Charlie Allen Renovations, Inc.

06/10/2026

A few years ago, we renovated the porches on the back of this triple-decker home. This summer, we came back to install screens - ensuring that our clients will enjoy summer breezes - without summer bugs!

06/03/2026

This eye-catching floating vanity from Lacava Designs is a highlight in this remodeled guest bath, part of a recent whole-house renovation in Newton.

05/28/2026

A key element of a successful renovation is choosing products, materials, and layouts that won't become dated quickly. Mark offers some suggestions in his latest The Boston Globe column.

Trends come and go, but some things never go out of style in New England.

05/20/2026

Last year, Mark rode a bike from Wellesley to Bourne in one day as part of the Pan Mass Challenge to raise money for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in memory of his late wife Vickie. Thanks to the support of so many of you, Mark was able to contribute to a record-breaking $78 million dollars raised to make a big difference in the fight against cancer. Now, he's doing it again! If you're able to help, please visit Mark's fundraising page at https://profile.pmc.org/MP0327

05/15/2026

If you plan on being in your home long-term, it's a good idea to consider aging-in-place strategies when you renovate. Mark offers tips in his latest Boston Globe "Ask the Remodeler" column.

Universal design creates a home that is safe and accessible to someone who is elderly, disabled, or recovering from an injury or surgery.

05/06/2026

Charlie Allen founded our remodeling business in Cambridge in 1978. Nearly 50 years later, our current owner Nortoh Alexander was honored to accept a 2026 Legacy Business Award from the City of Cambridge at City Hall today. We love Cambridge and look forward to many more years serving homeowners throughout the area!

05/01/2026

Just because your house was built with a particular floor plan, doesn't mean that it needs to stay that way. Mark explores the "broken floor plan" trend for his latest The Boston Globe "Ask the Remodeler" column.

Something our company has dealt with for years working in older New England homes is how to make the house flow in a way that works for a modern family, while also staying true to the architectural style of the home’s period. It’s not always an easy thing to do, given how these homes were […]

04/22/2026

For nearly 50 years, Charlie Allen Renovations has been remodeling homes across Greater Boston. Now, our Project Development Manager, Mark Philben, is not only writing about remodeling for the Boston Globe's Ask the Remodeler column, but he's also helping listeners with their renovation and home maintenance questions on GBH radio's "The Curiosity Desk" each month. You can check out Mark's most recent segment at 2:37:01: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KeUxFppjTE

04/16/2026

A preview of Mark's upcoming Sunday Boston Globe column - it's all about lighting. And you can learn more about home remodeling trends and tips by tuning into GBH radio (89.7 FM) today at 1:30 p.m. when Mark will be sharing his expertise with host Edgar Herwick on The Curiosity Desk.

Homeowners are looking for more out of their lighting these days, and a layered plan is in vogue. Here’s what that means.

04/08/2026

From the Allure Leathered Quartzite island countertop to the Bicycle Glass pendant lights and the Alberta Blue Fireclay tile backsplash, there's a lot we love about our client's newly-renovated kitchen!