--- title: "Brown Trout Design and Build" description: "A 2024 customer wrote that over two and one-half years Zac Cyr worked on a long run of projects at their 25-year-old Essex house; one of the most recent wa" doc_version: "2026-10-24" last_updated: "2026-10-24" --- # Brown Trout Design and Build **Trade:** General Contractor / Remodeling · **Phone:** (802) 598-5218 · **Website:** https://www.browntroutbuilt.com/ · **Languages:** English **Rating: 4.0/5** (medium confidence) — from 16 reviews across 5 sources. 100% of sentiment-scored reviews read net-positive. Last 6 months: 0 reviews, 0 negative. ## The honest read A 2024 customer wrote that over two and one-half years Zac Cyr worked on a long run of projects at their 25-year-old Essex house; one of the most recent was a custom-designed egress window for the basement. Brown Trout Design and Build is Cyr's business: on its website he writes that he is a general contractor originally from New Jersey who moved to VT, and the site claims 8 years in business. On Google it holds 5 stars from 17 ratings. A 2024 customer said Zac renovated their small guest bathroom, with a coffered ceiling and tile on the floor and the bath surround, and stuck to both the budget and the start and end dates he had presented. In a 2024 review, a customer said Zac pulled out a bathtub and replaced it with a pan and tile surround, and had come in under his original quote on a few projects. A 2024 customer said the site was tidied up every day as he geared up to leave, so that it was safe and passable. A 2023 customer said Zac did an in-depth renovation of an old sunroom in their historic home, completed on time and under budget. A 2023 customer said Zac built a custom cedar fence for their backyard. A 2023 customer had a wooden fishing net built to the dimensions they requested. A 2022 customer described a full kitchen remodel, a mudroom addition with a custom-built cubby and a new garage configuration with door installs. A 2022 customer said Zac and team did a deconstruct and rebuild of their garage in the middle of the pandemic, with supply issues, and then a rebuild of a small porch and stairs. A 2022 customer who had hired Zac over about four years listed a bathroom renovation, a kitchen cabinet install, custom wood gates and trim work. **Strengths:** - Guest bathroom renovation — a 2024 customer said the budget and dates held - A tidy job site — a 2024 customer said it was tidied up daily - A sunroom renovation — a 2023 customer said on time and under budget - A custom cedar fence — a 2023 customer praised quality, budget and timeline ## Claims & citations Every claim below is backed by real evidence rows — uncited claims are dropped in code before publication. - 5 stars from 17 Google ratings _(confidence: high)_ - [Google](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Brown%20Trout%20Design%20and%20Build&query_place_id=ChIJ2ZCwBnk-PgERDG1s4ejXAdw) — “Google: 5★ from 17 ratings” - Its website says Zac Cyr is a general contractor and claims 8 years in business _(confidence: medium)_ - [Official Website](https://www.browntroutbuilt.com) — “About (self-reported, verbatim): Buying a home is hard enough; creating your dream home shouldn’t be. When it comes to contractors, it can b…” - [Official Website](https://www.browntroutbuilt.com) — “Self-reported 8 years in business” - A 2024 customer described a guest bathroom renovation that kept to its budget and dates _(confidence: high)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQxeDZYUlpREAE!2m1!1s0x0:0xdc01d7e8e16c6d0c!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgID1x6XRZQ%7C%7C?hl=en-US) — “5★ Zac Cyr, of Brown Trout Design and Build, is the consummate professional. Recently renovating our small guest bathroom, he first presen…” - A 2024 customer described a bathtub replaced with a pan and tile surround _(confidence: high)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUM5eWR1RGhBRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xdc01d7e8e16c6d0c!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIC9yduDhAE%7C%7C?hl=en-US) — “5★ Zac at Brown Trout Designs is fantastic! He replies to texts and calls, shows up when he says he’s going to, gives accurate quotes, does …” - A 2024 customer said the site was tidied up every day _(confidence: medium)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR0cjdULUlnEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0xdc01d7e8e16c6d0c!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDtr7T-Ig%7C%7C?hl=en-US) — “5★ Quality of work is top notch, no question about it! However, what impressed me the most is 1) Communication: responsive, transparent, cle…” - A 2023 customer said a sunroom renovation finished on time and under budget _(confidence: high)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURGOF9yZXpBRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xdc01d7e8e16c6d0c!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDF8_rezAE%7C%7C?hl=en-US) — “5★ Zac just finished a in depth renovation on an old sunroom in our historic home. The work is stunning and was completed on time and under …” - A 2023 customer said Zac built a custom cedar fence _(confidence: high)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR4LU9mRmp3RRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xdc01d7e8e16c6d0c!