Residential Commercial Renovations

We believe that building quality homes begins with building a unique relationship with each of our clients. That’s why our attention to detail extends beyond our expert craftsmanship and seamless construction—to make sure our team personally guides you through the entire home building process.

John and Peter O’Keefe are third generation builders who have the proven experience to oversee every detail of your project—giving you the personal attention you deserve.

Meet John and Peter

Our clients believe that experience makes the difference. They’re right.

O’Keefe Construction (dba HJ O’Keefe LLC), is a full service construction firm managing several aspects of construction including new homes, renovations, commercial building and real estate development. As third generation builders we bring a lifetime of experience. A strong work ethic, honesty and personal relationships are paramount to every project we work on. John and Pete learned the art of construction from their grandfather Henry Joseph (HJ) and father, Ron O’Keefe.

With their expertise and education Pete, John and their team bring a perfect blend of technology and construction expertise to O’Keefe Construction. Our professional

team brings a diverse background to the table from our education in Civil Engineering and design to real estate sales, development and construction management. We take pride in providing our clients with superior craftsmanship at a reasonable cost.

With this perfect partnership of design and management the O’Keefe Construction team provides construction services throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island. Pete and John enjoy their craftsmanship first hand - they both live in neighborhoods designed and developed by the O’Keefe group.

“Let me start by expressing my deepest thanks for our home in Stonington Green. We have enjoyed the experience of building it together with you and wanted to tell you how much we’ve appreciated the amount of time, energy, and arduous work you put into this house. This was our first house and we had heard from other homebuyers the frustration and sometimes nightmarish circumstances they experienced building their homes. Francois and I braced ourselves for what was ahead but found that not to be the case. Several times we were quite amused to find that we were very much enjoying the experience. I think that can be contributed to you, John, working closely with us and keeping our needs foremost in planning and designing our living space. Stonington Green’s design with side walks and neighborhood appeal has a strong quality that attracts as well, since many of our friends and family who first arrive comment on the neighborhood and the “good feeling” they get driving through our area. I think that you are not just building homes but building communities.”

— Irene Ayotte

“My husband and I have only positive comments regarding the expertise and professionalism we experienced while John and Pete O’Keefe built our home. Having moved here from the Midwest, we were unfamiliar not only with Southeastern Connecticut, but also with builders in the area. John and Pete were recommended to us and they quickly put us at ease with their friendliness and willingness to listen to our ideas and questions during the construction process. We were impressed with the quality and number of choices we were given such as the allowances for the kitchen, bathrooms, etc. The quality of the construction was also top-notch and we have continued to be pleased with our choice of builders. We would recommend John and Pete to anyone searching for the highest quality of service and construction.”

— Sue and Terry Skogerboe, Pawcatuck, CT

“We were impressed that both John and Pete lived in the neighborhood where they were building our house. We figured that they had to stand behind their work if we were going to be neighbors! They are both always accessible and we appreciate their attention to detail, their experience and hands-on approach.”

— Millie and Ken Donovan, Pawcatuck, CT

“Working on the building of our home with John and Pete O’Keefe was a pleasant and reassuring experience. From start to finish they answered our concerns in a timely and professional manner. Their knowledge and attention to detail was apparent and appreciated. We would not hesitate in recommending them to other homebuyers.”

— Lois and Terry O'Brien

“Working with John, Pete, and their team was great. We were always in constant communication with them; they were very professional, conscientious, and efficient. We love our new home! Great quality and craftsmanship. We would recommend H.J. O’Keefe to anyone who is interested in a new house. Everything about our home exceeds our expectations-from the initial discussions to the final product. It has been a true pleasure to work with everyone.”

— Joe and Felicia Farrell

We don’t like surprises any more than you do.
So what is involved in our custom homebuilding process? Here’s a glimpse.

Our custom home building service starts well before design and construction begins. We have developed a comprehensive system to make the preconstruction and construction process clear, efficient and seamless. Here’s a glimpse of our process.

Step 1
Initial
Consultation

This initial meeting is used to determine budget parameters, preferences for home style, talk about lifestyle, how you plan to use your new home and how we can deliver the right home for you. We’ll discuss your basic home requirements including square footage, conceptual layout, number of bedrooms and other desired features. If you do not already have a specific lot in mind we can utilize this time to research available property in your desired town and neighborhood.

Step 2
PRELIMINARY DESIGN PARAMETERS

After the initial consultation we’ll delve a little deeper into home layout, aesthetic design, and features. We’ll also talk preliminary design and budgeting for items such as flooring, cabinetry, etc.

Step 3
BUDGET
ESTIMATE

Once we nail down the general design parameters we’ll produce an initial working budget estimate. This estimate will be based on the information we’ve gathered from our initial consultations. This will provide us with a starting point and provide direction for more detailed budgeting and building design.

Step 4
BUILDING DESIGN
PHASE

Next we’ll enter into a Preliminary Design Agreement and begin working on your home design. We will work with your architect, recommend an architect, or provide design service in-house.

Step 5
WORKING
ESTIMATE

After the house design is finished and the lot chosen, we’ll provide you with a working estimate based on the completed set of plans. It will be a comprehensive turn-key estimate that will include everything from permitting through final landscaping.

STEP 6
FINAL PRICING
AND BUILDING
AGREEMENT

Now that we have a working estimate we can fine tune plans and specifications. You may decide to add or eliminate features to meet your budget.

Next, we’ll provide you with a complete written Project Description detailing every specification in your new custom home. Then we’ll enter into a final Building Agreement and start the permit process for construction of your new home!