JOB: Front porch demo and re-build. PROS: The cost was reasonable. They completed the work quickly once the work began. CONS: Communicating with the scheduling team was frustrating. After the contract was signed, we didn't get a start date until the day before (despite a few requests to confirm). This happened twice. You can expect quick and efficient work from the guys working, but don't count on it from the schedulers. read more

Mark from Framar is straightforward, honest and forthright. They do work for us in the past, and this year came out and told us that we don't need any repairs done! How's that for a great quote? He also noticed a couple loose boards and insisted on screwing them down for me before he left. You just don't get that kind of service these days... Unless you hire these guys which I recommend you do. read more

After interacting with multiple structural engineers and contractors, I wish I went to Framar first - their proposal to rebuild the entire balcony was the same cost just to reinforce it. They handle everything end to end - drawings, permit, materials, scaffolding, build and inspection. Their crew was very efficient and Bonnie and Mark were responsive in addressing all my concerns throughout the process. read more

Our Condomium Board and owners cannot speak highley enough about FRAMAR -- from communication(s) with Bonnie, Marek and Mark (if I have their names right) through to the crew --Peter, Vassily, Manuel-- that painstakingly replaced our 1908 steel/concrete porches with treated wood with Trex decking. Their cuts are meticulously accurate with their day-in/day-out efficiency and work ethic most impressive. They have our whole-hearted endorsement. They get and A+. A 10 our of 10. We would say this in chorus-- if you have the opportunity to hire FRAMAR, and don't chose them, you will have made the building blunder of your life.. Most appreciatively, The Board President. read more

Our building had a fantastic experience working with Framar. We are a small condo building with only three units, and this was our first time doing such a large project together. The Framar team was patient and helpful, walking us through the process. We were worried when they told us how fast they could tear down and build our new patios and stairs. The quality is amazing, and they customize each of our levels to meet our specific design needs and wants. It was a big project, and Framar made it easy for us. It can take a bit to schedule your crew to start building, but Mark and Bonnie explained this to us upfront. Due to Chicago weather and working with city permitting, it is difficult to give exact dates. Builders also have peak seasons, where it is very busy. Framar has multiple crews, though, and once they start, they are efficient and fast. My recommendation for anyone looking to do a project is to start early and talk with your builder upfront about timelines. read more

This company and their staff were a pleasure to work with. They built a beautiful porch for us. Everything was done very quickly and their craftsmanship was amazing. I was kept up to date through the whole thing. I recommend this team so highly. I have already told so many of my family and friends about their excellent work!! read more

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They did a really wonderful job on our front porch with install of composite decking. We did a full porch replacement and couldn't be happier with the results. We will definitely use them again. read more

This company has been repairing our back porch for years. Great service and communication every time I call. Highly recommend.

I called them, for repairs and protection coating, as they had built the porch for a 3-flat that I'd purchased. They were unresponsive. I talked to them, but it became clear that they weren't interested in helping to MAINTAIN the structure. read more

I'll update this review as the project does or doesn't move along. The company has had our down payment for months, and now they have had the permits for a few weeks. Nobody will respond with a start date for our new porch and rarely do they respond at all. Honestly, this is beginning to feel like a run-around and I'll be looking to get the BBB involved soon. Hopefully service gets better. read more

Bonnie and Mark easy to work with. When they said their crews were coming out they were there and when there was a delay they let you know. Chris the lead carpenter does excellent work. Finally a company gives you what you pay for. read more

We shopped around for prices and they had the best price. Every time I called, the lady was professional and answered all my questions. She must work all the time because I called in mornings and evenings. Although other companies had more reviews, I went with them because our previous building's porch was built by them before I lived here. Any contractor that sees our porch has always been impressed with the quality of their work. Framar did a great job sealing the deck too after, this was done to help minimize cracking in the wood. This was my best contractor- homeowner experience and wish more companies operated like they do. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for any porch work! read more

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I had these guys do my front and back porch. Can't say enough good things about Mark, Bonnie, and the crew over at Framar porches. From the permit and drawings all the way to the little finishes, these guys were on top of it. I would highly recommend hiring these guys if your looking to redo your porch! read more

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Framar Builders Constructed three different decks for me for three different apartment buildings over the last 10 years and did a phenomenal job with each project. Their prices were extremely reasonable and the work was stellar. Marek and Bonnie were great to work with and I'd recommend them to anybody looking for decks and porches. read more

Did great work and the crew was incredibly prompt and efficient, they even finished the job 2 days faster then allotted. Structure is very sound and level and The workmanship that was done was quality and I'm confident will last a long time read more

