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Remodeler Q&A: Christopher McNally

Christopher McNally

Christopher McNally

President, HIVEX Basement Finishing Co.

HIVEX Basements is a finishing specialist serving the Spotsylvania, Stafford, Prince William County, and surrounding areas in Virginia. The company was named on Angie’s List Super Service Award Winner five years in a row, a Guildmaster award recipient, a Qualified Remodeler Top 500 Contractor, and received the Best of Houzz Customer Service Award. HIVEX Basements is Class A licensed, fully insured, and holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

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Q: What are the top three things you look for from a LBM supplier?
A: First: Great customer service. I look for a sales rep who is available and highly responsive. Second: Pricing. The cost of materials must be competitive. Third: Turnaround time. When we place an order, we need to know that the materials will be delivered on time.


Q: Describe your best lumber and building materials vendor and why they are the best.
A: Builders First Source because they meet the criteria above. We have a longstanding relationship with our rep, Frank. They are quick, reliable and consistent. They always go the extra mile to keep their customers satisfied and have a “do what it takes” mentality.

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Q: When was the last time you changed vendors and why?
A: We had to stop using a former vendor because of communication issues between the delivery driver and sales rep. The vendor wasn’t able to come through on delivery promises that they had made.


Q: When and why would you accept a meeting from a new supplier/vendor?
A: Generally, I am fairly open to meeting with new suppliers/vendors. Even though we remain loyal to our top suppliers, we are always looking for opportunities for great products at great prices.


Q: What do you wish LBM suppliers understood about your business?
A: I wish they were more aware of the fast pace in which we operate. We rely on their products to arrive on time as scheduled so that we can be as efficient as possible. We work in basements, so it is not new construction. The material delivery can have an impact on our clients’ daily lives. We schedule material delivery very carefully and when a supplier fails to meet that scheduled delivery, our homeowners can be inconvenienced. Delayed delivery can also quickly affect our job profitability. We need all materials delivered to order and on time so that we can maintain efficiency and keep our clients satisfied.

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Q: What products (if any) do you buy installed?
A: None.


Q: What is the number one problem that keeps you up at night?
A: Keeping our crews busy and efficient. We employ our own crews rather than using subcontractors. This is a very positive thing as it allows us to deliver consistent quality service, but it also means that I am managing a lot of schedules. Making sure our crews have the materials they need on site in advance is of the utmost importance to me so that they can stay busy and keep our job timelines moving along smoothly…which results in happy customers.


Q: What do you see as your biggest opportunity?
A: We are experiencing a high demand for our services. This is an opportunity to deliver the very best basement finishing service in our area and to maintain our great reputation.


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