At Smithouse, the quality of our work starts with the people behind it. While our projects often take center stage, it’s the experience, care, and collaboration of our team members that truly define what it means to work with Smithouse.
This post kicks off a new series where we introduce you to the individuals who bring our projects to life every day—sharing their backgrounds, perspectives, and what drives them to deliver the Smithouse experience. First up is Mac Alyea, who leads our Handyman Division and plays a key role in supporting our clients well beyond major renovations. Through this conversation, you’ll get a closer look at Mac’s approach, his role at Smithouse, and how our Handyman services fit into caring for your home long-term.
We’re excited to pull back the curtain and share more of the people who make Smithouse what it is.
1. How did you get into residential construction and home services—and what led you to focus on handyman and home maintenance work?
My dad was in the industry so I had always had exposure to it. After I realized that I didn’t want to be a full time professional photographer, Smithouse presented itself to me and I started as a laborer. Handyman interested me because each day is a completely different job and there is never a dull moment.
2. Outside of work, what does life look like for you—family, hobbies, or anything you love to spend your time on?
I have a 5 and 3 year old that keep me busy, I try to spend as much time as possible with them. I also enjoy cooking, baking, photography, and being in the woods.
3. What’s one thing about you that most clients (or coworkers) would be surprised to learn?
I spent 6 weeks working on a deer farm in Scotland a few months prior to starting this job.
4. What’s been one of your favorite moments or memories working at Smithouse so far?
On the final day of the first big project I ran as a site supervisor, a few team members of the team, along with my wife came to the project to celebrate the milestone. It was very impactful and I have Mike Cox to thank.
5. Many of our clients think of Smithouse as a remodeling firm. How does the Handyman Division fit into the bigger picture of caring for a home long-term?
If a remodeling firm focuses on a single project, I view the handyman division as focusing on the entire house. We can make an assessment of the house as a system and help provide recommendations on what needs fixing and in which order things should be fixed. Houses can be very overwhelming but if a homeowner focuses on a few smaller projects each year, you can both keep the house up and also keep the overwhelm to a minimum.
6. How does Smithouse’s approach to handyman services differ from what people typically expect from a “handyman”?
At Smithouse we offer Service plans which is something very few contractors offer. For our service plan we would come to the house on a quarterly basis and go through the house almost like a general practitioner doctor does an annual checkup. We make notes on any abnormalities we find and make recommendations on what we feel should be fixed. We can also take care of recurring upkeep items as part of our service plan, things like gutter cleaning and HVAC filter change outs.
7. If a homeowner has something on their list they’ve been putting off, what would you want them to know before reaching out?
We are very transparent and non pushy. I can provide my recommendation along with and associated budget and let you choose what you would want to do. Usually time only make repairs harder and more expensive so reach out sooner rather than later.