Frequently asked questions

Hawthorne Mason helps homeowners and commercial owners and tenants plan and complete renovation and construction projects in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. We consult with you on goals, scope, budget, and timing, match you with a vetted contractor from our network, and keep you informed from the first conversation through completion.

Think of us as your advocate on the client side: one point of contact who understands construction and makes the process easier to navigate.

No. Hawthorne Mason does not perform construction work and is not the general contractor on any project. Construction is performed by independent contractors. GridStone is our licensed partner general contractor, and we work with a wider network of trades and specialists. You contract with and pay the contractor you choose directly.

There is no minimum budget, and there is no charge to start. When you hire a contractor from our network, Hawthorne Mason is compensated by that contractor, so you do not pay us a separate fee.

If you already have your own contractor, architect, or designer and simply want an experienced advisor in your corner, our consulting is available for a fee that we agree with you in advance.

We introduce contractors who represent that they are licensed, insured, and bonded for the work they perform, and we consider experience, references, and fit with your project before making an introduction.

Licenses, insurance, and bonds are held and maintained by each contractor, not by Hawthorne Mason, and their status can change. Before you sign, please confirm the contractor's current license and certificate of insurance; we are glad to help you know what to ask for. Hawthorne Mason does not guarantee any contractor's credentials, workmanship, or performance.

Yes. Many clients come to us with part of their team already in place. You can still engage Hawthorne Mason as a consultant to help define scope, review proposals, keep the project organized, and make the process easier to manage.

No. We work on residential projects from single-room renovations to whole-home transformations and additions, and on commercial projects from small tenant improvements to full build-outs and renovations.

Quickly. Most clients can book a consultation within days of submitting their project details, and introductions to the right contractor can follow soon after. The overall schedule then depends on your scope, design decisions, permits, and the contractor's availability, and we help keep each step moving.

Yes. We can match you with architects and interior designers, and permitting is handled through the appropriate partners on your project team.

If your project needs financing, our affiliate Brookmont Capital Ventures can help you explore options. Brookmont is an advisory firm, not a lender, and any financing is subject to the lender's approval and terms.

We stay involved. We check in with you and the contractor, share updates on progress, and help keep communication clear so questions are answered and decisions are made on time.

Tell us right away. We will help both sides communicate clearly and work toward a resolution, because we stand behind the introductions we make.

Your construction contract is directly between you and the contractor, so Hawthorne Mason is not a party to it and does not act as an arbitrator or mediator in disputes. Warranties and remedies come from your contract and the contractor.

Washington, DC; Montgomery, Prince George's, Anne Arundel, Howard, and Charles Counties in Maryland; and Northern Virginia, including Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties and the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, Manassas, and Manassas Park.

Share your project details through our Start a Project form; it takes about five minutes. You will receive a confirmation right away and can book a 30-minute consultation with a managing partner. Questions first? Email team@hawthornemason.com.