Thank you for considering The Smart Houses Solution for your home remodeling project. The Smart Houses Solution has been in business in Chicago and in Cook County for 20 years. We specialize in complete interior and exterior remodeling projects, including kitchens, bathrooms, basements, windows, siding and construction of custom decks multi-story buildings. We have our own work crews and provide quality European craftsmanship. No matter how large or small of a project, we are absolutely sure that your experience will be a good one. Call us today for a FREE ESTIMATE!
Business highlights
22 years of trusted experience
Emergency Services Offered
Services we offer
Repair and construction of porches and decks.
Complete basement renovation.
New addition.
Complete service with permits and architect plans.
I contacted this business via Angie's list. Mike Friedman responded promptly. Unfortunately, we played some phone tag. He happened to call me while I was waiting for an important work call, and then the following day while I was driving my kid to swim lessons. I apologized for the phone tag and I asked him if I could call him back when my kid was at his lesson, to which he responded, with a mean tone "No." I told him I was doing the best I could to take care of this job, but I also work full time and have kids. His response to this, again with a mean tone, "Well you're not doing a very good job" Completely unprofessional.
Description of Work: Deck repairs
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
Response from The Smart Houses Solutions
I have called this lady many times, leaving messages and speaking to her and she never calls back. She tells me she has to speak to her wife about scheduling a meeting and will call back but never does. We have seen the condo association in 2019 for some estimates but never did any work.
Mary D.
08/2023
5.0
decks
+ -1 more
They did a great job with demo and rebuilding a covered porch. They were very neat and kept the workspace clean every day. They were professional and did an excellent job.
The job went very well. Great attention to detail and excellent communication. Very happy with our new deck and the interior and exterior finish work that accompanied the sliding door install.
Description of Work: deck built and sliding door and sidelight window
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Daniel D.
08/2021
5.0
decks
+ -1 more
Fantastic. Replaced rotted wood with composite for long-term maintenance-freezes. Replaced wooden spindles with a porch wire rail system. So cool. So clean. Perfectly installed. Great communication by Greg and Tom. I recommend.
Description of Work: Re-Built Wooden Porch
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$11,000
Michael K.
07/2021
5.0
decks
+ -1 more
Both carpenters displayed excellent skills. The work was completed much more quickly than expected. We are very pleased with the work and would not hesitate to hire them again.
Description of Work: New porch/deck at rear entrance.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$7,000
Janet C.
07/2021
5.0
drywall, electrician, heating & air conditioning/hvac, plumbing, remodeling, home remodeling, interior painters, basement remodeling
+ 6 more
My first major remodel, I knew it was a huge project and needed the right company to get the job done, I was praying The Smart Houses Solutions would be the right choice, just knowing there are so many options, you hope you choose someone that knows what you are trying to accomplish for your family and comfort in your home, what my basement looked like before and after, incredible!!!! Thank you Greg and Michael,
Description of Work: Basement Remodel
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Response from The Smart Houses Solutions
We really appreciate the time and trust this customer gave our company and the really great projects that kept us busy for many monthe
Emily R.
06/2021
5.0
decks
+ -1 more
These guys are great!! My building's HOA decided to move forward with a roof deck back in 2020. Right off the bat, we met with 4 separate contractors and ultimately decided to move forward with Greg/Mike from The Smart Houses. From the initial walk-through/quote, the care they took to curate the perfect deck solution for our budget, and the overall quality of the finished deck we're thrilled! It was truly a pleasure to partner with them and would 10/10 recommend to anyone looking to get a deck done right.
Description of Work: Roof deck for a condo building
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$30,000
Bob E.
05/2021
5.0
decks
+ -1 more
Job was completed in a timely manner and to my staisfaction.
Description of Work: Had my porch repaired and repainted.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Renee C.
05/2021
5.0
decks
+ -1 more
Everything went great, contacted me to let me know when they were coming, did a beautiful job. Couldn't have ask for it to go smoother and looks great.
Description of Work: New back porch and updated front porch
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$11,800
jorge M.
11/2020
5.0
custom cabinets, decks
+ 0 more
While looking for a contractor to build my front porch, I came across The Smart Houses Solutions. I requested a quote and Michael was quick to respond. After setting a date, Greg arrived early to give us an estimate. Greg listened to what we wanted and gave us recommendations. Once the guys came out to work, they stayed long hours and worked hard. I could not be any more pleased with the outcome of my porch.I chose the Smart Houses because they listened to what I wanted and the results are excellent. I have gotten many compliments on my brand new porch. Thank you Smart Houses
Description of Work: Front Porch
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
SANDEEP K.
11/2020
5.0
decks
+ -1 more
We used "the Smart housing Solutions" to build our backyard deck with clear pergola roof. the Smart Houses Team did a fabulous job with the deck and the pergola and we couldn't be happier with how everything turned out. The job was done very professionally and thoroughly !!
