Double Z Construction Services, lic

Having hired a different contractor to do the work (Red Apple) initially only to have that company not start the work and not refund our $28,000, we were very nervous about working with another construction firm. Carolyn and Matt Zipeto, the owners of Double Z, were very much aware of our situation and were absolutely wonderful to work with. They explained every detail of the project, set clear expectations of what was going to happen and when, and billed us only as they were billed (they included every receipt...even if it was only for $12). Carolyn was the project manager and our main point of contact. She was very easy to work with and when unexpected situations arose (as are typical with any remodel or constructions project) she and Matt would work collaboratively with us to talk through options and come to solutions that we were comfortable with. They were respectful, honest and didn't let us go down unrealistic paths. Carolyn was very focused on our budget (probably even more than me!) and ensured that if we were making choices that would go over budget she would let us know and come up with other ideas. As an example, she found a backsplash that was less expensive and more interesting than the original plan made by Red Apple. She did this in a number of areas and due to her approach we actually hit our initial estimate/budget. The work quality was very high. Matt did most of the work, but brought in sub-contractors and others when help was needed. All of these individuals were easy to work with and respectful of our home (we were living in our home throughout the 8 week project). One example of their respectful approach was how clean they left the work site every evening. Everything was neatly stacked and out of the way and they swept every evening. When friends and family would stop by in the evenings or weekends they all commented on how neat and clean it was for a constructions site. After the project was completed there were a few things that needed attention. Matt came over immediately and promptly took care of them. In fact, one time I called him the problem wasn't something they had did/touched, but he went to the store, got what he needed and fixed it at no charge anyway. I don't know any contractor that would do that! From our experiences, it is expected that the technical work is completed up to par, which is exactly the case with DoubleZ. The thing that sets them apart from others we have worked with is the attention to detail and the care and attention they provided to us and the project. As an example, I had mentioned to Carolyn in the very beginning that I was a little concerned about having sub-contractors in the house when my teenage daughters were home alone after school. Without discussing it further and unbeknownst to me, she took it upon herself to always be present when my daughters were home. In fact, one day she called me at around 4:30 to see if would be okay for her to leave to pick up her own kids and told me who was at the house. I hadn't even realized she was staying for that reason! Another time there was a tornado warning (not at all typical for the Boston area) and one of my daughters was home. Matt left to be home with their kids and Carolyn stayed in our unfinished basement with my daughter until the warning passed (we were at work and not able to get home). Again...I've never heard of any contractor going this far above and beyond expectations. One last example...they suggested that we purchase and pick up our own cabinets in order to save money. They told us to let us know and they could help us unload the truck back at our house. We were confident (actually naïve) that we could do this on our own. However, once we realized how big and heavy the boxes were it was clear we could not do it on our own. When we got back to our house (on a Saturday) we called and both Matt and Carolyn dropped what they were doing and came right over to help us. While these examples don't speak to the actual work, it does speak to the values both Matt and Carolyn hold. These values translate into the work they do and were evident to us throughout (and after) the work was complete. They are honest, do excellent work and are fully committed to the project and work they do. We would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a quality contractor that can be trusted.