# Groom Construction

**Trade:** General Contractor / Remodeling · **Address:** 96 Swampscott Rd #6, Salem, MA 01970, USA · **Phone:** (781) 592-3135 · **Website:** http://www.groomco.com/ · **Languages:** English

**Rating: 3.3/5** (medium confidence) — from 15 reviews across 8 sources.
67% of sentiment-scored reviews read net-positive. Last 6 months: 3 reviews, 1 negative.

## The honest read

Groom Construction has been building in Salem since 1979, and its scope stretches well past the neighborhood — the same firm broke ground on a 40-unit supportive housing project in downtown Lynn this March and picked up a 2023 Construction Firm of the Year award, alongside four Houzz awards and an A+ BBB grade.

On Google it holds a 4.2★ average across 33 ratings, and its Massachusetts home improvement contractor registration is active. The reviews split into two clear stories. One is about specific project managers — Hunter, Ed and Patrick come up by name repeatedly for staying on top of scheduling and communication, including a run of reviews describing the same responsiveness out of the company's Naples, FL office on commercial bids. The other, older but still on the record, is a 2023 account of a full renovation of a three-story 1769 Marblehead home — new wiring, plumbing, HVAC, kitchen and bathrooms — that the reviewer described as professional from start to finish.

Not every account matches that picture. In a late-2025 review, a homeowner described weeks of being strung along on a new-build estimate before an employee reacted defensively when pressed for a timeline. A 2024 review separately reported a company vehicle tailgating dangerously on Route 101, and one review flags a named site supervisor as difficult to work with.

Worth knowing before calling: some of the strongest recent testimonials are for the firm's Florida branch rather than its Salem office, and the estimating process drew at least one sharp complaint about being kept waiting. The decades-long track record and the awards are real — it's worth asking directly who will be assigned to a project and pinning down a clear estimate timeline up front.

**Strengths:**
- Long track record — Salem general contractor operating since 1979
- Industry recognition — 2023 Construction Firm of the Year plus Houzz awards
- Client communication — reviewers repeatedly praise responsiveness and follow-through

**Concerns:**
- Estimate delays — a late-2025 review cited weeks of unresponsive follow-up
- Vehicle conduct — a 2024 review reported dangerous tailgating on Route 101

**Where sources disagree:**
- Several of the strongest recent reviews describe a Naples, FL branch project manager rather than the Salem, MA office; the company's own site says it serves clients nationwide, consistent with one firm operating multiple offices.

