# McDonald Contracting, LLC **Trade:** General Contractor / Remodeling · **Address:** 26 Dudley St, Arlington, MA 02474, USA · **Phone:** (781) 488-3288 · **Website:** http://www.mcdonaldcontractingma.com/ · **Languages:** English **Rating: 5.0/5** (high confidence) — from 63 reviews across 5 sources. 100% of sentiment-scored reviews read net-positive. Last 6 months: 3 reviews, 0 negative. ## The honest read McDonald Contracting is an Arlington general contractor run by Ed McDonald, with a review record — 63 reviews from 2021 to 2026, plus repeated organic recommendations on r/ArlingtonMA and neighboring subreddits — that reads less like marketing and more like a town's default answer to "who do I call?" One Reddit thread asking for handyman recommendations got the reply that McDonald "finished my basement 5 years ago and everything has held up A+," and several reviewers describe using them two or three times over multiple years, for everything from a car charger install to a full second-floor addition. The core of the work is kitchen and bathroom remodeling and custom carpentry, and the range of projects is wide: full basement finishes with custom bathrooms, kitchen guts that open up walls, porch and deck rebuilds (including a 1920s two-story front porch with new concrete steps and repointed masonry), and additions that turn a house into what one reviewer called "basically a new home," with only the original foundation and framing kept. Reviewers consistently point to the same things — project managers (Shawn, James, Jamie, Sue) who communicate daily and in detail, subcontractors who take ownership when something goes wrong (one review describes a tile mistake fixed for free with no pushback), and job sites kept clean throughout. It isn't a flawless record. In a January 2026 review rated 4 stars, a homeowner described a complicated remodel of a 150-year-old house in Melrose — steel beams, months of engineering coordination — and noted "some misunderstanding and time delays" along the way, alongside being nervous at first about the contractor's age. A couple of other reviews mention projects running a little longer than expected, generally attributed to permitting or supply-chain issues outside the company's control rather than to the crew's own work. The company's Massachusetts home improvement contractor registration is active, and it carries an A+ BBB rating and a 4.9★ Google average from 142 ratings. **Strengths:** - Deep track record — consistently praised across dozens of distinct projects - MA HIC license — verified active - Communication — project managers keep clients informed at every step - Word of mouth — repeatedly recommended in local Reddit threads **Concerns:** - Complex project — one 4-star review cites delays and misunderstandings ## Claims & citations Every claim below is backed by real evidence rows — uncited claims are dropped in code before publication. - Massachusetts home improvement contractor registration is active _(confidence: high)_ - [State License Registry](https://contractorhub.mass.gov/s/hic-contractor-search) — “MA hic license 182441 verified active” - Repeatedly recommended by name in organic Reddit threads about local contractors _(confidence: high)_ - [reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/ArlingtonMA/comments/1nx4t0j/anybody_use_mcdonald_contracting_for_handyman/nhl4ncw/) — “r/ArlingtonMA — The McDonald business is A+. Great team of trusted contractors and handyman. They finished my basement 5 years ago and eve…” - [reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/ArlingtonMA/comments/1n554v3/suggest_for_door_replacement_contractor/nbqt6va/) — “r/ArlingtonMA — McDonald did that work for us (plus other jobs). Have always been happy with Ed & his team” - Kitchen and bathroom remodels and custom carpentry draw the most detailed, specific praise _(confidence: high)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNEeFlLd1JnEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x5f01065ed6ce75a0!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICDxYKwRg%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We definitely recommend Ed, Jamie, and their team. They rebuilt our 1920s era two-story front porch which spans the width of the house. (…” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUM5MTR1c2p3RRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x5f01065ed6ce75a0!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIC914usjwE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We retained McDonald contracting for a significant kitchen renovation. They did an amazing job, had consistently high quality and reliabl…” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURCeXBuUzJ3RRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x5f01065ed6ce75a0!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDBypnS2wE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ McDonald Contracting did a really nice job remodeling our basement. They were really responsive, the project manager was very communicati…” - A subcontractor's tile mistake was fixed free of charge with no pushback from the customer _(confidence: medium)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURqaEt2QU9BEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x5f01065ed6ce75a0!