For Aaron Schreibman, constructing and renovating homes isn’t merely about bricks, mortar and millwork — it’s about building trust.
“For homeowners, this is not an everyday affair, and it’s very overwhelming,” says Schreibman, the owner of ARS Construction, which has specialized in custom homes and renovations throughout Marblehead and Swampscott for more than 20 years. “I put myself in their shoes and walk them through the process, step by step, that will make their dreams become reality.”
In each project, he makes it a priority to keep in close contact with clients and explains each phase of the process, helping them understand what will work best for their budget and the way they want to live.
“In this business, there’s no real magic wand making it all come together for some miracle price,” he says. “Ultimately, every project is about finding the right balance between vision, budget and craftsmanship. My job is to help clients make informed decisions along the way.”
It’s the details – custom cabinetry, intricate millwork, coffered ceilings, fine woodworking, stonework and tile installation – that engage and draw Schreibman in.
He’s equally enthusiastic about the elements that homeowners rarely see: the structural framing, mechanical systems, waterproofing and careful planning behind the walls that form the backbone of every well-built home.
“These are the details that transform a house into something truly special,” he says. “The craftsmanship people don’t see is just as important as the craftsmanship they do see.”
This is apparent on one of his more recent projects, a collaboration with OLSON LEWIS+ Architects on the renovation and expansion of a waterfront home in Marblehead owned by a couple with three children.
As the general contractor, Schreibman oversaw every aspect of the renovation while coordinating with the many architectural details that defined the project.
The work included installing sections of mahogany panels and “nickel-gap” siding with mitered corners on the exterior and replacing the roof, windows and doors, which included fabricating a custom 4.5-foot-wide pivot-hinge door on the main entrance.
Schreibman and his team also remade the interiors, adding custom features that were tricky to execute and install. In the so-called bourbon room, for instance, the floor is made of real copper pennies, each of which was installed by hand then topped with epoxy, and the shelves, which display bottles of liquor like major pieces of art, are showcased with backlights.
“On that room, in particular, there was a lot of collaboration between my team and the architect,” he says.
Schreibman got to play both the roles of client and contractor when he built his own home in Marblehead, which he shares with his wife, Emily, and their two children, who are 7 and 11.
In collaboration with YGS Design, the Schreibmans designed all the spaces in the four-bedroom home, which is in the style of a modern farmhouse.
“Designing my own home gave me the opportunity to incorporate many of the ideas and lessons I’ve gathered throughout my career,” he says.
Schreibman’s fascination with construction began when he was a child, when he spent his free time building with Legos, erector sets and putting puzzles together.
“I’ve always enjoyed seeing ideas evolve into something tangible,” he says. “That’s what has driven me since I was a kid.”
He got his start in the business on the administration side then began building custom homes with his father-in-law.
“I learned the trade from the ground up,” he says, “starting at the bottom, cleaning job sites, organizing materials and observing experienced craftsmen.”
ARS Construction, which he founded in 2015, was born of his genuine desire to help people.
Schreibman has forged lasting relationships with many of his clients, who often invite him to special events in their lives, such as weddings, bar mitzvahs and birthday parties.
“It’s really cool to be in their houses and see people admiring my work,” he says. “And I sometimes get to regale them with stories of the process.”
Schreibman sees every project as a new challenge – and a new opportunity for creativity.
“I’m fortunate to do something I genuinely love every day,” he says. “Over the years, I’ve been able to build a name for myself through hard work, craftsmanship and lasting relationships I’ve developed with my clients. Seeing families enjoy the homes we’ve built or renovated is what makes it all worthwhile.”