LEADER BUILDERS

Our project consisted of new plumbing, new electrical, new HVAC, gut of kitchen, gut of two bathrooms, and restoring all other rooms in a 115 year old house. Overall a 5-6 month project. We are very happy with the results. There were definitely a few hiccups along the way. But given the scope of the project, the issues we had along the way were understandable. Leader was also very responsive to the issues and made everything right. In the end we got the home we wanted and are happy with the quality of the work.

The project went very well. We already had an idea in our head of the addition we wanted to build for our growing family when we contacted Leader Builders and they transformed those ideas into reality. We considered three construction or design build firms and decided to go with Leader and we were glad we did. My wife was pregnant during construction and I think she only lost he mind once, which is pretty good. We had to set some expectations with them and things then went smoothly. Leader was able to deliver a project in one construction season, from when we signed a contract in February, they completed the design in March and had a permit shortly thereafter. Construction was complete by Thanksgiving. Leader was able to work to keep the final design within the project budget and worked with us on some of the owner requested change orders. We were very happy with the quality of work and only had a few minor miscommunications. It was a big project so there were bound to be hiccups, but overall things went well and we are happy. My main recommendation would be for when you are establishing/negotiating the contract scope for the design build scope: do not put off any decisions. If you think you want to do something include the work in the initial contract. Leader gave us some good prices on some work we were considering but we did not add them at the time of the initial contract. When we came back to add them as a change order the price wasn't as good. So know what you want up front and negotiate at the beginning because that is the best price you will get. Another important point is to select all your finishes, windows, appliances, etc as soon as possible because the carpentry work must accommodate these items.

They were on schedule and budget and communicated well throughout. In the planning phase Leader Builders listened to our desire to keep the historic character of our home yet add modern amenities. We wanted the addition to be as discrete as possible from the street view. The architect designed a space that exceeded our expectations--more space and character than we thought was possible within our budget. We lived in the house for most of the construction, having to move out for several weeks at a time for various phases. Even with an 88 year old house, there were no "surprises." Leader communicated deadlines for choosing materials, and provided guidance for quality vendors. They were very responsive to our questions and changes. We have been living in our new space for several weeks now and absolutely love it. We highly recommend Leader Builders for high quality, fair price and professional service.

So far, great! Pete has answered all my calls promptly and treats our home and plans with a respect and enthusiasm only we can match. He has been very upfront about pricing, no surprises. So while the estimate initially seemed a bit high, I think the final price will be comparable to other quotes without all the stress of last minute negotiating. Their architect Peter came out and listened carefully to what we wanted. He then added his own touches and presented us with a plan that needed no significant changes. They send a designer to work with you, handle the permitting and seem to do things the "right way" as opposed to the easiest or cheapest. Pete seems to be genuinely interested in doing what their slogan says, "Let's build something beautiful together". That being said, we are still at the beginning stages of our project. I'll write an updated review when we're complete.

Quoted on a pending project and would highly consider once funding available

Fantastic experience start to finish. On time, on cost, terrific quality. Extremely responsive and happy to work with you on details. I would absolutely recommend them.

first was in 2001 - remodeling my small condo bathroom. they completed everything only 1/2 day over schedule. And no added on costs. the next time, I did a few updates to the living room loft and added track lighting, which never quite work properly. THen I rebuilt my deck on a 2-flat and that become very expensive with city of Chicago requirements and issues that kept coming up, electrical, foundation - big expense items that were not considered or foreseen ahead of time. There were unnessary expenses - such as double paned windows with screens on a partially open deck. I gave them another chance on kitchen remodeling on a house in the suburbs, but the quote was for a much larger, 2+ times the cost of work I didnt want done and the agent and I had a fight about it.

They have high ratings on Angie’s list. The price came in a little bit higher than what it was because when they opened up a wall the city made it rewired. We were not in the city when they did the job and they let us know about everything that happened. The quality of their job was very good. They were outstanding.

We called for an estimate when we decided to add/remodel a master suite. Pete Antonow came to the house to get details of what we wanted to to then (a few days later) provided a very clear, non-pressurized, detailed estimate for our project. I liked the friendly approach as well as the fact that he seemed to feel it was important that we be ready whenever it took us to feel comfortable with his company. There was never high-pressure sales nonsense..... in fact, that went a long way to the final decision to use Leader Builders. An example: I asked him (upon viewing the estimate) how much he expected the final number to change at the end of the project. He said, "It won't change... this IS the price." I loved knowing our budget and the knowledge that it "was what it was" allowed us the freedom to upgrade a few things as we went along. In other words, we spent a bit more because WE wanted to.. not because Leader changed the numbers as we progressed. Leader offers a ONE stop shop approach (if you want it) and that worked for us. They provided the architect, a job supervisor for the length of the project, and all workers. They also picked up all supplies -- even if we had ordered them ourselves when we found things we liked. We are new to the area and did not know where to find the components we needed to choose (tile, vanities, shower bases/tubs, etc.) and they offered LOADS of support -- both recommendations of where to look as well as lots of hand-holding while we worked through the process of balancing the architect specifications with available product choices. As to the quality of the work and professionalism: we COULD NOT BE HAPPIER. In fact, the project was completed on time, on budget and exceeded our expectations on quality. This was the first large scale job we have had done and I am afraid we may have been spoiled for life! The guys they have working for them (both employees and some professional subs) were polite, excellent at their jobs, and a dream to work with. I cannot stress enough how successful this job was. The tilework in the master bath was first rate and was as good a job as I have ever seen. They did a simply beautiful job. In addition, all work was cleaned up EVERY day ... and tools and supplies were stored out of our way. If there was a day where more things needed to be left overnight, they always asked if it was all right to do so before leaving. We had heard horror stories about builders, and were expecting some drama along the way. It never happened. Any concerns were addressed instantly, and to our complete satisfaction. Leader really does care about doing things right. In fact, we added a few more small jobs while they were on site and each was estimated and carefully thought out. There was no pressure to actually have the job done after the estimate. We chose to have that work done as well (adding some doors in the basement storage areas, removing a wall oven and building a microwave cabinet in its place). All exceeded our imagined results. I absolutely recommend these guys. They are honest, capable, and conscientious. We have more work to do around here and they will be our first choice! I actually miss having them around.

I did not choose Leader only because I decided to work with a firm who was familiar with my condo building since we have extensive remodel rules to abide by. I would certainly consider Leader for remodel work to be done on my house.