Frequently Asked Questions | Thibeault Home Improvement

Got questions about hiring a contractor in SE Massachusetts? We have answered the most common ones below. If you do not see what you are looking for, call or text us at 774-670-7242 — we are happy to talk through your project.

General Questions

Are you licensed and insured in Massachusetts?

Yes. Kevin Thibeault holds a Massachusetts Home Improvement Contractor license (HIC #171869) and a Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License (CSL #CSFA-106713). We carry Commercial General Liability insurance at $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate. We are happy to provide proof of insurance before any job starts — just ask.

What towns do you serve?

We are based in Swansea, MA and work within roughly a 10-mile radius. Our primary service towns are Swansea, Somerset, Fall River, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Taunton, Berkley, Westport, Dartmouth, and Freetown. We will travel farther for the right project — call us and ask.

How long have you been in business?

Over 25 years. Kevin and Ariana Thibeault have been running Thibeault Home Improvement full-time since the late 1990s, serving homeowners throughout SE Massachusetts.

Do you offer free estimates?

Yes, always. We come to your home, look at the project, and give you a straight number — no charge, no obligation. Call or text 774-670-7242 or fill out the contact form on this site.

Do you offer a warranty on your work?

Yes. We provide a one-year warranty on all labor. Material warranties vary by manufacturer — composite decking brands like Trex and TimberTech offer 25-year warranties on their products. We will explain what is covered when we give you your estimate.

Do you use subcontractors?

Primarily no. Kevin handles the work directly. On larger projects we may bring in a trusted trade partner (for example, a licensed electrician for deck lighting), but we do not send random subcontractors to your home unsupervised.

Deck Questions

How much does a deck cost in Massachusetts?

General ranges for SE Massachusetts:

• Pressure-treated deck: $20–$35 per square foot installed
• Entry-level composite (Fiberon, Trex Select): $35–$50 per square foot installed
• Premium composite (Trex Transcend, AZEK, TimberTech): $55–$90+ per square foot installed

A 300 sq ft pressure-treated deck typically runs $7,000–$12,000. A composite deck of the same size runs $12,000–$22,000. Call us for a free estimate based on your specific project.

How long does it take to build a deck?

A straightforward single-level deck typically takes 3–7 days to build once we start. Add time for permitting (usually 1–3 weeks depending on the town) and material delivery. Most deck projects go from signed contract to finished deck in 3–6 weeks total.

Do I need a permit to build a deck in Massachusetts?

Yes, almost always. In Massachusetts, any new deck attached to the house or over 30 inches off the ground requires a building permit. We handle the permit application — you do not need to deal with the town building department yourself.

What is the difference between composite and pressure-treated decking?

Pressure-treated lumber is wood chemically treated to resist rot and insects. It is the most affordable option and handles New England weather well, but requires annual or biannual staining and sealing. Composite decking is made from a blend of wood fiber and plastic — costs more upfront but requires almost no maintenance and is warranted against fading for 25 years. We build both and will help you decide which is right for your project.

What composite decking brands do you install?

We install Trex, TimberTech, AZEK, and Fiberon. We will help you compare brands and pick the right one for your budget and the look you are going for.

How long does a deck last?

A properly built pressure-treated deck lasts 15–25 years with regular maintenance. A premium composite deck can last 30+ years with virtually no maintenance. The pressure-treated framing underneath typically lasts 20–30 years when properly built.

Can you repair my existing deck instead of replacing it?

Yes. We do deck repairs — replacing rotted boards, fixing loose railings, repairing stairs, addressing structural issues. Sometimes repair is the right call; sometimes the cost approaches a new deck and we will tell you honestly which makes more sense.

Bathroom Remodel Questions

How much does a bathroom remodel cost in Massachusetts?

• Basic refresh (vanity, toilet, flooring, paint): $3,000–$7,000
• Mid-range remodel (new tile shower, vanity, tile floor, fixtures): $8,000–$18,000
• Full gut renovation (down to studs, new layout, custom tile, all new): $15,000–$35,000+

How long does a bathroom remodel take?

A basic vanity-and-floor refresh takes 2–3 days. A tile shower remodel typically runs 1–2 weeks. A full gut renovation is 2–4 weeks depending on scope, permit requirements, and material lead times.

Do I need a permit for a bathroom remodel in Massachusetts?

For cosmetic work (paint, vanity swap, new flooring) — generally no. For work involving moving plumbing, adding electrical circuits, or structural changes — yes. We handle permit coordination as part of your project.

Painting Questions

Do you do interior and exterior painting?

Yes, both. Interior rooms, full house interiors, exterior painting, trim painting, deck staining and sealing. We use Sherwin-Williams premium paints.

Do you do deck staining and sealing?

Yes. We stain and seal pressure-treated decks and can refinish older decks that have gone gray. We pressure wash first, let the wood dry, and apply a quality penetrating stain.

Hiring Questions

How do I know you will show up and finish the job?

25 years of referral business and 5-star reviews says more than we can. We are a small owner-operated company — Kevin’s name and reputation is on every job. We do not take on more work than we can handle, and we do not ghost customers.

What should I look for when hiring a contractor in Massachusetts?

Three things: (1) Valid MA HIC license — verify at mass.gov. (2) Proof of general liability insurance — ask for a certificate before work starts. (3) References from recent local jobs. Any contractor who hesitates on any of these is a red flag.

How do I get started?

Call or text 774-670-7242, fill out the form below, or visit our Contact Us page. We will get back to you quickly and set up a free estimate at your home.