Cobblestone Development

Fabulous designer and remodel. I was able to envision everything with the thoughtful design before it was finished! Service: Remodelling

I accepted Cobblestone's quote even though it was on the high side because the salesperson sold me on their understanding of my vision and ability to execute on it. My house is a historic landmark and I wanted the work to match the style and craftsmanship of the original work in the house. I'm left with a frustrating choice; do I live with all the issues Cobblestone created that could have easily been avoided if done right the first time, or do I hire a competent contractor to fix their mistakes spending thousands more? - salesperson/designer/project manager disappeared halfway through the project and Cobblestone didn't assign anyone else to the project.

I was working directly with subs. - in a room in which they installed 3 windows next to each other one was installed 3/4 inch higher than the others and it shows - another window is noticeably out of plumb - I requested oak to match the existing wood in the house and they ordered pine - the first set of windows ordered were incorrect which set the project back months.

I was told I would be able to keep the incorrect windows (which would have fit in other places in my house) but the subs took them. - the door was installed improperly and only opens 90 degrees instead of 180 degrees which causes flow issues now. The salesperson sold me that they'd be able to install it to open 180 degrees but the subs took shortcuts and when I complained didn't fix the problem. - trim work was rushed and rough with corners not meeting up well, gaps, not aligned with existing trim.

Generally the they used work-arounds and shortcuts whenever possible instead of doing things the right way. I complained and they fixed some of the more egregious trim issues that could be fixed easily, but I'm left with a result that is much less than my expectations and what I paid for. Cobblestone certainly sold me on being a great design/build company but delivered a quick, sloppy job.

We contracted with Cobblestone to remodel our kitchen and fireplace. We worked with Jennifer M, who took our vision and created a lovely rendering. She assured us that Cobblestone's service, professionalism, and attention to detail more than makes up for the premium charged over other bids that we received (1.5x as much as the other bids). After we signed the contract with Cobblestone, things went downhill quickly.

What follows is a cautionary tale. Do not work with Cobblestone. First, there were two delays in starting the project. Once because the cabinets weren't ready on time and the second delay came when the crew showed up to start demolition of the kitchen, only to learn that all of the cabinets still weren't available. At this point the cabinets had allegedly been ordered two months ago and still weren't in.

After the cabinets were installed we immediately notified Cobblestone that the cabinet material and color were not what we ordered. We met with the owner of the company (Bill Conforti), and gave him the opportunity to rip out the cabinets and start over, or keep going and make a financial adjustment at the end. The owner elected to keep going. Jennifer mis-ordered kitchen shelving and the matching mantel, and proceeded to lie to everyone, her own colleagues and us, about what happened.

She blamed the vendor for the mishap, even after the vendor proved to us that they shipped exactly what Jennifer ordered. Even when faced with documented evidence of what she'd done, Jennifer continued to lie and claim that she had a telephone conversation with the vendor where they agreed to her request, but she did not obtain a revised work order from the vendor showing it. Jennifer incorrectly measured the kitchen and the cabinets were installed wrong.

We pointed this out to the crew, who informed us that they installed according to the measurements. One of the drawers and a cabinet could not open due to their placement. The crew had to take out the cabinets, move plumbing, and reinstall the cabinets in order for the drawer and cabinet to be functional. This caused several days of delay, due to an error that could have easily been avoided.

Beyond Jennifer's mountain of mistakes, there were craftsmanship issues with the work that was completed. To the credit of the subcontractor, each time we pointed out a craftsmanship mistake they came in and did it again. Some of the mistakes were the result of the materials ordered (failing to order proper stacked brick to wrap around the fireplace), and some of the mistakes were on the crew.

But they tried their best to make everything look as nice as they could with the materials ordered. During our final meeting with the company we sat down with Bill, Jennifer, the project manager, the crew supervisor, and a different project manager that had never been involved on our job and never stepped foot into our house. During this meeting Jennifer told more lies, accused us of misremembering the design meetings, and claimed others had screwed up.

The mystery new PM that has never been in our house suggested lots of easy and quick fixes for each of our complaints. Even as he is suggesting these fixes, the crew supervisor is shaking his head no because he actually knows what materials are in the house, and knows that these fixes won't work (also, where was this PM when the problems were happening).

In the end, Bill offered a very insulting discount on the work, and when we declined he suggested that they could come and redo the cabinets, shelving and mantel. Only after we pointed out that he is suggested redoing the entire project did we get any traction on a more reasonable adjustment to the original quote. The project ended up taking 13 weeks from the day they actually started.

This is after everyone at Cobblestone assured us that this kitchen would take 3 weeks from start to finish. We always felt like 3 weeks was unlikely, but never imagined that it would take 4x as long as quoted.

