Leader Builders

A great experience overall, even through some rough patches Looking back at our attic conversion project - converting a completely empty attic space into actual living space with two bedrooms and a bathroom - it was definitely a wild ride with a bunch of new experiences. Who even understands what a construction loan is unless there's something in your life that requires it? And getting an architect and a contractor lined up? We were definitely noobs. Our experience with leader builders begins with the bidding phase - which was interesting to say the least. We received estimates which were all over the map, but just like Goldilocks and the three bears, Leaders estimate was just right. Not insanely over the top where you seriously re-consider the feasibility of the project, but not so low that you question the integrity of the contractor or the people that they'll get to do the work. It was pretty evident that they were realistic about the project we were about to undertake, they were very prompt and enthusiastic about getting the estimate in our hands, and it was brutally clear that they were experienced in invoicing with construction loans. It was that first impression which led us to choose them as our contractor. Things started off very well; they had us meet the project manager and fill out a "selection sheet" right from the beginning so we wouldn't be asked to choose things like what bathroom faucet we wanted while the construction was being executed - all that would be taken care of up front. The selection sheet was a brilliant idea. It needs some tweaking, yes, because we weren't really clear on which items we'd be on the hook for and which they'd take care of. Additionally, it didn't make clear WHEN we'd actually need to start buying things. However, after voicing these concerns, Leader recognized the weaknesses of the sheet and made adjustments. Again, a brilliant idea that can be made even better with minor adjustments. When the construction started, they devised another brilliant plan by creating a staircase that led from our backyard all the way up to the existing rear attic dormer. I was blown away; it is quite a sight to see a gigantic staircase leading all the way upstairs. I never got tired of staring at its brilliance. Anyway, the start of construction was somewhat rocky for us; I don't think we were fully prepared as a family for the amount of displacement it would cause, and I do think that Leader could have prepped us slightly better for it (we decided to live in the house during the entire construction). My suggestion to them would be: be blunt right from the first meeting. Tell us what phases will suck for us so as to lessen the blow when we're told that there really may be no where for us to hide from the chaos on certain days. After this beginning phase where displacement was common - after the attic floor structural construction was finished - things got much easier. Throughout construction, we had many questions, concerns, and comments about how things were being done according to the plans. One thing that Leader did very well, Kaitlyn to be specific, was listen to what we had to say. There was never any judgement upon us, never any "what do these guys know about construction?" moments. Kaitlyn was always willing to listen to our questions and have dynamic conversations about the details within the plans themselves, and she made herself available when needed. Additionally, if these conversations required involvement from our architect or input from the workers themselves, she would engage them as well. There were quite a few instances where this occurred - how rafters should be braced to floor beams, how the back dormer should be reinforced, how the window lentils should be installed, along with many more. But these problems always got solved with the dynamic conversations I spoke about - multiple people coming together to solve a problem; it was fantastic, and Kaitlyn had a lot to do with that. Of course, as in every project, not everything was smooth sailing. We understood that there would inevitably be situations where certain issues would arise that could not have been foreseen, and thus we would incur additional cost due to additional effort required. However, there were a few instances where we felt the "additional work" should have been thought of during the estimation phase. As an example, all of the joists in the attic floor needed to be sistered with LVLs, so that means that some electrical conduit on the first floor inevitably needed to move because we have ceiling fixtures on the first floor. When this part of construction came around, we needed to sign a "Change Order" for the electrician to do that "additional work". Because sistering of the joists was always in the plans, and it was clear how the electrical was run on the first floor, this should have been caught in the estimation phase. At the end of the project, there were 13 total change orders we needed to sign, amounting to about $13k in additional cost. Out of those, we felt 4 in the unforeseen additional cost category could have been caught during estimation. Also, some of the tradesmen that worked on the project were a bit "rougher" to deal with - skipping construction steps and being somewhat careless. However, as I mentioned before, Kaitlyn did an amazing job listening to these concerns and made sure to promptly rectify those situations with them. That said, a majority of the tradesmen Leader chooses for projects, however, are top notch (Especially the carpenters. A big shout out to Janusz, who is the best carpenter I've ever seen in my life.) In conclusion, Leader Builders was a great contractor choice. They clearly know what they're doing. Even though there are things they could improve on - communication surrounding the selection sheet and living displacement during construction, some estimation phase misses, and minor issues with some of the tradesmen - the things they do well definitely outshine these relatively minor issues. Their ability to listen to concerns and have meaningful and dynamic conversations with customers and other experts to resolve a problem, expertise with construction loan disbursements, selection of quality people to do the work, and obvious overall experience with the entire process make them a great pick for any project. We love our new attic space...now living space, and without Leader, it would have never become a reality.

