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Connect with Our Team
The Craft Behind Every Home legacy.
Our skilled team is dedicated to redefining the building experience with a fresh perspective and personalized touch. Let's collaborate and transform your vision into an extraordinary home.
Team numbers
174
Projects
53
Team experience
7
Years in business
$13,831,685
Total projects Value
Helping you make informed decisions about your home, one question at a time.
About NS Builders
Who is NS Builders, and what kind of homes do you build?
We are a luxury custom-home builder in Eastern Massachusetts, founded by craftsman-builder Nick Schiffer in 2014. From the ground up, we design and build homes for clients who want more than standard construction; we create bespoke, enduring homes built with intention, quality, and style.
What sets NS Builders apart from typical home builders?
Our process is built around precision craftsmanship, integrated millwork made in-house, and deep collaboration between homeowner, architect, designer, and builder. We believe each home has to be carefully considered, every detail executed, and the end result should last for generations.
What geographic area do you serve?
We serve Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Wellesley, Brookline, Weston, Milton, and throughout Eastern Massachusetts. If you’re in the Greater Boston region and planning a high-end custom home or major renovation, we’re equipped to partner with you.
How early should I involve you in my home project?
As early as possible. The earlier we join, the better we can integrate design, budget, site logistics, and craftsmanship. That early alignment ensures fewer surprises, smoother execution, and a home that truly reflects your vision.
We are a luxury custom-home builder in Eastern Massachusetts, founded by craftsman-builder Nick Schiffer in 2014. From the ground up, we design and build homes for clients who want more than standard construction; we create bespoke, enduring homes built with intention, quality, and style.
What sets NS Builders apart from typical home builders?
Our process is built around precision craftsmanship, integrated millwork made in-house, and deep collaboration between homeowner, architect, designer, and builder. We believe each home has to be carefully considered, every detail executed, and the end result should last for generations.
What geographic area do you serve?
We serve Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Wellesley, Brookline, Weston, Milton, and throughout Eastern Massachusetts. If you’re in the Greater Boston region and planning a high-end custom home or major renovation, we’re equipped to partner with you.
How early should I involve you in my home project?
As early as possible. The earlier we join, the better we can integrate design, budget, site logistics, and craftsmanship. That early alignment ensures fewer surprises, smoother execution, and a home that truly reflects your vision.
Services
Do you only do new builds or also remodels and renovations?
We do both. While new custom homes are our specialty, we also undertake substantial renovations and remodels, particularly when old homes can be transformed into something exceptional rather than starting from scratch.
Can you handle luxury remodels and large-scale renovations?
Yes. Whether it’s a full-home overhaul, an addition, or a historic property update, we bring the same level of detail and craftsmanship that we apply to new homes. Our goal is always to elevate what exists into something remarkable.
Do you offer lot evaluation and pre-construction planning in addition to construction?
Absolutely. Before design begins, we’ll help assess lot conditions, zoning, site logistics, and budget implications, ensuring the buildability and cost-effectiveness of your project. From there, we collaborate with your design team to align vision and budget.
Can I use my own architect and design team, or do I need to use yours?
You’re welcome to use any architect and designer you prefer; we thrive in collaborative settings. If you’d prefer recommendations, we have trusted partners who align with our standards of craftsmanship and client process.
What architectural styles and design approaches do you use?
We build everything from modern to transitional to classic New England architecture. What remains constant is our commitment to thoughtful proportions, performance, quality materials, and a refined finish.
We do both. While new custom homes are our specialty, we also undertake substantial renovations and remodels, particularly when old homes can be transformed into something exceptional rather than starting from scratch.
Can you handle luxury remodels and large-scale renovations?
Yes. Whether it’s a full-home overhaul, an addition, or a historic property update, we bring the same level of detail and craftsmanship that we apply to new homes. Our goal is always to elevate what exists into something remarkable.
Do you offer lot evaluation and pre-construction planning in addition to construction?
Absolutely. Before design begins, we’ll help assess lot conditions, zoning, site logistics, and budget implications, ensuring the buildability and cost-effectiveness of your project. From there, we collaborate with your design team to align vision and budget.
Can I use my own architect and design team, or do I need to use yours?
You’re welcome to use any architect and designer you prefer; we thrive in collaborative settings. If you’d prefer recommendations, we have trusted partners who align with our standards of craftsmanship and client process.
What architectural styles and design approaches do you use?
We build everything from modern to transitional to classic New England architecture. What remains constant is our commitment to thoughtful proportions, performance, quality materials, and a refined finish.
Construction & Design Process
What are the phases of custom new home construction?
