Our project involved combining two adjacent apartments in a Chicago high rise building, which involved opening walls between the 2 apartments, and creating a new hallway for access. In addition, one of the units (which had been untouched since the building was built in 1968) had to be completely renovated- including new electrical, plumbing, drop ceilings, lighting, drywall, and brand new bathrooms and closets. In addition, new flooring was laid in the entire combined unit, and both existing bathrooms were upgraded.
We interviewed 6 contractors. Davor was the Arete representative with whom we first met, and we also met with Chief Designer Ivana Stojanovska and her team. We chose Arete for many reasons - they were responsive, professional, and clearly knowledgeable about and comfortable with all aspects of our proposed project. They were also very experienced working in high rise condo buildings, which poses a unique set of challenges. And it appeared that they'd work well with both the architects we'd hired to design the project, and the folks at the City of Chicago involved with the complex process of getting city permits and inspections.
Most importantly, though, we felt that we would be able to communicate well with them, and that we could TRUST them. And that has been the case throughout the 10 months we worked with them. Our project manager, Ivan Koconda, was absolutely phenomenal in every way. He communicated quickly and thoroughly at every stage of the process - we'd never done anything like this before, and we had millions of questions and concerns along the way - and Ivan was calm, patient and kind throughout. He/Arete took immediate responsibility and accountability for the inevitable glitches that occurred, and always made things right. His assistant, Damian Sagan, was also a pleasure to work with. I also got to know their subcontractors Igor, Danny and Stefan, who were equally easy to work with. Everyone involved in our project was professional and KIND- a rare commodity these days.
We recommend Arete without reservation.
See More