Chicago Roof Deck & Garden

Similar to some other reviews, I feel compelled to share my experience in order to caution others.  I contacted Chicago Roof Deck in August of 2011 to remodel my back deck.  I should have run for the hills once the initial project proposal came in almost 2x my stated budget.... but I was reassured this proposal was just an illustration of all the possible add-ons and potential "bells and whistles."  After working with Mike to pare down the plans to a manageable project, the start date of October 1st, 2011 was established and I gave them a 50% deposit.  I was told this project would be completed in 5-6weeks would just have to wait until spring for planting.
Work did not begin until 10/15/11 after phone inquiries and explanations that there was a big project they were finishing up. My old wooden deck was removed and the underlying dirt was then left for a few weeks until the pavers were installed.  At this point my deck had no electricity (ie, lights) until the project resumed in late February as they could not work over the winter months.  After much prodding, workers reappeared and finished the woodwork, electric and staining.   I was approached by Mike at this time looking for a "work in progress" payment.  Per our contract the balance due on the project would be paid at completion but he required a "forward" on this balance "because it was their slow time of the year and not a lot of cash flow was coming in."  I was already so far invested in the project I couldn't run for the hills yet.  The lighting was hooked to a transformer that never worked properly.  The gas line to the grill was never converted properly so that "my only option" was to get a different grill and Mike "had a real nice one for me."  Pricing of the grill was never discussed as I had a perfectly functional Weber grill.  Half of the climatis plantings never grew.  The outdoor ceiling fan wobbles.  My front garden lighting was installed poorly as the wires were never properly buried and were constantly exposed.  The fire pit stones were delivered after several emails requesting them.  The fire pit cover was scratched and missing an ignition cover after the stones were installed.  The furniture delivered was different than the originally agreed upon style.   The workers left the garage a mess between the enormous about of sawdust, cigarette butts and empty soda bottles. 
After dozens and dozens of emails over the course of the year, my lighting was still not functional come ONE YEAR after the project start date.  This left my outdoor space hardly useful for the entire summer season.  After so many unanswered issues I never heard back on for months, I was hopeful to finally move on from this disappointing project with Chicago Roof Deck and Garden.
Alas, 4 months later, in February 2013 - 5 months later and 17 months after our initial project start date, I was contacted to "schedule spring planting, or other projects" and to settle up the project balance.   Can you say UPCHARGE!
$1200 for a no-name grill I NEVER needed.  Hundreds of dollars for plants that didn't grow.  THOUSANDS of dollars for lighting they STILL couldn't get to function correctly because of the cheapo transformer box they use. 
I have learned my lesson the difficult and expensive way.  After seeing other reviews with similar issues, I thought it prudent to share so that others may think twice before hiring this company.  

Chicago Roof and Deck Garden finished our roof top deck.  The landscaper came and put in some spring flowers.  They have been wonderful to work with.  I did come in over budget due to some additional things that I requested. 

Once I had all the details decided I called Chicago roof deck and garden to get the ball rolling. A week or so later they came out and prepared the yard for sod and framed the retaining walls. They returned the next day and finished of the work with a small army. They were thorough and clean, leaving no trace after they were gone. The wall looks good and the sod looks good and will last through the winter.

I called a few places to install a new deck and tear out what was left of the old one. Chicago roof deck and garden was the one I got the best feeling from. They were courteous and professional from the first time I contacted them. I felt a personal touch was added by the estimator and he was very friendly. I was able to offer some ideas and they made the changes and worked with me to realize that vision. The result is a beautiful new deck that looks as good as it functions and really brings our back yard together. I don't know how I could have done it without their experience and skill.

I received a warm response when I called for some info over the phone. That carried over to the person that showed up to assess the damage and the fellows that came to replace it as well. The repair was some rotted wood near a heavy support. In the interest of safety we had them replace the wood there and match the original stain as close as possible to make it look original. The work turned out a little less than expected and I am very happy with the results, especially the color match that keeps it looking very original. The best part is you can hardly tell there was a repair at all.

I had a leak in a corner of my living room. There was a spot that started and in a few months it was evident there was a bad leak. During a heavy rain it would drip pretty heavily. I called Chicago roof and deck at the recommendation of a  friend. I was treated well from the first time I called and the person that came for the estimate was very helpful and informative. When it came time for the repairs they were just as nice and very professional. Overall I was very happy with the level of service and the repair. Not only does the roof look very original outside but it keeps out the rain as well. Thanks again.

Avoid this place at all costs. They will j*** you around until you are ready to scream. We had wooden decking put on our terrace and we were initially told that it would be in in about a week and then they would install it with in a day or two. I wrote a check for 1/2 of the total (which, by the way, after trying to negotiate the price and after the sales person asked what we did for a living--we're both professionals--said "oh what's the big deal you can afford it") It took them over a month to get the supplies and that was only after numerous telephone calls and excuses they made. The sales person needs some real education when it comes to professionalism. Avoid, avoid, avoid.