Chestnut Hill • Wyndmoor • Montgomery County, PA 19095
Artist. Film industry veteran. Master builder. Fred Beese brings a uniquely cinematic eye to every project — from full kitchen remodels and custom woodworking to the repairs and handyman work that keep historic homes in Montgomery County living well. No project too small. No detail overlooked.
"My mission is to craft pieces and spaces that enhance a home's aesthetic and improve its practicality and flow. My background as a visual artist offers a unique perspective to every project — blending creativity with precision and detail." — Fred Beese, Builder & Designer • Wyndmoor, PA 19095
The Builder Behind the Work
Fred Beese's path to building began not with a hammer, but with a camera. A painter, sculptor, photographer, and writer at heart, he spent years in a Chicago photography studio before moving to Los Angeles at 21 to work in film — contributing to the lighting crew on productions for directors including Wes Craven and Stephen Frears. That time honed something beyond technical skill: an instinct for light, composition, and how a space makes you feel.
Fred left the entertainment industry to launch his own interior and landscape lighting design business, which quickly expanded into full custom builds. He pursued formal architectural studies before recognizing that his true gift was hands-on — designing and building in real space.
After 30 years crafting some of Los Angeles's most distinguished homes, Fred relocated to Philadelphia in 2022, where he now brings that refined eye to the historic Victorians, craftsman bungalows, and character homes of Chestnut Hill, Wyndmoor, and surrounding Montgomery County.
Many of those relationships begin with something small — a sticking door, a failed fixture, a repair that other contractors dismissed as not worth their time. Fred takes those calls. The care he brings to a two-hour handyman job is the same care he brings to a year-long renovation. That's how most of his clients found him.
Every detail considered. Every material chosen with intention. This custom bathroom renovation — featuring a live-edge walnut vanity, hand-selected vessel sink, and dramatic vertical wood panel lit from behind — is the result of Fred's dual background as artist and builder. The lighting was designed first. Everything else followed.
What We Do
01
Full-scope residential renovations in Chestnut Hill, Wyndmoor, and Montgomery County PA. Kitchen and bathroom transformations to complete home makeovers — designed and managed with an artist's eye for flow, light, and proportion. One builder, start to finish.
02
Handcrafted built-ins, custom cabinetry, live-edge countertops, and bespoke millwork — designed and built by Fred for your specific space. Particularly suited to the original plaster walls and period proportions of historic homes in Chestnut Hill and Wyndmoor. Learn more →
03
Victorian, Tudor Revival, Craftsman, and Wissahickon schist homes restored by a builder who understands their character. Original millwork, plaster walls, historic doors, and period details preserved — not replaced. Serving the Chestnut Hill Historic District and surrounding Springfield Township. Learn more →
04
A Hollywood film lighting veteran brings professional precision to residential and landscape lighting design in Chestnut Hill and Wyndmoor. Interior architectural lighting, exterior facade and landscape systems, and custom fixture integration — designed and installed by Fred. Learn more →
05
No project is too small to improve how you live. Project-based handyman work across Montgomery County, NW Philadelphia, and the 19095 zip code — woodwork, electrical, lighting, and finish carpentry done with the same care as a full renovation. Learn more →
06
Custom pergolas, decks, and outdoor structures designed with the same care as interior spaces. For the historic homes and mature landscapes of Chestnut Hill and Wyndmoor, outdoor structures should honor the property — not fight it.
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Full kitchen renovations designed around your home's character — not a catalog. Custom cabinetry, open-plan layouts, historic kitchen updates, and a Hollywood lighting veteran's take on kitchen lighting. Serving Chestnut Hill 19118, Wyndmoor 19095, and Montgomery County. Learn more →
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Spa-quality bathroom renovations built for older homes — custom tile work, bespoke vanities, and lighting that actually flatters. Fred designs and builds the entire bathroom himself, from tile layout to final trim, in Chestnut Hill, Wyndmoor, and the surrounding area. Learn more →
The Difference
Every contractor in the area promises craftsmanship and competitive pricing. Fred offers something none of them can: thirty years of artistic training, a career inside Hollywood film productions, and an intimate knowledge of the historic homes that define this part of Pennsylvania.
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Fred worked as a lighting professional on Hollywood feature films and music videos — productions directed by Wes Craven and Stephen Frears. That training gave him something no trade school can teach: a deep, instinctive understanding of how light shapes the emotional experience of a space. He designs the lighting before he designs anything else.
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Chestnut Hill and Wyndmoor are home to some of the finest Victorian, Tudor Revival, and Craftsman architecture in the country — much of it built from Wissahickon schist, original hardwood, and period millwork that most contractors simply patch over. Fred restores these homes with the material knowledge and respect their character demands.
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Large remodeling companies send rotating crews. Fred does the work himself — from initial design through final installation. That means total accountability, consistent quality, and a builder who knows your home's every detail from day one to completion. For homeowners who care about the result, there is no substitute.
Recent Work
Montgomery County, PA
Entry Door • Custom Trim • Exterior Upgrade • Read Case Study →
Custom Tile • Arched Alcove • Period Fixtures • Read Case Study →
Montgomery County, PA
Full Renovation • Custom Cabinetry • Stone Countertops
Wyndmoor, PA 19095
Historic Restoration • Hand-Carved Oak Millwork • Read Case Study →
Blue Bell, PA 19422
Historic Restoration • Structural Repair • Read Case Study →
Montgomery County, PA
Custom Woodworking • Entertainment Center • Precision Joinery • Read Case Study →
How Fred Works
Fred walks your space, listens to your vision, and brings an artist's perspective to what's possible.
