouth (free) and the first class of a 6 part Adult Education class at Milton High ($50 fee for all six classes) led by iCornerstone President and Remodeling Consultant, Richard Connolly. The title of the seminar and class : Planning Your Remodeling Project.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Response from iCornerstone, Inc.
This person attended my seminar, Planning Your Remodeling Project, sponsored by South Shore Bank and the first session of the Milton Adult Education course. She is "thinking about doing a complete kitchen remodel... and want[s] to learn as much as I can before I decide whether I should undertake this project." Perfect!

Shawn S.
03/2017
5.0
remodeling, home builders, architect, home remodeling, basement remodeling
  + 3 more
RICHARD IS AMAZING !
Description of Work: THE EDUCATION WAS EXCELLENT

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Response from iCornerstone, Inc.
This person attended my seminar, Planning Your Remodeling Project, sponsored by South Shore Bank. He wants to remodel a bathroom or install a new one in his basement and did not know where to begin. Now he does.

Bob D.
03/2017
5.0
remodeling, architect
  + 0 more
This is a great thought provoking course on home remodeling
Description of Work: Richard taught an introductory course about planning home remodeling my project . The course covered subjects about avoiding the pitfalls of planning and completing a home remodeling project. The course was excellent. It discussed the misconceptions expectations we as home owners have regarding hiring contractors and seeing by a project through to completion. I would definitely recommend that s course for anyone planned my a home remodeling project.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Response from iCornerstone, Inc.
This person attended my seminar, Planning Your Remodeling Project, sponsored by South Shore Bank and is considering a bathroom remodeling project. He attended to learn, which I am sure he did.

Mark P.
03/2017
5.0
remodeling
  + -1 more
iCornerstone far exceeded my expectations. Richard Connolly the owner of iCornerstone did an amazing job teaching people how to anticipate and resolve issues that impact their home improvement/remodeling project as well as identify resources needed to make it successful. Richard was a wonderful presenter that kept the audience engaged and laughing throughout the seminar. The audience skipped several schedule breaks because they were enjoying and learning so much from Richard. If you are looking to schedule a seminar on home improvement/remodeling I'd strongly recommend Richard due to his broad depth of knowledge and his ability to connect with his audience. Everyone had a great time and I will certainly be booking Richard and iCornerstone for seminars in the future.
Description of Work: iCornerstone conducted a Planning Your Remodeling Project seminar at my company to walk homeowners through the remodeling process and what pitfalls to avoid in order to enjoy a successful project. The quality of the materials, content and emphasis on consumer education and empowerment coupled with the commitment and dedication of the presenter Richard Connolly was outstanding.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$500

Response from iCornerstone, Inc.
South Shore Bank is a premier lending institution, and I am honored by its sponsorship of my seminar, Planning Your Remodeling Project. Twenty four people attended, and nearly all made a point of speaking with me as they left. The most comments I most frequently heard were: "This seminar was nothing like what I had expected," "You really opened my eyes to the issues involved in a project," "Thank you so much for all the information." I love teaching and made sure that the content in the seminar was educational, not a veiled commercial for my business. I can hardly wait for the next one.

Susan B.
09/2016
5.0
remodeling, architect
  + 0 more
As the general contractors, this was a large project for us, and Richard (iCornerstone owner) provided guidance throughout the whole project. He worked with us to design the conversion of the old garage and erect the new garage, put the specification/building plans together, provided guidance on the building permit process, and acted as the project coordinator. His detailed project plans were especially helpful, and he posted to DropBox all project documentation, including 153 pictures that show every phase of the work. Richard referred structural and civil engineers to provide us structural and compression information on the project. This was important because we brought in fill where the new garage is sitting, and the solution he suggested saved over $10,000. He also referred a construction team for the building work (excavating, foundation, electric, plumbing, and carpentry, etc.), and we hired them directly. As homeowners, we had had no previous experience or direction for the project, but, with Richard’s help and guidance, we are near completion. As with any plan, there were changes along the way that were communicated, and adjustments were made in a professional manner. The project came in on time and under budget, and all the subcontractors we hired were first rate. We are completely satisfied with the end results.
Description of Work: Convert current garage to a bedroom and full bathroom and construct new garage to replace converted garage.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
professionalism
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Response from iCornerstone, Inc.
The purpose of this project was to accommodate in one home three generations, each with distinct tastes, needs, and differences. The town's health department confirmed that converting the garage into a bedroom would not require a change to the septic system. The projected cost of the project included an enclosure to the new garage at a cost of $9,000, so it was eliminated, as was the painting, which the homeowner undertook. By filling and compacting a ravine to support frost walls for the garage, the homeowner saved $10,000, and I made these changes easily in our cost projections meeting. Without highly detailed labor and material specifications that were modularized for each area or element of the house, it would have difficult or extremely time consuming. It is especially satisfying for me to have such a positive effect on the lives of my clients.

