Arete Renovators, Inc.

“Arete did an outstanding job transforming our old condo into a fresh modern space.”

Arete did an outstanding job transforming our old condo into a fresh modern space. Derek's communication was clear and consistent throughout the project, the quality of their work was top notch, and everything was completed on schedule. We couldn't be happier with the results and highly recommend them!

Alla Block

Nov 2025

“We had a really positive experience with Arete and will absolutely engage them again for our next project.”

We had a really positive experience with Arete and will absolutely engage them again for our next project. We hired Arete to both design and reconstruct our kitchen. My husband and I are first time homeowners and this was our first big project. Ben Wilson, our designer, took a mish mosh of our ideas and inspirations and created a cohesive and beautiful design. Our PM was Derek Gilroy, and he and his team were great. This being our first big home remodel we were both very nervous, but Derek was very transparent and communicated with us often on what was scheduled to be done and when. Everyone showed up when expected and completed their tasks on time. We had one hiccup with the design, we discovered a gas line that could not be moved after the demo phase. Ben quickly offered several design alternatives for us to choose from and it did not affect the schedule. Not having access to a kitchen is challenging for any length of time, but the team at Arete made the process feel smooth and we always felt day by day we were making progress. We highly recommend Arete for both design and construction, and would recommend you ask for Ben and Derek by name.

Edward Scribner

Nov 2025

“We recently completed a two bathroom remodel project with Arete and couldn’t recommended them more.”

We recently completed a two bathroom remodel project with Arete and couldn’t recommended them more. From the amazing design team who completely realized our vision to the talented contractors who implemented that vision to the follow up calls to confirm our satisfaction…Arete was top notch. We thoroughly enjoyed working with them all and love our final projects!!

Karen Hogan

Sep 2025

“The Arete team was great to work with and they also work very well together and with the building...”

The Arete team was great to work with and they also work very well together and with the building management which is very important in a highrise. From design through the construction process on the gut rehab of two full bathrooms, they did a good job navigating all of the rules of the building. They were very responsive to any questions, ideas or concerns that I had throughout the process. Shannon Bencsik did a great job designing two beautiful bathrooms for me and really listened to my requirements including doing extra research to make sure my cabinets included a litter box for my cat! I would definitely use Arete again. Highly recommend.

Cathie Karenas

Aug 2025

“I have done numerous remodels over the years and I have to say this one with Arete Ned & Martin is...”

I have done numerous remodels over the years and I have to say this one with Arete Ned & Martin is by far the best experience. Absolutely love the final work, completed on schedule & on budget ! Starting with a pre-contract site meeting with all of the team members to discuss my vision, timeline and step-by-step process. My project coordinator Ned Karastanovic, Martin & Ibro were amazing to work with. I choose not to be on-site for most of the work - I received almost daily updates - pictures to see the progress and discuss anything I wanted - any change order (especially as a result of my add-ons) were easily (& positively) met. What I really felt made the difference was the honest feedback that I got when I wanted something that wasn’t cookie cutter stuff. I wasn’t told no - ‘we don’t do that’ or it was too difficult or not in the original scope of work - but ‘ok’ how are we going to do it! The fact that they have all their ‘partners’ electricians, plumbers, stone masons etc to complete the project made everything seem completely seamless. I live in a condominium that has very specific guidelines and requirements for remodeling and contractors and Areté followed and met each completely which just added to the amazing finish project I am so pleased with the project, Arete, Ned & Martin I am already thinking of another project

Margaret McLaren

Feb 2025

“We worked with Arete on a bathroom and closet remodel and were very happy with the results.”

We worked with Arete on a bathroom and closet remodel and were very happy with the results. They made everything very easy from design to finish. Ivana was great getting the project started and Vasilka took the inspiration photos we shared and came up with a design that truly exceeded our expectations. Marina managed our project and she’s kept everything running smoothly from start to finish. She made sure the schedule was on time and that we knew exactly when each subcontractor would be at our house working on the project.

V V

Dec 2024

“We hired Arete to do a full renovation of our first floor this year.”

