# J. Zarthar Construction & General Contracting

**Trade:** General Contractor / Remodeling · **Languages:** English

**Rating: 2.0/5** (low confidence) — from 7 reviews across 4 sources.
86% of sentiment-scored reviews read net-positive. Last 6 months: 1 reviews, 1 negative.

## The honest read

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.

**Strengths:**
- Responsive communication — 2019–2020 reviews praise Joe's patience and clear updates
- Full-room remodels — customers cite completed kitchen, bathroom and deck work
- On-time delivery — a 2020 review notes the crew finished ahead of schedule

**Concerns:**
- License cancelled — Massachusetts regulators cancelled HIC license #198091, now inactive since 2022
- Craftsmanship complaints — a 2026 review cites uneven doors, floor dips and grout issues

**Where sources disagree:**
- HomeAdvisor and Angi mirror the same 4.7-star rating built mostly on 2019–2020 reviews, while BuildZoom shows 0 reviews on file and the state contractor license inactive/cancelled.

## Claims & citations

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

- BuildZoom reports that Massachusetts Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation found the company's General Contractor/HIC license (#198091, held by Joseph Zarthar) was at one point cancelled; the license is now shown inactive, expired since March 2022. _(confidence: high)_
  - [BuildZoom](https://www.buildzoom.com/contractor/joseph-zarthar) — “Licence listed on BuildZoom: General Contractor License #198091 (Massachusetts contractors license board) — expiration 03-02-2022, last veri…”
  - [BuildZoom](https://www.buildzoom.com/contractor/joseph-zarthar) — “Licence listed on BuildZoom: Home Improvement Contractor License #198091 (Massachusetts) — Status: Inactive”
  - [BuildZoom](https://www.buildzoom.com/contractor/joseph-zarthar) — “Government action (BuildZoom): MA Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (per BuildZoom) reports General Contractor/HIC License #198091 fo…”
  - [BuildZoom](https://www.buildzoom.com/contractor/joseph-zarthar) — “BuildZoom profile for Joseph Zarthar Construction at 176 Colwell Dr, Dedham, MA: no reviews on file, BuildZoom Score 0 (no verified active l…”
- A 2026 review describes uneven cabinet doors, flooring floated without leveling the concrete underneath, and flaking grout after a post-flood unit rebuild, with slow follow-up on requested corrections. _(confidence: high)_
  - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.jzartharconstructiongeneralcontracting.156581940.html) — “1★ We actually had our whole unit rebuilt after a flood. At first things were fine. Joe was initially responsive and provided a fair quote. …”
- Several 2019–2020 reviews describe owner Joe Zarthar as patient and communicative through financing delays and multi-room remodels. _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ma/dedham/j-zarthar-construction-and-general-contracting-reviews-9658602.htm) — “5★ 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 p…”
  - [Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ma/dedham/j-zarthar-construction-and-general-contracting-reviews-9658602.htm) — “5★ Joe and his team were AMAZING! Joe is very knowledgeable and shares every step of the way with the homeowner.. He made me feel comfortabl…”
  - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.jzartharconstructiongeneralcontracting.156581940.html) — “5★ 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 p…”
- A 2020 review notes the crew finished the project ahead of the date given and cleaned up daily. _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ma/dedham/j-zarthar-construction-and-general-contracting-reviews-9658602.htm) — “5★ 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 the…”
- The company is based at 176 Colwell Dr in Dedham, Massachusetts. _(confidence: high)_
  - [BuildZoom](https://www.buildzoom.com/contractor/joseph-zarthar) — “BuildZoom profile for Joseph Zarthar Construction at 176 Colwell Dr, Dedham, MA: no reviews on file, BuildZoom Score 0 (no verified active l…”
- HomeAdvisor and Angi both show the same 4.7-star rating from 14 reviews (13 five-star, 1 one-star). _(confidence: high)_
  - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.jzartharconstructiongeneralcontracting.156581940.html) — “HomeAdvisor: 4.7★ from 14 ratings”
  - [Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ma/dedham/j-zarthar-construction-and-general-contracting-reviews-9658602.htm) — “Angi: 4.7★ from 14 ratings”
  - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.jzartharconstructiongeneralcontracting.156581940.html) — “HomeAdvisor profile for J. Zarthar Construction & General Contracting in Dedham, MA shows a 4.7-star rating over 14 reviews (13 five-star, 1…”
  - [Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ma/dedham/j-zarthar-construction-and-general-contracting-reviews-9658602.htm) — “Angi mirror of the HomeAdvisor profile for J. Zarthar Construction & General Contracting in Dedham, MA: 4.7-star rating over 14 reviews (13 …”
- Multi-room remodeling covering kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and decks. _(confidence: medium)_
  - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.jzartharconstructiongeneralcontracting.156581940.html) — “Services offered (HomeAdvisor): Roofing, Siding, Trim, Decks, Porches, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Basements, Garages, Sheds, Custom builds”
  - [Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ma/dedham/j-zarthar-construction-and-general-contracting-reviews-9658602.htm) — “5★ Joe and his team were AMAZING! Joe is very knowledgeable and shares every step of the way with the homeowner.. He made me feel comfortabl…”
  - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.jzartharconstructiongeneralcontracting.156581940.html) — “5★ 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 …”
- The read sits below the anchor because a BuildZoom-reported license cancellation is not yet reflected in the deterministic record, and the only review since 2020 is a detailed craftsmanship complaint. _(confidence: medium)_
  - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.jzartharconstructiongeneralcontracting.156581940.html) — “1★ We actually had our whole unit rebuilt after a flood. At first things were fine. Joe was initially responsive and provided a fair quote. …”
  - [BuildZoom](https://www.buildzoom.com/contractor/joseph-zarthar) — “Government action (BuildZoom): MA Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (per BuildZoom) reports General Contractor/HIC License #198091 fo…”
- Specializes in General Contractor / Remodeling _(confidence: high)_
  - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.jzartharconstructiongeneralcontracting.156581940.html) — “1★ We actually had our whole unit rebuilt after a flood. At first things were fine. Joe was initially responsive and provided a fair quote. …”
  - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.jzartharconstructiongeneralcontracting.156581940.html) — “Services offered (HomeAdvisor): Roofing, Siding, Trim, Decks, Porches, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Basements, Garages, Sheds, Custom builds”
  - [Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ma/dedham/j-zarthar-construction-and-general-contracting-reviews-9658602.htm) — “5★ Joe and his team were AMAZING! Joe is very knowledgeable and shares every step of the way with the homeowner.. He made me feel comfortabl…”
  - [Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ma/dedham/j-zarthar-construction-and-general-contracting-reviews-9658602.htm) — “Services offered (Angi): Roofing, Siding, Trim, Decks, Porches, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Basements, Garages, Sheds, Custom builds”
  - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.jzartharconstructiongeneralcontracting.156581940.html) — “HomeAdvisor profile for J. Zarthar Construction & General Contracting at 176 Colwell Dr, Dedham, MA: 4.7/5 from 14 reviews (13 five-star, 1 …”
  - [Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ma/dedham/j-zarthar-construction-and-general-contracting-reviews-9658602.htm) — “Angi profile for J. Zarthar Construction & General Contracting at 176 Colwell Dr, Dedham, MA: 4.7/5 from 14 reviews (13 five-star, 1 one-sta…”
- Also offers Bathroom Remodel _(confidence: medium)_
  - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.jzartharconstructiongeneralcontracting.156581940.html) — “Services offered (HomeAdvisor): Roofing, Siding, Trim, Decks, Porches, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Basements, Garages, Sheds, Custom builds”
  - [Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ma/dedham/j-zarthar-construction-and-general-contracting-reviews-9658602.htm) — “5★ Joe and his team were AMAZING! Joe is very knowledgeable and shares every step of the way with the homeowner.. He made me feel comfortabl…”
  - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.jzartharconstructiongeneralcontracting.156581940.html) — “5★ 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 …”
- Also offers Kitchen Remodel _(confidence: medium)_
  - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.jzartharconstructiongeneralcontracting.156581940.html) — “Services offered (HomeAdvisor): Roofing, Siding, Trim, Decks, Porches, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Basements, Garages, Sheds, Custom builds”
  - [Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ma/dedham/j-zarthar-construction-and-general-contracting-reviews-9658602.htm) — “5★ Joe and his team were AMAZING! Joe is very knowledgeable and shares every step of the way with the homeowner.. He made me feel comfortabl…”
- Also offers Roofing _(confidence: low)_
  - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.jzartharconstructiongeneralcontracting.156581940.html) — “Services offered (HomeAdvisor): Roofing, Siding, Trim, Decks, Porches, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Basements, Garages, Sheds, Custom builds”
  - [Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ma/dedham/j-zarthar-construction-and-general-contracting-reviews-9658602.htm) — “Services offered (Angi): Roofing, Siding, Trim, Decks, Porches, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Basements, Garages, Sheds, Custom builds”
- Also offers Windows / Siding / Gutters _(confidence: low)_
  - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.jzartharconstructiongeneralcontracting.156581940.html) — “Services offered (HomeAdvisor): Roofing, Siding, Trim, Decks, Porches, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Basements, Garages, Sheds, Custom builds”
  - [Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ma/dedham/j-zarthar-construction-and-general-contracting-reviews-9658602.htm) — “Services offered (Angi): Roofing, Siding, Trim, Decks, Porches, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Basements, Garages, Sheds, Custom builds”
- Also offers Flooring _(confidence: low)_
  - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.jzartharconstructiongeneralcontracting.156581940.html) — “1★ We actually had our whole unit rebuilt after a flood. At first things were fine. Joe was initially responsive and provided a fair quote. …”

