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New Prairie Construction is a full-service, insured general contractor. We have been serving the Champaign – Urbana area since 1988.
We specialize in:
- Remodeling
- Additions
- Historic restoration and renovation
- Straw bale construction
- Green building methods and materials
- Energy-efficient construction
- Lead-safe work practices
- How do I request an estimate or ask a question?
There are several ways to contact us:
New Prairie Construction Company
605 East Main Street
Urbana, IL 61802
Phone: 217-344-5131
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday
Fax: 217-344-5132
E-mail: newprairie@sbcglobal.net
or fill out a “Request an Estimate” form online.
 For fun pictures, interesting links, and updates, visit us on Facebook.
- What happens when I call for an estimate?
When you contact New Prairie for an estimate, owner Julie Birdwell will return your call or email promptly and set up an appointment to see your project. If appropriate, she may bring one or more subcontractors with her. After assessment, a proposal will be sent to you for your approval.
We believe that communication is one of the keys to a successful project. Julie listens carefully to your needs and ideas. With her background as an artist and over 20 years of construction experience, she can also provide valuable advice and suggestions.
- After I sign the proposal, when will work begin?
When Julie meets with you, she can give you a general idea of our current schedule. As soon as the proposal is approved and the materials checklist completed, New Prairie can schedule your project for our next available time. Outdoor projects are generally scheduled for spring or summer into the fall.
If your project is urgent (such as a leak), we will schedule it right away. Smaller projects can often be “slipped in” when weather or other variables free our crew up for a day or two.
- How long will my project take?
It depends on the size of the project. But once work begins, our employees remain on the job daily until your project is done. Throughout the process, we communicate regularly with you to ensure that your schedules are respected and your needs are addressed.
- How dusty will my living space be during the project?
In most cases, homeowners remain in their homes while we complete their projects. Remodeling and construction are messy, especially when there is significant demolition involved. We respect your living space, and contain dust, dirt, and noise as much as possible. We provide protection for areas that will be walked through, and isolate the work area where we can.
- I have an older home, and I’m unsure if I have lead paint. Will this be an issue during my remodel?
If your home is older than 1978, it must be assumed that there is lead present. We follow all EPA lead abatement guidelines and procedures to keep our workers and customers safe from the hazards of lead dust. To protect their own health and the health of their customers, owners Julie Birdwell and Jill Mulder became certified as Lead Abatement Supervisors in 2001. All New Prairie crew are certified or trained according to the EPA’s Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule.
You can obtain additional information from our our Lead-Safe Remodeling article and www.epa.gov/lead.
- I’m considering using environmentally-friendly products for my next home improvement project. Can you help with this?
Over the years, we’ve used many green building products — clay paints, bamboo and cork flooring, reclaimed slate counterops, citrus solvents, and straw bales, to name just a few. New products come on the market every day, and we try to keep abreast of the highest performing, most reliable ones. If you’d like to research green building products, start with our Recommended Green Building Products page.
- Are your subcontractors insured and reliable?
New Prairie’s carpenters have expertise in many areas, but as a general contractor, we also employ a team of insured subcontractors. These include electricians, plumbers, masons, and roofers. Our professional relationships are of long standing, and we stand by our subcontractor work as we do our own.
Need more information about our General Contracting services? Visit our GC Services page.
Any other questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us!
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