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Machines for Living

Windows, Doors, Interior Painting,

About us

Design, Fabrication and Installation

Business highlights

39 years of trusted experience

Services we offer

General Contractor

Amenities

Free Estimates
Yes


Accepted payment methods

American Express
Check
Discover
Financing Available
MasterCard
Visa

Reviews

5.010 Reviews
Number of StarsImage of DistributionNumber of Ratings
5
100%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%


Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.9
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Showing 1-10 of 10 reviews

David C.
02/2016
5.0
plumbing
  + -1 more
They did excellent work and at a very reasonable price. They got everything working well. I have a lot of confidence in them and they do very high quality work. They were able to remedy someone else's mess. I have had only positive experiences working with them.
Description of Work: They did plumbing work on the house.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$500

James M.
08/2013
5.0
plumbing, replacement windows, doors
  + 1 more
Excellent. Kevin doesn't stop until you are satisfied.
Description of Work: Change smoke detectors, adjust closet door, repair shower head, and install patio pavers

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$6,000

ELLEN S.
08/2013
5.0
drywall, electrician, replacement windows, interior painters, doors
  + 3 more
It went beautifully. Kevin Baird, the owner, who had done work for us in the past, outlined the project in detail, explained exactly what would happen on what day, and contacted us daily (we went out of town during the bulk of the work and felt very comfortable doing so) with updates. Everyone we met who worked for him was courteous and hard-working, and each day we were there, they cleaned up very well. Dust was much less of a problem than we had anticipated. Kevin et al moved furniture at the beginning and moved it back at the end. The project took a bit longer than we had thought it would, but it wasn't a problem because we had had a vacation scheduled and had no qualms about leaving Kevin in charge of our house.
Description of Work: In preparation to sell our townhouse, we turned a large bedroom in a townhouse back into 2 small bedrooms (which had existed when we bought the unit). The project involved demolishing a walk-in closet that had been built about 10 years ago, replacing the 2 original closets and installing closet doors, turning a set of French doors into 2 separate entry doors, installing electricity for 2 ceiling fixtures, and rerouting outlets, cable, and vents. Both rooms were painted at the end, new carpet was installed in one room, and the old carpet was salvaged and reinstalled in the other room.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$9,000

Trish P.
08/2013
5.0
drywall, replacement windows, interior painters
  + 1 more
Kevin worked with us to make this repair from water damage happen when it was the best time for us, and explains everything well so that you know exactly what to expect. They cover everything, and at the end you can't even tell anyone has been there (everything is cleaned up very well). Kevin also checks with you to make sure you are satisfied with the job. Great customer service.
Description of Work: dry wall 2 bathrooms, pain 2 bathroom, and a ceiling

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$3,500

David C.
08/2013
5.0
plumbing, replacement windows
  + 0 more
On very short notice the provider presented himself at our house and assessed the status of an outdated and mechanically weakened toilet. The provider suggested a replacement given the age and condition of the toilet. Installed promptly and efficiently, we experienced no disruption. His workmen were extremely professional and timely. We received exactly what was promised and no dirt or debris remained after installation. The worksite was spotless and everything functions well. We have utilized this provider for smaller and larger projects (replaced a shower and retailed floor). Each project was as promised and completed to the highest standards. We strongly endorse this provider.
Description of Work: The provider replaced our bathroom toilet.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$800