Roberta R.
08/2016
5.0
remodeling
  + -1 more
Remodeling a former cottage into a modern livable space can be overwhelming for the unskilled carpenter and non-mechanical homeowner. While some have the ability and skill sets to launch a rocket or program a computer, the thought of hammering a nail or negotiating the minutia of the permit process, town inspectors, finding and hiring architects, engineers, competent contractors, licensed plumbers, and electricians is beyond the pale. What saved our day, sanity, budget, and, perhaps, marital bliss was Cornerstone Consulting Inc. and the professionalism of its entrepreneur and founder, Richard Connolly. The company has grown over the years because of the trust Richard inspires and the quality of work performed by the professionals he refers, even though we could have hired our own. With Richard at the wheel and his dedication to details, his honest and ethical character, we were assured our home, vision, and hard earned money were in safe and knowledgeable hands. Although we acted as the general contractor, we were able to go to work every day with the comfort of knowing the coordination of the project was being handled proficiently. It would probably not have been possible without the extremely detailed specifications Richard developed for each subcontractor and the various material lists for the project. We highly recommend this business, now iCornerstone Inc., to our friends and would be remodelers because of the pleasurable experience of working with professionals with irreproachable character and solid expertise. Our home has a new external face and interior that is solid in structure, meeting our needs and style for years to come.... all this and on budget!
Description of Work: Redesigned and reconfigured entire 1st floor to open concept and design of 2nd floor addition. Clerk of the Works: in the gutting and installation of a modern kitchen and installation of a steel beam to support 2nd floor addition, oversight in the replacement of flooring, upgrade of all electrical and replacement of chimney and heating system, shingling and clapboarding of exterior.. Obtained all permits and interactions with town inspectors.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$7,000

Response from iCornerstone, Inc.
Sometimes a project has unexpected benefits. In this case, the house fronted a beautiful, secluded lake, and the homeowners encouraged me to use their canoe to explore it. I redesigned their home to take advantage of a magnificent view from the master bedroom and first floor living room. I also provided detailed labor and material specifications, competitive bids, and project coordination. Over the years, I have been in touch with the homeowners, and they always tell me how much they love and enjoy their home. It is a joy for me to improve the quality of my client's lives and do so for many years thereafter.

Roberta R.
08/2016
5.0
remodeling
  + -1 more
Remodeling a former cottage into a modern livable space can be overwhelming for the unskilled carpenter and non-mechanical homeowner. While some have the ability and skill sets to launch a rocket or program a computer, the thought of hammering a nail or negotiating the minutia of the permit process, town inspectors, finding and hiring architects, engineers, competent contractors, licensed plumbers, and electricians is beyond the pale. What saved our day, sanity, budget, and, perhaps, marital bliss was Cornerstone Consulting Inc. and the professionalism of its entrepreneur and founder, Richard Connolly. The company has grown over the years because of the trust Richard inspires and the quality of work performed by the professionals he refers, even though we could have hired our own. With Richard at the wheel and his dedication to details, his honest and ethical character, we were assured our home, vision, and hard earned money were in safe and knowledgeable hands. Although we acted as the general contractor, we were able to go to work every day with the comfort of knowing the coordination of the project was being handled proficiently. It would probably not have been possible without the extremely detailed specifications Richard developed for each subcontractor and the various material lists for the project. We highly recommend this business, now iCornerstone Inc., to our friends and would be remodelers because of the pleasurable experience of working with professionals with irreproachable character and solid expertise. Our home has a new external face and interior that is solid in structure, meeting our needs and style for years to come.... all this and on budget!
Description of Work: Redesigned and reconfigured entire 1st floor to open concept and design of 2nd floor addition. Clerk of the Works: in the gutting and installation of a modern kitchen and installation of a steel beam to support 2nd floor addition, oversight in the replacement of flooring, upgrade of all electrical and replacement of chimney and heating system, shingling and clapboarding of exterior.. Obtained all permits and interactions with town inspectors.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$7,000

