TRUSTED RENOVATION CONTRACTOR

We retained MAC for foundation underpinning, a kitchen renovation and extension and partial bathroom renovation. We also had the perimeter drains replaced, with MAC leading communications with a drainage company. We chose MAC for the project based on their positive reputation, their confidence in their ability to do a top-notch job, and assurance that they only worked with the very best subtrades in Victoria to achieve their high standards. Months after planning, we were promised a firm start date and our kitchen was stripped. We were off schedule as of Day 1, with MAC's project manager realizing after demo that the building permit hadn't yet been issued, so we found ourselves living in our home without a kitchen for several weeks longer than necessary. This was explained as the fault of the municipality, but it seemed obvious that demo should not have been initiated by MAC without having the permit in hand. The drainage contractor's work commenced on the date they planned to begin, but there was a breakdown of communication, as MAC neglected to let their foreman know that the perimeter drain work was to be co-ordinated with MAC's work on the foundation. So, the drainage contractor had to halt and leave while MAC finally got the building permit and began the foundation job. Our yard was in a state of mass destruction and a 2-3 week drain job turned into 4 months, while foundation work was completed and we waited for the drainage contractor to return. Landscaping and irrigation remained torn out for months during a very hot summer and fall, which caused us to lose a lot of our garden - a completely unexpected and expensive consequence of poor planning and communication. Kitchen work finally began, and MAC's staff led by Colin were diligent, however, MAC's chosen cabinetmaker was not able to do his part once the framing work was complete. After weeks of waiting, our original completion date passed, and cabinets finally arrived; they apparently did not fit the space, although everything had been precisely digitally measured and plans drawn months previously. MAC determined that our ceiling was not level (although it had just been built?). We were told that making the necessary adjustments would not throw things further off schedule, but of course it did. The cabinetmaker became unable to continue work for reasons unknown; when he did come, he would install one or two things and disappear. MAC was not able to secure their subtrade's co-operation despite many alleged attempts to "beg" him to finish. His work didn't meet MAC's standards and in the end, in early May, MAC arranged for another trade to refinish the cabinet doors so they would look uniform. More weeks of waiting. Cabinets were not the only problem. Unfortunately, in the pre-Christmas rush, the painting team made some mistakes, as paint in our bathroom started peeling within a few weeks. It was hard to understand how a painting contractor did not know what the problem could be; MAC considered the peeling "most peculiar". The painters also did not use drop sheets after all of the protection was removed from the newly installed and finished hardwood floors, and paint was splattered over the exterior deck railings and windows. We expected more expertise, but were told "it's hard to find good painters these days". OK. We are pleased with the design by Azu and really like several of the details that were well done - countertops (by Stone Age Marble) and tile work (by Decora) were superb. Execution of the plan and communication with us and the subtrades were disappointing, to put it kindly. I would not be able to recommend MAC to someone concerned about timing of execution. It was to take four months and it took a whole year. The stress and inconvenience were more than anticipated (and we expected a serious amount), and while we demonstrated a good deal of patience, we feel our patience was taken advantage of. It seems that others are pleased with their experience with MAC (very happy for them), but be warned that not all of the jobs go great.