In November 2015 we purchased an old Victorian single family home in South Boston. Considering it was built in the 1890s this house was a complete overhaul from top to bottom. As part of this reno we also wanted to improve upon the outdoor space, including building a deck off the back of the house, creating easier access to the backyard and adding two roofdecks. We looked at a couple of contractors, but we were advised by a few people in the industry to go with Mark Little and his team at Abacus because of their attention to detail and their passion for a project like ours. While we knew this was going to be a total renovation down to the studs, we loved the personality of the house and wanted to keep some the integrity of the original design. We didn't want it to feel cookie cutter and/or just open it up and make it look like so many other places out there right now. When it came down to it, we knew we needed a contractor who understood our own vision, but could also provide additional suggestions and offer up ideas we hadn't even thought of so we could make this the home of our dreams. After meeting with Mark for a walkthrough at our house, it was clear he and Abacus were the team for the job. From beginning to end, the folks at Abacus made this a positive and memorable experience. Starting on day one they arrived on time and moved fast. We were shocked at how quickly they completed the demo and also how they would try and clean up at the end of each day - this was a common theme throughout the project. It's a little thing, but really appreciated as we would stop in from time to time to check on progress. We liked that they were taking as much care with our home as we would if we were doing the work ourselves. Throughout the process we had clear lines of communication with Mark Little and other key folks on-site (Gerald was a godsend!) which really helped as we had questions or they needed to prod us to get them answers. It was an open dialogue the whole time. And even more helpful is that they couldn't have been more responsive when we would reach out via text, phone or email. That's not to say there weren't occasional hiccups from time to time (this is going to happen on any large scale project like this), but we always talked them through and figured out ways to correct them. The fact that we could promptly talk them through over the phone or in person was really important to us and Mark, as well. Abacus also helped us stay on track by providing us a list of to-do's with key dates when they needed answers or actual hardware/appliances in order for us to stay on track. We always tried to do our best to meet their deadlines, but even when we couldn't they were understanding and kept other project aspects moving so as to stay on schedule. The work itself was incredibly top notch and can be seen in the attention to the details (both big and small). The tile work, the floors, the custom fireplace, the trim, the decks and roofdeck, even our basement storage area. You name it, they clearly took the greatest care when working on our house. The carpenter on the project built a custom desktop made from pieces of leftover mahogany and it's better than anything we could have purchased directly from a retailer or vendor. It's honestly one of my favorite things about the house. That and the main staircase. As mentioned earlier, it was so important that we keep the character of the house intact and this started with heart of the house, the original staircase, including the handrail and large first floor banister. This was no easy task when you consider how old the house was (1890s) and that the staircase extended up three flights to the top floor and also needed to match a new handrail going down to a newly created living space in the basement. Abacus was not only up to the task, but they absolutely exceeded our expectations. It's the first thing people see when they walk in the house and always comment on how gorgeous it is. It truly is hard to put into words how thankful we are for the beautiful end product. Just the other day we had someone come in to put up wallpaper in one of the bedrooms and the person said they work on houses all over New England, including a lot of home renovations in South Boston, and she said that you could really tell that whoever worked on the house knew what they were doing and really cared about the project - "The people who worked on this house are true professionals" was her exact quote. And she couldn't have been more spot on. Thank you Mark and the team at Abacus for giving us the house of our dreams! P.S. Photos of our renovation are available on Abacus's website. read more

We hired Abacus to replace our back deck and install new crown molding in 4 rooms, and we couldn't be happier with the finished product! The whole process was effortless from start to finish. We sent Mark a few photos of our deck and the rooms where we wanted to install crown molding. Within a couple of days we received a competitive quote that clearly outlined the details and costs, so we decided to hire them for the project. Before they started, Mark came out to discuss specific options about the deck and crown molding and helped us make sure we were happy with all of the plans before beginning the work. We scheduled a date and they started exactly when they said they would. Throughout the project the crew was very professional and friendly, and happy to answer our questions. They kept us up to date on project status and when we could expect the next steps to be completed. They had originally estimated the project would take 2 weeks and they did everything in only 6 days! They stuck to their original quote, and in fact, even came in under budget by a few hundred dollars. Every day we came home our house and the building common hallway were clean. The crew did a fantastic job about abiding by our building specific rules about work times etc, they are very professional and respectful. Overall this was the smoothest experience we've had with any contractor and wish we had found them sooner! read more

I hired Abacus to build a roofdeck on my top floor apartment in the South End. There was not one day I regretted hiring Abacus. The project was complicated, I had no staircase to the roof. I needed a new ceiling in my living room, kitchen and hallway as well as a new opening to the roofdeck. My neighbors were problematic and my fellow condo owners created some hurdles. Nothing got in the way of Team Abacus and their professionalism. They did a fantastic job. They patiently answer all my questions and addressed any concerns. They went above and beyond throughout the project and now I am enjoying the beautiful staircase to the roof and a deck that is fantastic. Thank you Team Abacus. Larry Mezias (lmezias@hotmail.com) read more

