Get matched with top masons in Hillcrest, IL

"Ernesto was great. His guys were prompt and professional, job went well from start to finish. Would recommend 100%."

"Good work in general; our basement no longer sees water for over 3 years now, which is the most important thing. But there were some real issues: The biggest issue is that USW did not adhere to local electrical codes, and did not arrange for a final inspection of the project. So we didn't find out that it wasn't to code until years later, and now it's a big hassle and minor cost to fix and get the permits. Ask your local gov yourself what you need to do for permits and inspections; don't rely on USW! USW said they would seal any foundation cracks found along the way; they didn't do this until I bugged the warranty dept about it (but they did do it eventually). USW sent someone out for the "annual checkup"... over 2 years after the install. It's a good thing they (eventually) did, because they discovered the backup battery wasn't charging. Now I know to check this stuff better myself. Prices also vary wildly and are kind of negotiable (I'd give more detail but I'm out of space)"

"The guys that showed up were actually quite nice. They looked at the project, one of the guys showed some concern (about what I don't know) He said he was going to make a phonecall, and when he came back from the truck he said that they couldn't do the job. He said I needed to contact the company --"

"Great communication and timely work"

"Very well, everything went smoothly."

"They're a bit busy. You will be happy, if you're patient."

"Nick and the Dry Otter crew do fantastic work. Everything from beginning to end was top notch. The estimate was true, the work was done well and on time, and the result of the project is perfect. I live on the East Side of Madison and have had water seeping into my basement for years now. Dry Otter trenched all the way around my basement and installed a sump pump. I've been thinking of doing this project for years and met with all of the local companies that do this, and I'm very glad that I picked Dry Otter for the project. I was definitely nervous about possibly having to rip out the existing basement stairs as part of the job, but these guys were able to preserve the existing stairs which saved me from a huge additional cost. I'd recommend anyone to strongly consider this company for a sump pump installation. They answered all of my questions after the job and even sent someone after the project was done to tighten a nut on the water meter that was slowly leaking. Now I'm turning half of my basement into a chill out zone for the kids and keeping the other half as a utility basement. Our house just became way better. Probably the best thing I can say about this crew is that they are honest business people that stand by their work. Expect a job done well, on time, and at a reasonable price."

"Dishonest and poor workmanship. Hired to remove and replace deteriorated framing. Contract was signed to be billed on a time and material basis. Hours billed was to include only travel time from their base in Sycamore to my property (20-30 min), pick-up of project materials, and work performed. I purchased all required project materials, per provided list. I was assured that all of my calls and questions would be answered before, during, and after work is completed, however owner, Theodore C., has been refusing contact since I signed the contract. Work took them 5 weeks, yet they worked only 14 days during that period, putting work on hold multiple times to start work for other customers. I complained multiple times about the crew not working, instead spending ~30 min every hour smoking in their truck or north side of house. A large section of wall, 10-15 feet in length, was left open for an extended period of time (roughly a week). This left my crawlspace exposed to the elements (this was during a period of frequent rain), as well as animals. Despite my crawlspace being encapsulated, I am still working to combat the moisture present from their negligence. The completed work is unsatisfactory, as it is out of level with large open gaps (you can see light comming thru), and I cannot be sure if it is even safe. SD representative, Denny S., was supposed to have filed a permit with the City of Elgin (signed by me same day as I signed contract) and had stated that he had the permit on hand at the start of work. He provided date of final inspection and I waited all day for the inspector to arrive—they never did. After that, I called the city multiple times regarding the permit for the now completed work, however they had no record of a permit application being approved, or even filed. Crew was present on my property for an average of 5-6 hours a day; I reported end times to SD rep every day via text message. Total hours present on property equaled 80.25 hours. SD is billing for 108.25 HR + some trips to Lowe’s, and is not willing, nor able to explain difference in hours worked or the added shopping charges (I had purchased all materials). At first, the invoice billed for dates when no work was performed, an “adjusted” invoice showed the same hours worked, only changing dates. I requested an explanation of the charges multiple times, however SD reps refused to provide an answer. The only explanation I was able to receive from SD’s secretary after I expressed that I do not understand how there can be such a difference between the billed hours and the hours actually worked, given that I had recorded start/end times, was that “customers are usually not present while they are working” (based on this statement, I assume I am not the first to be overcharged). After SD failed to provide explanation of charges and refused to adjust invoice, payment was submitted for 96 HR (less deposit) = 80.25 HR + 14 HR travel (14 days) + 1.75 HR for materials pick up (store pick up prepaid by me). This leaves an overcharge of 12.25 hours + Lowe’s charges that aren’t related to work performed on my property (I purchased and paid for all materials from Menards). The crew was also disrespectful to me and my property. One worker referred to my house as “three pigs home,” referring to myself, my daughter, and our dog. They also took things from my garage without permission. I have cameras in my garage, as well as the front and back of my house, and was present for much of the work, allowing me to experience their behavior. I submitted a complaint to the BBB on 09/19/21, however they closed the complaint after they failed to receive a response from SD. Shortly after, SD reps contacted me stating that I need to pay an additional $350 for them to finalize the permit with the city (~3 weeks after jobs end), and have since received an updated balance statement charging interest for the still unexplained charges."

"Every employee was respectful and competent. From the guys who bid the job, to the ones who did the hard work, to the after completion details, each employee did their job well. I was appreciative of their awareness for the safety of my house when they left for supplies or for lunch."

"First there were a couple of delays due to COVID, the weather, and a truck broke down. The window guys were over 2 hours late. While excavating near the house, the workers “accidentally” broke our water main. This of course was our fault and cost us an additional $3000! Read your contract. There is a small clause about accidents not being their fault. Subsequently, we had no water for two days and a large plumbing bill from a plumber they sent. This may not be over."