Arranging to build a retirement home, from 600 miles away in Virginia, you might think Judy and I should have been not only excited but nervous. After all, a custom building project always runs into unexpected challenges. And as a house comes together, it always prompts some new ideas, a different set of choices. Neal has a knack for combining esthetics with practical approaches to solid and cost-effective construction.
So here is the amazing thing: although Judy and I have never spent so much money on anything in our entire lives, we felt at ease from the outset dealing with Groton Construction. With frequent pictures of progress and the modern marvel of cell phones, we could talk with Neal as if we were right at the work site. I would recommend Groton Construction without reservation."
---Judy and Andy Shepard
"In August of 2005 we decided to purchase a summer cottage in Boothbay Harbor. We located a great property for sale on Linekin Bay, but the cottage was in need of complete renovation. Living in Massachusetts we did not know any of the local builders and requested three different builders to bid on the project...Neal Groton was one of them.
Our goal was to renovate over the winter so our cottage would be completed to enjoy the following season. To achieve this we needed a builder who could work within our budget, was trustworthy and a good communicator. Neal Groton exceeded all three of these expectations.
Neal spent time with us discussing the options and his ideas than any of the other builders. He listened, provided feedback and used his extensive experience to guide us through our decisions. We felt that Neal was more of a trusted advisor and partner than someone we were hiring to rebuild our cottage. We hired him and it was the best decision we ever made. Our renovation project exceeded our expectations. We have a well planned and solidly built Maine Cottage that we will enjoy for many years."
---Michael & Jayne McCarthy
We had been looking for the perfect Maine home for retirement for several years. Realizing that that perfect home did not exist we focused on finding one that we could make into a home that suited us. We had a recommendation of Groton Construction and Neal agreed to accompany us to several prospective homes providing us with valuable input as to what could be done or maybe that was a house we should steer clear of. This time together gave us both a chance to get to know and be comfortable with each other and to know that we could communicate with each other. We liked Neal and his approach and never considered talking to another builder or getting another estimate. We settled on an extreme makeover home that had not been occupied for over five years. At the time we lived over 800 miles away in Michigan so the remodel and expansion plan was developed through emails and phone calls. That is how much confidence we had in Neal. Neal then kept us informed by phone and emailing photos for several months until we were able to be on site permanently.
There were many challenges dealing with an old house and making it work with a new addition. Neal provided us with options along the way and was most respectful of our budget without sacrificing quality and aesthetics. His extensive experience is a valuable asset and allowed us to make informed decisions along the way. Additionally, all subcontractors that Neal used and all referrals that he provided did top notch work as well as being great people to deal with.
We now have a beautiful built/rebuilt home that is perfect for our needs. Passerby’s have commented that they can't believe the transformation (and they haven't even seen the inside). So if someone says you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear, Neal will prove them wrong. One thousand stars for Groton Construction.
Paul and Louise Cowan
"I am thinking of having a bronze plaque installed by the front door of our new home: Built by Neal Groton, 2006. You know it's been three years later, and I have not done a bit of landscaping -- but people driving by still stop and gush about the house: "We just love your house!" "This is a perfect Maine home; it looks so right." "I am envious whenever I drive by and see your porch; you must love it." And of course we do; Neal has built our dream house.