All reviews for Stratagem Construction & Home Remodeling

Professional, experienced, knowledgeable, listens to your ideas and enhances each vision, prompt responses, on budget. Mitch, Kanya, Jen and their whole team gave their time and expertise to all aspects of the project at hand and others. No project is without hiccups, but the difference is Stratagem's communication, explanations, and follow-up. Will be contacting them for future projects.

We have now worked with Strategem for two separate projects (updating an entire two bedroom and two bathroom condo, including refinishing the flooring) and have been very happy. This was a significant investment, but we are extremely happy we made it and choose Habitar/Strategem. We found the process from start to finish to be very transparent and clearly communicated. Customer service was outstanding. Both jobs were on-time and on-budget.

Process and cost: Mitch was very clear up front with the range of costs for the projects and both the estimate and final billing included details of both materials and labor. This allowed for clear communication about costs and options for ways to reduce cost and what we could expect from the change to our plan.

Construction: The team on-site each time communicated clearly about the timeline and progress, when certain things would occur and orchestrated all of the pieces of the process for us, including the movers when it was time to refinish the floors. When something unexpected came up, they communicated with us about options and expectations of the result. If we wanted something changed, they modified it until we were happy with the result.

The team was exceptional and we would highly recommend them!

Very professional work done

Strategem is outstanding. Gut remodel of two bathrooms was fast and efficient. They are true artisans and their attention to detail shows.

Stratagem is fantastic. Renovated two adjoining condo units into a 2-bedroom unit with new master bath. Happy with the work and their attention to detail..

The job involved complete design and remodeling of a 2200 square foot condominium, encompassing three bedrooms, two full baths, living room, dining room, kitchen, and sun room. It included a complete set of drawings and plans specific enough for bidding; space reconfiguration and planning; selection of colors, trims, and fixtures; sourcing of all materials, fixtures, and appliances; a detailed lighting plan; customized built-in shelving and entertainment center in the living room; and customized radiator covers, three of which double as additional storage.

This project evolved from patching and repairing to remodeling to complete renovation. We came to realize that we needed a designer--somebody to draw up a detailed plan, help us reduce the apparently infinite number of decisions we had to make, and lend some thematic consistency to the project. We did not have a strong vision of what we wanted, and we are not by nature very decisive. Kapan asked enough questions to help us identify the style and mood we wanted but were unable to articulate and reduced our decision making to a tolerable amount. She herself has a strong artistic vision and occasionally pressed us to add more visual interest. What we got in the end is beautiful and elegant, respectful of the Arts and Crafts history of the building, but updated and modernized. We quickly designed ourselves beyond our initial budget projections, but Kapan worked with partner Mitchell Newman of Strategem Builders who added many nice ideas of his own and served as a sounding board to help us economize where possible without making sacrifices to the design.

We worked with Stratagem to come up with a detailed plan for a complete renovation. We opened and closed some doorways and closets to reconfigure closet space, and reconfigured the kitchen space to improve its efficiency. We spent a good deal more time on planning than on construction, but we wanted to make all our design decisions up front to avoid slowing down the work.

They were also terrifically efficient during the demolition phase to avoid inconveniencing our neighbors in our six-flat. As with any renovation in an old building, there were plumbing and electrical surprises underneath when the walls came down, but the team were resourceful and creative in finding elegant solutions.

Mitch staged the work for smooth implementation, working closely with the plumbing and electrical and construction crews. He was present throughout the construction, met with us on-site weekly, communicated regularly, and shared decision-making with us prudently. He met every deadline and there were no last minute surprises. They were very responsive after the construction was completed about returning to make small adjustments and add finishing touches.

Master craftsman Krysztof Jachum executed Kapan's elegant designs meticulously. Actually, to say that he "executed" the designs understates his contribution. He appears to be able to work with any material and added many little features in the finishing that made the space more elegant and grand. Kapan had designed radiator covers and built-in bookshelves, which we had not asked for and initially chose not to build in order to save some money. But we ultimately saw what they would add and we're very glad we had them built. The radiator covers double as bathroom and bedroom cabinets to add storage space. Krysztof supplemented the original designs with his own creative contributions and the result surpassed our expectations. He can do anything, and he does it all with great care and style.

They are not cheap - they know what they are worth. But they are expert, professional, and take great pride in creating beautiful living spaces. There are many contractors who can manage small jobs, but if your project has any scale to it, you need to work with a team like this.

We worked with Strategem and Habitar for our basement bar build-out. Zane and his team did a fantastic job. They were easy to work with, flexible and we received great results. We would definitely recommend them for any design project in the Chicago-land area.

They really transformed my bathroom and kitchen into something chic and modern. The tile work is meticulous and elevates the bathroom, and the stone counters in the kitchen brighten up the whole space. Beautiful work! Highly recommend.

Strategem did an excellent job in guiding me through the construction process of living in a high rise building. Given my busy schedule, they even worked directly with my condo association, and made the construction process feel effortless. Would definitely recommend!

Excellent quality craftsmanship. All of the work was performed in accordance with the design, and Nick provided updates along the course of the construction. The work was finished on time and on budget. I recommend Stratagem to anybody considering updating/renovating their home.

I would highly recommend Strategem and Habitar Design. I used them to upgrade doors, trim, and woodwork through my home. The contractors were very respectful and neat while they worked, and they ensured every detail was perfect. I'm very happy with the results, and have received many compliments. They offered a great turnkey solution, from start to finish.

