Q: How has the construction industry changed on the Cape since you started back in 2001?
A: I started Macallister Building in the latter stages of the building boom. The biggest change, I think, is the ratio of new construction to remodel/renovations, along with all of the new technology we now have at our fingertips. Technology allows us to be more energy efficient, ultimately saving home owners money in the near and long term future. I would be remiss however if I didn't mention the cost of materials and labor in the building industry and how that has greatly affected many small business owners. For companies like Macallister Building, we now face higher insurance rates and other direct costs that are involved in any project we do.

Q: What sets you apart from other general contractors?
A: Well, I think it’s a number of things. First, I think it’s the fact that our projects range greatly in size, scope and duration. We’ve worked on everything from small additions for our second home owner clients, to being part of a team that built a 30,000 square foot condominium complex. Secondly, it’s the materials we use. We prefer to use a higher grade of materials for our projects, and we won’t compromise quality. Lastly, I think it’s how we treat our customers. Many contractors say one thing, but deliver something very different. We always stand by our word to our customers. As silly as it sounds I like to think that my customers become part of our extended family. They know that they can rely on Macallister Building for anything, not just during their particular project but well after the project is complete.

Q: A building or remodeling project can be stressful, what do you do to help alleviate the stress of your customers?
A:I think communication is key. We always try to communicate changes or variances immediately. We have great relationships with our customers and we practice an honest and upfront approach. I can't stress enough the importance of having a candid relationship with our clients.

Q: Mark, tell us about the people who work at Macallister, your carpenters and craftsmen.
A: I have an extremely dedicated and hardworking team who take pride in the work they do. They are true craftsmen who believe that what they are doing is beneficial in everyway for themselves and our customers. I see it like this: I give my team a canvas at the start of every project and they perform well beyond what the "blue prints" prescribe. There are many times when I go to inspect a project after it has been finished and I find a product that goes above and beyond what was asked for.

Q: What are some of your favorite projects and why?
A: I have several projects that I am fond of, but one that comes to mind is the Dean Fraser home in Osterville. This home is 5,500 square feet, and I am really proud at how beautiful this home turned out to be. A moderate challenge framing wise, it was the relationship I had with the home owner that made this project a lot of fun to do. It was one of those projects where I can honestly say my team and I were sorry to leave at the end.

Q: Mark, what if a customer wants to use their own plumber, electrician, painter, for their project?
A: At Macallister Building Company, we have many longstanding relationships with various partners and sub-contractors that we highly recommend and trust. Often times, scheduling and managing sub-contractors gets tricky and proper timing of each phase of the project is extremely critical. By using our sub-contractors we eliminate your worry and stress from having to coordinate and manage various participants, and we have more control in terms of meeting our project timelines.

Q: Do you have references?
A: Yes, complete company references are available upon request.

Q: Finally Mark, what’s next for Macallister Building Company?
A: I hope to continue the growth of my business while reaching out to those in my community who are looking to have quality construction done on their home or business. I want to forge lasting relationships with my customers, ones that last long after the project is complete. It is my continuing quest to produce quality products with old fashioned service and care for the details.