Contractors in Oak Park

“2.5 years ago our basement flooded the day before we moved in. As a first time homeowner it was an uphill battle. After we replaced the sewer line, installed drain tile, and got the rotting supports replaced we had finally resolved the flooding problems. However, there was no desire, and frankly no Reason, to celebrate.

The basement was now mangled. Dust from the unfinished concrete was visibly building up on the filters. This was merely the Battle of Helm's Deep part of our journey with much more to go. We began planning how we wanted to (re)finish the basement, called the number for Marion Street Services, and talked to Tony. He came at the first light on the first day with a few other members of his team to look at our situation. They took the time to fully inspect the basement, not just the few things we mentioned. They listened to what we had been through and were empathetic throughout. Within a few days they sent over an extremely in-depth itemized list of estimates for anything we could have wanted. Instead of playing whack-a-mole with problems as they popped up, we now had a checklist with details and rough costs. This was so immensely helpful and allowed us to put together a longer term plan, figure out which parts were cheaper than we thought, which were more expensive and worth DIY-ing.

We decided to proceed with finishing the basement floor, for which epoxy was recommended. They connected us with Jim from The Garage Store who came out WITH the Marion team and they used a laser level to see where the ground rose and sank, finding differences of over 3 inches in some areas. Instead of just pouring epoxy and calling it a day they came up with a plan to grind down the high points and trowel in material at the low points so we could have a more usable and enjoyable space at the end of the day. Kierra with Marion Street Services took care of the communication with Jim from there, and forwarded me their estimate which was more than fair. She worked with The Garage Store to schedule the work, facilitated the communication on color and timeline, made payments simple with an online link, and checked in on the progress throughout the work.

I couldn't be more happy with how the floor turned out. I put a few before and after photos next to each other to show just how wild the difference is. The floor is more level, the finish is spread evenly flush with all edges and even around the difficult plumbing, furnace, and framing.

If you have a little, or a lot of work you need to get done, do yourself a favor and get help. I spent a lot of time searching for plumbers, electricians, architects, structural engineers, the list goes on and on. Multiply that by at least two if you are looking to compare opinions and estimates. I wish I had found Marion Street Services much sooner. I have a few things I am finishing on my own, but am going to need a lot of help in the months to come. When I do, Marion Street Services will be the first number I dial, because it truly feels like you have Tony and the rest of the team in your corner.

I'll admit the LOTR reference was dramatic, but that last photo is my wife's and my first shoe-less steps in our basement in two and a half years of living here. Whatever situation you are in, you don't gotta face it alone. Marion Street Services are as honest as they come. They are there to help, not to shake you down for as much as they can. Do yourself a favor, or do your FUTURE self a favor, and just give them a call. You won't regret it.“

“Smith Painting and Decorating is the absolute best. Sean and his guys came out to paint our garage and the trim on our house. They were SO FAST and professional. Everyone on the team was friendly and knowledgeable. They did an incredible job and we will absolutely be calling them again.“

“Oak Design did several projects for me on a turn of the century Victorian home in Oak Park which had an original interior in a mission style FL Wright had popularized. In 2023, I asked them to assist in a remodeling of a small home in Barrington I had moved to. The challenge was to revise the connected kitchen and family room into a mid-century modern style. We worked together on our ideas for the look and the result was amazing. Oak Design took some photos at the conclusion which I hope they will post on their web site. Everyone who has seen the work has gushed over the quality. Dave, Bogdon and their crews are simply the best.“

“This is the second time I have used Budget Right Kitchens for a remodel, and both times have ended up with fantastic results. The most recent job was large and complicated in my 100+ year old house, and Dirk was great about meeting with me daily to go over changes or obstacles as walls were opened up and brainstorm solutions with me. We were able to significantly value engineer my project, even as we encountered new hurdles (i.e. expenses) so that I ended up with the majority of what I had envisioned without blowing my budget. Was every day rainbows and sunshine? Of course not, it's a home renovation, but I always felt I could trust Dirk, and we could be direct with each other which made everything as smooth as possible. I also have to shout out Marcin, who did the majority of the carpentry. He is a true craftsman with great attention to detail! Thanks Budget Right Kitchens! (Ignore the lack of stove in photos...still waiting on it but not fault of BRK)Service: Home renovations“

“Super thrilled with Ron and his team for creating such a beautiful kitchen. We had a terribly outdated kitchen and Ron really helped with me with the design and all the functions of the new kitchen!. We couldn't be happier, his crew was super nice and polite and they always cleaned up after themselves. Even during Covid and some re-plumbing issues the schedule moved right along. I would totally recommend this group they are reasonable, responsible, trustworthy, listen to all your needs and come up with great solutions.Service: Remodeling“

“Fritz and George are beyond amazing! They have helped my family and I with so much! We are so grateful for all their work. The have helped with multiple house projects. Abby's installed a kitchen faucet, a basement bathroom sink, smart door bells, and the most recent project a bedroom demolition and remodel. I have a new ceiling with a gorgeous ceiling fan, beautiful crown moulding, two extra outlets and new baseboards. They painted the entire bedroom and we're incredibly clean during the entire process. For three weeks, they worked with their masks on and we're very prompt and professional. I will continue to use Abby's, no doubt in my mind they are the best and affordable!!“