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDx-OfFjwE%7C%7C?hl=en-US) — “5★ Zac recently built a beautiful custom cedar fence for our backyard. Everything about the experience was highly positive, from quality of…” - A 2022 customer described a full kitchen remodel and a mudroom addition _(confidence: high)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQtdi1pa3RnRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xdc01d7e8e16c6d0c!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgID-v-iktgE%7C%7C?hl=en-US) — “5★ I have nothing but rave reviews for Zac and his work, work ethic and attitude. From the beginning of the project (full kitchen remodel, m…” - A 2022 customer described a garage deconstruct and rebuild _(confidence: high)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQtdjlHQTR3RRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xdc01d7e8e16c6d0c!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgID-v9GA4wE%7C%7C?hl=en-US) — “5★ The timing was not the best as we ended up in the middle of the pandemic & had supply issues! Having said that, Zac & team did a decons…” - Specializes in General Contractor / Remodeling _(confidence: high)_ - [Official Website](https://www.browntroutbuilt.com) — “About (self-reported, verbatim): Buying a home is hard enough; creating your dream home shouldn’t be. When it comes to contractors, it can b…” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQtdi1pa3RnRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xdc01d7e8e16c6d0c!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgID-v-iktgE%7C%7C?hl=en-US) — “5★ I have nothing but rave reviews for Zac and his work, work ethic and attitude. From the beginning of the project (full kitchen remodel, m…” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURYc19qc3pnRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xdc01d7e8e16c6d0c!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDXs_jszgE%7C%7C?hl=en-US) — “5★ Inside, outside; upstairs, downstairs; all around the house! Over the last two and one-half years, Zac Cyr has worked on an amazing numb…” - Specializes in Bathroom Remodel _(confidence: high)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNCc3FPazl3RRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xdc01d7e8e16c6d0c!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICBsqOk9wE%7C%7C?hl=en-US) — “5★ I've hired Zac quite a few times over the last four years or so. He's done a bathroom renovation, kitchen cabinet install, custom wood ga…” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUM5eWR1RGhBRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xdc01d7e8e16c6d0c!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIC9yduDhAE%7C%7C?hl=en-US) — “5★ Zac at Brown Trout Designs is fantastic! He replies to texts and calls, shows up when he says he’s going to, gives accurate quotes, does …” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQxeDZYUlpREAE!2m1!1s0x0:0xdc01d7e8e16c6d0c!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgID1x6XRZQ%7C%7C?hl=en-US) — “5★ Zac Cyr, of Brown Trout Design and Build, is the consummate professional. Recently renovating our small guest bathroom, he first presen…” - Also offers Kitchen Remodel _(confidence: medium)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQtdi1pa3RnRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xdc01d7e8e16c6d0c!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgID-v-iktgE%7C%7C?hl=en-US) — “5★ I have nothing but rave reviews for Zac and his work, work ethic and attitude. From the beginning of the project (full kitchen remodel, m…” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQxeDZYUlpREAE!2m1!1s0x0:0xdc01d7e8e16c6d0c!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgID1x6XRZQ%7C%7C?hl=en-US) — “5★ Zac Cyr, of Brown Trout Design and Build, is the consummate professional. Recently renovating our small guest bathroom, he first presen…” - Also offers Carpentry _(confidence: medium)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNCc3FPazl3RRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xdc01d7e8e16c6d0c!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICBsqOk9wE%7C%7C?hl=en-US) — “5★ I've hired Zac quite a few times over the last four years or so. He's done a bathroom renovation, kitchen cabinet install, custom wood ga…” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQtdjd5LXVBRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xdc01d7e8e16c6d0c!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgID-v7y-uAE%7C%7C?hl=en-US) — “5★ I had Zac do a small project about 8 years ago. He turned the underneath of my basement stairs into a playhouse for my daughter. Cedar sh…” - Also offers Fencing _(confidence: medium)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR4LU9mRmp3RRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xdc01d7e8e16c6d0c!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDx-OfFjwE%7C%7C?hl=en-US) — “5★ Zac recently built a beautiful custom cedar fence for our backyard. Everything about the experience was highly positive, from quality of…” - Also offers Insulation & Weatherization _(confidence: low)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNsLTRxYl93RRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xdc01d7e8e16c6d0c!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICl-4qb_wE%7C%7C?hl=en-US) — “5★ Zac at Brown Trout weatherized our sunporch this year. He was an absolute joy to work with: super communicative, always reliable, conside…” - Also offers Windows / Siding / Gutters _(confidence: low)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQtdjd5LXVBRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xdc01d7e8e16c6d0c!