Yikes!!!! STAY AWAY FROM THIS CONTRACTOR. We contracted with them to do a very simple job of installing trim on our kitchen cabinets. However, when they were done they left a very large and unsightly gap at the top of the trim that was installed. I was told this was due to the unevenness of the counter tops. Normally, irregularities would be discovered and addressed when the field measurements are taken. But apparently there were some miscalculations, so we ended up with the gap. I offered to compromise and provide some additional trim to cover this gap in lieu of tearing out the newly installed trim and starting over. Unfortunately, when I brought this proposal to New Prairie Construction's attention, I was told it would cost me over $200.00 to repair their mistake. I'm unsure how this became my fault, but I'm very disappointed. In addition to the workmanship, we agreed to a not to exceed, time and materials contract. However when I got the bill, it was hundreds of dollars in excess of their original not to exceed limit. They eventually adjusted the bill, but it took several e-mails and discussions for then to own up to their mistake. read more

We moved to Urbana last year into a lovely old home that needed bathroom and kitchen updates. We decided on New Prairie to perform both bathroom remodeling projects, after seeing their good work at my sister's house and hearing others recommend them. Our experience was outstanding! Jill and Julie are very customer-oriented and extremely competent. They helped us flesh out the basic design, which was a great start. Their crew did great work and the whole process was pleasant. My husband picked out all these non-standard fixtures but they adapted beautifully to do the correct engineering to make it all work. After the work was completed, we found one issue, which they came back right away and fixed for free. We look forward to working with them on our kitchen remodel this year. read more

We used New Prairie for two projects, one external repairs and one to installing a range hood. We were nothing but pleased with the company and the quality of work. We found New Prairie by far the most professional and easiest to deal with of all the construction firms we have done business with in the area. They are easy to communicate with, responsive, and their work is top quality. Highly recommended. read more

New Prairie was recently hired to do some remodeling on my bathroom. I was a bit wary at first, because I hadn't heard much about this contractor. Due to my line of work, I work with many contractors in the area and was not familiar with this company. To be honest, I was very worried about having strangers in the home I share with my teenage daughter and beloved pets, but I ended up being absolutely delighted with New Prairie Construction. NPC produced quality work (the bathroom looks and works better than I could've dreamed), but what impressed me the most was the customer service. Each employee I encountered was polite, prompt and communicated well. Though the work they were doing was quite messy, they never left without cleaning everything up the best they could (my OCD self was ever so grateful for this). I was relieved to see that they had taped a layer of paper over the connected, wood hallway floor to protect it from the migrating dust, scratches and from salty, wet boot tracks. I keep about a dozen pairs of my most used winter shoes/boots (I have a problem, I know) lined up against the hallway wall. A few days after work started, I realized that one of them had to have moved all of the shoes off of the floor in order to put that paper down and then moved all of them back exactly as I had them. I hadn't thought to move them out of the way for them and would've understood if they threw them aside, but they didn't. I know it's a silly thing, but I thought that was a gesture that went over and beyond. I was especially impressed with the diligent work ethic one of the carpenters displayed. He walked several blocks to our home after a particularly bad snowstorm left him (and most of the community) snowed in. He knew my teenage daughter and I were going without a working tub/shower for over a week and didn't want to lose a day. I was truly floored by his kindness and thoughtfulness. I often read reviews, but have never felt compelled to write one myself until now. I have been singing their praises to my friends and co-workers and thought I'd take it a step further and let the community know what a phenomenal experience I had with them. I would definitely recommend NPC to any and everyone in need of a contractor. read more

New Prairie Construction Company has done three major remodeling projects for us since 2008 - downstairs bathroom, kitchen, & upstairs bathrooms, plus an emergency replacement of a lengthy blocked dryer vent that posed a fire hazard. (Unfortunately, when our house was built in the 1980s construction codes were either lax or non-existent.) My husband and I could not be more pleased with the quality of NPCC's work and their professionalism. We both appreciated the detailed project proposals, which assured that we were in agreement about all of the work to be done. We were able to make mutually agreeable adjustments on small details, such as which model of towel bar to install, and larger tasks, such as who was responsible for painting the walls, before finalizing the contracts. The project foreman was excellent at communicating with us about day-to-day progress, and consulting about specific details such as placement of light switches, grab-bars and medicine cabinets. Each worker took extra pains to be sure his/her work was of the highest quality. The workers were a joy to be around - they were prompt, pleasant, respectful of us and our property, and meticulous about cleaning up after themselves. I have friends who have hired companies to do remodeling projects that took months to complete - the demolition would get done, the workers would disappear, and the rebuild would lag for months. This is *not* the case with NPCC. The contractors' organizational skills assured that the project was seamless. Materials and crews with the specific expertise needed for each particular task would arrive exactly when needed. Each of our major projects was completed in less than 30 days (this includes the basement bathroom where the concrete floor had to be jack-hammered out to reroute toilet lines.) Their diligence often found additional issues (corroded plumbing behind the walls that would have been missed if they hadn't taken the time to check, a bird's nest hidden inside an outer wall, missing insulation, a bathroom with no HVAC vent), all of which were fixed so that there would be no surprise problems for us down the line. NPCC stands by their work and materials, re-ordering materials that don't meet their standards (a cracked shower floor - at no extra cost to us), and returning for any necessary follow-up. They are conscientious about being "green", installing new, energy-efficient products and recycling old cabinets and materials that still have life in them to resale shops. We were also pleased to learn that they take care of their employees by providing insurance for them. It is true that one might be able to get a project done more cheaply, but we trust the craftsmanship of NPCC, knowing that they will make sure every detail is completed on time and to the highest degree of excellence. The NPCC owners, Jill and Julie, and everyone on their crews have been a delight to work with. We can't imagine entrusting the care of our home to any other company. read more