We hired Bill Conforti when he owned Siding 1 Windows 1. We have had nothing but problems with our siding and windows. Water leaks between many of the windows and window framing. The windows were installed incorrectly and we have had nothing but problems. I would highly caution anyone when considering hiring.

I am so grateful that I called Cobblestone Development! Owner Bill Conforti and his business has been a fixture in the area for many many years and was always the "go-to" guy when a house needed siding. So many houses in Lakeview have benefited from his work. When I needed siding myself, of course I remembered him. I filled out the form on the website and Nicholas Kemmerle called me back immediately and we made an appointment for the following day. Jim Johnsen met me, and I was so impressed with his honesty and professionalism - seems to be such a rarity these days. I can see why this business has such an amazing reputation. Great customer service, and highly highly recommended!

I can't say enough about the great work Cobblestone did and the timeframe in which they operated. I turned to Bill after my daughter and her husband, about to have their first baby, suffered water damage from a condo above them. Floors were damaged, kitchen cabinets ruined, it was a mess. The company they chose to fix their home didn't come through for them.

It was a nightmare situation at a stressful time in their lives. I got a recommendation to call Cobblestone and I've been recommending them to everyone ever since. Thanks to Bill Conforti and Cobblestone Development the work was done quickly by a respectful, friendly crew. The once-unusable kitchen was now beautifully renovated and their home was ready for the arrival of their daughter.

This was more than just a physical remodel. It was restoring a young couple's home during a stressful time. Bill got that - and we're forever grateful for his outstanding, caring, quick response. Beautiful work by his Cobblestone Development team.

I hired Cobblestone to replace all the windows in my house. They did an awesome job. timely, cleanly, courteous and with care. The windows themselves are high quality. We're really happy with their service and product and would definitely reccommend them.

We have had many wonderful experiences with Cobblestone. We have used them several times over the last few years for windows and siding. Their workers are very professional installers, their products are the highest quality and when the job is complete they leave the work site in such clean conditions that you would never know that any work had even been done. I highly recommend them. 5 Stars!

We had 14 windows delivered and installed well within our time frame, Cobblestone's crew was so professional and efficient and they cleaned up beautifully! Definitely Recommend

Bill Conforti and his team have been top performers for decades. Extremely conscious to details and giving customers what they need and want. Top notch all the way.

I trust Bill Conforti to do a great job. He has been in this business for the longest time. He has remodeled and built his own homes in the Clybourn Corridor area and they are all of the highest quality possible. He has real talent and a design sense that is second to none. One visit to his office will convince you that he is detailed-oriented and that filters down to all of the jobs he does.

I called Cobblestone Development for help after I hired different company to replace my back porch on a 5 unit condo building in Chicago. After signing the contract and giving the deposit, the other company removed the existing structure and never returned to finish the job. After a few months of fighting with the original company I decided to call Bill at Cobblestone Development.

It is with great excitement to write this recommendation on behalf of Cobblestone Development. After our building association spent numerous time and effort trying to find a construction company, we came across Cobblestone Development. From the get-go, we knew we were working with the right company to make our dream become a reality. I would recommend Cobblestone to anyone that asks for a recommendation! Don't even need to think twice!

I would not do business with these guys. Tony is a thief and cheat and can't be trusted. He ordered carpet for a client of mine, than 4 weeks after the fact cancelled the charge. If you don't get a check from them plan on a charge back. The owner of the property has also said Tony has dropped the ball on a lot of things and that on his next project he won't be using them.

I am now forced to lien the property. First time in over 7 years. What a scumbag. Tony and Cobblestone Development are not professionals and will take short cuts at your expense.

It is with great excitement to write this recommendation on behalf of Cobblestone Development. After our building association spent numerous time and effort trying to find a construction company, we came across Cobblestone Development.

They are a great company. They are always taking care of everything on their properties. If you have something special that you would like to build, I would contact them directly and they can make it happen.

I would not do business with these guys. Tony is a thief and cheat and can't be trusted. He ordered carpet for a client of mine, than 4 weeks after the fact cancelled the charge. If you don't get a check from them plan on a charge back.

I heard some good reviews about cobblestone and decided to have someone come to my home for an estimate for remodeling and repairs (kitchen, bathroom, flooring, drywall and tuck pointing). A guy came out, he was nice. He spent about 1.5 hours looking at our home and stated he would speak to my husband and I in 3 days and give us the estimate and cost.

Well 3 days came and we did not hear from him. I called him and he stated he would email me right away and discuss possible start times if we wanted. Well its been almost 2 weeks later and he failed to call us back or email us the estimate. Failure to follow up with client you have started to work with is not good business. This was a sign for me to take my money and go elsewhere. Wont be calling again!

We used Cobblestone Development to repair a wall after we had a fireplace removed. Rodney Conforti was extremely helpful and very honest and straightforward. He also gave helpful advice for additional projects we may work with them on. We were very pleased with the completed work and we look forward to working with them again.