A detailed plan with material recommendations, lighting considerations, and a clear project scope.
Precision execution. Fred works hands-on, focused on the details that separate good from exceptional.
Final walkthrough and complete satisfaction. Function and form working in harmony — built to last.
What Clients Say
“We initially hired Fred to build a bedroom closet for us, and his work has been truly exceptional. His attention to detail, combined with a strong sense of aesthetics, is rare to find. He takes the time to refine every aspect of the work.”
“We had a fantastic experience working with Fred Beese! His communication was incredibly clear from start to finish, so we always knew exactly what to expect. His prices are reasonable, but what really sets him apart is his vision — he offered suggestions that elevated the final result.”
“Fred is truly an artist. He built a fence for me and collaborated every step of the way. I highly recommend him especially if you want the end result to be outstanding and beautiful.”
“Fred is an outstanding contractor. His communication skills are excellent. He keeps you informed every step of the way and is extremely easy to work with. His attention to detail really sets him apart, and it shows in the quality of his work.”
“Fred Beese has done much work for me on my house over the years both as a craftsman and as a contractor. His work is uniformly excellent. He is responsible, meticulous, very knowledgeable across the range of construction skills.”
“Fred does excellent work! He can do pretty much anything you need done from electrical to carpentry. He is a pleasure to work with.”
Where We Work
Fred Beese Builds is based in Wyndmoor, PA (19095) and serves homeowners throughout Montgomery County and Philadelphia's northwest corridor. This corner of Pennsylvania has one of the richest concentrations of historic residential architecture in the country — Victorian rowhouses, Tudor Revival estates, Craftsman bungalows, and the iconic Wissahickon schist stone homes that give Chestnut Hill and Wyndmoor their irreplaceable character. These homes were built with materials and methods that most modern contractors don't understand. Original hardwood floors, period millwork, plaster walls, hand-forged hardware, and slate roofs aren't obstacles to work around — they're the soul of the home, and Fred treats them that way. Every project begins with understanding what the house is trying to be, not just what the homeowner wants to add to it.
Get in TouchCommon Questions
Fred Beese Builds is based in Wyndmoor, PA (19095) and serves Chestnut Hill, Wyndmoor, Glenside, Flourtown, Erdenheim, Springfield Township, Whitemarsh Township, Fort Washington, Ambler, Blue Bell, Jenkintown, Mt. Airy, and greater Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
Yes. Fred specializes in the historic Victorian, Colonial, and Craftsman homes common throughout Chestnut Hill, Wyndmoor, and surrounding neighborhoods. His background as a visual artist gives him a unique sensitivity to preserving original architectural details while thoughtfully modernizing function — a combination most conventional contractors can't offer.
Bespoke home remodeling, custom woodworking, historic home restoration, interior and landscape lighting design, custom built-ins and cabinetry, door restoration, handyman services, and outdoor living structures including custom pergolas. Every project is managed hands-on by Fred from consultation through completion.
Project costs vary depending on scope, materials, and complexity. Fred offers a free consultation to assess your project and provide a detailed estimate. Contact Fred through this website or email fred@fredbeesebuilds.com to get started.
Fred brings a genuinely multidisciplinary background to every project — trained as a visual artist, with years of professional experience on Hollywood film sets as a lighting specialist before transitioning to custom home building. He served high-profile clients in Los Angeles for over 30 years before relocating to the Philadelphia area. This combination of artistic sensibility, lighting expertise, and technical precision sets Fred apart from conventional contractors.
Yes — custom woodworking is one of Fred's signature services. This includes handcrafted built-in shelving and cabinetry, live-edge countertops, custom entertainment units, door restoration, and bespoke millwork. Each piece is designed and built specifically for your home, your space, and your aesthetic.
Insights & Guides
Guide
What to expect for a minor refresh, mid-range renovation, or full custom remodel — with specific pricing for historic homes in the 19118 zip code.
Read more →Guide
Costs, timeline, and what to expect when renovating a bathroom in an older Chestnut Hill or Wyndmoor home — from plaster walls to modern waterproofing.
Read more →Guide
What to look for, red flags, and the right questions to ask before hiring someone to work on a Victorian, Tudor, or Craftsman home in Chestnut Hill.
Read more →Guide
The difference between historic restoration and standard renovation — when each approach applies, cost implications, and how most projects blend both.
Read more →Guide
What separates a craftsman-level handyman from a general one, what to expect on pricing, and how to find reliable help in Chestnut Hill, Wyndmoor, and beyond.
Read more →Guide
Victorian, Tudor Revival, Craftsman, and Wissahickon schist — a homeowner's guide to the architectural styles that define Chestnut Hill and how to renovate them.
Read more →Start Your Project
Fred works with a small number of clients at a time — which means every project gets his full attention from design through completion. If you have a home that deserves that kind of care, reach out to schedule a design conversation. No crews, no sales pitch. Just Fred, your home, and what it could become.
Tell us about your project and Fred will be in touch within 24 hours.