Tish N.
04/2013
5.0
replacement windows, woodworking
  + 0 more
I trust them with my home projects. They did such a great job. Their specialty is customizing space and they do it very well.
Description of Work: Replaced my windows and custom built cabinets for me.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Tish N.
04/2012
5.0
concrete repair, electrician, garage doors, custom furniture, interior painters, cabinet refacing, doors
  + 5 more
I use them regularly. My house was built in the 1980s and is full of problems because of the way it was built. Machines for Living has managed to stabilize some of these problems for me. I find them to be super trustworthy. They arrive when they say they are going to arrive and they do what they say they are going to do. They don't stop until you are happy with the job. They have worked on some things that require a lot of imagination because of the condition that the house is in. They are able to deal with pre-existing problems quite nicely. I continue to use them. I have run into some projects that are going to be pricey, but I know they are going to it right and increase the overall value of the house.
Description of Work: Machines for Living has done remodeling work for us. Yesterday, they came by to give me quotes to replace a furnace and a compressor. They repaired a gate problem that I was having, some of it was minor and some of it was to prepare to move forward with other projects. . They are building a custom TV cabinet in the wall. In the past, they have done painting, replaced a front door and garage door and done electrical work. They repair things that are just falling apart. They repaired and replaced cabinets in a bar area. I didn't want them to remove all the existing cabinets, I just wanted new fronts. I wanted them to be cleaned up and the doors made more sturdy. They made a custom glass finish that they applied to the cabinets to give them a whole new look and to function with the existing parts of the cabinets. It was a custom art-based application. They made something that could have been a complete wreck and turned it into something really nice.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Beth K.
10/2011
5.0
concrete repair, electrician, hardwood floor, masonry, plumbing, replacement windows, woodworking, interior painters, cabinet refacing, doors
  + 8 more
I knew this was much larger of a job than I could ever try to run myself, so I hired Kevin Baird at Machines for living to be my general contractor and to provide the subcontractors for all the services performed for my badly needed home remodel. We sat down and started going over the wish list and what each of the choices would entail. He had a great design sense and he gave me budget friendly options that I would never have thought of. Once I made all of my decisions, Kevin gave me a very detailed contract that itemized everything we discussed, the materials he was using and the cost, the labor costs, timeline for both his productivity and also payment structure. I signed the contract and he remodeled the entire main floor of my home including the kitchen, living room, dining room, foyer entrance, and back entrance. I also asked him to remodel my master suite and to paint two common bathrooms, the stairwells and upstairs hallway. The main floor project required removing walls to achieve an open floor plan, cutting a trench in the concrete and filling in the floor to add plumbing for a new peninsula sink with a disposal, replacing the ceiling throughout the whole level, removing flooring in the kitchen and foyer replacing it with ceramic tile and epoxy grout and refinishing the living room and dining room oak flooring with an entirely new stain color and epoxy finish. The kitchen was taken back to the studs and was rebuilt for me installing new cabinets and custom cabinetry, sinks, granite countertops, plumbing, electrical, appliances, kitchen garden window and french doors. In the master suite, Kevin reconfigured the closets creating a sitting area which opened up that room as well. He installed recessed ceiling lighting, pendants and chandeliers throughout the house, Machines for Living finished every room and wall with very detailed crown moldings and baseboards, primed and painted the moldings, ceilings and walls with two coats of finish paint and new switchplates and outlet covers. The more he completed the happier I became. Every step of the way he was available to answer all my questions. He was on site regularly to ensure that his workers were working effectively and trouble shooting any issues that came up. He was a pleasure to work with, very attentive and professional. He worked well with his subcontractors and made sure that they finished everything beautifully. This was a very large undertaking and I am absolutely thrilled with my home now!
Description of Work: My floor was coming up in the kitchen and the ceiling was coming down in the living room on the main floor of my house and things all over were in need of updating and I needed a lot of help. I decided that I needed to remodel my kitchen and repair all of the things that needed fixing, but I didn't know where to begin.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$50,000

Tish N.
10/2011
5.0
landscaping, replacement windows
  + 0 more
They are non invasive when they are in your home. They do things in a very precise manner. They are very trustworthy, efficient, and creative as well when working. Kevin created garden walls based off of what I wanted. They did an excellent job. They are currently working at my home right now as well.
Description of Work: They created walls in my yard. They installed cabinets. They made repairs to my home that were messed up by other contractors. They have installed windows in the past.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Tish N.
02/2011
5.0
replacement windows, doors
  + 0 more
They did a great job. I completely trusted them to work in and around my home (even if I am not there). Everything about what they did, I would recommend. They were efficient and punctual. Their prices are good as well. I also have a valuable art collection of irreplaceable pieces and they understand the precautions that must be taken so that nothing is damaged.
Description of Work: They have replaced all the windows in my four-story town house. They have also come in and worked on smaller projects. They have replaced my front and garage door.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

    Contact information

    1102 North Wolcott Ave, Chicago, IL 60622


    Licensing

    State Contractor License Requirements

    All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves. To find more licensing information for your state, visit our State Contractor License Requirements page.

    *Contact business to see additional licenses.


    Service Categories

    Windows,
    Doors,
    Interior Painting,
    Plumbing,
    Electrical,
    Cabinet Refacing and Refinishing,
    Finished Carpentry and Woodworking,
    Drywall,
    Concrete Pouring and Repair,
    Furniture - Custom Made,
    Masonry,
    Landscaping

    FAQ

    Machines for Living is currently rated 5 overall out of 5.
    Machines for Living accepts the following forms of payment: American Express,Check,Discover,Financing Available,MasterCard,Visa
    Yes, Machines for Living offers free project estimates.
    No, Machines for Living does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
    No, Machines for Living does not offer a senior discount.
    No, Machines for Living does not offer emergency services.
    No, Machines for Living does not offer warranties.
    Machines for Living offers the following services: General Contractor

    Contact information

    1102 North Wolcott Ave, Chicago, IL 60622