## License

No license record has been checked yet for this contractor.

## Sources

- [Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ma/dedham/j-zarthar-construction-and-general-contracting-reviews-9658602.htm): 4.7★ from 14 ratings
- [Exa](https://www.experience.com/reviews/j-zarthar-construction-and-general-contracting-23066486): 0 web mentions across the open web (each linked to its source)
- [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.jzartharconstructiongeneralcontracting.156581940.html): 4.7★ from 14 ratings
- [BuildZoom](https://www.buildzoom.com/contractor/joseph-zarthar): Listed on this source

## Recent reviews

- **1/5 · HomeAdvisor · Meghan B. · 2026-04-01**: 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…
- **5/5 · Angi · Bobby C. · 2020-03-01**: 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 …
- **5/5 · HomeAdvisor · Bobby C. · 2020-03-01**: 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 …
- **5/5 · HomeAdvisor · Rianna C. · 2020-01-01**: 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
- **5/5 · HomeAdvisor · Elizabeth B. · 2019-10-01**: 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.
- **5/5 · Angi · Chrissy M. · 2019-10-01**: Joe Zarthar was professional and extremely responsive. His crews were fantastic - not only talented but very respectful and a joy to have around. I can't wait until we are ready to build our deck..Joe Zarthar will be our first call.
- **5/5 · HomeAdvisor · Christina M. · 2019-10-01**: Joe and his team were AMAZING! Joe is very knowledgeable and shares every step of the way with the homeowner.. He made me feel comfortable and shared his great ideas. Joe has done my kitchen, bathroom and deck for me. I have found my one and only contractor and am looking forward for him to complete…

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Data freshness: last scanned 2026-09-09T21:35:56.323Z.
Cite as: J. Zarthar Construction & General Contracting — Tavlee (https://tavlee.com/contractor/j-zarthar-construction-and-general-contracting)
Source: https://tavlee.com/contractor/j-zarthar-construction-and-general-contracting