New Prairie Construction Co
About us
New Prairie Construction is a full-service, insured general contractor, serving the Champaign–Urbana area since 1988. We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. All of our crew are certified by the EPA in lead-safe remodeling and OSHA-10 Construction Safety certified. Continuing education for our staff has also included training in mixing and applying historic lime mortars and plasters, wood window restoration, making and applying natural paints and finishes, solar panel installation, energy efficiency and air-sealing, straw bale building, and conferences to keep abreast of the latest techniques and products. We have both a Building Performance Institute (BPI) Certified Building Analyst and a North American Board of Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Certified PV Installation Professional™ on staff. New Prairie’s carpenters have expertise in many areas, but as a general contractor, we also employ a team of insured subcontractors. These include electricians, plumbers, masons, and roofers. Our professional relationships are of long standing, and we stand by our subcontractor work as we do our own. New Prairie is a member of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, Illinois Solar Energy Association, Window Preservation Alliance, and the Preservation and Conservation Assocation (PACA) of Champaign County. We have won 21 preservation and business awards, and perform regular volunteer work in the community (see more on our website).
Business highlights
37 years of experience
Services we offer
Remodeling * Kitchens & Bathrooms * Additions * Solar Panel Installation * Energy Efficiency & Insulation * Historic Restoration & Renovation * Straw Bale Construction * Green Building Methods * Lead-safe Work Practices
Amenities
Free Estimates
Yes
Reviews
4.912 Reviews
| Number of Stars | Image of Distribution | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| 92% | ||
| 8% | ||
| 0% | ||
| 0% | ||
| 0% |
Showing 1-12 of 12 reviews
Heather D.
Oct 2017
It went extremely well. I attended a Solar 2.0 meeting and was impressed by the Solar program's extensive education about how group purchasing can make sustainable energy affordable. Nicholas assessed our project and we discovered that the Federal credits would help us cut down the cost of some of the electric upgrades we were going to do regardless of adding solar. We created a system with a plan to add even more in the future. Our panels went live in June 2017. Our September bill we created as much electric as we used. The online solar monitoring tool included with our system allows use to see how the system is performing. New Prairie Construction is incredible and therefore very busy. Totally worth the wait. I look forward to hiring them fir future interior remodeling projects.
Response from New Prairie Construction Co
"Thanks so much for the shout-out, [Member Name Removed]! Please don't hesitate to contact us is you have any concerns or questions in the future."
Jun S.
Jun 2016
unknown
Response from New Prairie Construction Co
"Thanks for taking the time to give us a review! We appreciate it! --Julie Birdwell & Jill Mulder, New Prairie Construction"
Donna D.
Feb 2016
Day 1, New Prairie Construction and extended the vents through the roof. Because they finished kind of late, they returned the next morning just to double-check everything
Day 2, the sub-contractor completed all insulation including soffit vents, spray foam and cellulose.
Day 2, the sub-contractor completed all insulation including soffit vents, spray foam and cellulose.
Response from New Prairie Construction Co
"Thank you for the review, [Member Name Removed]! We greatly appreciate it. Please let us know if you have any concerns or questions that have arisen; we're always here to help. -- Julie Birdwell & Jill Mulder, NPCC"
David W.
Jan 2016
Things went pretty well. Of course there are always a few little "gotchas" that don't go quite like you expected, but all things considered we were quite pleased. We love our refurbished kitchen, and everything turned out great.
The workers did a good job of keeping the mess down and left things usable when they left for the day. (At least to the extent possible during a major do-over.) And they were always courteous and professional. And they kept at the work consistently - no long breaks while they went off and worked on someone else's project.
There were a few minor issues that we found after they were done. They were corrected promptly and cheerfully.
I will say, they are not the least expensive option around. You won't have much trouble finding someone who will do the work for less. But we've talked to several people who said they went with another contractor based on cost, and regretted the decision later.
The workers did a good job of keeping the mess down and left things usable when they left for the day. (At least to the extent possible during a major do-over.) And they were always courteous and professional. And they kept at the work consistently - no long breaks while they went off and worked on someone else's project.
There were a few minor issues that we found after they were done. They were corrected promptly and cheerfully.
I will say, they are not the least expensive option around. You won't have much trouble finding someone who will do the work for less. But we've talked to several people who said they went with another contractor based on cost, and regretted the decision later.
Response from New Prairie Construction Co
"Thanks for the review, [Member Name Removed]! We are so glad you're loving the kitchen and we hope it's still performing as you hoped. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any additional concerns. Our prices do tend to be a little higher than some construction companies, but our customers know that their property will be respected and their satisfaction guaranteed. We also do our best to provide our crew with health insurance, retirement, and other benefits to help ensure that we retain highly skilled, creative, and committed employees who consistently do excellent work. This raises our overhead, but we feel it's a win/win for New Prairie and the customers alike. Julie Birdwell & Jill Mulder, New Prairie Construction Company"
Don G.
Nov 2015
We have used New Prairie before and again found them to be thoroughly professional and very knowledgable. They are very pleasant people to work with to a person. They are thorough and meticulous.
