A small business for happy customers

Max Kutasewich of Take It to the Max Construction has found that keeping his business small has big advantages

1 of 3Max Kutasewich has a cube van that he keeps ready for work every day. — Photo courtesy Max Kutasewich

2 of 3Take It to the Max construction is proudly building homes in the West Kootenay. — Photo courtesy Max Kutasewich

3 of 3One of Kutasewich's most memorable projects involved an addition where the roof was lifted into place. — Photo courtesy Max Kutasewich

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A reliable construction company can be a homeowner’s greatest resource. Max Kutasewich owns Take It to the Max Construction, based in Castlegar. He said he enjoys working in a small business because it allows him to be more personable with customers and to be hands-on with every project.

Kutasewich has been working in construction since he completed high school, starting his own company at age 26. It was hard work, and he often put in seven-day weeks working on his own. Now, Take It to the Max Construction has found a niche working in the West Kootenay.

“I have done a variety of everything over the years, but my main projects are additions and renos,” said Kutasewich. “As with anything, you get better and better the more you do something and that has happened with working on additions and renovations. I have a great team of local tradesmen that I work with on these projects. It’s nice to know you have solid connections that will get the job done properly.”

Additions are Kutasewich’s favourite projects because he enjoys the challenge of making the building look like it was always meant to be there. Construction has plenty of other challenges, though, including a susceptibility to the economy and real estate along with slower seasons.

It can be an exciting field, however. Each project offers a chance to be creative along with fresh challenges. There’s also a continual learning curve.

“Over the last decade people have wanted more elaborate designs done,” said Kutasewich. “Plus, I am constantly learning about new products and how to work with them. What I do on a project really depends on the person and the style they prefer—modern, contemporary, Victorian, rancher—there are always new products coming up to try and new designs that people want.”

To build a great constuction business, however, requires other skills than simply being able to build well. Kutasewich mentioned being prompt and courteous while focusing on customer satisfaction. After all, a happy customer often means a repeat customer—which is something that small local companies often depend on.

“There are times I could have (hired) more help, but chose to keep the company smaller so I can be hands on with customers,” said Kutasewich, who now keeps one permanent full-time employee. “This way everyone is happy with the end product. Castlegar has grown and developed considerably in the last 10 years and I see a good future for the area.”