We worked with the great team at Abacus last fall to put a roof deck on our home in South Boston. Mark was very responsive in providing a detailed quote and quickly began the project as soon as permitting allowed. The general contractor on our job was Gerald McGuigan and I truly do not think there is a more patient or reachable contractor in the City. We had a few minor glitches with regard to the length of time it took to complete the project but in fairness some of the delay was due to additions and changes in the design that we made. We are now a year post deck completion and the great team at Abacus continues to respond to our questions and help with minor tweaks. We highly recommend this amazing company! read more

Abacus (Mark and team) did a phenomenal job on our 8 unit townhome building. They were asked to repair the roof, and replace soffit/fascia and the work was fantastic. But more importantly, the communication was top notch. They were ALWAYS quick to respond, ALWAYS willing to fix and minor issues quickly. We were by no means nickel and dimed. We received a fair price for a high-quality job. We would absolutely use them again, and in fact we are trying to engage them for the next phase of our project (which includes full replacement of siding and trim). HIGHLY RECOMMEND! read more

Mark and crew installed our roof deck. The deck is beautiful, see the St Mary's deck on his web site. His crew did a great job and installed the deck quickly. Mark is super responsive to email and phone calls. He also worked with us to redesign the door to the deck before construction began, giving us several options to consider. If you're considering a roof deck and can't easily get ideas and information, like happened to me, Mark is a great resource. I highly recommend them. read more

Amazing builder with huge integrity. Mark and Kat stand behind their product and do what they say! The home they built for me in South Boston was the highest standard. Abacus works with the best designers, products, and people. If you have the good fortune to work with Abacus or buy one of their homes, you will be part of old world charm and service with modern amenities. If I could give 10 Stars I would!! Mark Little and his team are simply the best in the business!! read more

I have worked with Mark for years, any repair or installation job that I needed to get done, I've gone straight to Abacus Builders. My calls are always returned timely and my expectations are always met, and most times, exceeded. I've never needed go to another company because with Mark, I'm not just another customer. The crews are very professional and very responsible, staying late to complete the job, and very respectful of my properties and residents. read more

We had a fire next door and significant damage was caused to our building. Abacus did an excellent job repairing the building, and made getting the job done just right their highest priority. Mark and Dave are a truly great team. They are thoughtful people, and did a great job on our building. Luis is definitely the guy you want doing your painting - he takes the time as if it was his own home. Much appreciated! read more

My condo had a cracked foundation and slab with significant settlement issues. Abacus repaired the structural issues, replaced interior tile and doors impacted by the settlement, and installed a new HVAC system. They were extremely responsive, managed the challenges of structural repairs with thoughtful solutions and recommendations, and came in on budget. Highly recommend Mark and team. read more

Mark has been doing work for me for more then 5 years now. I have to say he does exactly what he says he is going to do. He is there when he says he is going to be there, and his his men are completely professional and the quality of the work is very good. I would not hesitate to give Abacus my endorsement and hardy recommendation. Joe Deveau Knollmeyer Building Corporation. read more

Abacus was awesome - they did a big renovation for us (kitchen, bathroom, new flooring, etc.) in the exact amount of time that they said they'd do it while also producing extremely high quality work. Sean and Mark were a pleasure to work with - they were extremely responsive and professional. I really enjoyed working with them and highly recommend them. read more

Abacus Builders has done a wonderful remodeling job for my office and met all my expectations with their knowledgeable and skillful services. Everyone was professional and so pleasant to work with. It was a great experience and we would call on Abacus again without hesitation when next we need to update. Their word was their bond. read more

Emailed Mark at Abacus to remove ice and snow from my roof. Responded immediately. I could not be any happier with the service we received from Mark and his crew. They worked from the minute they arrived until the job was done. I was very, very impressed with all aspects of my dealings with Abacus. I highly recommend them! read more

Our condo association hired Abacus to recondition the façade of our brick row house in South Boston. They were extremely professional and patient with each of the owners questions and concerns during the process. If there is work to be done in Southie they are the contractor to call without a doubt. read more

Mark and team at Abacus are some of the best. Easy quote process, they stick to their pricing, and the work is great. Highly recommend for roof decks, which they did for us - but I'm sure their indoor renovation work is equally top notch. read more

Great experience! Very attentive and receptive to our needs during the building process. We were informed of next steps during construction. Was ahead of schedule. Would highly recommend Abacus as your builder. read more

These guys were awesome. On time and professional work; was absolutely fabulous. I will always recommend these guys to others. Thank you, Abacus Builders. read more