Leader Builders remodeled my kitchen and opened up the walls. My kitchen is more beautiful than I expected! You guys did all the extra things that were not required.

We have provided custom cabinetry for clients of Leader Builders and have worked with Pete and his crew for many years. Each of the projects is individualized to the client and we can provide many different types of cabinets to meet all of their expectations. We enjoy working with Leader's team of installers, because they know how to install custom cabinetry and make it look the best! Their attention to detail is unmatched and getting the job done right the first time seems to be their specialty. What a pleasure to be on the same team.

We hired Leader for a second story addition/ first floor update/ remodel. They listened to our ideas and stayed within what we wanted. They also stayed within our budget and the project ended about 2 weeks early. Overall, very quality work. I would highly recommend working with them.

Working with Leader Builders was a great choice! I highly recommend this company. The team added a second story addition to my north center bungalow, it was a major renovation! They were professional, timely and a joy to work with. We couldn’t be happier with the outcome, they opened up the front of the house, added stairs, all new windows, a completely new second story and a brand new front porch. We constantly have neighbors asking us who did the work and complimenting how beautiful our home is now. I am so happy with our choice to work with leader builders and commend their work ethic. Renovating a 100 year old home has many facets to consider and the team at leader builders was great!

Leader Builders Corp. just completed the new addition and gut-renovation of our existing home, and we couldn't have been more pleased with the results, the process and the people. The project was completed on time and on budget, and Leader truly cares for their clients. They have a truly deep set of skills and craftsmen to draw from, and their attention to detail, professionalism and support are remarkable. The project was slated to take 8-10 months, and we moved back into our new home in 9. Well done Leader and thank you!!

Hi Pete, You all are the first guys who come to mind regarding kitchen gut-remodels. We will definitely keep referring Leader. We always get lots of compliments on our kitchen that you did for us :) Best, Mia

Leader helped us through a gut renovation and expansion of a 100 year old house in oak park. Pete and Caitlyn were very focused and attentive throughout. They problem solved with us on the fly and showed great patience and care when dealing with stressed out clients. They finished the project in March of 2017 and they remain attentive to any questions or quirks we have. Looking forward to the next phase.

Excellent work. Reasonable price. Leader Builders added a large kitchen addition plus mudroom and converted an existing garage to a den. The work was completed on schedule and within budget. The project manager and the owner worked very hard to solve the inevitable unknowns/changes to the project. The changes in scope resulted in reasonable budget increases. The final work product was great. Leader Builders would be the first company I call for any other major work we need on our house.

I’ve worked on numerous projects with Leader Builders since 2009, and they have always come through with stellar results. As an architect/ designer it’s a challenge to find a builder committed to the overall “vision” for the project. I’ve never been let down by Leader. Their attention to detail, commitment to quality and ability to work within various architectural styles is never a question. It’s such an asset to my practice to be able to recommend a builder to a new client that both they and I can trust in every way. Within that spirit I recommend Leader Builders to you without hesitation.

From Nov 2006 through Jan 2017 we have had Leaders Builders perform both large and small scale construction projects on our home. These range from a full restoration of our 100+ year old building (2007 to 2008), replacement of front and back iron fences and railings (2013 & 2016), total replacement of an aging porch and deck using TREX materials (2016), to kitchen back splash tile work (2013), bathroom vanity work (2013) and an electrical outlet addition and meter consolidation (2015). Work is always complete and high quality. We can count on them to focus on our project without distractions or delays. Costs are very reasonable. There is almost nothing too big or too small for them. We turn to Leader Builders as our first choice for home construction, renovation and repair work.

I have worked with Leader Builders since the early 90-ties. They have done multiple projects for me and my family over the years. Whenever I have a project I turn to Leader Builders. I know that they use quality materials and their field staff, both the workers and project managers, have always been fantastic all these years. Working with Leader brings me a peace of mind. I know that I can trust the quality of their work, that they will take the extra time to clean the job sites and not cut corners. Not long ago they built a home for my daughter and son-in-law, who relocated from Colorado and are now our next door neighbors. The home was designed and built beautifully. They always find ways to exceed our expectations.