# Fresh Start Contracting Corp

**Trade:** General Contractor / Remodeling · **Address:** 30 B St, Burlington, MA 01803, USA · **Phone:** (617) 833-9202 · **Website:** http://www.freshstartcontracting.net/ · **Languages:** English

**Rating: 4.4/5** (high confidence) — from 40 reviews across 6 sources.
90% of sentiment-scored reviews read net-positive. Last 6 months: 1 reviews, 0 negative.

## The honest read

Fresh Start Contracting is a Burlington-based general contractor known for coordinating full-scope renovations — kitchen and bathroom remodels, basement buildouts, home additions — with a project-manager-led process that keeps homeowners in the loop. Reviewers spanning nearly five years of jobs describe the same shape of experience: a named project manager (Tom Moskaluk, Joe Powers, Mark Tuttavilla all show up by name) who handles permitting, lines up the subcontractor crew, and keeps the client updated through inspection-heavy towns like Cambridge and Somerville.

The volume backs that up: 69 Google ratings averaging 4.6★ and 98 Houzz ratings averaging 4.9★, plus an A+ BBB grade and a Massachusetts home improvement contractor registration that's active. Houzz has recognized the company with 20 awards and 5 badges, including regional PRISM Silver honors in 2021 and 2022 and a 2022 PRO-NE award. What stands out in the reviews themselves isn't just satisfied homeowners — design firms and architecture practices describe working with Fresh Start on repeat, one 'for over a decade,' another for '10 years and plan on doing so for many years to come.' One client's 2025 review recalled first hiring the company 'when they were just painters,' describing its growth into the larger renovation outfit it is today.

A few things are worth flagging before booking. A 2024 review described real friction on one job — subcontractor mistakes that took pushing to get fixed and, in the reviewer's telling, a leadership team slow to respond. Separately, two 2025 reviews — one 5★, one 1★ — independently described a Fresh Start company vehicle driver behaving aggressively toward other drivers, cutting people off and yelling; in the 5★ case the owner called the customer back directly and said he'd address it with the employee. And a 2023 Reddit thread recommending the company for a Medford bathroom job also noted a rough start with a project manager who was later let go, plus a caveat that pricing ran roughly 20-30% over market even as the poster still gave a full recommendation.

Fresh Start reads as the call for a homeowner planning a real renovation — a gut kitchen, a full basement, an addition — who wants a managed process with a single point of contact rather than a quick fix. Given the pricing note, it's worth asking for a detailed, itemized estimate up front and comparing it against a couple of other bids before signing.

**Strengths:**
- Full-scope renovation management — named PMs handle permits and subcontractors
- Strong repeat business — design and architecture firms return for years
- High cross-platform ratings — 4.6★ Google, 4.9★ Houzz, A+ BBB
- Active state license — Massachusetts HIC registration verified active
- Houzz-recognized work — 20 awards including regional PRISM honors

**Concerns:**
- Subcontractor quality control — one client fought to get mistakes fixed
- Driver conduct incidents — two 2025 reviews describe aggressive company-vehicle behavior
- Pricing above market — a Reddit poster estimated a 20-30% premium

**Where sources disagree:**
- A 5★ Google review describes a negative company-vehicle driving incident despite the perfect star rating — the written account and the numeric score don't fully agree.

## Claims & citations

Every claim below is backed by real evidence rows — uncited claims are dropped in code before publication.

