Zavaglia Associates

One of our biggest regrets is working with Zavaglia Associates. 1+ year 6 figure project involving retaining walls, patio and outdoor kitchen. Have done multiple projects before with various different contractors and Zavaglia was unfortunately the worst experience weve had. Jess and Tony sell themselves as a design and build firm but they are FAR from that. They are in actuality 2 separate entities, ZA (Jess) that does design and AZI (Tony) that does landscape. Jessica was never involved or even came by our site for the last 7-8 months of our project. We felt lied to by the initial sell of a designer being part of the execution. There were numerous issues in every stage but we gave them the benefit of the doubt in every case until we just couldnt. Honestly dont know where to begin but here are the highlights of problems: 1. Horrendous communication with constant contradictions - During an in person meeting, specifically discussed there would NOT be a 3rd retaining wall built right over the 2nd. Come home from vacation a week later with 3rd wall built exactly where they said there would not be. No call, email, communication what so ever to discuss the change. I had to be the one to email asking what was going on only to hear back a week later! - I questioned early on whether the retaining walls were level as they looked crooked. They assured me that it was the ground that was not level but the wall WAS level. End result: the wall is definitely sloped to the left. Their narrative changed to it was meant to follow the slope of the ground. Now we just look out the window everyday to walls that are not level. - Sold us on gaining a LEVEL usable upper terrace where kids could run and play. ASSURED us time after time it was achievable. End result: at least a 10 degree sloped unusable space much smaller than expected which we further improved ourselves borrowing shovels and digging out more dirt to level as much as possible. 2. Execution - Mismeasured width of grill and built stone cutout of kitchen 2 inches wider on each side. Mistakes happen but not only did I have to point it out twice, the fix was janky. When I told the crew it didnt look good I got attitude and was told I needed to call Jessica. I call but only get voicemail. I leave both a voicemail and send an email. NEVER get a response. - Outdoor kitchen wall initially built 2 ft wider than per plans closing off space too much. If we had not happened to be home, it would have been a much bigger issue to fix. Where is the oversight from Tony? - Graded our backyard so that the lowest point of our yard was against our house. For months, every time it rained significant amounts of water sat right up against our foundation. We were told that was fine. Had to hire another company to fix. - Built kitchen wall/cement abutting our home siding as well as raised the level of patio above grade, leaving home framing/rim joists below grade. We didnt know at the time this voided hardiplank siding warrantee as well as make the wood framing of our home more vulnerable to water issues and rot. Should have had an architect draw up plans. 3. Lost our trust - Quoted us for 2.5 high by 72 wide retaining walls. They said the quote was high building in their own contingency. Walls came out to be 3 high by 49 wide. Asked if our final cost is lower if the walls we end up building is smaller. They said no, went as far as to say even if they had to build a 90 wall they would never charge us extra for that. Ok thats fine but then turns around and invoices us a few thousand extra after a tiny wall 1 by 15 they added without discussion first of being an extra cost. Complete hypocrisy. - Quoted us for one 5 retaining wall which we later find out was never even in the plans submitted to the town. No wonder the final product never fully delivered on Jesss initial design plan which we also paid several thousands for. - Left us with an open permit with the village and still trying to close it with no help from ZA! The one star is for the one positive that the stones look beautiful.
Mar 26th, 2024

The Zavaglia Team made my backyard dreams come true!! Jess guided me along the process from early concept to final completion. The team provided inspirational vision, expert advice, and beautiful execution. Every time I walk through our new arbor entry to the backyard it brings me a smile. I am so grateful to have the Zavaglia's as our partners in renovating our home!! The team is top notch and they truly care about every detail!!
Jan 23rd, 2024

Wow -- we can't say enough good things about Zavaglia! They made the outside of our home truly beautiful and worked with us to do it in a way they knew we'd love. Jess and Tony are a delight. We'd recommend them to anyone and would never use anyone else.
Jan 20th, 2024

Jess and Anthony gave us our dream backyard! They expanded our patio, built an outdoor kitchen, and did the landscaping around the new patio. The workmanship and end product are excellent. They deliver a very high quality product.
Aug 17th, 2023

We consulted with Jess and Tony to level our sloped backyard. Jess had creative solutions and designs that took the project to the next level and Tony and his team did a great job with the execution which involved removal of a large concrete slab and surprise giant tree stump underground. The stone work they did on the retaining walls and steps was immaculate. They guided us through every step of the process with permitting, planning, etc making the process as seamless as possible. Jess also completed the project with landscaping that elevated our yard, doing a great job working with our preferences while guiding us to plants that would thrive there. The new space allows us to use the yard to its maximum potential. We could not be more pleased with our experience and would use them again for any future needs!
Mar 14th, 2024