Description of Work: Backyard deck with Pergola
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$24,000
Gregory T.
10/2020
5.0
decks, fencing, siding
+ 1 more
This was an extensive replacement of a rear porch and garage deck that required replacement of house siding, side fence, and essentially all but the inner frame of a 2 car garage. The work was conducted will full city inspection at several key stages of build. The impressive aspects of the job were the multiple components and the flexibility of Smart Houses to modify and adapt the design parameters as obstacles were encountered and to add on small extra components that arose during the job. Communication was good and cost creep was within expectations for a 150 year old house.
Description of Work: Replacement deck, porch, garage external structure, concrete base and moorings
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$40,000
Faye L.
09/2020
5.0
decks
+ -1 more
This is the second consecutive time Smart House Solutions have completed maintenance for the building ( 6-unit building). They did a great job the first time and we had them return for maintenance work. They painted the deck, and the work was well done. They paid attention to detail and ensured all corners and crevices of the deck was treated.
Description of Work: Deck Maintenance
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Laura L.
09/2020
2.0
custom cabinets, decks
+ 0 more
They did not build a proper pergola. They didn't add a pitch for water to run off and would not finish a small portion of the porch. Greg decides if he does the work or not. If you want a good deck or pergola do not hire this company. They do not know what they are doing.
Description of Work: New Pergola porch
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
Dre W.
09/2020
5.0
decks
+ -1 more
Wonderful job! Greg was very professional and friendly. He was able to work with us. Other companies wanted to tear out the columns and railings when all we needed was new tongue and groove boards on the porch.. Greg suggested a reasonably priced material which was going to be painted anyway He itemized the estimate. The workers were very pleasant and skilled. We were impressed! Nice attention to detail. They cleaned up after themselves each day. Mike was able to coordinate the schedule well. We are very pleased with the outcome. We highly recommend them!
Description of Work: Replace deck on our porch
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$5,000
Response from The Smart Houses Solutions
We appreciate the positive response from this customer.
Shamontiel V.
08/2020
1.0
deck cleaning
+ -1 more
I put the entire job word-for-word with a count on it on a home repair sight. Greg called me to say he'd come out for the job, but I wanted to explain to him what the job was because I knew it was going to be pretty long (1 to 2 days) and on the repetitive side. He interrupted me immediately and said, "I read the description." I was a bit thrown off by how rude he was, but I let it slide. I figured maybe we would hit it off in person. It took less than three minutes for him to complain about the ENTIRE job that I was literally repeating from the description. Then he went off on a tangent about why he didn't like our porch at all and why there wasn't an angle bracket in one particular spot. I chose to ignore the choppy responses a second time. But by number three when he told me he "didn't have time" to count or speculate on which brackets needed to be repaired--and he'd have to be paid to count them when no other deck repair company giving us estimates needed to do this (all of them took photographs and were fine with the guesstimate I had considering I already ordered all the parts and just needed labor), I looked at him, said, "Thank you for your time. You can leave now." And I walked away. For the past 24 hours, a little voice in my head kept saying, "Cancel this visit. You already know what he's like." I believe everyone deserves a second chance. He followed behind me, still complaining. My final response was, "Please don't ever contact me again in life." Hard pass. Send someone else to do estimates or make sure Greg doesn't get involved until the down payment/first installment is made. I didn't make him come to work. I didn't make him take the job. And I definitely didn't make him call AFTER reading the full description of the job. He chose to and had an attitude about it. Hard pass.
Description of Work: Deck repair work
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
professionalism
1.0
responsiveness
2.0
punctuality
5.0
Randy C.
04/2020
3.0
decks
+ -1 more
never met with them as they dont do this work although angies list recommended
Description of Work: i wanted porch updated, this company doesnt do that
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
responsiveness
5.0
Response from The Smart Houses Solutions
I have tried to have all south, west and northern suburbs removed from our service area with our Angie's list rep. I will contact our rep again in the future if we still are contacted by customers from zones or areas that we do not service.
Richard C.
09/2019
1.0
decks
+ -1 more
No response for estimate. Handyman located instead.
Description of Work: Deck repair
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
Response from The Smart Houses Solutions
I was never contacted by this customer to schedule an estimate. Perhaps this is a mistake
Kate G.