- Named on-site project managers coordinate permitting and subcontractors across multi-trade renovations _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT21OR1pVUkVXWGgwTUROblluUm9WSFZEUlZKdGNIYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x132567cfb1ea1c4e!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOmNGZUREWXh0MDNnYnRoVHVDRVJtcHc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Fresh Start really cared about my house and showed exemplary attention to detail. They brought the entire project in under budget and wit…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNidi0tMFl3EAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x132567cfb1ea1c4e!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICbv--0Yw%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We hired Fresh Start for a full bathroom addition to our 100-year old house in Cambridge. We had the extra complication of the addition b…”
  - [reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Somerville/comments/160j0tt/bathroom_reno_contractor_recommendations/jxsfus7/) — “r/Somerville — My first reno (a difficult tiny bathroom, not to code, to be brought up to code) in Somerville was done with Fresh Start. The…”
- Design firms and architecture practices report repeat multi-year partnerships _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VNZTEyc0s3bkpEREF3EAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x132567cfb1ea1c4e!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEMe12sK7nJDDAw%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ My company and I have worked with Fresh Start Contracting for over 10 years and plan on doing so for many years to come. We've completed …”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUMtOHJIZDdRRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x132567cfb1ea1c4e!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIC-8rHd7QE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I've partnered with Fresh Start for over a decade on many client projects.  They are professional and deliver a high-quality result for o…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUMta016M1hBEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x132567cfb1ea1c4e!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIC-kMz3XA%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Fresh Start has been a wonderful partner on several projects in the last few years. Ben and Nick are responsive, communicative, thorough,…”
- 4.6★ average on Google from 69 ratings _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google](https://maps.google.com/?cid=1379623002599726158&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA) — “Google: 4.6★ from 69 ratings”
- 4.9★ average on Houzz from 98 ratings _(confidence: high)_
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/fresh-start-contracting-pfvwus-pf~1477356779) — “Houzz: 4.9★ from 98 ratings”
- A+ Better Business Bureau grade _(confidence: high)_
  - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/burlington/profile/general-contractor/fresh-start-contracting-corp-0021-115099) — “Better Business Bureau grade: A+”
- Massachusetts home improvement contractor registration verified active _(confidence: high)_
  - [State License Registry](https://contractorhub.mass.gov/s/hic-contractor-search) — “MA hic license 160412 verified active”
- Recognized with 20 Houzz Awards and 5 Houzz badges, plus 2021 and 2022 regional PRISM Silver and a 2022 PRO-NE award _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/fresh-start-contracting-pfvwus-pf~1477356779) — “Listed certification: 2021 BRAGB PRISM Silver Award”
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/fresh-start-contracting-pfvwus-pf~1477356779) — “Listed certification: 2022 PRO-NE Award”
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/fresh-start-contracting-pfvwus-pf~1477356779) — “Listed certification: 2022 BRAGB PRISM Silver Award”
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/fresh-start-contracting-pfvwus-pf~1477356779) — “Listed certification: 20 Houzz Awards and 5 Houzz badges listed under credentials”
- A 2024 review described subcontractor mistakes and difficulty getting them corrected _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURidXRqemdnRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x132567cfb1ea1c4e!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDbutjzggE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ DO NOT USE.  Terrible experience.  The subcontractors did bad work and made big mistakes.  Fresh Start has poor quality control and doesn…”
- Two 2025 reviews independently described aggressive, unprofessional behavior from a company-vehicle driver _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT21SNk5UTmZTMDVrU0ZSS0xYTmZZazh6VWpZeU1HYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x132567cfb1ea1c4e!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOmR6NTNfS05kSFRKLXNfYk8zUjYyMGc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Edit: left the owner a voice mail and he called me back right away and said he will speak to the driver in question.

