Custom home building, remodels, furniture-grade cabinetry, and heritage restoration, handcrafted by James and his own team across Hamilton County.
Decades of global craftsmanship, applied locally. Built properly, and backed for the long run.
With over thirty years of experience across four continents, James brings a rare depth of knowledge shaped by work on 12th-century castles and heritage-listed homes. That experience matters in complex work, where older homes and custom builds demand absolute precision, and there's no room to hide behind the finish.
Our cabinetry and finish carpentry are crafted and installed by our own team to ensure consistency and care at every stage. When specialist trades are needed, we work with a small circle of trusted Chattanooga professionals we've built long-term relationships with.
James & Co. is a licensed Chattanooga and Tennessee contractor, with every project correctly permitted, fully insured, and managed with attention from start to finish. We're about doing things properly, so you always know where your project stands.
We stand behind our work long after the project is complete. Every build carries a 15-year workmanship warranty, because when something is built with this level of care, it should last, and it should be backed.
From furniture-grade kitchens to custom builds and heritage restoration. A look at the work we're proud of across Chattanooga.
A few of our favorite projects from Chattanooga and beyond.
A full restoration and remodel completed in collaboration with architect Jen Smith and interior designer Michelle Workman. Custom wainscoting throughout, handcrafted cabinetry, a Mahogany coffered ceiling, layered textures, and a signature keyhole arch as the feature piece tying the home together.
A Georgian-era home that had spent decades divided into three apartments, returned to a single home and restored to what it was always meant to be. The custom Gaudí-inspired staircase with sweeping curved plaster walls and a hand-shaped oak handrail may be one of a kind in Tennessee.
A full restoration of a stately historic residence carrying more than a century of architecture and story. Original plaster crown molding preserved, the exquisite original white oak strip flooring restored, and a fully bespoke arched fireplace in hand-textured plaster anchoring the formal living room.
A heritage-listed Victorian-era cottage in one of Chattanooga's most beloved historic neighbourhoods. Original Victorian mantel restored with carved decorative relief, fluted pilasters, and period corbels. A new two-tone furniture-grade kitchen in crisp white and deep charcoal with brushed brass hardware and Carrara marble.
Full remodel of a 1910 home, brought back to life with a new kitchen, new timber floors, new sheet rocking and walls throughout, and high-gloss bespoke panelling. Delivered on time and on budget.
Trusted to maintain one of Chattanooga's most significant homes, the finest example of Atlanta architectural firm Smith & Pringle.
A full custom kitchen, garage, and bathroom remodel in one of the city's most signature areas.
Based in Chattanooga and working across Hamilton County, with a focus on the estates, historic homes, and mountain communities where craftsmanship matters most.
Historic estates and architect-driven remodels, with many homes valued well into seven figures. Brow Road, Fleetwood Drive, and the Fairyland area are where we do some of our most detailed work.
Large family estates and whole-house renovations and additions. We work across Scenic Highway, Signal Point Road, and the wider Fairmount ridge.
One of Chattanooga's most established old-money neighborhoods, near the country club. Minnekahda Place, Forest Avenue, and Riverview Road are full of homes built to be kept for generations.
Executive homes within walking distance of downtown, with strong demand for luxury kitchen remodels and additions along Mississippi Avenue, Forest Avenue, and Tremont Street.
Golf-course estates and new luxury construction, where high-end cabinetry and outdoor-living projects come to life along Black Creek Club Drive and River Gorge Drive.
Gated, golf-course living along Council Fire Drive and Mountain Shadows Drive, built for homeowners who expect estate-level finishes.
Serving ZIP codes 37350, 37377, 37405, 37419, 37421, 37415, 37363 and the surrounding areas.
James & Co. is a Chattanooga construction company that builds custom homes, takes on remodels, makes handcrafted kitchens and cabinetry, and restores heritage properties. We still build the traditional way, because it lasts.
Our work is led by James Kellaghan, a craftsman trained in Ireland on heritage-listed homes, stone churches, and 12th-century European castles. After nearly a decade leading landmark restorations in Sydney, James brought his trade to Tennessee in 2020, making Chattanooga home with his young family. Today, James & Co. brings that same level of detail, care, and refinement to homes throughout Chattanooga and surrounding communities.
We only take on a handful of projects each year, for homeowners who care about good materials, considered design, and work that holds up. That keeps James hands-on at every stage, from the first conversation right through to the final details, so your project gets the time and attention it needs.
“What I enjoy most about my work is simple. It always starts with a conversation. I sit down with a family, ask how they live, listen to how they want the space to feel, and help them see what's possible from there. That part never gets old.
Whether it's restoring a hundred-year-old farmhouse, building a custom home from scratch, or rethinking a kitchen that never quite worked, my focus stays the same. I want to build it in a way that feels right, lasts, and stays true to what we agreed at the start.
My goal is that you feel comfortable the whole way through, knowing your home is being built properly, delivered on budget, and finished to a standard that will outlast us. I take every project on personally. You won't be handed off to someone you've never met. You work directly with me and the same small team of craftsmen and trusted Chattanooga tradespeople who are part of every James & Co. build.”
Tell us about your home, what you have in mind, and your rough timeline. We'll take it from there.
Call us during business hours
Chattanooga, TN, USA
Monday to Friday: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday: By Appointment
Sunday: Closed
Chattanooga & Hamilton County:
+ surrounding suburbs across Hamilton County, TN
Google rating · 6 reviews
James and his team built us a furniture-grade kitchen in solid walnut and the craftsmanship is on another level. He was hands-on from the first sketch to the final install, and everything came in on the timeline he promised. Easily the best trade experience we've had in Chattanooga.
We have a century-old home on MLK Boulevard and most builders wanted to gut it. James restored the original plaster crown molding and white oak floors instead of tearing them out. He clearly understands old homes in a way nobody else around here does.
Our 1910 home in Riverview was completely transformed. New kitchen, new floors, custom panelling throughout. What stood out was the communication: every change was documented and costed before any work happened. No surprises on the invoice at all.
Building from the ground up is stressful, but James made it feel manageable. You work directly with him, not a salesperson, and the same crew is there the whole way through. The finish quality is exactly what you'd hope for at this level.
Our St. Elmo cottage needed a careful hand. The restored Victorian mantel and the new two-tone kitchen with Carrara marble are stunning. James respected the character of the house at every step. We get compliments constantly now.
Hired James for built-ins and a bathroom remodel. Licensed, insured, and properly permitted, everything done by the book. The cabinetry is handmade and it shows. Worth every penny and then some. Already planning our next project with them.
Everything you need to know about building, remodeling, and restoring in Chattanooga with James & Co.
Tell us what you're planning, whether it's a remodel, a custom build, new cabinetry, or a heritage restoration. You'll get honest, useful advice from someone who has actually done the work.
Service Areas
Lookout Mountain · Signal Mountain · North Chattanooga · Riverview · St. Elmo · North Shore · Elder Mountain · Chattanooga City & surrounding Hamilton County areas
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