If you are running into Costco for a cartful of bargains, shopping for the biggest value at the lowest price is what you are after. Home remodeling is a much different experience. You still want a good value for your money, but is the lowest dollar amount the way to get that? A contractor may come in with the lowest project bid, but what are you getting for that price? Maybe a better question is, what has been left out to get such a low price? Knowing the right questions to ask early in the process is essential to a project’s success. Home improvement projects impact your finances and quality ..read more

Is now the right time for a home renovation? Understanding the various factors that go into the cost is key to answering that question. Home improvement projects require significant resources, including your time, money, and emotions. To budget wisely, you must understand more than just the bottom line. Here’s what you need to know to budget for a home renovation in greater Chicago ..read more

Home renovation projects and custom home builds that seem straightforward still present unique and often surprising challenges. Even the most seasoned DIYers can find themselves overmatched by the logistics of inspections, frustrated as they try to communicate with both the construction and design teams, and exhausted trying to wrangle the massive amount of details that go into any home remodeling project. Without effective project management, things can quickly spiral out of control. When handing over the project management reins in both custom builds and home remodeling projects, there are ..read more

The kitchen is much more than just a cooking space; it's the heart of the home, a place for gathering, connecting, and creating lasting memories. However, a cluttered kitchen lacking in storage solutions can quickly become a source of stress, especially when entertaining. Fortunately, strategic kitchen remodeling and the thoughtful incorporation of cabinet accessories can transform your kitchen into a functional, organized, and inviting haven. By prioritizing ample storage and utilizing clever accessories, you can create a space that fosters connection and joy, encouraging your loved ones to ..read more

Have you dreamed of a kitchen that perfectly reflects your style and maximizes functionality? Custom cabinetry may be the answer you've been searching for! While the initial consideration of custom cabinets often leads to the question, "Are they worth the investment?" the answer is a resounding yes ..read more

The living space of your one-story home is running out of room, and moving is a solution of last resort. A second-floor addition would solve many problems by adding significant square footage, but you might be asking yourself, “Is it feasible to add to my first-floor home?” Before a second story can be built, you need to make sure your home's existing foundation can support the additional weight of a second-story addition. In the Chicagoland area, foundations have to be at least 42 inches deep, and there are many other variables to consider, like foundation cracks and the condition of the soi ..read more

 As your home begins to feel confined, the idea of remodeling has surfaced. Yet, the dilemma remains: should you opt for a second-floor addition or expand the ground floor – is it better to build up or out? There are many variables to consider, like local ordinances, your own family’s wants and needs, and your budget. Getting a better handle on these variables and their meaning in your situation will help you make the best decisions regarding an up or out home addition. This article will discuss the pros and cons of building up vs. building out and various considerations. Let’s dig in ..read more

When moving from one room to another within your house, do you experience a smooth transition? Are there doorways and narrow hallways that you need to navigate? Is there an abundance of clutter, such as children's toys, games, or equipment, seemingly present in every corner? When hosting guests, do they have ample space to socialize, or are they confined to a few rooms that feel excessively cramped? A great room addition can solve all of these problems and more, creating the truly open-concept space so many homeowners we work with are looking for. A great room can offer space for children’s p ..read more

Your home is not enormous, and you like it that way. But if you could make a few tweaks, like adding more space or reconfiguring the existing layout, entertaining would be more fun, and you know you would enjoy your home more day-to-day. But you keep wondering, what are the best ways to maximize space in our smaller home? A common misconception is that you need a huge home addition to make your space more functional. Frequently, there’s under-utilized space in your current floor plan. With a home addition and a well-designed floor plan, you can have a home that is the right size for all your ..read more

Thinking about a new addition is exciting, but you want to get it right. You know what you are NOT looking for in an addition: something out of proportion or far outside the aesthetic look and feel of the rest of your home. Fortunately, reputable contractors care about the final product as much as you do. Their goal is an end result that looks like it has been there since the home was first built. This article will walk through key considerations around home addition design, allowing you to understand who to work with and what to look for as you design your home addition ..read more