Jack Shay founded Victorian General Contractors in 1986. His area of expertise is his attention to detail, outstanding craftsmanship and unique colors and design. His reputation in the western suburbs of Chicago speaks for itself. He's a recipient of several awards throughout the area and has built and renovated hundreds of homes over the last 30 years.
Why Victorian?
Throughout Jack's experience he has worked with a wide-range of clients, all with unique needs and tastes. His extensive knowledge of the construction and contracting process is matched by his commitment to helping his clients realize their dreams..
"I had the pleasure of working with Jack on a new construction home. While most of the finishes and layout were long decided before I purchased the home, Jack created many opportunities to select finishes and make some changes. I appreciate his responsiveness, direct and honest approach. I love our new home!"
- Patricia, Riverside IL
“We went under contract with Jack Shay back in 2021 after our amazing realtor, Pat Jicha introduced him to us. Jack was very excitable throughout the whole process, anything we asked of him, he made it happen with a smile on his face, even if it was something he’d never done before. Jack was very involved, almost every time we visited the house, he was there making sure everything was perfect. Anytime we needed something done in a time crunch, he’d get on the phone and use his extensive connections to make it happen, he truly cared about giving our family the home we’ve always dreamed of. We are elated with the final result, it’s over and above our expectations & we are so happy to have met Jack. Thank you Victorian Builders!”
- Oscar, Berwyn IL
“We feel happy and lucky to have purchased a 3-flat rehab from Jack. We had been looking for so long, and the minute we walked into this place, we knew it was the right choice, there was nothing that needed to be done. Jack's attention to detail and meticulousness speaks for itself. What is even more important is that every major appliance, water, heater and roof were taken care of in the same way. Again, we cannot thank Jack enough.”
- Doug and Michel, homeowners - rehab
“It was truly a pleasure to work with Jack and Victorian Builders on an extensive renovation of our home. We have very particular taste and the team brought everything we envisioned to life beautifully! They maintained the charm of our older home while adding modern convenience and functionality. What we appreciated the most in the experience was that Jack was always very straightforward and honest. As first time homeowners, we found he was trustworthy, responsive and flexible, which put us instantly at ease. We recommend Victorian without hesitation!.”
- Dan and Cat, homeowners - renovation
“Working with Jack & Victorian Builders in designing and building our new home was a great experience. He made what for most customers is a stressful process into something enjoyable and fun for us.
Transparency, honesty and willingness to go above and beyond are hallmarks of Jack and the reason why we recommended him to our friends who ended up being his customers as well.”
- Naveen George, homeowner - new construction
“Working with Jack and Victorian Contractors has been a pleasure. After hearing so many horror stories from friends in their dealing with contractors we fully expected issues in purchasing a rehabbed home. To our delight and also that of our home inspector, Jack and his crew did an outstanding job rehabbing our bungalow. Jack maintained the world charm while installing all the modern features people expect today. Even after our purchase Jack and his team were very responsive to any concerns we had about our newly rehabbed home. We highly recommend Victorian Contractors.”
- Conrad and Maria Viteri, homeowners
“It was a pleasure doing business with Victorian. When I bought a rehabbed home from them, they were nothing but professional and reliable.”
- Manuela Martinez, homeowner
“It’s obvious the company has been doing construction jobs for a long time. They really believe in high-quality workmanship.”
- Linda Ross, Chicago Realtor
“We love our house by Victorian General Contractors! From the facade to the interior, this is a beautifully designed home that is a delight to live in. The purposeful floor plan is perfect for daily living and entertaining. An abundance of natural light and windows make it easy to enjoy the natural surroundings. We appreciate the rich details that make this home one of a kind: beautiful stained glass windows, intricate tile work and tray ceilings, unique and spacious bathrooms, the porch and deck and the quality craftsmanship throughout. The finished basement is very inviting, with whimsical design elements we enjoy. Jack Shay and his team are professional and responsive. They have quickly accommodated our needs as we settle into this beautiful home. We highly recommend VGC!”
- Antonia and Patrick Wang, homeowners
“Jack has been very easy to work with. He is very straightforward and honest. During the construction he was extremely helpful about choices. I didn't have time to go and look so I would send him photos of bathrooms or tiles I like and he would go and find me similar stuff.”
- Homeowner, New Construction.
“We fell in love with the house on our first walk through. From the layout to the attention to detail, the house answered all of our wants and need. Now we are fortunate enough to have started the next chapter of our lives in our dream home.”
- Michael and Amy, homeowners. New Construction.
“I have known and worked with Jack Shay for 20 years as a Real Estate Managing Broker and owner of Smothers Realty Group. I have sold him homes to renovate and tear down and have sold homes he has built. I have found him to be honest, hardworking and honorable and I have been very pleased with the feedback I have gotten over the years both form my clients who have bought his properties and the clients of other brokers whose clients have bought his properties. I have always felt confident that he cares about those who buy his homes, that he listens to them, values their feedback and that he stands behind his work. I have and will continue to recommend him frequently.”
- Joan Smothers, Managing Broker/Owner, Smothers Realty Group
“I have worked and sold Jack Shay's rehabs over many years. He does quality work and preserves the architectural integrity and original craftsmanship of the home. I never have to worry when showing my clients one of his properties.”
- Joanne A. Zaworski, Managing Broker/Owner, Lynx Real Estate Services
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