09/2019
5.0
decks
+ -1 more
Five stars for The Smart Houses Solutions! We have a new front porch that is sturdy, safe and looks fantastic, just the way we wanted it. This was not a huge project: approximately 5' square porch deck and 8 stairs. The structure (posts and stringers, etc) is treated wood and will be stained, the treads and decking are Trex. (Metal railings are provided by another contractor.) Greg, the foreman, came out to take initial measurements and discuss details; Mike, in the office, followed up right away with an estimate by email. Really good communication between the two of them and with me; all questions answered, phone calls and emails returned promptly. The construction crew completed the job neatly and efficiently, and Greg stopped by every day to supervise. They also threw in some important finishing touches: rounded off corners of the support posts, placed insulation in a gap under the deck and repaired some broken concrete. And all at a fair price.
Description of Work: remove and replace front porch and stairs
Greg and his team did a fantastic job. It was a challenging project requiring them to partially demolish the wood frame garage, install a new roof deck on it, build a pergola with privacy and connect it all with the existing steel stairs. Greg offered great advice along the way that enhanced the project. At the end of each day the site and surrounding area was cleaner than when they arrived. When Greg ran into a delay with the iron work he took on the task himself and again exceeded our expectations. We went from staring at a garage to having a beautiful outdoor space in the city for our family to enjoy.
Description of Work: Install a new roof top patio on the garage and update two balconies with new flooring
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Kiangteck Y.
04/2019
1.0
decks, deck cleaning
+ 0 more
Mike sent me a quote but was very annoyed when I told him that their pricing was too high compared to another competitor. He called me back to "tell me to look somewhere else" Very unprofessional and I'm glad I did not use their services. They are a sore "loser"!
Description of Work: Frontporch work and painting and back porch
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
1.0
value
1.0
professionalism
1.0
responsiveness
1.0
punctuality
1.0
Sharon R.
07/2018
5.0
decks
+ -1 more
The work went great. Greg's evaluation of the work needed was excellent. He offered tips on reducing the cost of the repairs and his suggestions were great. Greg and his crew arrived promptly on every dry day and worked at least eight hours. The last day, they worked ten hours to finish the painting. Greg and his crew and very professional and very good at what they do.
Description of Work: We had one outdoor balcony rebuilt, had another extensively repaired, and had some minor repairs done on the first level porch. Then Smart Houses painted the balconies and porch white.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$9,750
Susan S.
08/2017
1.0
decks
+ -1 more
ended up firing them in the middle of the project. They would not listen to my concerns or perform work as per my desire. Demolition of porch left an unsafe roof which they would not address. Paid them too much for the work they performed, but I just wanted to be rid of them.
Description of Work: porch tear down and rebuild
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
2.0
value
3.0
professionalism
1.0
responsiveness
1.0
punctuality
2.0
Mike S.
08/2017
5.0
decks
+ -1 more
After the initial quote, we met again, at my request, to review the job and answer questions I had about how they would make the repair. Greg arrived as scheduled and answered all my questions. The job, as I expected, was re-quoted. The crew arrived at the scheduled time and date and completed the repair in one day, not two. They were professional, courteous and efficient. As their work was progressing, Greg made a point of contacting me so he could show me what they had done so far. I recommend them without reservation and would hire them again.
Description of Work: Repair/Replace a porch post.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Lissa D.
08/2017
4.0
contractors, decks, deck cleaning
+ 1 more
This company lacks attention to detail. While my deck was sanded and stained and looked great, the edge of my deck (completely visible) remained untouched. Upon having Greg over to discuss it, he said it couldn't be fixed. With Greg there, I went and got a hand sander and did it myself. He then said his crew would return and finish it. While the company was very good for scheduling, I was pressed for payment even when there were errors in the invoice. Also, I would suggest having each project itemized before work begins rather than lumping everything together. I had a fence post and deck work and they only gave me one price for both. When I asked for a second fence post, the price I was given seemed not consistent. At the end of completed work I was again pressed for payment.
Description of Work: Sand and stain outdoor deck and replace fence posts.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
4.0
value
4.0
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
5.0
$2,250
Response from The Smart Houses Solutions
This project was done by The Smart Houses. I will ask Angie's List to remove this review from our web site.
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Service Categories
Decks and Porches,
General Remodeling,
Electrical,
Interior Painting,
Deck Maintenance,
Plumbing,
Drywall,
Kitchen and Bath Remodeling,
Windows,
Siding,
Handyman Services,
Fencing
FAQ
The Smart Houses Solutions is currently rated 4.4 overall out of 5.
Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
The Smart Houses Solutions accepts the following forms of payment: American Express,Check,MasterCard,Visa
Yes, The Smart Houses Solutions offers free project estimates.
Yes, The Smart Houses Solutions offers eco-friendly accreditations.
No, The Smart Houses Solutions does not offer a senior discount.
Yes, The Smart Houses Solutions offers emergency services.
Yes, The Smart Houses Solutions offers warranties.
The Smart Houses Solutions offers the following services: Repair and construction of porches and decks.
Complete basement renovation.
New addition.
Complete service with permits and architect plans.