## Claims & citations

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

- Holds an active Massachusetts home improvement contractor registration (#104999) _(confidence: high)_
  - [State License Registry](https://contractorhub.mass.gov/s/hic-contractor-search) — “MA hic license 104999 verified active”
- Long track record — Salem general contractor operating since 1979 _(confidence: high)_
  - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/salem/profile/general-contractor/groom-construction-company-0021-6339) — “BBB profile confirms Groom Construction Company as a Salem, MA general contractor established in 1979 with an A+ letter grade, but the busin…”
- Industry recognition — 2023 Construction Firm of the Year plus Houzz awards _(confidence: high)_
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/groom-construction-co-inc-pfvwus-pf~1259098434) — “Listed certification: 4 Houzz Awards”
  - [Local News](https://bostonrealestatetimes.com/groom-construction-cultivating-long-term-repeat-customer-relationships-locally-then-nationally/) — “bostonrealestatetimes.com — Groom Construction Receives the 2023 Construction Firm of the Year Award”
- Client communication — reviewers repeatedly praise responsiveness and follow-through _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT21rNVl6ZDJTbmwxY0MxdVNVeGlkVUZUWkZWWFgzYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x258fa8aab7fef191!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOmk5Yzd2Snl1cC1uSUxidUFTZFVXX3c%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I've worked with Hunter now on several projects.....Two words...CLASS ACT!!  These guys are the real deal, and keep the client the center…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2tnMk1tVm9kM1ZpTkMxdU0yNXhjSFJLVm5OTVMxRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x258fa8aab7fef191!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOkg2MmVod3ViNC1uM25xcHRKVnNMS1E%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I've worked with Groom on multiple projects, their  professionalism and attention to detail is above and beyond. Hunter, Ed, and Patrick …”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2pCQ05UVTJhSGw1VUc1TkxWVlBOMkZPTmtzeE1uYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x258fa8aab7fef191!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOjBCNTU2aHl5UG5NLVVPN2FONksxMnc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We have worked with Hunter on projects for a long time and really enjoy the collaboration with him and the company. He is easy to communi…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT21GTGVHcFpORTE0UTJWUmRGcFNhMjFxUVdoT2MwRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x258fa8aab7fef191!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOmFLeGpZNE14Q2VRdFpSa21qQWhOc0E%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ My experience working with Project Manager, Hunter Penix, out of the Naples branch has been nothing short of amazing. Unlike many Project…”
- Estimate delays — a late-2025 review cited weeks of unresponsive follow-up _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2tKR2VsQkZNRlpyVFZCa2VrMUhNV2hDYUY5RE1GRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x258fa8aab7fef191!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOkJGelBFMFZrTVBkek1HMWhCaF9DMFE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ Staff is pretty unprofessional and unhelpful. I reached out to try and get an estimate on a new home build and after getting the run arou…”
- Vehicle conduct — a 2024 review reported dangerous tailgating on Route 101 _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNiNzhIZFhBEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x258fa8aab7fef191!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICb78HdXA%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ Loves to tailgate dangerously on route 101. (31 July  2024 ) Stay out of New Hamphire please.”
- Whole-house historic renovation coordinating multiple trades, per a 2023 review of a full 1769 Marblehead home rebuild _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNCNi1tdXBBRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x258fa8aab7fef191!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICB6-mupAE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Most reviews concerning a major house renovation would probably start out... "it was a complete horror show, I would never use those guys…”
- Specializes in General Contractor / Remodeling _(confidence: high)_
  - [Official Website](http://www.groomco.com) — “A Salem, MA-based general contracting and construction management firm serving nationwide commercial, residential, and retail clients, evide…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNCNi1tdXBBRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x258fa8aab7fef191!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICB6-mupAE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Most reviews concerning a major house renovation would probably start out... "it was a complete horror show, I would never use those guys…”
- Also offers Kitchen Remodel _(confidence: low)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNCNi1tdXBBRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x258fa8aab7fef191!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICB6-mupAE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Most reviews concerning a major house renovation would probably start out... "it was a complete horror show, I would never use those guys…”
- Also offers Bathroom Remodel _(confidence: low)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNCNi1tdXBBRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x258fa8aab7fef191!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICB6-mupAE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Most reviews concerning a major house renovation would probably start out... "it was a complete horror show, I would never use those guys…”

## License

Status: **active** (#104999, hic) — verified against the official MA state registry on 2026-07-05, 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=Groom%20Construction&query_place_id=ChIJA2rzXUQT44kRkfH-t6qojyU): 4.3★ from 34 ratings
- [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Groom%20Construction&query_place_id=ChIJA2rzXUQT44kRkfH-t6qojyU): Listed on this source
- [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/salem/profile/general-contractor/groom-construction-company-0021-6339): Listed on this source
- [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/groom-construction-salem-2): Listed on this source
- [Official Website](http://www.groomco.com): Self-reported profile and service details
- [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/groom-construction-co-inc-pfvwus-pf~1259098434): Listed on this source
- [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/groom-construction-co-inc-pfvwus-pf~1259098434): 4.8★ from 5 ratings
- [Local Chambers of Commerce](https://www.salem-chamber.com/list/member/groom-construction-co-inc-2226): Listed on this source
- [Exa](https://www.bestprosintown.com/ma/salem/groom-construction-/): 8 web mentions across the open web (each linked to its source)

