Key Dates

2010: A Street Builders, Inc. is certified by EPA to work on pre-1978 houses

2010: John Oetking becomes “Certified Renovator” by EPA

2012:John Oetking achieves NARI’s (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) “Certified Remodeler” certification

2013:A Street Builders, Inc. completes 1st custom home

2014:John Oetking achieves NARI’s (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) “Universal Design Certified Professional” certification

2016:NARI presents John with Meritorious Award

2018:NARI presents John with Distinctive Service Award

2018:A Street Builders awarded 1st Place in NARI's Remodeling Excellence Competition in the Residential Bath, $75.001 - $100,000 category

2018:A Street Builders awarded 1st Place in NARI's Remodeling Excellence Competition in the Residential Addition, over $250,000 category

2019:NARI Presents John with Meritorious Award

2020:NARI Presents John with Meritorious Award

2021:NARI Presents John with Meritorious Award

2021:A Street Builders awarded 1st place in NARI’s Remodeling > Excellence Competition in Residential Bath - $25,000-$50,000 category

2021:A Street Builders awarded 1st place in NARI’s Remodeling > Excellence Competition in Residential Addition - $100,000-$250,000 > category

2022:John achieves NARI’s (National Association of the Remodeling > Industry) Master Certified Remodeler certification

2022:NARI Presents John with President's Award

Testimonials:

John was patient and thorough

John was patient and thorough in getting our project off the ground. He worked with us as we revised the scope of the project and worked out the tricky design details. One of John’s biggest strengths is his patience and calm nature. John didn’t get worked up even when “problems” arose (as they were bound to with a century-old home).

Carrie B. LaGrange, Kitchen Remodel

I would highly recommend this process

We were very pleased with our new dining room. You spent a lot of time on budget and scope before we started any work. While this was very time consuming, it allowed the project to proceed smoothly with minimal disruptions. I would highly recommend this process to anyone looking at a renovation or remodeling project. Your crews were courteous, on-time and professional. In our experience, this is a rarity.

Jim & Nancy W. Burr Ridge, Dining Room Addition.


John built our new home from the basement to the attic: and it turned out just the way our architect drew it up, and the way we wanted it.

Rosemarie and Bill L, Western Springs, Custom Home

 

“I would jump at the chance to deal with A Street Builders on another project.”

We lived in our home during a rather significant two story addition. John worked with the subcontractors and architect to eliminate the need to access our “living space” during construction. A significant amount of planning was required to pull this off. I would jump at the chance to deal with A Street Builders on another project.

Colin H, Western Springs, 2 story addition

“I have to say the outcome is quite grand.”

Considering that my master bath design was somewhat tricky due to space constraints, I have to say the outcome is quite grand. I now consider my bath to be luxurious with beautiful textures and choices that were made with your assistance. The stone flooring, bath fixtures, glass enclosure, and vanity are stunning.”

Diane R, LaGrange, Master Bath Remodel


“We knew that we were working with a unique and responsible company”

From the beginning of the project to the end, we were happy to receive professional attitudes and workmanship from the A Street Builders team. We knew that we were working with a unique and responsible company when on one of the coldest days of the construction of our addition (during the framing), John arrived with additional insulation – I might add that this day was Thanksgiving day!

David and Lonnie G, Western Springs, 2 Story Addition

“What we were most impressed with was your attention to detail at all levels”

What we were most impressed with was your attention to detail at all levels, from the estimates and timeline you prepared for the project, the preparation prior to each phase of the remodeling, your daily oversight, and the regular updates you provided. It was clear that the tradesman knew your expectation of keeping the site tidy especially when the work was done each day. We were so comfortable with your oversight that we left for our 10 day vacation in the middle of the project without a second thought of being away.

Lorey F, Western Springs, Western Springs, Kitchen Remodel


 

I wanted to let you know how pleased I am with our kitchen renovation. The results exceeded my expectations. While I was confident that you would do a great job, you went above and beyond by personally overseeing every aspect of the project. Your subcontractors also shared your desire to see that the job was done correctly in every detail. When I got back from work every day, I came home to an immaculate home, not a work site. You finished on time and on budget. That is something that is very rare these days. I would recommend you highly to anyone who needs home renovation and wants the very best.

Mike S, Western Springs, Kitchen Remodel

 

“We highly recommend John to anyone thinking about home remodeling or renovation.”

From our first meeting with John through the many phases of our kitchen and sunroom renovation he was always very polite, considerate and attentive. His subcontractors were likewise. They took care to minimize the disruption and to leave the work site each day in as clean and livable a condition as circumstances permitted. While the renovation of such a significant portion of our downstairs living space was disrupted for several months we always saw progress. At some point the new kitchen and sunroom began to emerge and our excitement rose with it.