Response from New Prairie Construction Co
"Thanks for the review, [Member Name Removed]! It's always a pleasure to work with you. Please don't hesitate to call if you have any concerns! Sincerely, Jill Mulder & Julie Birdwell, NPCC"
Jessica H.
Sep 2015
Needed to have two deck boards replaced. We purchased and cut the boards. The response to the initial inquiry was quick and professional. I was told that the scheduler would get in touch to schedule a time for the repair.
I happened to be home early from work when the crew showed up, having finished another job early. There were three or four people working to replace the boards, and it took about 45 minutes. They were prompt and cleaned up after themselves.
The invoice was incorrect when, and after a phone call I was sent a new one immediately. Seemed like it could have been a job for one person, but instead we paid the labor for three or four. Despite this, I'd definitely consider this company for any large scale project in the future.
I happened to be home early from work when the crew showed up, having finished another job early. There were three or four people working to replace the boards, and it took about 45 minutes. They were prompt and cleaned up after themselves.
The invoice was incorrect when, and after a phone call I was sent a new one immediately. Seemed like it could have been a job for one person, but instead we paid the labor for three or four. Despite this, I'd definitely consider this company for any large scale project in the future.
Response from New Prairie Construction Co
"Thanks for taking the time to write a review, [Member Name Removed]. We really appreciate the feedback. Sometimes crew members finish up with a project early, and we can send more of them out to do small slip-in jobs such as yours. While one carpenter could have handled the work, it can be finished faster with more. Also, if someone is new on the job, it can be a good time to make sure they are working to New Prairie's high standards. Our prices do tend to be a little higher than some construction companies, but our customers know that their property will be respected and their satisfaction guaranteed. We also do our best to provide our crew with health insurance, retirement, and other benefits to help ensure that we retain highly skilled, creative, and committed employees who consistently do excellent work. This raises our overhead, but we feel it's a win/win for New Prairie and the customers alike. Sincerely, Jill Mulder & Julie Birdwell, NPCC"
Alaina P.
Jul 2015
My bathroom is gorgeous! I would use New Prairie again in a heartbeat. They were courteous and dedicated to getting the job done on time and on budget. Every person who worked on the project, including subcontractors, was incredibly professional and went out of their way to ensure that they communicated with me and that the construction didn't impinge any more than necessary on my daily activities. When unexpected problems popped up, they were clear about what it would cost and how it would impact the timeline. I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome of this remodel.
Response from New Prairie Construction Co
"Thanks for writing a review, [Member Name Removed]! We hope you are still loving your bathroom. Please let us know if anything has come up that needs addressing. Sincerely, Julie Birdwell & Jill Mulder, NPCC"
Brenda C.
Jul 2015
We had an addition built on our house that had a cantilever. Unfortunately, it was not properly supported and the outer walls were beginning to sag. New Prairie came in and brought the floor to level as much as possible (couldn't bring it all the way due to the poor original construction that they didn't do) and put a new outer foundation on the addition to support the outer walls. I don't think this was a simple job. I had several contractors out who wouldn't touch it. New Prairie knew it needed fixed and didn't back away from the project. They were true professionals and I would work with them again in a heartbeat.
Response from New Prairie Construction Co
"Thanks so much for the review, [Member Name Removed]! Let us know if we can help you in any way. Sincerely, Jill Mulder & Julie Birdwell, NPCC"
Daniel C.
Dec 2014
great
Response from New Prairie Construction Co
"Thanks, [Member Name Removed]! Julie Birdwell & Jill Mulder, NPCC"
David S.
Mar 2014
Excellent. They have first-rate staff who are skilled, thorough, and thoughtful. Work was done on time. We worked hand-in-hand with them, priming new soffit materials so they could be installed, same for baseboards. Renovations became a collaborative effort. And enjoyable.
Response from New Prairie Construction Co
"Thanks for the review, [Member Name Removed]! Sincerely, Jill Mulder & Julie Birdwell, NPCC"
Susan P.
Oct 2013
I have nothing but good things to say about New Prairie Construction Co; they were awesome. We always knew when they were coming, they were prompt in answering any questions, they were all very clean, the workers were great not only doing a really good job but also interesting to talk to, the estimate was right on the money, just a professional organization. It was great.
Response from New Prairie Construction Co
"Thanks for writing this review, [Member Name Removed]! It'[Member Information Removed] a please to work with you. Please let us know if you ever have any concerns with any of the projects we've completed for you! Sincerely, Jill Mulder & Julie Birdwell, NPCC"
ASSATA Z.
Dec 2012
It went very well overall. Their bid was good, and they did a professional job.
Response from New Prairie Construction Co
"Thanks for the review, [Member Name Removed]! Sincerely, Jill Mulder & Julie Birdwell, NPCC"
Licensing
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FAQ
New Prairie Construction Co is currently rated 4.9 overall out of 5.
Yes, New Prairie Construction Co offers free project estimates.
No, New Prairie Construction Co does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
No, New Prairie Construction Co does not offer a senior discount.
No, New Prairie Construction Co does not offer emergency services.
No, New Prairie Construction Co does not offer warranties.