Stephen Straz’s story begins with values he learned early in life—steady effort, patience, and commitment to doing things the right way. From a young age, he understood that authentic craftsmanship grows from consistent practice rather than shortcuts. He often stayed behind to finish tasks properly, even if it took longer. This approach shaped his path into the building profession and continues to influence how he manages projects and leads his company today.
He now oversees Straz Builders LLC, a firm based on the South Shore of Massachusetts with offices in Marshfield and Pembroke. The company focuses on custom luxury homes, significant renovations, energy-efficient and sustainable community development, and real estate investment projects across the South Shore, Greater Boston, Cape Cod, and other regions of New England. The company’s work reflects steady planning, organized systems, and a focus on quality results.
He has earned recognition through a mix of hands-on experience and formal training. His licenses include a Massachusetts Unrestricted Construction Supervisor’s License, a Class “A” CDL with hazmat and passenger endorsements, and hoisting and hydraulics licenses. These credentials show his understanding of all phases of the building process, from permitting and compliance to structural review and on-site safety. His ability to connect the technical and practical aspects of construction allows him to guide projects with confidence and precision.
Between 2018 and 2020, he supervised an estimated $12 million in real estate holdings. This included about $4 million in active construction and roughly $2 million in funding from outside investors for new developments. These responsibilities required him to coordinate timelines, manage budgets, and maintain strong communication with those involved.
One of the standout projects during that time was a complete renovation of a property located on Gray Street in Arlington. After the work was completed, the home sold for $1.3 million—$130,000 above the asking price. This result emerged from consistent planning, thoughtful updates, and a clear understanding of what local buyers were looking for. It demonstrated the difference that careful preparation and well-executed improvements can make in the market.
His approach combines field knowledge with financial insight. He pays attention to how weather conditions influence schedules, how materials impact long-term durability, and how costs shift throughout each phase. This balance helps him keep projects efficient while maintaining strong quality standards.
His design process begins with understanding how people live in their homes. Before discussing floor plans or materials, he asks about daily routines, movement between rooms, lighting needs, and storage requirements. These conversations allow him to design spaces that feel natural and useful rather than forced or overly complicated.
One design element he often incorporates is a long horizontal window positioned along the kitchen backsplash. This feature adds natural light, gives the room visual depth, and offers a clean design detail that works well in many homes. He makes decisions like this not because they are trends but because they contribute to practical, comfortable living spaces.
He stays involved from the very first zoning or permitting steps through the final walk-through. His coordination with trades helps reduce delays and supports consistent artistry across each stage. Many clients have mentioned that they value his clear communication and straightforward explanations. They know what is happening at each step and understand why decisions are made the way they are.
His portfolio includes new construction, significant renovations, and investment-focused properties. The Arlington renovation, in particular, demonstrates how combining thoughtful design, targeted improvements, and market awareness can yield strong outcomes. The project moved efficiently and achieved a final sale well above the asking price.
His work reaches across Plymouth County, Norfolk County, Cape Cod, and the Lake Winnipesaukee region in New Hampshire. Each area carries its own expectations, zoning rules, and building requirements. His experience with coastal zoning regulations, energy-efficiency guidelines, and regional preferences allows him to anticipate potential challenges early in the process and adjust plans effectively.
He believes that trust is essential for both homeowners and investors. With homeowners, he provides clear updates, transparent cost explanations, and organized timelines. They appreciate knowing where their project stands, what decisions are coming next, and how each phase fits into the overall plan.
His approach to investors is equally structured. Proposals include cost breakdowns, timeline projections, contingency plans, and market-backed expectations based on past performance. Many investors continue working with him because of his transparent communication and reliable planning style.
He understands that each project carries importance, whether emotional for a homeowner or financial for an investor. He respects both perspectives and works to ensure each project supports the goals and expectations of the people involved.
At Straz Builders LLC, his leadership is active and on-site. He regularly checks framing, evaluates safety practices, and supports crews during complex construction stages. He expects organized work, dependable updates, and accountability, but he leads with respect and clear guidance. His team works with a shared understanding of the standards required on every project.
His consistent involvement has helped the company grow while maintaining strong artistry. He invests in training, builds effective internal systems, and develops long-term relationships with subcontractors who share similar values and priorities.
Outside of his professional work, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his family and helping friends with renovation projects. He also stays active with a wide range of activities, including boating, motorcycle riding, dirt biking, snowmobiling, mountain biking, surfing, kayaking, rock climbing, and scuba diving. He often participates in games such as tennis, pickleball, volleyball, golf, or pool, keeping both mind and body engaged.
He draws design inspiration from everyday life by observing how people interact with their living spaces. These observations lead to ideas for layout improvements, stronger materials, and design solutions that support long-term comfort and convenience.
He keeps three consistent priorities at the center of his work: completing projects on time, offering practical value, and creating designs that function well for years to come. His approach avoids unnecessary complexity and focuses on long-term performance and reliability.
Homeowners receive spaces built for comfort and stability. Investors receive consistent performance and strong resale potential. He believes that every project should meet its purpose for many years, regardless of size or scope.
With more than 20 years of construction experience and over a decade in real estate and development, he continues to move forward steadily and strategically. He selects projects that align with his team’s capacity and maintains a strong focus on quality.
He is refining digital project management tools, improving supplier partnerships, and strengthening relationships with long-term investors. His goal is for Straz Builders to be recognized as a dependable firm known for consistent execution, thoughtful planning, and reliable artistry.
Through every project and partnership, the principles that shaped his early years remain central to Stephen Straz's work and long-term vision.