We highly recommend John to anyone thinking about home remodeling or renovation. From first meeting to final walk through to be sure everything met our expectations he was a gentleman and a professional who put the homeowner first in everything. Should we ever take on another remodeling project we certainly will call John.

Alfred and Patricia P, Western Springs, Kitchen

John Oetking was a pleasure to work with throughout the project.

This letter serves as a strong recommendation based on the work that A Street Builders performed on my basement this past summer. The basement went from completely open and unfinished to beautifully finished, including a wet bar, exercise room, media room and full bath. In addition, John Oetking was a pleasure to work with throughout the project. In my opinion, every aspect of the work was of very high quality—carpentry, electrical, plumbing, wall board, flooring, tile and painting. Great attention to detail equated to high quality results. John was very sensitive to working within the budget and within the agreed upon timeframe. He regularly communicated the status of all aspects of the project. Everything was well thought out.”

Gina P, Burr Ridge, Basement Remodel


“He handled a complex project with total professionalism,”

We had been planning to renovate our basement over the summer, but unexpectedly had to move more quickly than we had anticipated due to flooding in the spring. John stepped in right away and did his best to expedite our repair and renovations on a tighter schedule than we had planned. He handled a complex project with total professionalism, and adapted to our needs through the process as they arose. Unlike some horror stories I have heard from friends about unscrupulous contractors, I never once doubted that A Street would be anything less than excellent in terms of quality, timeliness, and trustworthiness. Furthermore, there were no cost overruns or add-ons that I did not specifically request. When complications arose, John handled them expertly.

Juliet F, Clarendon Hills, Basement Remodeling Project

“We appreciated your openness to our needs and personal choices.”

We want to thank you and A Street Builders for the two projects you completed at our home. The renovation of the third floor has provided us with additional living space for our two sons as well as served as a private guest room in their absence. The kitchen project included giving you a very tight time line due to our daughter’s graduation party. We appreciated your openness to our needs and personal choices. Your response to our wishes has always been prompt and thorough. We recommend you for a job well done and wish you and A Street Builders continued success.

Bill S, Western Springs, attic & kitchen remodel


Dust control is a serious concern throughout the demolition and reconstruction process. A Street Builders sealed off the kitchen with a plastic door covering that allowed passage through a zippered opening. Also, and very important, a dust collector was used throughout the demolition and build process.

-Andy D, Western Springs, Kitchen Remodel

 

“John coordinated a basement demolition and remodeling for us that exceeded our expectations.”

We highly recommend A Street Builders and John Oetking for any home projects. John coordinated a basement demolition and remodeling for us that exceeded our expectations. I must admit that I do not plan ahead as far as design is concerned, but John constantly asked questions and made suggestions resulting in a finished project that is far nicer than anything I could have come up with on my own.

John is also a stickler for getting things right. For example, he insisted that we water proof the basement sufficiently. This may sound like a no brainer, but it involved a second sump pump and some negotiations with our village. It also cost more. However, after 5 or so inches of rain in the past week, we have not seen a single drop of seepage, nor has our basement had that musty smell that had previously accompanied every significant rainfall.

Beth and Bob L, LaGrange, Basement Remodel

“You did an excellent job keeping us informed about when workers were coming and what to expect.”

Equally important was how well the project ran. I have been through several major remodels and can honestly say that this was the easiest of the three. You did an excellent job keeping us informed about when workers were coming and what to expect. Also, your follow up on the hundreds of details that naturally arise in the midst of a major project ensured that the finished project was better than we envisioned.

Mark and Jackie S, Western Springs, IL


“Every plumber, carpenter, electrician, painter, tiler, etc. that John uses is the best I have ever seen at his respective trade.”

John's business-like approach to our projects has been refreshing - he is on time and he keeps us informed, every step of the way, as the project unfolds. All this is simply the foundation for the real benefit of A Street Builders, which is their insistence on high-quality materials and workmanship, and precision installation. John requires all these attributes and qualities from every one of his subcontractors. Every plumber, carpenter, electrician, painter, tiler, etc. that John uses is the best I have ever seen at his respective trade.

- Ed & Linda E, Chicago, Bathroom Remodel

“After having been through four major renovation projects all with different contractors, the A Street Builders project by far has been the smoothest and best managed of the projects.”

Design modifications: With this project we had detailed design and product selection specified. But as we progressed John was very helpful in making suggestions that would enhance the look or design. He was extremely collaborative in these discussions. For example, we wanted a wood ceiling. John brought different samples of wood and had them stained differently so that we could make a choice. Another example includes window selection. Windows and skylights were critical in this project. He had two different vendors that took us through samples of the type of windows and their capabilities and sizes so that we could maximize the window design.

Attention to detail: During the project John would discuss with us small refinements that would make the project look more finished, resulting in better durability, or provide more efficiency. For example, things that would make edges look more finished, insulation that would maintain better warmth in the room, and extra structural support.

- Vicky/Marshall, Burr Ridge, IL