If your Chicago building needs a new porch or deck, then this is the company. We're in a 6-flat building, and got the recommendation from our neighbors, and now another building down the block has a deck built by them too. I'm a home inspector and recently took a 3-hour class on deck and porch construction. This is something the city of Chicago takes very seriously as they should. I took lots of notes about best practices, and then checked out our porches. The joist hangers had a nail in every required place and lag bolts were staggered, it is common to see these done incorrectly. read more

I really wish I could comment about the work of Framar Porches but I can't, I never got an estimate. I scheduled the appointment last week for today Monday October 24, 2016 at 9:30am. The estimator arrived at 9:45a, I know not a big deal, however he didn't even attempt to apologize. When I asked him why was he late and the least he could do was apologize. I received the following response "I am here! You don't want?! Fine I am leaving!" The reality is if this is how they perform an estimate is this a company you want to use. read more

***I did NOT use the services of this company*** My review is based on the fact that I called this company twice, and twice they stood me up with the request of a scheduled estimate. I read good things but even after the woman who took my call for a second time, promised to call me back before the end of the day, didn't, I realized that they were making so much money that the company was interested in getting of mine. Wish I had a better experience!!! read more

2nd time they had to come fix our porch due to poor construction. Contractors gave no warning that they were coming to work and removed my DTV satellite in preparation of repairs, and DID NOT notify me or the property building company. When I called to ask them where my dish was and where to send them the bill, woman on the phone only wanted to be a *itch, argued, claimed they were not responsible if they removed it -- even though they STOLE my property! I filed a police report prior to this discussion today. If they built the porch right the first time, nobody would have had this problem! F--- read more

Wish I could leave a review based on the quality of their work, but never even got a chance to get a quote. I called twice to see if I could set up an estimate. Was told they were out to lunch or something and I'd hear back later that day. Well, after first time I didn't hear back so tried again two weeks later. And again...nothing. I'm very happy their business is making so much money they don't need my ~$10-15k job :) read more

These guys are EXCELLENT! I'm in real estate and rehab houses. Excellent work ethics, good materials and super hard working men. They literally do not play! You won't be sorry! read more

Framar builders made the most sturdy, attractive deck for me! They are so awesome that they are able to make a deck in two weeks! They have many crews working simultaneously building porches or decks all over Chicagoland. The workers, a father/son team has worked for them for way over 15 years. If they're happy, the customer is happy. Working with Bonnie and Marek was easy and delightful. I had other estimates, but felt uneasy with the estimators and that something was just not right. Framar made getting a new deck fun and fast! And the price was reasonable and the work perfect! read more

Had an issue with one stair tread. This stuff happens. They came and replaced and they didn't have to really, but is reasonable considering the stairs are not even a year old. Usually places don't care once they have done the work and taken your money. Great customer service, thanks guys!!!! read more

This might sound patronizing, but don't bother going anywhere else for major repairs or code violations. These guys (& Bonnie) will get her done. They will do a better job and will charge you less. I've been dealing with these people for 20 years and they are truly remarkable! read more

I must say that I am very impressed with Framar. I used them to construct both front and rear porches on my 100 year old graystone two flat. The porches on my house were becoming unsafe and ugly and needed replacement. I gave the job to Framar, first on my back porch, which is basically an exposed staircase with two landings. It was razed in 1/2 day and the new construction was completed in about 5 days. The people doing the work were neat and professional. Once they started the job they worked full and continuous days until it was done. The finished product turned out completely as expected and everyone involved was absolutely forthright and polite. The front porch was handled similarly but took only two days to remove and build. I must say that I was even more impressed with the front porch. The quality of the workmanship and materials is bar none. I am completely satisfied with both results and even though my expectations of the front porch were a bit tentative, the results are outstanding. Five stars for Framar. read more

These guys are amazing! I spent two years working with several other companies trying to get permits and approval from the city to rebuild my porch to no avail, I called Framar, Mark had the city sign off on the permits, the tear down, construction, and final inspection done in about 2 weeks. They were extremely professional, there was always someone at their office to answer questions and keep the whole process moving. They even dealt with a crazy neighbor complaining about the lot line. I have never been so satisfied with a contractor in my life -- I happily wrote out their final payment -- which was exactly the amount they quoted me. If you need a porch built in the City, don't waste your time going anywhere else. read more

Had porch built 5 years ago. Mediocre work..... missing attention to detail. Looked like they tried to cut a few corners to save a buck. Posts not set right... Already cracking. Not sure how God city passed it. Jacked up my sidewalk when pouring new posts. They could have done a better job. Very sloppy and an eye sore every time I see it. Railings crooked in a few areas. Does anyone take pride in there work anymore??????? read more