Response from iCornerstone, Inc.
Sometimes a project has unexpected benefits. In this case, the house fronted a beautiful, secluded lake, and the homeowners encouraged me to use their canoe to explore it. I redesigned their home to take advantage of a magnificent view from the master bedroom and first floor living room. I also provided detailed labor and material specifications, competitive bids, and project coordination. Over the years, I have been in touch with the homeowners, and they always tell me how much they love and enjoy their home. It is a joy for me to improve the quality of my client's lives and do so for many years thereafter.

Grace W.
07/2016
5.0
remodeling, architect, home remodeling, basement remodeling
  + 2 more
Two Thumbs Up
Description of Work: Looking to remodel? Here’s my vote: iCornerstone (yes!) or General Contractor (no!) Back in 2000, we hired Richard Connolly to help us tear down and rebuild an enclosed front porch as well as demo an existing kitchen to make way for a new bathroom/laundry room and add a completely new kitchen. Not only was he extremely knowledgeable and easy to talk with, Richard was totally committed to working for us, listening to what we wanted while still offering his creative eye, considerable experience, insight and ideas for improvement i.e. window shapes, placement, cathedral ceiling, exposed beam. We used his book, "How to Avoid Building Or Remodeling ****", as an indispensable, objective tool to research our project and become more knowledgeable about it before the work even started. The end result went beyond our ability to imagine and totally exceeded what we had hoped for as our dream kitchen! To this day, we still get more compliments on both the kitchen, revised bath/laundry room as well as the front porch (which we call the Lodge). The kitchen and lodge have become the defining rooms in our house, and the places where our family just seems to love gathering the most. Four years ago, several of our friends were putting additions on their houses. Their general contractor was a local guy, one we knew socially and considered a friend, and before long, we found ourselves sitting at the kitchen table talking with him about the possibility of adding a second floor on our house. We had pondered calling Richard again but remembered a letter from him saying that he had recently gone back to teaching. To this day, we still have problems with that addition - fuses blowing all the time (new code breakers he told us) as well as walls in the utility room that never got patched back up. At the end of the project, I became very unhappy with the way some of the cedar shingles were weathering (turning black each time it rained); I called the contractor several times and asked him to please come and take a look at them. He replied something about the flashing and never showed up, despite my many calls. Each time it rains, I am reminded of how unsightly they look and how I feel that contractor let us down. I gave him one last call, only to find out he had retired and moved out of state. Having experienced both a general contractor (which left a bad taste in my mouth) and Richard Connolly, aka iCornerstone (happiest kitchen ever!), I would highly recommend hiring Richard over a general contractor any day, local friend or not! Not only did our second floor addition go way over budget, but several issues along the way are still unresolved. A few weeks ago I contacted Richard to ask a question about the water connection underneath the kitchen that he built for us 16 years ago. Not only did he answer the phone (!) and my question, but within minutes, he connected me to an online Drop Box for the full record of our project complete with blueprints that he completed back in 2000. Now that is service! Back then, we could tell right out of the gate that he was honest and passionate about his work…now here, some 16 years later, he still is!! He laid everything on the table up front and made us feel totally involved in the project knowing that should anything come up along the way, he would be there to iron out the kinks with us. Not only that, he connected us to the subcontractors and suppliers, which was such a gift and made us feel even more a part of this project. He met with us several times along the way and was very visible both in person and over the phone each time we needed to go over the design and specs of our improvements. I cannot say enough, how much we love our new kitchen to this day, as well as the laundry room/bath and lodge. With iCornerstone, we had total control and were involved with everything - especially subcontractors we hired and retailers who provided our materials and kitchen cabinets. Our project was on time and under budget, and we sacrificed nothing from the standpoint of quality or performance. To be able to say this some 16 years later is testimony to the integrity of iCornerstones work. I can’t say that for the general contractor and resulting dissatisfaction with several issues. I decided to look on Angie’s list to try and find someone to help us deal and resolve these issues once and for all and realized I had never posted a review for the work done for us by Richard of iCornerstone, back in 2000. So I'm here to affirm, after 16 years of loving the work, I highly recommend him today even more!! Hey, Richard, do you do shingles?? : )

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Response from iCornerstone, Inc.
Sixteen years after my involvement in this project, this client called asking about its plumbing. In minutes, I located the plumbing specifications and provided an answer. I also posted to DropBox the full record of the project for her to access at any time. She is uniquely positioned to compare iCornerstone to a general contractor and note the difference in outcomes. She did not contact me for the second story addition because she knew I had left my business temporarily for teaching shortly after 9/11. It is such a delight to know that my designs still bring enjoyment after all these years. Yes, I would do shingles for her.