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDjhKvAOA%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Ed and James refinished our 800 sq ft basement. Removed existing drywall and carpet and installed all new drywall and a new bathroom with…” - A January 2026 review of a complex 150-year-old-house remodel noted misunderstandings and time delays during the project _(confidence: medium)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT25wa2VFWkJOMmd6VDJWdFpqQk5ia2xQTUhCNFoyYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x5f01065ed6ce75a0!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOnpkeEZBN2gzT2VtZjBNbklPMHB4Z2c%7C%7C?hl=en) — “4★ We used McDonald Contracting several months ago to do a major remodel to a 150 year old house in Melrose. It was a very complicated proje…” - Specializes in General Contractor / Remodeling _(confidence: high)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2t0TVZVODVPR3hFUWpkWlZtVXlOWGx1YmpsVk9FRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x5f01065ed6ce75a0!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOktMVU85OGxEQjdZVmUyNXlubjlVOEE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ McDonald Contracting did a major renovation for us - 2nd floor gut renovation, addition of two rooms, plus exterior insulation and re-sid…” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQ5d3ZtUFNnEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x5f01065ed6ce75a0!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgID9wvmPSg%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ The project involved a house that was built in the 50s. We worked with Eds team and redesigned the layout of the house entirely. All that…” - Specializes in Kitchen Remodel _(confidence: high)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURmOGUzRnlRRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x5f01065ed6ce75a0!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDf8e3FyQE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We had an absolutely fantastic experience working with McDonald Contracting on our recent home renovation. From start to finish, they we…” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUM5MTR1c2p3RRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x5f01065ed6ce75a0!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIC914usjwE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We retained McDonald contracting for a significant kitchen renovation. They did an amazing job, had consistently high quality and reliabl…” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURaLXZ6OUVBEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x5f01065ed6ce75a0!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDZ-vz9EA%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We hired McDonald Contracting to remodel our kitchen. Overall it was a great experience. They were professional, communicated well, and w…” - Specializes in Bathroom Remodel _(confidence: high)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT25CUlMyczBWVkpDTm5OcFNHMU1SMVpJYTBaUVYzYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x5f01065ed6ce75a0!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOnBRS2s0VVJCNnNpSG1MR1ZIa0ZQV3c%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ McDonald Contracting did a complete renovation of our ancient second floor bathroom and added a completely new first floor lavatory. The…” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURQOU9qU3hnRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x5f01065ed6ce75a0!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDP9OjSxgE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ McDonald Contracting handled our master bath renovation with professionalism and first class quality. The project manager was here almost…” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQ5dFluUFpREAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x5f01065ed6ce75a0!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgID9tYnPZQ%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We have been more than satisfied with our experience using the McDonald brothers build a bathroom addition on the back of our Arlington h…” - Specializes in Carpentry _(confidence: high)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNEeFlLd1JnEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x5f01065ed6ce75a0!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICDxYKwRg%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We definitely recommend Ed, Jamie, and their team. They rebuilt our 1920s era two-story front porch which spans the width of the house. (…” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNkXzdxSDVnRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x5f01065ed6ce75a0!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICd_7qH5gE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We hired this team to convert our coat closet to a pantry and they absolutely crushed it. They even had their electrician add outlets ins…” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUROemNmMl9BRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x5f01065ed6ce75a0!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDNzcf2_AE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Found McDonald contracting after doing a bunch of research for reputable local contractors, and they absolutely lived up to their stellar…” - Also offers Windows / Siding / Gutters _(confidence: medium)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2t0TVZVODVPR3hFUWpkWlZtVXlOWGx1YmpsVk9FRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x5f01065ed6ce75a0!