We hired Arete to do a full renovation of our first floor this year. Having completed several renovation projects in the past, we were careful to look for a professional and cost-effective contractor with a reputation for quality work. Arete delivered on these metrics. Our team led by Ivan and Damian, along with Ivana on materials selections, was professional, transparent, honest and accessible. They did a great work bringing our design concept into reality while staying on budget and working in a timely manner. We were very pleased with the final product and would recommend considering Arete for your project.

Stuart Loren

Sep 2024

“Arete construction recently renovated our medical office suite and created a new patient experience for our company.”

Arete construction recently renovated our medical office suite and created a new patient experience for our company. Rooms were created, divided, and removed to optimize our space. Ivan, Damian, Dejan and the entire crew were very clean, courteous, and helpful throughout the entire project. They always made sure to answer any questions, take suggestions and provide feedback. Thank you guys -looking forward to the next project with you.

nikki lechel

Sep 2024

“Our project involved combining two adjacent apartments in a Chicago high rise building, which...”

Our project involved combining two adjacent apartments in a Chicago high rise building, which involved opening walls between the 2 apartments, and creating a new hallway for access. In addition, one of the units (which had been untouched since the building was built in 1968) had to be completely renovated- including new electrical, plumbing, drop ceilings, lighting, drywall, and brand new bathrooms and closets. In addition, new flooring was laid in the entire combined unit, and both existing bathrooms were upgraded. We interviewed 6 contractors. Davor was the Arete representative with whom we first met, and we also met with Chief Designer Ivana Stojanovska and her team. We chose Arete for many reasons - they were responsive, professional, and clearly knowledgeable about and comfortable with all aspects of our proposed project. They were also very experienced working in high rise condo buildings, which poses a unique set of challenges. And it appeared that they'd work well with both the architects we'd hired to design the project, and the folks at the City of Chicago involved with the complex process of getting city permits and inspections. Most importantly, though, we felt that we would be able to communicate well with them, and that we could TRUST them. And that has been the case throughout the 10 months we worked with them. Our project manager, Ivan Koconda, was absolutely phenomenal in every way. He communicated quickly and thoroughly at every stage of the process - we'd never done anything like this before, and we had millions of questions and concerns along the way - and Ivan was calm, patient and kind throughout. He/Arete took immediate responsibility and accountability for the inevitable glitches that occurred, and always made things right. His assistant, Damian Sagan, was also a pleasure to work with. I also got to know their subcontractors Igor, Danny and Stefan, who were equally easy to work with. Everyone involved in our project was professional and KIND- a rare commodity these days. We recommend Arete without reservation.

Suzanne Mitchell

Aug 2024

“We trust Arete with installation of our high end German cabinets in the Chicagoland area and they do not disappoint.”

We trust Arete with installation of our high end German cabinets in the Chicagoland area and they do not disappoint. Ivan works with us and our clients to ensure no details are missed and our clients are completely satisfied. Additionally, they have a great design team headed by Ivana that offers additional help to our clients beyond kitchen spaces when needed. If you need a reliable and responsive team that does exceptional work look no further than Arete.

Lucas Rosa

May 2024

“Areté is a gem. We hired Areté to design & build a 1-story addition + basement + deck to the back...”

Areté is a gem. We hired Areté to design & build a 1-story addition + basement + deck to the back of our house. This was not our first renovation, but was by far the largest we've ever done. We are THRILLED with the result. We got exactly what we wanted -- more usable outdoor space, great entertaining space, a dedicated family room, and more storage. Davor patiently explained the construction process, answered our numerous questions and walked through the options available within the design. His communication was always clear & prompt. The interior wasn't much -- only 1 room -- but Ivana & Dulio took all the time needed through several revisions to get the interior design exactly the way we wanted. The construction took approximately 5 months, during which time we came to trust Ivan completely to handle anything that came up. He kept us informed every step of the way. And everything Areté built was built well. The punch list at the end was pretty small and quickly resolved. We would happily recommend Areté to others and would use them again for any future renovations.

Dave Oakleaf

May 2024