Brian M.
04/2016
1.0
remodeling, home builders, architect
  + 1 more
Don't make the same mistake I did! Richard Connolly is a smooth talker. He will crow about his book (How to avoid building or remodeling h***) and brag about his credentials (Boston Globe). This is the bait by which he lures in unsuspecting homeowners. He then outlines his "grand plan" which is to make the homeowner into a general contractor. Perhaps this concept works if the homeowner already has general contracting experience and can be on the job site every day. For the rest of us, Connolly's approach is little more than a scam. Connolly is NOT a general contractor. He is an educator and not a very good one at that. His scheme positions the homeowner as a general contractor and, in doing so, removes Connolly from all liability for a failed project. Connolly states that he will save the homeowner money. However, Connolly makes money by taking a percentage of the cost of a project. This sets up a natural conflict of interest. In order for Connolly to save the homeowner money, Connolly must lower the cost of the project and hence reduce his own commission. In other words, the saved money comes directly out of Connolly's pocket. What real incentive would he have to do that? In addition, Connolly gives the impression that he has a whole stable of trades people ready to help the homeowner at a moment's notice. This is anything but the truth. There are trades people who will not work with Connolly because they do not find him ethical. The homeowner would do just as well, if not better, by getting trades people from Angie's List, by word of mouth, or even from the Yellow Pages. After paying Richard Connolly tens of thousands of dollars, I fired him. Did he save me any money? Quite the contrary. He cost me money and I'll prove it with three examples: 1. To save money, Connolly suggested that I take old windows off my house and install them in the new garage that he was building. Shortly after the windows were installed, the seals broke. Now, whenever I am in the garage, it's as if I am looking out through frosted glass. I now have to pay to have all the windows replaced. 2. Connolly put a new addition onto my old house. The old house had a field stone foundation. To save money, Connolly suggested that the new foundation have only three poured walls with the fourth wall being an existing wall of old fieldstone foundation. He promised me a new, dry basement which would be great for storage. After the new foundation was installed, because it only had three solid walls, water would pour in with any rainstorm. I spent thousands of dollars adding a makeshift fourth wall. I also had to have a sump pump installed. To this day, the basement still leaks. Whenever it rains, I have to go down into the basement and sweep water into the sump pump well. Moreover, the basement is so damp that I can store absolutely nothing down there. 3. Connolly expanded the second floor of my house in January. The carpenter on the job strongly recommended that Connolly insulate the new construction from the cold. This was a frigid New England winter. Nevertheless, for whatever reason, Connolly refused to do so. Perhaps, he was trying to save me money. In any event, a pipe froze and then broke. During the night, while I slept, water shot into the second floor and then cascaded down to the first floor. I awoke to a flooded first floor with the plaster ceiling bowing and falling down. I frantically called Connolly. At a bare minimum, I thought he would come over and help me clean up the major mess. Instead, he made himself as scarce as possible. I had to file a claim with my homeowner's insurance. It took two months to repair all the damage. In summary, Richard Connolly preys on trusting homeowners with a flashy book and tall tales of his successes. In reality, he is little more than a slick conman with a bevy of dissatisfied clients. I find it interesting that Connolly titled his book How to avoid building or remodeling h***. In my opinion, h*** is exactly where Mr. Connolly belongs. Years ago, I made the huge mistake of allowing myself to become ensnared in Mr. Connolly's web of lies. Don't let yourself become his next victim.
Description of Work: Put addition and garage onto existing house.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
1.0
value
1.0
professionalism
1.0
responsiveness
1.0
punctuality
1.0