We begin with a pre-construction phase during which we learn about your lifestyle, budget, vision, and site. Then we collaborate on design and pre-construction planning, establishing budget, schedule, and scope. Once plans are set, we move into construction: site preparation, structure, systems, finishes, and final fit-out. Close to completion, we perform a thorough inspection and home-care planning so your home is ready for life.
Why is it valuable to include the builder early in design?
Buildability, budget control, and schedule efficiency all improve when design decisions are made with construction in mind. We can flag structural, site, or material challenges before they become costly problems, saving you time and money.
How involved will I be in the design and build process?
Very involved, if you want, but the workflow is structured so you’re empowered, not overwhelmed. We guide you through major decision points, timelines, finish selections, and communication so you stay informed and confident.
How do you ensure the home aligns with the design intent?
We begin with detailed documents, collaborate with your architect/designer, fabricate many elements in our own millwork shop, and conduct frequent reviews during the build. This ensures the final result reflects the architecture, aesthetics, and performance we contracted for.
What happens just before move-in?
We perform a final review of systems, finishes, quality, warranties, and maintenance planning. Our Home Care program is introduced, and we make sure you know how to care for your home and preserve its value long after you’ve settled in.
We begin with a pre-construction phase during which we learn about your lifestyle, budget, vision, and site. Then we collaborate on design and pre-construction planning, establishing budget, schedule, and scope. Once plans are set, we move into construction: site preparation, structure, systems, finishes, and final fit-out. Close to completion, we perform a thorough inspection and home-care planning so your home is ready for life.
Why is it valuable to include the builder early in design?
Buildability, budget control, and schedule efficiency all improve when design decisions are made with construction in mind. We can flag structural, site, or material challenges before they become costly problems, saving you time and money.
How involved will I be in the design and build process?
Very involved, if you want, but the workflow is structured so you’re empowered, not overwhelmed. We guide you through major decision points, timelines, finish selections, and communication so you stay informed and confident.
How do you ensure the home aligns with the design intent?
We begin with detailed documents, collaborate with your architect/designer, fabricate many elements in our own millwork shop, and conduct frequent reviews during the build. This ensures the final result reflects the architecture, aesthetics, and performance we contracted for.
What happens just before move-in?
We perform a final review of systems, finishes, quality, warranties, and maintenance planning. Our Home Care program is introduced, and we make sure you know how to care for your home and preserve its value long after you’ve settled in.
Budgeting, Pricing & Contracts
How do you develop a budget for a custom home?
From the outset, we talk candidly about your budget, desired quality, size, and site. We then estimate cost ranges, tie build decisions to budget implications, and refine numbers as the design evolves, keeping transparency front and center.
Why do custom home costs vary so much?
Because every home is unique. Site conditions, architectural complexity, material selections, millwork, performance systems, and finishes all impact cost. We believe in discussing these trade-offs with you so you’re making informed decisions.
How do you manage change orders or budget adjustments?
We discuss any changes with you, review cost and schedule impact, and update documentation transparently. Our goal is to keep your options open, but minimize surprises.
How do you protect the value of the home and control long-term costs?
Through durable materials, thoughtful detailing, high-performance building systems, and our Home Care program, we help ensure your home remains efficient, beautiful, and cost-effective for the long haul.
From the outset, we talk candidly about your budget, desired quality, size, and site. We then estimate cost ranges, tie build decisions to budget implications, and refine numbers as the design evolves, keeping transparency front and center.
Why do custom home costs vary so much?
Because every home is unique. Site conditions, architectural complexity, material selections, millwork, performance systems, and finishes all impact cost. We believe in discussing these trade-offs with you so you’re making informed decisions.
How do you manage change orders or budget adjustments?
We discuss any changes with you, review cost and schedule impact, and update documentation transparently. Our goal is to keep your options open, but minimize surprises.
How do you protect the value of the home and control long-term costs?
Through durable materials, thoughtful detailing, high-performance building systems, and our Home Care program, we help ensure your home remains efficient, beautiful, and cost-effective for the long haul.
Timeline & Project Management
What typical timeline should I expect for a full custom build?
While it depends greatly on size, design, and site, many custom homes in Eastern Massachusetts take approximately 18-30 months from initial planning to move-in. Permitting, site complexity, weather conditions, and design modifications can affect this.
What factors most commonly delay a project?
Complex site conditions, zoning/permit processes, long-lead materials, design revisions, and adverse weather all play a role. We build our process to anticipate issues and maintain schedule transparency.
How will I be kept up to date during construction?
