SMART Builders, Inc. operates as a custom home builder serving Barrington and surrounding areas, carrying a 5.0★ average. Experienced with character homes that demand careful, detail-oriented work. One reviewer writes: "When we began our custom home project, Smart Builders was not our first general contractor." The end results get strong praise — clients say the work looks professional. Rich is praised for staying accessible and responsive during projects. Clients note they don't just meet the scope — they improve on it. Multiple reviewers note good pricing alongside strong craftsmanship.
Project Pricing Insight
Price range:Mid-Range$$
Custom Home Builders projects typically cost $300K – $1M+ in Chicagoland
“When we began our custom home project, Smart Builders was not our first general contractor.”
When we began our custom home project, Smart Builders was not our first general contractor. After interviewing several candidates, we selected a GC based on our positive first impression and the fact that he seemed to align with our vision. Unfortunately, this decision was primarily influenced by his willingness to tell us exactly what we wanted to hear, rather than providing a realistic understanding of the project.
This was our first custom home build, and while we had a firm budget in mind, we were inexperienced and unsure of what to expect. After spending seven months and a significant amount of money on design, the initial bids came in at 50% over our budget—an overwhelming discrepancy. I had no choice but to part ways with the original contractor, as it became clear either he was unaware of how much the house would cost that we designed, or he knew and let us continue designing it anyway —either way, he was of no use to us.
Fortunately, we discovered Smart Builders purely by chance. We noticed one of their signs on a home they were building nearby, and after speaking with Rich at Smart Builders, we brought our original plans to him. Without revealing our budget or the previous bids, Rich was able to estimate the cost within about 5% of the initial bids.
What I want you to know about Smart Builders is:
They are committed to telling you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear.
They genuinely care about your project and ensure a general contractor or project manager is on-site daily to oversee the work.
The subcontractors they partner with are highly skilled professionals who demonstrate exceptional craftsmanship.
They do not cut corners, prioritizing quality and integrity throughout the build.
Building a custom home is a lengthy and complex process, but with Smart Builders' decades of experience, they are able to adapt to challenges and deliver the best possible outcome.
Communication is a priority; you will never feel left in the dark, as updates and discussions with the general contractor and project manager happen daily.
I hope this insight proves helpful as you make your decision.
Michael Furibondo
Dec 2024
“We had the pleasure of working with Smart Group Builders – specifically Rich Bondarowicz and Tom...”
We had the pleasure of working with Smart Group Builders – specifically Rich Bondarowicz and Tom Skowron– to build our home in North Barrington. We truly cannot speak highly enough about our experience! A home build is highly emotional and challenging - a lot of big decisions and problems/delays are simply inevitable. We could not have asked for better partners. Rich and Tom are highly communicative, always transparent and truthful, and always at the ready with solution-oriented thinking. They also work consistently with a roster of highly skilled contractors who are 2nd to none in their respective crafts. We have been in our home for several months now and it’s a delight! We’ve been through some pretty harsh storms as well and have had absolutely no issues. We are working through a (very small) punchlist, and Smart Group has been just as responsive in this phase as they were in the build. Please do not look any further – you cannot find better partners to trust than this team!
Jennifer Furibondo
Dec 2024
“One of the best builders I have ever worked with.”
One of the best builders I have ever worked with. Very organized, efficient, and on schedule. Job sites are immaculate. Details worked out to perfection. All orders reviewed and triple checked. It is a pleasure to work with Rich and his team. His eye for design and architecture are exceptional!
James Binkley
Oct 2024
“Throughout my 28 year career as an interior designer I have collaborated with a number of different...”
Throughout my 28 year career as an interior designer I have collaborated with a number of different builders, contractors, architects, and trades. I can comfortably say working with Smart Builders is by far the most positive experience for myself, for my designers, and homeowners. When I am involved on a Smart Builder project, TEAM is the first word that comes to my mind, and how I would describe the overall experience of this journey. Rich and his team are involved in every aspect of this process, reassuring the homeowners and the entire team that this is a group effort.
Rich understands that we are building custom homes together and encourages that while we are always conscious of the budget, we have a plethora of options for materials. Rich and his team truly care about this process and their clients experience, never limiting our resources and selections.
If I were building a new home Smart Builders would be my choice to complete my Dream Home.
ICD (accounting)
Aug 2023
“It goes without saying that Smart Builders builds an amazing house.”
It goes without saying that Smart Builders builds an amazing house. And building a house can be very stressful, but with Smart it was not. The communication was top notch. Rich always kept us one step ahead of things. He told us when to have certain things picked out and ordered to ensure the process kept moving smoothly. We asked him how long the house would take to finish and he told us 11-12 months. We moved in in exactly 11.5 months. From someone that does mortgage financing for a living, I can tell you that this is a rarity. If we ever build again, we won't even interview another builder. Smart Builders is that good.
Chris Barnes
Jul 2021
“Preston and his sub contractors did a fabulous job of handling our storm claim.”
Preston and his sub contractors did a fabulous job of handling our storm claim. He took care of all negotiation with the insurance company and made several efforts to get us the best claim possible. I have recommended him to all my neighbors. I will definitely call him the next time we have storm damage.
W Peterson
Jul 2021
“They do a very good job.”
Royal Air Duct Cleaning
May 2019
“Rich and his team at SMART Builders are like family.”
Rich and his team at SMART Builders are like family! In today’s competitive construction business, this is something to be proud of. From design meetings to actual construction, the team at Smart Builders conduct themselves with the utmost professionalism by extending every courtesy possible to my group of subcontractors. Reliable and trustworthy from beginning to end is what defines SMART Builders. We are proud to be part of their team!
Tom Hebda
Nov 2018
“SMART Builders goes above and beyond and expects each subcontractor on their jobs to do the same.”
SMART Builders goes above and beyond and expects each subcontractor on their jobs to do the same. I appreciate being associated with a company who takes such pride in their work, and is committed to the highest quality materials and workmanship. I look forward to working on the next project with Rich and his team.
Janusz Kubat
Nov 2018
“After working with SMART on a tear down and custom build house for our family of four, we can...”
After working with SMART on a tear down and custom build house for our family of four, we can confidently say we'd recommend Rich and his team. Rich worked alongside us, providing guidance and perspective on design and cost to get to the right outcome. We appreciated his attention to detail and flexibility in executing our vision. We're very happy with our well-built, high quality house!
Laura
Jun 2017
“My wife and I have been living in a SMART home since 2005.”
My wife and I have been living in a SMART home since 2005. Having built two houses previously, we were not expecting the level of personal attention that Rich B. and his staff took in getting our home to fit how we live. The craftsmanship, attention to detail, and customization was way more than we could have dreamed and we are constantly complimented on our home by friends and even strangers on the street. If you want a custom home that fits your style then I highly recommend meeting with SMART Builders.
Glenn Desrochers
Jun 2017
“Terrific experience with SMART Builders.”
Terrific experience with SMART Builders. The staff is extremely professional, knowledgeable, and helped us design and build the custom home of our dreams! Rich B. is very responsive and attentive to every detail. He is a "hands-on" general contractor, ensures the project is on schedule, and sets proper expectations. Our project manager and sub-contractors were pleasant to work with and equally professional and skilled. We couldn't have asked for a better experience! SMART Builders is like family to us. They remain responsive even post build. We can contact them with any questions and they are always helpful and accommodating.