$200,000

Response from iCornerstone, Inc.
My company has been registered with Angie’s List for three years and has several fabulous reviews from clients past and present. I am stunned that, after nearly twenty years, this former client would write such a scathing review. Never once did he express any such sentiments while I was involved with his project, and I would characterize our relationship as friendly and respectful. We met at a four-week, adult education class held at his local public high school, and the school department paid me to present it. He hired me a short time after the seminar ended, so his comment about my teaching ability is confounding. He also states that I am not a general contractor, which is true, but the inference is that I assumed that function and did so without proper licensing. Angie’s List recently conducted an internal review of my licensing status and confirmed that I am operating within the law. By contract, I had no control over whom he hired or where he purchased his materials and, thus, no vested interest in either. Nor did I sign contracts with any subcontractor or supplier or pay them. The reviewer reduced the projected cost of a much larger project by $140,714, and my fee adjusted down accordingly. By contract, whenever a bid or product cost was lower than originally priced, the amount would be subtracted from the overall cost of the project on which my fee was based. Two carpenters were involved in the project because it was undertaken in phases. The rates of the carpenter the reviewer mentions were 44% higher than the first carpenter, but he hired him anyway. His property is located within two hundred feet of a beach, and the water problem he mentions existed in his basement long before I became involved in his project due to a high water table and clay soil. Pictures of the basement show the heating system, washer and dryer, and hot water tank on concrete blocks to avoid damage from standing water. Consequently, a partial basement was installed over crushed stone. A 60 gallon dry well was proposed, along with French drains for the existing and new partial basement but not implemented, which was his decision. Even the homeowner admits that his subsequent attempts to keep the basement dry failed. He paid me in full for my services, which included designs, specifications, material estimates and pricing, bidding, budget setting, and project coordination. Three engineers, including a structural engineer, and a landscape architect were also involved with the project. I did not remove or install the garage windows and would have known about any failure because I was still involved with the project when the garage was built. Had I known, I would have helped him with any warranty claims against the manufacturer. In fact, the detached garage was not part of the original plan, but he paid me to design it when the first phase was already underway and then coordinate its construction. The pipe burst because the homeowner on his own isolated the area to save heat, even though the insulation was scheduled two days following. After that event, the homeowner discontinued all work, and the house remained unfinished and not maintained for more than a decade. If unhappy with me then, as a medical doctor with a law degree, why did he continue my services and not sue instead? I have the full record of the project from beginning to end, including CAD blueprints, engineer’s drawings, site plans, pictures, projected versus actual costs, and payments, and none of this evidence supports the homeowner’s review.

Eric S.
01/2016
5.0
remodeling, architect, home remodeling
  + 1 more
This was a very tough project to manage. The combination of small size and a location on Beacon Hill with no parking made it difficult to find subcontractors willing to even consider the work.The result was a project that took much longer than originally planned and cost more than originally estimated. Nevertheless,throughout the project Richard remained cheerful and dedicated to completing the work. He honored all of his promises and the finished project met all expectations.
Description of Work: Managed the remodel of a small Kitchen in an old Beacon Hill building. Also replaced the stair treads on a "homemade" spinal case. Richard's work on this project was a mix of recommending subcontractors and coordinating their work and completing woodworking tasks on his own.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$16,000

Response from iCornerstone, Inc.
I loved this project because it was so challenging. I refused to proceed with it until satisfied that the homeowner was not overcharged for the plumbing, electrical, or ceramic tile work. The electrician's bid was based on $75 an hour versus $95 - $125; the plumber, $95 versus $125 - $135; and the tiler, $7.50 per square foot versus two, three, and four times that amount, and his work was perfect. Once established at $14,000, the budget was not exceeded, but repair and touch-up of unspecified areas added somewhat to the cost.

Douglas K.
09/2015
5.0
architect
  + -1 more
Richard met with me to understand what my objectives were for the project. He guided every step, through his innovative website with incredibly helpful articles, as well as personally through phone calls and meetings. He created detailed drawings of the existing property as well as the deck design which enabled educated conversations with town officials for permit approvals, as well as to estimate costs for the project with various suppliers. He was a great sounding board for different options which enabled me to come to educated decisions despite never having done this particular project before. Richard is a tremendous asset and I would highly recommend anyone embarking on a home renovation to employ his services. He will support you throughout the project and in the end save you countless time and money that would otherwise have been wasted. His fee is extremely reasonable relative to the information, and counseling he provides. I will definitely hire Richard again for my next project and look forward to working with him again.
Description of Work: iCornerstone provided comprehensive guidance for a roof deck project that enabled me to act as my own General Contractor for the project. Richard Connolly, founder of iCornerstone, provides a unique service to act as a coach to enable the average homeowner to confidently complete home renovation projects while saving huge amounts of time and aggravation as well as costs.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$700

