Quality, Innovation and Family: Cotter Builders’ Winning Formula
In just ten years, Cotter Builders has carved a reputation for precision, innovation, and homes that don’t just impress, but win awards.
The Mackay-based husband-and-wife, building designer-builder duo of Michael and Madison Cotter, along with the hard-working team behind them, recently celebrated multiple victories at the Master Builders Mackay Housing and Construction Awards, walking away with three coveted accolades.
While their Sana House renovation took out Best Home Renovation Project up to $300,000, it was their Villa Athena project—Best Individual Home $700,000–$850,000 and Best Residential Kitchen—that stood out even against homes valued up to $5 million. Punching well above its weight, the high-profile build showcased the meticulous attention to detail and innovative design that has made Cotter Builders a household name in the local industry.
“We’re pretty proud of ourselves, and I don’t think we really expected to come away with [the Best Residential Kitchen] award,” Madison says.
“We’re just two very determined, dedicated people that love doing what we do every day. We’ve spent thousands of hours further developing our business and skillsets to deliver the best quality to our clients… which has ultimately seen us grow into a multi-award winning team very quickly.”
The pair started Cotter Builders at just 23, combining their complementary skills—Michael’s builder background and ‘yes man’ attitude, and Madison’s design expertise—into a business now employing nine staff. The business prides itself on designing every home in-house, starting from scratch to meet client needs and ensure no two projects are the same.
“As Mackay’s Custom home builder, our goal is always to challenge ourselves and deliver something unique and fully customised to our clients brief, every time.”
But beyond Cotter Builders ’quality, innovation and awards, its real strength lies in a tight-knit, family-oriented approach.
“We’re a very family-oriented business,” says administrator Tamara Doolan. “We’re constantly supported by [Madison] and [Michael] with flexibility through work or just with general support. They’re honestly the best people.”
Even the Cotters’ young boys get involved, kitted out in little Cotter Builders shirts and tagging along to site visits. Because for Michael, Madison, and the team at Cotter Builders, building homes and building family go hand in hand.