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgID-v7y-uAE%7C%7C?hl=en-US) — “5★ I had Zac do a small project about 8 years ago. He turned the underneath of my basement stairs into a playhouse for my daughter. Cedar sh…” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNCd1o3VjVBRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xdc01d7e8e16c6d0c!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICBwZ7V5AE%7C%7C?hl=en-US) — “5★ Integrity, thoroughness, and craftsmanship. If you’re looking for quality work, Brown Trout is setting the standard. Between replacing …” ## License Status: **not_found** — verified against the official VT state registry, never self-reported. Re-check at the official registry: https://secure.professionals.vermont.gov/prweb/PRServletCustom?UserIdentifier=LicenseLookupGuestUser ## Sources - [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/troutfishing/comments/1b0tbzh/building_a_trout_stream/): 0 community mentions discussing this business - [Google](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Brown%20Trout%20Design%20and%20Build&query_place_id=ChIJ2ZCwBnk-PgERDG1s4ejXAdw): 5.0★ from 17 ratings - [Official Website](https://www.browntroutbuilt.com): 8 yrs in business · Self-reported profile and service details - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Brown%20Trout%20Design%20and%20Build&query_place_id=ChIJ2ZCwBnk-PgERDG1s4ejXAdw): Listed on this source - [Local News](https://industryoversight.com/general-contractors/burlington-chittenden-vt/): Listed on this source ## Recent reviews - **5/5 · Google Reviews · John Hannay Palen · 2025-05-14**: Exception attention to detail and quality. High degree of interaction w staff during planning and construction periods. High value relative to cost. Timely and efficient. - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Ira K. Glasser · 2024-10-30**: Inside, outside; upstairs, downstairs; all around the house! Over the last two and one-half years, Zac Cyr has worked on an amazing number of projects at our 25-year-old Essex house. We bought it three years ago, and as far as we could tell, no renovations, updating or even maintenance had ever be… - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Mary Cole · 2024-03-06**: Zac at Brown Trout Designs is fantastic! He replies to texts and calls, shows up when he says he’s going to, gives accurate quotes, does INCREDIBLE work, and has even come in under his original quote on a few projects. His last project with us was to pull out a bathtub and replace it with a pan and … - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Christopher Kopka · 2024-02-08**: Quality of work is top notch, no question about it! However, what impressed me the most is 1) Communication: responsive, transparent, clear, honest in setting expectations, and will consult you with options if a decision needs to be made! 2) The Clean Up: everyday, as he geared up to leave the site,… - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Steve · 2024-01-10**: I cannot recommend Zac enough for any work you need done in your home. His communication is excellent, he included us in the plan each step of the way, and his work was fantastic. He was very organized, kept the space very clean after each day's work, and stuck to his timeline. All this while my wif… - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Patricia King · 2024-01-10**: Zac Cyr, of Brown Trout Design and Build, is the consummate professional. Recently renovating our small guest bathroom, he first presented us with a clear budget and project plan that included dates for beginning and end. He stuck to both! The coffered ceiling, the tile work (both on the floor and… - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Anthony Grudin · 2023-11-28**: Zac at Brown Trout weatherized our sunporch this year. He was an absolute joy to work with: super communicative, always reliable, considerate, and incredibly knowledgable and detail oriented. Highly recommended, we've already hired him for a future project. - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Josephine Dean · 2023-11-10**: Zac just finished a in depth renovation on an old sunroom in our historic home. The work is stunning and was completed on time and under budget. We were living in the house during the work and couldn't have chosen a kinder, more respectful person to have in our house. We've used multiple large const… - **5/5 · Google Reviews · dylan molnar · 2023-09-05**: Got a net built exactly to the dementions I requested and it is lighter than expected and it floats so you never lose it fishing.The wood net looks a lot better than the carbon fiber in my opinion - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Mary Keator · 2023-07-12**: Our front step needed replacing and I quickly realized this was not a DIY project. I had seen Brown Trout Build and Design work on my neighbor’s new garage and had no doubts that they would do a nice job on our steps, but we are so impressed with the outcome! Excellent and friendly communication, fl… --- Data freshness: last scanned 2026-10-23T03:27:01.267Z. Cite as: Brown Trout Design and Build — Tavlee (https://tavlee.com/contractor/brown-trout-design-and-build) Source: https://tavlee.com/contractor/brown-trout-design-and-build ## Sitemap [Full site index](https://tavlee.com/sitemap.md)