Response from iCornerstone, Inc.
Located near the ocean, this project required considerable research into wood versus composite materials for a roof top deck. Once I captured the data, I could easily price either version and discovered that composite materials cost twice as much as wood. I could also scale the project to fit the homeowner's budget and do so with accuracy. I love learning and using that knowledge to help others and never charge a client for my research. In 2016, I applied this knowledge to another client's deck and confirmed my findings: composite materials cost 106% more than wood, and the labor increases by 35%. I pride myself on providing data to [Member Information Removed] decisions rather than ball park estimates or costs per square foot, which are analogous to buying a car according to its weight.

James F.
04/2014
5.0
remodeling, architect
  + 0 more
To accommodate our growing family my wife and I were considering our options – buying and moving to another location or adding on to our existing house. To help in our decision I attended a local evening course titled - How To Avoid Building Or Remodeling H***. The course was based on the book of the same name and was taught by the author Richard Connolly. The information contained in the book and the course help us make the decision to remodel our existing house. After speaking with a prospective contractor or two we were not comfortable with their suggested method/process for determining design specifications, estimates for pricing (i.e. a per square foot construction cost) and implementation plans. Since we did not have construction experience we enlisted Richard’s services to assist us in being able to handle the general contractor role and duties. By using the information and tools outlined in the book, How To Avoid Building Or Remodeling H***, were able to easily research the specifics of such a project and know what to do, step by step. It had outlined the steps to take and questions to ask of all parties, including the building inspector and town departments. By organizing the labor and material specifications at the detail level, surprises for unforeseen work or unapproved budget overruns were eliminated. It also allowed for a better determination of the scope of the project. For example, it was easy to see that the cost of adding a small additional space was not going to be worth the benefit of that change. It also showed that by doing work myself, like painting, I was able to cut 15% of the total budget. By having Richard coordinate the project it was not difficult or time consuming to sign contractors and pay contractors or suppliers. The project proceeded smoothly because communication was timely and effective, and the hired contractors were extremely professional and competent. The line item specifications provided an excellent way ensure payment to them was according to their performance, so there was never more money into the project than the work completed. So, in the end we ended up doubling the living space for a lot less than double the cost and headaches. The project was so successful that an article was published in The Boston Sunday Globe.
Description of Work: Richard provided services for two phases of the project. First, was the preconstruction work for developing designs, request for estimates, reviewing contractor proposals and contract signings. The second phase was to assist with the coordination of the project and my role as the general contractor which limited my effort and minimized my commitment.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$15,000

Response from iCornerstone, Inc.
This client's experience with general contractors is typical: no detailed labor and material specifications, cost formulas with no correlation to actual data, no pre-construction or under construction project planning, decisions made during construction not before, an inability to change accurately the scope of the project, and no control over the budget. The homeowners were working professionals with two little children, which is further evidence that assuming the role of the G. C. is not a time consuming burden. The peace of mind they derived from performance based payments according to the specifications cannot be exaggerated. They received the highest quality at the lowest price without sacrificing performance and met their expectations for budget and schedule. They graciously allowed me to publish in The Boston Sunday Globe an article about their project in order to help other consumers.

Carolyn M.
03/2014
5.0
remodeling
  + -1 more
The whole project went smoothly and the outcome was even better than we expected. Richard was very organized, professional, willing to make and keep commitments, and intent on understanding and meeting our needs. He was a great resource, recommending contractors, including a talented architect whose drawings Richard turned into electronic files. Richard communicated with us in a timely and effective way, and the contractors we hired through the system were professional and competent. Since labor and material specs were identified, there were no surprises, such as unforeseen work or additional costs. The process also saved us money. We could easily determine the scope of the project and identify areas where we could chip in, such as painting, which saved us 15% of the total budget. By coordinating the whole project, iCornerstone made it easier and less time-consuming for us. Having had small children at the time of the project, that convenience was priceless.
Description of Work: We had a 5-room addition plus garage put on our house. Richard at iCornerstone helped us in the preconstruction phase and during construction by coordinating our remodeling project. I acted as general contractor, but it was neither difficult nor time-consuming with iCornerstone's help. In the preconstruction phase, iCornerstone provided the book, How To Avoid Building Or Remodeling H***, specifications and pricing for all labor and materials, and an accurate budget. The book gave us insight into what to expect during the remodel, step by step, including critical questions to ask the contractors, the building inspector, and others. Throughout the remodel, iCornerstone provided complete project coordination and helped us track the work performed so we never paid more money out than the work that was done. iCornerstone charged $2,800 for preconstruction services plus a percentage of the project cost for project coordination during construction.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$2,800