## Mentions

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

- “The ribbon cutting ceremony at the Caroline Plummer House was one of those moments... For Groom Construction, it was an opportunity to step back from the day-to-day work of building and reflect on wha…” — nerej.com (2026-06-25) — https://nerej.com/pom-groom-construction-ribbon-cutting-caroline-plummer-house
- “SV Design and Groom Construction have broken ground on a new five-story supportive housing development at 21 Oxford Street in downtown Lynn.” — bostonrealestatetimes.com (2026-03-04) — https://bostonrealestatetimes.com/sv-design-and-groom-construction-break-ground-on-40-unit-supportive-housing-community-in-downtown-lynn/
- “Groom Construction has steadily built a reputation for building exceptional projects and long-term, repeat customer relationships over the past 45 years.” — bostonrealestatetimes.com (2023-09-06) — https://bostonrealestatetimes.com/groom-construction-cultivating-long-term-repeat-customer-relationships-locally-then-nationally/
- “Groom Construction Receives the 2023 Construction Firm of the Year Award” — bostonrealestatetimes.com (2023-09-06) — https://bostonrealestatetimes.com/groom-construction-cultivating-long-term-repeat-customer-relationships-locally-then-nationally/
- “GROOM CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. 26443-MC, Commercial, Licensed, Address 96 SWAMPSCOTT RD SALEM, MA 01970, Expiration 01/15/2027, Status Licensed” — search.msboc.us — http://search.msboc.us/Detail.cfm?ContractorID=34985&ContractorType=Commercial&varDataSource=BOC
- “Groom Construction Co., Inc. is on Inc.'s Regionals 2023: Northeast list! No. 18” — inc.com — https://www.inc.com/profile/groom-construction

## Recent reviews

- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Asah Deyette · 2026-05-19**: Hunter in the Naples Fl office helped me with a bid for one of my properties, he was very efficient, and great to work with! Will work with again in the future.
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Paul Zimmerman · 2026-04-30**: I've worked with Hunter now on several projects.....Two words...CLASS ACT!!  These guys are the real deal, and keep the client the center of their focus.  If you want worry free, use these guys.
- **1/5 · Google Reviews · Bri E · 2026-04-02**: Slow and inefficient.
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Shane Jackson · 2026-01-14**: Groom is one of the few good ones left. Any interaction has been professional and forthright.
- **1/5 · Google Reviews · Davie Slocum · 2025-12-17**: Staff is pretty unprofessional and unhelpful. I reached out to try and get an estimate on a new home build and after getting the run around for several weeks, Amy passive aggressively jumped down my throat about how I hadn’t provided the information or time they needed for a quote (no one l told me …
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · John Carson · 2025-10-03**: I've worked with Groom on multiple projects, their  professionalism and attention to detail is above and beyond. Hunter, Ed, and Patrick do a great job keeping everything in order and communicating from the start to the very last detail needed. Best in the Business.
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Joseph & Leticia Uribe · 2025-09-26**: We have worked with Hunter on projects for a long time and really enjoy the collaboration with him and the company. He is easy to communicate with and always available when needed. Transparency and communication is key in this industry and both of those areas are at the highest standards.
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Top Rated Naples Builders · 2025-09-24**: My experience working with Project Manager, Hunter Penix, out of the Naples branch has been nothing short of amazing. Unlike many Project Managers in SWFL, Hunter takes the time to make his clients feel heard and understood. His prompt communication and oversight of my project helped the project flo…
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Corey Stein · 2024-11-25**: Groom Construction makes the entire process extremely easy and the results are incredible. I highly recommend for any construction or renovation needs
- **1/5 · Google Reviews · Robert Lamoureux · 2024-07-31**: Loves to tailgate dangerously on route 101. (31 July  2024 ) Stay out of New Hamphire please.

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Data freshness: last scanned 2026-07-05T00:07:17.561Z.
Cite as: Groom Construction — Tavlee (https://tavlee.com/contractor/groom-construction-salem)
Source: https://tavlee.com/contractor/groom-construction-salem