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOktMVU85OGxEQjdZVmUyNXlubjlVOEE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ McDonald Contracting did a major renovation for us - 2nd floor gut renovation, addition of two rooms, plus exterior insulation and re-sid…” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUROemNmMl9BRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x5f01065ed6ce75a0!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDNzcf2_AE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Found McDonald contracting after doing a bunch of research for reputable local contractors, and they absolutely lived up to their stellar…” - Also offers Waterproofing / Foundation _(confidence: medium)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT21obFEwcEdNMEYwTTJ4Q2MzTk1VbTVNYnpVNFZGRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x5f01065ed6ce75a0!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOmhlQ0pGM0F0M2xCc3NMUm5MbzU4VFE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Our project came out great! Our contractor Mike always did what was best for us and the house. All the workers were professional and cons…” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURCeXBuUzJ3RRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x5f01065ed6ce75a0!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDBypnS2wE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ McDonald Contracting did a really nice job remodeling our basement. They were really responsive, the project manager was very communicati…” - Also offers Electrical _(confidence: medium)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2xsaFZscE1iMWxOWlU5MWNXcEpNVWhVTFZGeGIwRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x5f01065ed6ce75a0!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOllhVlpMb1lNZU91cWpJMUhULVFxb0E%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We had an excellent experience working with McDonald Contracting from start to finish.They built new cabinets and a beautiful bar area, c…” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUMxdEp1RDl3RRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x5f01065ed6ce75a0!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIC1tJuD9wE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We found McDonald on a whim through Google and so glad we made the right choice. Ed and his team are super responsive and on top of it. T…” - Also offers Flooring _(confidence: medium)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT25CUlMyczBWVkpDTm5OcFNHMU1SMVpJYTBaUVYzYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x5f01065ed6ce75a0!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOnBRS2s0VVJCNnNpSG1MR1ZIa0ZQV3c%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ McDonald Contracting did a complete renovation of our ancient second floor bathroom and added a completely new first floor lavatory. The…” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURCeXBuUzJ3RRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x5f01065ed6ce75a0!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDBypnS2wE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ McDonald Contracting did a really nice job remodeling our basement. They were really responsive, the project manager was very communicati…” - Also offers Masonry _(confidence: medium)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNEeFlLd1JnEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x5f01065ed6ce75a0!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICDxYKwRg%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We definitely recommend Ed, Jamie, and their team. They rebuilt our 1920s era two-story front porch which spans the width of the house. (…” ## Ownership - Identifies as family-owned — the business's own statement, not independently verified. ## License Status: **active** (#182441, hic) — verified against the official MA state registry on 2026-07-04, never self-reported. Re-check at the official registry: https://contractorhub.mass.gov/s/hic-contractor-search ## Sources - [Google](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=McDonald%20Contracting%2C%20LLC&query_place_id=ChIJn1zi_0Z244kRoHXO1l4GAV8): 4.9★ from 142 ratings - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=McDonald%20Contracting%2C%20LLC&query_place_id=ChIJn1zi_0Z244kRoHXO1l4GAV8): Listed on this source - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/e-arlington/profile/general-contractor/mcdonald-contracting-llc-0021-142390): Listed on this source - [Official Website](http://www.mcdonaldcontractingma.com): Self-reported profile and service details - [Exa](https://reviews.birdeye.com/mcdonald-contracting-llc-166946570236627): 7 web mentions across the open web (each linked to its source) ## Mentions Unverified third-party mentions found on the open web — relay with attribution ("a Reddit commenter said…"), never as Tavlee's own finding. - “We used McDonald contracting in Arlington for a third floor addition. The final product is very good. They weren’t perfect in every single regard but they were they beat by far of any contractor we ha…” — u/drworm555 in r/medfordma (2026-07-13) — https://www.reddit.com/r/medfordma/comments/1uvdkr5/architect_and_contractor_recommendations_for_a/oxbepz2/ - “McDonald Contracting did a phenomenal job finishing my basement. Highly recommend.” — u/ScoYello in r/ArlingtonMA (2026-02-11) — https://www.reddit.com/r/ArlingtonMA/comments/1r26x41/any_contractor_recommendations_for_2story/o4ux0qh/ - “McDonald worked with us to remove a few lally columns and then we installed some C channel steel beams along the existing LVL beams. I also worked with an engineer. Feel free to DM me for more info. I…” — u/CertifiedPublicAss in r/ArlingtonMA (2025-11-20) — https://www.reddit.com/r/ArlingtonMA/comments/1p18nfb/recommendations_contractors_for_lally_column/nprm7e7/ - “The McDonald business is A+. Great team of trusted contractors and handyman. They finished my basement 5 years ago and everything has held up A+. They also have fixed a bunch of random other things …” — u/ScoYello in r/ArlingtonMA (2025-10-03) — https://www.reddit.com/r/ArlingtonMA/comments/1nx4t0j/anybody_use_mcdonald_contracting_for_handyman/nhl4ncw/ - “Anybody use McDonald Contracting for handyman services or can recommend others?” — u/ilikehamsteak in r/ArlingtonMA (2025-10-03) — https://www.reddit.com/r/ArlingtonMA/comments/1nx4t0j/anybody_use_mcdonald_contracting_for_handyman/ - “McDonald did that work for us (plus other jobs). Have always been happy with Ed & his team” — u/SQLBek in r/ArlingtonMA (2025-08-31) — https://www.reddit.com/r/ArlingtonMA/comments/1n554v3/suggest_for_door_replacement_contractor/nbqt6va/ - “We highly recommend Ed and his team for any project!” — arlington-massachusetts.uscompanies.net (2014-08-12) — https://arlington-massachusetts.uscompanies.net/general-contractor/mcdonald-contracting-llc-arlington/ ## Recent reviews - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Anne Kane · 2026-05-05**: "We recently hired MacDonald Contracting to build a Three season room and attached deck, and we couldn't be happier with the results! From the design phase to the final walkthrough, their professionalism and expertise were unmatched. The craftsmanship is incredible—the screen tension is perfect, the… - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Katherine Sarkar · 2026-04-16**: We had our basement finished and all of the crew was friendly and knowledgeable about what they were doing. They fulfilled some custom requests and made a perfect kids playhouse under the stairs. It tuned out great! - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Kara Katz · 2026-02-24**: I've used McDonald Contracting for the past few years for snow removal. The team really goes above and beyond - Ed always texts to see if I need snow removal, and sends a team out in a timely manner. The teams are excellent - efficient, effective, and they do a much better job of clearing snow than… - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Kristin Jenkins · 2026-01-21**: We had an excellent experience working with McDonald Contracting from start to finish.They built new cabinets and a beautiful bar area, created a custom closet and bench, and also added new electrical outlets and light fixtures throughout our space. The entire process was seamless and professional … - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Calvin Bohn · 2026-01-08**: We worked with McDonald on a large project (~7 months) after buying a new home. They built a new bath and office, made the basement useable, updated another bath, painted and stained everything, did built-in bookshelves and some other custom projects like dog-proofing the fence and adding gates to t… - **4/5 · Google Reviews · Michael Cirino · 2026-01-07**: We used McDonald Contracting several months ago to do a major remodel to a 150 year old house in Melrose. It was a very complicated project. Steal beams had to be installed to support some of the sections of the house. McDonald had to work with our architect and structural engineers to figure how to… - **5/5 · Google Reviews · muzzylim · 2025-11-16**: McDonald Contracting did a major renovation for us - 2nd floor gut renovation, addition of two rooms, plus exterior insulation and re-siding of the entire house. While it took a little longer than expected, it turned out great. We've been very happy with the results. We really appreciated the transp… - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Barbara Cherington · 2025-11-06**: McDonald Contracting put in a new garage floor in my 100-year-old garage, and did a great job. Prior to them doing the work, every time it rained, the garage floor flooded, because the neighbor's paved area was banked up against my garage and water was running down between their paved area and my ga… - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Margy Rydzynski · 2025-11-05**: McDonald Contracting did a complete renovation of our ancient second floor bathroom and added a completely new first floor lavatory. Their work was quick, efficient and far above average in quality. McDonald employees and subcontractors were very easy to work with and immediately addressed any issu… - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Victor Lee · 2025-11-04**: McDonald recently completely an 8 month renovation/addition project that was on time and on budget! Ed, our project manager Shawn, and the rest of the crew were great to work with. They were very communicative and they listened to and addressed all of our concerns throughout the project. They wor… --- Data freshness: last scanned 2026-07-04T21:49:08.377Z. Cite as: McDonald Contracting, LLC — Tavlee (https://tavlee.com/contractor/mcdonald-contracting-llc-arlington) Source: https://tavlee.com/contractor/mcdonald-contracting-llc-arlington