George A.
02/2014
5.0
architect
  + -1 more
I hired Richard to design a two-story addition with a family room, office, and master bedroom suite and bath. He also developed extremely detailed labor and material specifications, bid them, helped us set the budget, then coordinated the project. We were the general contractors, chose the contractors to hire, signed all contracts, and paid for all materials directly. This responsibility did not require significant time. This service is excellent for anyone who wants to be involved and in control of the project. My experience with Richard was 100% positive. If I were building another home or addition, he would be the first person I would call.
Description of Work: A very positive experience!

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$7,500

Suzette S.
02/2014
5.0
remodeling, architect, home remodeling, basement remodeling
  + 2 more
Richard Connolly of iCornerstone was everything a homeowner could hope for in a contractor and artisan: a perfectionist who had a keen sense of deadlines and clients' needs. He transformed very ugly spaces into a beautiful family TV room and lovely full bath with his own designs that included wainscoting,moldings, built-in shelves, and custom lighting and radiator cover. The workers we hired through his system (electrician, drywall, sheetrock, carpenters, plumber, plasterers, painters, and flooring professionals) were top notch and the low bid in each case. There were no mistakes. The job came in on time and on budget. We endorse Richard Connolly and iCornerstone wholeheartedly. The existing room had odd measurements that dated back to 1931, but Richard was on top of that and any potential problems. Everything fit like a glove when the work was done.
Description of Work: iCornerstone helped us to find professionals (electricians, plumbers, carpenters, flooring, etc.) to transform a large basement room and old bathroom into a family TV room and full bath. iCornerstone had a unique system that allowed us to compute and agree to costs in advance with all providers. It was a transparent accounting system that allowed all parties to know actual costs, and prevented "ball park" figures. Work on the family TV room included: gutting the entire room interior, putting in a new ceiling, and lighting, built-in shelves, wainscoting and moldings, resurfacing the existing floors, new electrical wiring, custom made radiator cover, painting. In the bathroom, a new ceramic floor replaced old linoleum, new sink, toilet and shower, and new walls and ceiling treatments. We felt Richard Connolly's references to professionals were outstanding.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$35,000
    • 1
    • 2(current)

Contact information

79 Mill River Drive, Weymouth, MA 02188

http://icornerstoneinc.com

Service hours

Sunday:
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday:
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday:
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Licensing

No License Required for Trade
State Contractor License Requirements

All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves. To find more licensing information for your state, visit our State Contractor License Requirements page.

*Contact business to see additional licenses.


Service Categories

General Remodeling,
Architects,
Basement Remodeling,
Kitchen and Bath Remodeling,
Homebuilders

FAQ

iCornerstone, Inc. is currently rated 4.9 overall out of 5.

Sunday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Monday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Thursday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Friday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Saturday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

iCornerstone, Inc. accepts the following forms of payment: Check
No, iCornerstone, Inc. does not offer free project estimates.
No, iCornerstone, Inc. does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
No, iCornerstone, Inc. does not offer a senior discount.
No, iCornerstone, Inc. does not offer emergency services.
No, iCornerstone, Inc. does not offer warranties.
iCornerstone, Inc. offers the following services: We offer a sensible, proven, cost-effective alternative to a G. C, starting with the online research tool: How To Avoid Building or Remodeling Hell, The Consumers Guide. Our pre-construction services pay for themselves, a claim we can prove, and include 3D modeling, labor / material specifications, competitive bidding of both, and accurate costs. Our construction services include project coordination, plans, camera monitoring, invoice review, project accounting, and support. All documentation is online so that everyone knows what everyone else knows.
general contracting

Contact information

79 Mill River Drive, Weymouth, MA 02188

http://icornerstoneinc.com

Service hours

Sunday:
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday:
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday:
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM