About us
Builders who understand what a home is worth
We’re the renovation and construction team of Hartwell Realty Group — agents, designers and craftspeople who care about your home as much as you do.
Our story
We started on the listing side
For years we helped families buy and sell homes. And again and again we watched buyers walk away from wonderful houses because of a dated kitchen or a tired bathroom — they simply couldn’t picture the cost or the result.
So we built our own renovation team. Today our agents and builders work side by side: the people who know what homes sell for, and the people who know how to build them well. It means honest advice about what’s worth doing, realistic prices before you commit, and craftsmanship we’re proud to put our name on.
Whether you’re buying, selling or staying for the long haul, you get one team that treats your home — and your budget — like our own.
- 20+years helping local homeowners
- 850+renovations completed
- 5-yearworkmanship warranty on every project
- 48 hrstypical turnaround on a buyer’s estimate
What we believe
The values behind every project
Honest advice
Sometimes the best recommendation is a smaller project — or none at all. We will always tell you.
Craftsmanship that lasts
Our own crew, quality materials and details done right the first time.
Clear communication
One project manager, weekly updates and answers in plain English.
Respect for your home
Floors protected, dust contained and the site cleaned up every single day.
Our people
The team who will care for your home
You’ll know every one of us by name. No revolving door of subcontractors you’ve never met.
Catherine Ellis
Founder & Principal Broker
Has sold homes in the area for more than twenty years, and started the construction team after watching too many buyers walk away from great houses.
Tom Brennan
Director of Construction
A licensed builder with 25 years in the trades. Tom reviews every project before it starts and after it finishes.
Maria Alvarez
Design & Selections
Helps clients choose cabinets, tile, fixtures and colors — and keeps every choice on budget.
James Whitfield
Senior Project Manager
Your single point of contact on site, with weekly updates and a tidy job site every day.
Dana Okafor
Estimator
Walks homes with buyers and sellers and turns ideas into clear written estimates, usually within 48 hours.
Luis Romero
Lead Carpenter
Has built with our crew since 2012 and is known for trim work you’ll want to show off.
Licensed, insured & accountable
Credentials you can check
We pull every permit, carry full insurance and stand behind our work with a five-year workmanship warranty.
- Licensed home improvement contractor
- Fully insured — liability & workers’ comp
- EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm
- Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist on staff
Licensed home improvement contractor · Lic. #000000
Free consultation
Let’s talk about your home.
Free, no-pressure consultations. We’ll walk through the house with you and give you honest advice — even if that means waiting.