You’ll receive weekly updates, scheduled walkthroughs at key milestones, and access to a project manager who is your primary contact, so you always know what’s happening and what’s next.
Who manages the day-to-day on-site?
Our experienced project managers and superintendents coordinate all trade partners, inspect work, handle logistics, maintain quality control, and keep everything moving smoothly.
What if I want to visit the job site during the build?
You absolutely can. We schedule visits at safe, appropriate times and encourage you to see progress, ask questions, and stay in the loop on your home’s construction.
While it depends greatly on size, design, and site, many custom homes in Eastern Massachusetts take approximately 18-30 months from initial planning to move-in. Permitting, site complexity, weather conditions, and design modifications can affect this.
What factors most commonly delay a project?
Complex site conditions, zoning/permit processes, long-lead materials, design revisions, and adverse weather all play a role. We build our process to anticipate issues and maintain schedule transparency.
How will I be kept up to date during construction?
You’ll receive weekly updates, scheduled walkthroughs at key milestones, and access to a project manager who is your primary contact, so you always know what’s happening and what’s next.
Who manages the day-to-day on-site?
Our experienced project managers and superintendents coordinate all trade partners, inspect work, handle logistics, maintain quality control, and keep everything moving smoothly.
What if I want to visit the job site during the build?
You absolutely can. We schedule visits at safe, appropriate times and encourage you to see progress, ask questions, and stay in the loop on your home’s construction.
Quality, Materials & Craftsmanship
What level of craftsmanship can I expect from NS Builders?
Craftsmanship is at the heart of our work. With our own millwork shop and a team of highly skilled carpenters, we intentionally design, detail, and execute elements that other builders might leave to standard. Your home will reflect that focus on quality from the structure to the finish.
How do you approach material selection and specification?
You, your designer, and our team select materials based on aesthetics, performance, sustainability, and longevity. We help balance beauty and function so you get materials that look exceptional and perform well for decades.
Are high-performance building systems part of your offerings?
Yes. We build homes that incorporate exterior insulation, advanced glazing, airtight construction, and other techniques that contribute to comfort, durability, and energy efficiency.
How do you maintain quality control throughout the build?
We ensure quality every step of the way through regular inspections, coordinated planning, in-house carpentry, and a final review process. We consistently hold ourselves accountable to the incredibly high standard we set.
What kind of finishes and details can I expect?
From custom millwork and refined hardware to sophisticated integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, we deliver the details that make a home feel premium and unique. Projects like our White Oak residence show what’s possible.
Craftsmanship is at the heart of our work. With our own millwork shop and a team of highly skilled carpenters, we intentionally design, detail, and execute elements that other builders might leave to standard. Your home will reflect that focus on quality from the structure to the finish.
How do you approach material selection and specification?
You, your designer, and our team select materials based on aesthetics, performance, sustainability, and longevity. We help balance beauty and function so you get materials that look exceptional and perform well for decades.
Are high-performance building systems part of your offerings?
Yes. We build homes that incorporate exterior insulation, advanced glazing, airtight construction, and other techniques that contribute to comfort, durability, and energy efficiency.
How do you maintain quality control throughout the build?
We ensure quality every step of the way through regular inspections, coordinated planning, in-house carpentry, and a final review process. We consistently hold ourselves accountable to the incredibly high standard we set.
What kind of finishes and details can I expect?
From custom millwork and refined hardware to sophisticated integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, we deliver the details that make a home feel premium and unique. Projects like our White Oak residence show what’s possible.
Site & Logistics
Will you evaluate my lot before we begin major design?
Yes. Early lot evaluation lets us examine grading, utilities, soil conditions, access, building envelope, and other factors that significantly affect cost, schedule, and design. We believe this phase is essential.
How do you handle permitting, engineering, and regulatory issues?
We coordinate and manage structure, civil and architectural engineering, zoning and permit filings, inspections, and logistics so that you’re not left navigating the complexities alone.
Can you build on challenging or tight sites around Boston?
Absolutely. Whether it’s a historic neighborhood, limited access, tight footprint, or complex terrain, we have experience delivering in challenging conditions and finding creative solutions that preserve design intent and scheduling.
Do you handle exterior site elements like landscape, decks, or pools?
We collaborate with landscape architects, outdoor-living specialists, and pool contractors so your home’s exterior and site feel fully integrated with the premium architecture and living experience of your luxury custom home.
Yes. Early lot evaluation lets us examine grading, utilities, soil conditions, access, building envelope, and other factors that significantly affect cost, schedule, and design. We believe this phase is essential.
How do you handle permitting, engineering, and regulatory issues?
We coordinate and manage structure, civil and architectural engineering, zoning and permit filings, inspections, and logistics so that you’re not left navigating the complexities alone.
Can you build on challenging or tight sites around Boston?
Absolutely. Whether it’s a historic neighborhood, limited access, tight footprint, or complex terrain, we have experience delivering in challenging conditions and finding creative solutions that preserve design intent and scheduling.
Do you handle exterior site elements like landscape, decks, or pools?
We collaborate with landscape architects, outdoor-living specialists, and pool contractors so your home’s exterior and site feel fully integrated with the premium architecture and living experience of your luxury custom home.
Warranty, Aftercare & Maintenance
Does NS Builders offer a warranty?
Yes! We provide a standard workmanship warranty as well as our comprehensive Home Care program. We establish a custom maintenance plan so your home stays as exceptional as the day you moved in.
What happens if I discover a problem after moving in?
Just contact us. We prioritize resolving any post-move-in concerns quickly and efficiently.
How do you help with long-term home maintenance?
Through our Home Care program, we deliver a scheduled maintenance plan, check-in opportunities, and the ability to track items so you can protect your home’s value and functionality for generations.
Yes! We provide a standard workmanship warranty as well as our comprehensive Home Care program. We establish a custom maintenance plan so your home stays as exceptional as the day you moved in.
What happens if I discover a problem after moving in?
Just contact us. We prioritize resolving any post-move-in concerns quickly and efficiently.
How do you help with long-term home maintenance?
Through our Home Care program, we deliver a scheduled maintenance plan, check-in opportunities, and the ability to track items so you can protect your home’s value and functionality for generations.
Getting Started & Contact
Does NS Builders offer a warranty?
Yes! We provide a standard workmanship warranty as well as our comprehensive Home Care program. We establish a custom maintenance plan so your home stays as exceptional as the day you moved in.
How do I begin working with NS Builders on my custom home project?
Reach out via our website or call us at 774-381-7821. We’ll schedule a meeting to discuss your vision, property or lot, budget, and ideal timeline, and we’ll explore whether we’re the right fit for each other.
What should I bring to our initial consultation?
If you have an existing lot or property, bring site information or imagery. If you have ideas or inspiration photos, bring those, too. Your budget range and timeline goals also help us frame what’s achievable together.
Can I tour past projects or speak with previous clients?
Definitely! We maintain a portfolio of completed custom homes throughout Eastern Massachusetts and are happy to provide references or walkthrough opportunities (where appropriate) so you can see our work firsthand.
What is the next step after our first meeting?
After our first conversation, we’ll propose a pre-construction phase where we align design, budget, schedule, and scope. From there, we move into detailed planning and then construction once you’re ready.Just contact us. We prioritize resolving any post-move-in concerns quickly and efficiently.
How do you help with long-term home maintenance?
Through our Home Care program, we deliver a scheduled maintenance plan, check-in opportunities, and the ability to track items so you can protect your home’s value and functionality for generations.
Yes! We provide a standard workmanship warranty as well as our comprehensive Home Care program. We establish a custom maintenance plan so your home stays as exceptional as the day you moved in.
How do I begin working with NS Builders on my custom home project?
Reach out via our website or call us at 774-381-7821. We’ll schedule a meeting to discuss your vision, property or lot, budget, and ideal timeline, and we’ll explore whether we’re the right fit for each other.
What should I bring to our initial consultation?
If you have an existing lot or property, bring site information or imagery. If you have ideas or inspiration photos, bring those, too. Your budget range and timeline goals also help us frame what’s achievable together.
Can I tour past projects or speak with previous clients?
Definitely! We maintain a portfolio of completed custom homes throughout Eastern Massachusetts and are happy to provide references or walkthrough opportunities (where appropriate) so you can see our work firsthand.
What is the next step after our first meeting?
After our first conversation, we’ll propose a pre-construction phase where we align design, budget, schedule, and scope. From there, we move into detailed planning and then construction once you’re ready.Just contact us. We prioritize resolving any post-move-in concerns quickly and efficiently.
How do you help with long-term home maintenance?
Through our Home Care program, we deliver a scheduled maintenance plan, check-in opportunities, and the ability to track items so you can protect your home’s value and functionality for generations.
Founder
Nick Schiffer
Director of Operations
Julian Miller
Home Care Liason
Rachel Conroy
Controller
Tim Savre
Sr. Superintendent
Chris Sullivan
Site Superintendent
Mark Murray
Lead Carpenter
Patrick McPhereson
Apprentice Carpenter
Shawn Gately
Journeyman Carpenter
Tyler Ellsey
