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GPA Contracting
Detailed craftsmanship5.0
VSgencontractor, Inc.
Renovates century-old structures5.0
Verified record
Typical Greater Boston range for this kind of work, from regional averages — not a quote from J. Zarthar Construction & General Contracting. Use it to sanity-check bids, then get the real number in writing.
Estimated range
$23,000 – $35,000
Typical remodeling project around $29,000
J. Zarthar Construction & General Contracting is a Dedham, Massachusetts outfit homeowners have hired for full-room work: kitchen, bathroom, basement and deck remodels, along with roofing, siding, garages and sheds. Owner Joe Zarthar built a reputation through 2019 and 2020 for being hands-on and communicative — reviewers from that period describe him as patient through financing delays, generous with design ideas, and quick to follow up. The written record runs mostly 2019–2020, with thirteen of fourteen platform reviews at five stars. A 2020 customer recalled the crew finishing "before the date they gave" and cleaning up daily; another said Joe "shares every step of the way with the homeowner" across a kitchen, bathroom and deck project. Two things are worth knowing before calling. First, BuildZoom reports that Massachusetts regulators cancelled the company's General Contractor/HIC license (#198091, held by Joseph Zarthar) at one point; the same listing now shows it inactive, expired since March 2022 — worth confirming directly. Second, the only review since that 2019–2020 run, from 2026, is a detailed complaint about a post-flood unit rebuild: uneven cabinet doors, floors floated without leveling the concrete underneath, flaking grout, and slow follow-up on requested fixes, though the company did respond publicly and returned to adjust the doors. For a homeowner who wants one contractor to handle a full kitchen, bathroom or deck project, the earlier track record is a real one, built on specific, repeated praise for communication and pace. Given the gap between that history and the 2026 complaint, and the unresolved licensing status, confirming the license directly and getting a clear scope of work in writing before signing is the sensible move here.
We actually had our whole unit rebuilt after a flood. At first things were fine. Joe was initially responsive and provided a fair quote. The problems came in the craftsmanship and lack of oversight of subs. When we asked to have obvious things corrected it was like pulling teeth and some things were never corrected or ?fixed? in a shoddy manner. The cabinets and doors aren?t straight, floors were floated without leveling the concrete underneath so there are dips and soft spots, doors were never hung correctly so the hing gap is uneven. At first they didn?t even close. Instead of fixing how they were hung they just moved the latch. Now the hinges side runs and paint is coming off. Walls were not sanded after plastering and painted. Flooring wasn?t run under baseboard so we had to run 1/4 round to resolve. Tile grout is flaking. Tub was chosen and installed without any input from us and the overflow was never connected. Wash shit offs were installed in a way they can?t be shut off.
I couldn’t have asked for a smoother process. Joe was very patient as I awaited financing to be approved and took the time to alter the proposal to meet new criteria. His communication throughout the entire process was great. He and his team did a fantastic job. I have to point out that this was no ordinary project, so the fact that they nailed it is a true testament to the quality of their work.
I couldn't have asked for a smoother process. Joe was very patient as I awaited financing to be approved and took the time to alter the proposal to meet new criteria. His communication throughout the entire process was great. He and his team did a fantastic job. I have to point out that this was no ordinary project, so the fact that they nailed it is a true testament to the quality of their work.
Joe and his workers were amazing ... They came in finished before the date they gave and cleaned up daily like you wouldn't even know they were there. His whole crew was so friendly and great conversation! I am so glad I went for an independent contractor, I will hire them again
Joe and his team did a great job remodeling my bathroom and making it a bathroom/Laundry room. Joe is very personalable and easy to talk to. He has great ideas,and even went shopping with me to help pick out tile,flooring,vanity,lighting. I highly recommend him.
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4 changes recorded — last scanned Sep 9, 2026.
Detailed craftsmanship5.0
Renovates century-old structures5.0