We're planning to renovate our living room into modern design. Our interior design was old and some furniture and cabinets were already broken and needed to be fixed. We save a lot of money to come up with this. One of our family friends suggested this company and they even showed a picture of their living room and room. It was pretty and amazing. I called the number and a guy answered. He is quite good and our communication was good. They visit us and look in our living room. They even showed some examples of design. But we had a prepared design and he said that it was pretty cool and nice. They start renovating it and it tooks 5 days till it's done. Were so amazed by the output and were very happy and satisfied with their work.

I highly recommend Stratagem Construction and I would use their services again in a heartbeat. We recently had 2 bathrooms remodeled, the addition of another bathroom and a fireplace remodel WHILE we were living in the home.
From start to finish, the project was done right thanks to excellent construction management and hardworking, courteous and clean contractors.
Brandon was our project manager and he was pleasant to work with, very attentive to our project, and paid excellent attention to details. If there was any problem, large or small, it was taken care of in a timely manner until it was fixed. We love our new bathrooms and would use Stratagem again for any future projects.

Strategem did an significant remodel of our place (including bathrooms) and did a fantastic job. They used high quality materials and were able to work with some of the quirky features of our building. We are still getting compliments about the work years later. Mitch is great to work with and, best of all, is transparent about pricing and decision-making, particularly when any unforeseen events arise. For a contractor, that alone is worth it's weight in gold.

We've hired Stratagem and their sister design company for two big renovation jobs in our old two flat greystone over the past two years. They did an excellent job both times, both in the design phase and the construction phase with Stratagem. They did a complete gut rehab of our large master bathroom, and after that job was such an astounding success, we hired them to rehab our 1st floor bathroom, our 1st floor kitchen, install overhead lighting throughout the house, revamp our foyer and install new hardwood flooring throughout our entire 2nd floor, along with a host of other rehab projects thrown in. All big jobs, and stressful for us, but they handled everything with ease and the utmost professionalism. Hannah is excellent on the design side of things, Nick is the best project manager you could hope for (excellent communication, follow up, and logistical management), and all of the contractors do top notch work, are very professional, are respectful of the job site, and are just all-around nice guys. We fully recommend Stratagem with no hesitation. They are the best.

Stratagem Costructions renovated our kitchen from studs up with design from the sister company Habitar Design. They are different companies but the teams communicate really well so the experience is seamless. Site preparation, quality of cabinetry, installation, modifications, all went incredibly well. We had no kitchen 24 hours before the scheduled Covid 19 shutdown. Owner Mitch Newman and the gifted installer Sebastian scrambled so that we had a sink, and working appliances for duration of the shutdown. They just stepped up, no big deal, no drama to take care of us. My building manager says that she has seen few projects as well thought out and detailed as the plan from Stratagem. We are working with them again to remodel a bathroom. We highly recommend Stratagem. It does excellent work. And it is a great team.

Working with Stratagem was a painless process — their crew did a great job and stayed close to the schedule and budget ... even in our old house with crooked walls and wonky floors! Their work was meticulous and clean and they did a good job of keeping us informed throughout. We highly recommend them ... lots of people have kitchen remodeling horror stories, but they made it an easy experience!

I am picky and quite a perfectionist. Stratagem and its sister design company not only met -- but far exceeded -- my expectations and surpassed every marker. Stratagem primarily designed, gutted and renovated my kitchen and primary bathroom. But they designed and did work throughout my apartment. E.g., Statagem built beautiful bookcases in my den and bedroom; built baseboards throughout my apartment which hid unsightly cable cords, built my floating vanity in my primary bathroom -- that is not only functional but is better than anything on the market. And, Stratagem came up with innovative solutions to address the issues presented. E.g., Fashioned a way to allow me to have a farmers kitchen sink and a garbage disposal. The construction team of Segue, Sara and Ian were there every day, on time, and never left until everything was completed. Not only were they experiened and professional, but
super friendly and just a joy to work with. Patrycja managed everything, so the projects ran smoothly and like clockwork -- even arranged for my building's service elevator. And Mitch -- hands on and absolutely wonderful. I am in awe and so appreciative of Stratagem. I have recommended -- and will continue to recommend -- Stratagem. Simply put, Stratagem rocks and gave me a home that is the envy of neighbors, family and friends.

Stratagem did an amazing job remodeling my bathroom. From the start, they set clear expectations and delivered on them. The team paid close attention to every detail and the workmanship is top-notch. They were also very professional and kept me informed throughout the process. There were a few challenges due to COVID and supply chain issues, but Mitch and his team were transparent and worked through them. Even after the project was completed, there was a small issue with the bathtub drain and Mitch quickly provided options for resolution and fixed the problem within a few days. I'm extremely happy with the final result and have already recommended Stratagem to my neighbors.

We have hired Stratagem Construction for major renovations on two homes, our current and previous residence in Chicago. They did a great job with both projects. Most recently, they gutted our kitchen and rebuilt it from the studs, did a major basement renovation, replacing an outdated bar with a kitchenette and re-doing a bathroom, and transformed our powder room and fireplace surround. Each job was done well and thoughtfully. What really sets Stratagem apart is the responsiveness and honesty of its contractor, Mitch Newman. They provide a very detailed bid before they start work on a project and then they come in on budget, barring legitimately unforeseen complications (we had one of those in the basement.) A lot of contractors are going to submit a final bill that dramatically exceeds the initial bid, but you don't have to worry about that with Stratagem. And unlike other contractors, they'll never ghost you / go incommunicado for days at a time. We definitely would use them again and have recommended Stratagem to several friends.

After much angst, trying to figure out how to remodel my awful main bathroom, I finally decided on Habitar Design and their sister company, Stratagem construction, and I couldn’t be any happier with that decision. These are the guys who will literally measure twice before cutting once. Everything turned out perfectly, even in my 140 year old house with no straight lines. I give them two thumbs up and my dog gives them four paws and a tail wag!