One of your employe…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VMYUg0TG40bU5pSDZBRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x132567cfb1ea1c4e!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKELaH4Ln4mNiH6AE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ I can't say anything about their work, because I just don't know. However I can say i see one of their drivers in the mornings and displa…”
- A 2023 Reddit recommendation for a Medford job noted pricing roughly 20-30% over market and a rough start with a project manager who was later let go _(confidence: medium)_
  - [reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/medfordma/comments/17vz9z7/recommendations_for_bathroom_remodeling_in/k9ftksf/) — “r/medfordma — I used Fresh Start and, after a bit of a bumpy start to the contract related to a project manager that ended up being let go, …”
- A 2025 customer review recalled hiring the company when it did painting work, before it grew into full renovation contracting _(confidence: low)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VMZlBqdWFBX0xUc0JBEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x132567cfb1ea1c4e!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKELfPjuaA_LTsBA%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I have worked with Ben and his team for many years. They are always up to the details, and logistics. They are professionals - On time, a…”
- Kitchen remodeling, including multi-phase gut renovations _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT21OR1pVUkVXWGgwTUROblluUm9WSFZEUlZKdGNIYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x132567cfb1ea1c4e!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOmNGZUREWXh0MDNnYnRoVHVDRVJtcHc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Fresh Start really cared about my house and showed exemplary attention to detail. They brought the entire project in under budget and wit…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNabTRTbDVBRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x132567cfb1ea1c4e!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICZm4Sl5AE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Worked with Fresh Start for gut renovation of a kitchen as well as a creation of a master bathroom and master dressing room. They were a …”
- Bathroom remodeling and additions _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNidi0tMFl3EAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x132567cfb1ea1c4e!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICbv--0Yw%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We hired Fresh Start for a full bathroom addition to our 100-year old house in Cambridge. We had the extra complication of the addition b…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR1MjR1RmV3EAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x132567cfb1ea1c4e!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDu24uFew%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We had fresh start contracting completely remodel our first floor half bathroom.  They were very professional, always on top of things an…”
  - [reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Somerville/comments/160j0tt/bathroom_reno_contractor_recommendations/jxsfus7/) — “r/Somerville — My first reno (a difficult tiny bathroom, not to code, to be brought up to code) in Somerville was done with Fresh Start. The…”
- Basement renovation and buildouts _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VKbk5pckw4eTQyMVVREAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x132567cfb1ea1c4e!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEJnNirL8y421UQ%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We partnered with Fresh Start to reimagine, redesign and renovate our unfinished basement. We had a purpose in mind for the space and lea…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN4a09tTWh3RRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x132567cfb1ea1c4e!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICxkOmMhwE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Fresh Start was the general contractor for a major, $250k basement overhaul. The basement is on 2 levels and the lower portion is above g…”
- Home additions _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURXOUpPb293RRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x132567cfb1ea1c4e!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDW9JOoowE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Fresh Start did a major renovation and remodel for us, basically building out an additional ~25-35% of space onto our house. That is to s…”
- Specializes in General Contractor / Remodeling _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURidXRqemdnRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x132567cfb1ea1c4e!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDbutjzggE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ DO NOT USE.  Terrible experience.  The subcontractors did bad work and made big mistakes.  Fresh Start has poor quality control and doesn…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURXOUpPb293RRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x132567cfb1ea1c4e!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDW9JOoowE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Fresh Start did a major renovation and remodel for us, basically building out an additional ~25-35% of space onto our house. That is to s…”
- Specializes in Kitchen Remodel _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT21OR1pVUkVXWGgwTUROblluUm9WSFZEUlZKdGNIYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x132567cfb1ea1c4e!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOmNGZUREWXh0MDNnYnRoVHVDRVJtcHc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Fresh Start really cared about my house and showed exemplary attention to detail. They brought the entire project in under budget and wit…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNabTRTbDVBRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x132567cfb1ea1c4e!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICZm4Sl5AE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Worked with Fresh Start for gut renovation of a kitchen as well as a creation of a master bathroom and master dressing room. They were a …”
- Specializes in Bathroom Remodel _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNidi0tMFl3EAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x132567cfb1ea1c4e!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICbv--0Yw%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We hired Fresh Start for a full bathroom addition to our 100-year old house in Cambridge. We had the extra complication of the addition b…”
  - [reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Somerville/comments/160j0tt/bathroom_reno_contractor_recommendations/jxsfus7/) — “r/Somerville — My first reno (a difficult tiny bathroom, not to code, to be brought up to code) in Somerville was done with Fresh Start. The…”

## License

Status: **active** (#160412, hic) — verified against the official MA state registry on 2026-07-29, never self-reported.
Re-check at the official registry: https://contractorhub.mass.gov/s/hic-contractor-search

## Sources

- [Google](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Fresh%20Start%20Contracting%20Corp&query_place_id=ChIJqwwzvdJ344kRThzqsc9nJRM): 4.6★ from 70 ratings
- [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Fresh%20Start%20Contracting%20Corp&query_place_id=ChIJqwwzvdJ344kRThzqsc9nJRM): Listed on this source
- [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/burlington/profile/general-contractor/fresh-start-contracting-corp-0021-115099): Listed on this source
- [Official Website](http://www.freshstartcontracting.net): Self-reported profile and service details
- [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/fresh-start-contracting-pfvwus-pf~1477356779): 4.9★ from 98 ratings
- [Porch](https://pro.porch.com/belmont-ma/general-contractors/fresh-start-contracting-corp-/pp): Listed on this source
- [BuildZoom](https://www.buildzoom.com/contractor/fresh-start-contracting-corp): Listed on this source

## Mentions

Unverified third-party mentions found on the open web — relay with attribution ("a Reddit commenter said…"), never as Tavlee's own finding.

