Disorganized. Dismissive. Deceptive
That is how we would characterize our experience with Connstruct.
The list of issues we could bring up is extensive.
PLEASE read the Home Repair pamphlet that is available on the Illinois attorney general website. Read your contract carefully.
Our supposed 3-4 mo project had an online schedule that was rarely correct. Completion date was pushed back at least 5 times. (Example pics attached). We're in month 7. Still no useable kitchen. We started working with Connstruct mid 2024. The permit process was prolonged as we needed a variance. Experienced contractors that have worked on older homes would have known this and not wasted time getting rejected for a regular permit.
There was an online schedule but we brought up that things were not proceeding per schedule. We were told this was just a guideline, and that weekly email updates would be provided so we could know what was happening with our home.
These updates rarely came on time, if at all. When we dared to call the company out on their inadequate communication, things got worse. We were told we were "over involved."
Any request had to be made multiple times. Most lien waivers had typos. I had to send multiple requests for accurate invoices after payments were made. It took months to provide a list of subcontractors (see #10 in the aforementioned consumer rights pamphlet). After months of asking for samples (flooring, decking, trim, siding), we were bullied into quickly choosing a floor stain that wasn't what we wanted, otherwise it was our fault the project was delayed. I asked for receipts for material orders. These were rarely provided.
Thank goodness my husband knows a lot about construction. Almost every part of the project has had to be done twice due to mistakes. On my own, I would have been left with a substantially subpar outcome (though some mistakes were pretty obvious, see pictures).
The safety of my family, my home, and my pets has been disregarded, with the original "lockbox" for the key being a brick in the backyard. I've come home on multiple occasions to find doors unlocked. The week of spray foam insulation install, it was mentioned as an afterthought that we should not be home (since it is initially toxic). This also wasn't done correctly the first time. I had to scramble to remove 3 pets from the home for the entire day on short notice, twice.
I asked for a heads up if workers were coming on a Saturday. It's scary to wake up to unexpected men in your house at 7am. This request was also largely ignored, despite the head contractor stating that he would be upset if his wife woke up to that situation.
Daily trash clean up didn't happen. Trash piles ruined our yard with shards of glass and metal.
When concerns were brought up, we didn't get explanations, or even good excuses. The more we called them out, the worse things got. It was obvious that many email communications were AI generated, with vague answers without dates or specifics. When I asked for non AI generated communications (some people have trouble processing this type of information), the owner immediately became defensive and my request for improved accessibility was dismissed.
This degree of disregard and lack of professionalism has to be called out. I've heard too many stories from other women who've also been treated differently/poorly by a contractor. This shouldn't be the norm. It shouldn't be tolerated.
Long story short, if:
you're looking for someone to remodel part of your older home but you're a busy professional
you appreciate timely & detailed communication
you value the safety of your home & family
you don't appreciate being gaslit
- Do yourself a favor, find a different company.
I'm sure there will be a defensive reply from the company. They've already told me I'm unreasonable. But take a look at my Yelp profile. I don't leave 1 star reviews. Feel free to reach out if you need more information. I have quite a bit more documentation I'm happy to share. read more