General Contractor in Allston, MA
Allston is a dynamic Boston neighborhood known for its creative energy, young professional community, and a dense stock of classic New England triple-deckers.
📍 Landmark: Boston University & Harvard Allston Campus
Coen Construction in Allston, MA
Allston is a dynamic Boston neighborhood known for its creative energy, young professional community, and a dense stock of classic New England triple-deckers. As the trusted Boston MA general contractor, Coen Construction has been serving Allston homeowners with premium craftsmanship since 2010.
Allston has long been one of Boston's most diverse and creative neighborhoods, home to a thriving music scene, independent businesses, and a large student population from nearby Boston University and Harvard's Allston campus. Many of Allston's older triple-deckers and two-family homes are being purchased by young families who want to renovate and put down roots.
Services We Offer in Allston
Frequently Asked Questions — Allston
Do you renovate triple-deckers in Allston?
Yes — siding, kitchen remodels, and interior renovations on triple-deckers and two-family homes are among our most common projects in Allston.
Is Harvard expanding into Allston?
Yes! Harvard University is developing a major science and innovation campus in Allston on the north bank of the Charles River. This is driving significant investment and renovation activity in the neighborhood.
What permits are required in Allston?
Allston is part of the City of Boston and requires building permits from Boston's Inspectional Services Department (ISD) for all structural work and renovations.
What siding is recommended for Allston homes?
For Allston's dense urban environment, James Hardie fiber cement siding offers the best durability, low maintenance, and fire resistance — important in a densely built neighborhood.
How do I get a free estimate in Allston?
Call us at (617) 857-COEN or submit our online form. We respond within 1 business day and can schedule a free in-home estimate in Allston typically within 1 week.
Allston homeowners navigating home renovations must work within Boston-area building permit requirements. Coen Construction handles every permit on your behalf — from initial application to final inspection.
- Structural additions and home expansions require a full building permit from your local Inspectional Services Department (ISD).
- Historic district properties need additional review from the local Historic Commission or Preservation Board before work begins.
- All electrical, plumbing, and HVAC sub-permits are included in our full-service project management.
- Typical permit timelines in Greater Boston: 2–6 weeks depending on scope and local review board schedules.
Expert Craftsmanship for Your Greater Boston Home in Allston
We understand historic preservation requirements, Boston ISD permitting, and the unique challenges of urban renovation. Let's discuss your project.
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What Our Customers Say
"Amazing company and people!!!"
"Coen Construction redid my bathroom and did a fantastic job. The initial quote was very reasonable and they answered several rounds of questions I had. The construction process was very straight forward and they kept me informed the entire way. Definitely will be using them again"
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"I thought I'd share a final and last review now that the work solving the the issues that Coen created has been completed a year after their work. We originally contracted for a full paint of an empty condo, electrical work, and drywall for some ceilings. In short, the outcome was not good for the painting. I'm mainly focusing on the painting, as that has had the longest term impact, but they had to come back and fix a number of the outlets that just pulled out of the wall - the whole box - and multiple that ended up not being grounded. The ceiling drywall replacement was good. 1) No prep to walls and ceiling at all - the team started painting while heavy dust was being created by the plaster and drywall work. There was ZERO prep after that was complete. We've now repainted the entirety of the unit. 2) Repainting was done in the first place, after we fired Coen, as they simply couldn't keep the paint colors organized with the associated room, touching up rooms in the wrong color. In multiple instances, they claimed a wall - particularly the ceiling - was done. It was not. 3) Touch-ups were a joke. The most egregious attempts were that the bathroom was touched up with the living room paint, creating a mix-match of colors, and the trim across the the entire house (gloss white) was then touched up with ceiling flat creating flat white spots on very literally every piece of trim in the house. Note it's literally everywhere as that's how much touchup they had to do after they were "done." They bought the wrong finish for the living room and dining room. 4) The bathroom. living room, and hallway all had paint they applied that peeled off the wall. The ceiling the bathroom lasted barely a month. No cleaning of the window sills and trim from the construction dust, so the paint never adhered to the surface. To the aforementioned final job in item 3, the trim paint peeled. The owner gave a cursory "I'm sorry we couldn't help you" and never once came to look at anything. After the 8th+ attempt at fixing everything, we were exhausted by the experience and wanted to move on, but do not hire Coen Brothers. Even if they attempt to make it right, the poor project management and organization of the team they sent has pretty much made for a year's worth of jobs to fix it all."