- “I used Fresh Start and, after a bit of a bumpy start to the contract related to a project manager that ended up being let go, it was a very smooth and great experience. I would 100% recommend them. Wi…” — u/SwineFluShmu in r/medfordma (2023-11-16) — https://www.reddit.com/r/medfordma/comments/17vz9z7/recommendations_for_bathroom_remodeling_in/k9ftksf/
- “My first reno (a difficult tiny bathroom, not to code, to be brought up to code) in Somerville was done with Fresh Start. They did great and the cost and timeline was as promised. they work a lot in S…” — u/alr12345678 in r/Somerville (2023-08-26) — https://www.reddit.com/r/Somerville/comments/160j0tt/bathroom_reno_contractor_recommendations/jxsfus7/

## Recent reviews

- **5/5 · Google Reviews · nava niv-vogel · 2026-05-08**: Fresh Start did an amazing job. Everyone did a great job and a particular shout out to Mark Tuttavilla,the PM. He was very communicative,attentive to detail,personable,honest and went the extra mile. Alex and Lucas were great at all these skills,too. Neighbors commented at how courteous everyone was…
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Jim Reichheld · 2026-01-21**: We had a fantastic experience with Fresh Start for a complex renovation in Beacon Hill. Our team was in perfect communication with us throughout, such that we were always updated and therefore involved in decision-making always, as we wished. The team has fantastic EQ throughout, and have deep exper…
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Kelly Matthews · 2025-12-20**: Fresh Start really cared about my house and showed exemplary attention to detail. They brought the entire project in under budget and within the projected timeline, with excellent communication throughout. Their expert coordination of a multi-phase kitchen and bathroom remodel, and experienced navig…
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Ben Bradley · 2025-11-16**: Our work with Fresh Start was top notch from start to finish. They provided the most detailed estimates up front, incredibly professional site and project management, and the ultimate transparency throughout the project. The work of FSC and their team is absolutely beautiful.

We lived through a maj…
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Joao Nunes · 2025-08-06**: Edit: left the owner a voice mail and he called me back right away and said he will speak to the driver in question.

One of your employees wasn't letting me merge in, then pulled into the other lane, sweared at us, sped up and as I got close to him he cut us off aggressively with my 2 year old in t…
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Christina Gasbarro · 2025-06-17**: I recently hired Fresh Start Contracting to work on a built in for my mudroom, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the experience. From the very beginning, the contractor was professional, extremely courteous, and took the time to fully understand the scope of the project.

Throughout the job, they …
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · McGuireKitchenBath · 2025-06-04**: We collaborate with Fresh Start Contracting on a number of home remodeling projects and always enjoy working with them. We typically lead design work specific to kitchens and bathrooms, and partner with their estimators, project managers, installers and sub-contractors to bring the projects to life.…
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Lauren Upton · 2025-05-16**: We partnered with Fresh Start to reimagine, redesign and renovate our unfinished basement. We had a purpose in mind for the space and leaned heavily on Fresh Start to design the layout then execute. We couldn’t be happier with the results and enjoy the space daily now. Fresh Start was able to secure…
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Nicholas Paolucci · 2025-05-15**: Fresh Start is one of my favorite builders to work with.  Efficient, reliable, and great communicators.  They take a project from inception to completion with ease and produce amazing results.  Highly recommend Nick, Dan and the rest of their team.
- **1/5 · Google Reviews · Kevin MacQuarrie · 2025-05-14**: I can't say anything about their work, because I just don't know. However I can say i see one of their drivers in the mornings and displays discussing behaviors. Suck as cutting people off blowing the horn and yelling profanities out at other drivers... on multiple occasions. So personal I would nev…

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Data freshness: last scanned 2026-07-29T05:03:13.499Z.
Cite as: Fresh Start Contracting Corp — Tavlee (https://tavlee.com/contractor/fresh-start-contracting-corp-burlington)
Source: https://tavlee.com/contractor/fresh-start-contracting-corp-burlington