Company Name:  Design Construction Concepts, Ltd. Home Location: 971 Coventry Lane Highland Park, IL 60035 Directions:  From Rt. 41: Take Deerfield Road West approximately one mile to Ridge Road, turn right for ¼ block to Coventry Land, turn Left into 971 Coventry (2nd cul-de-sac on the left). From Tollway 294: Take Deerfield Road East approximately 2.4 mile to Ridge Road, turn Left for ¼ block to Coventry Lane, turn left into 971 Coventry (2nd cul-de-sac on the left). Description of Home:  Built in the early 1980s, this contemporary ranch did not offer the owners the personal bath amenities for an “empty-nester” life style. The project consisted of a partial renovation of the existing master suite and a 400-square-foot addition by enlarging three separate spaces (master bedroom, master bathroom, and an adjoining office) just enough to make a difference. The most challenging aspect of this project was the fact that we were the second remodeler hired. Our involvement started after the demolition had begun and hence the reason for no "before" pictures. We were able to recreate the "before" plans from the 'second' architect's demolition plan. As any project of this scale and magnitude, nothing was the norm. Every facet of the project was unique and challenging. The spouses each wanted their own personal areas within the bathroom, and luxurious shared areas. The question was then: how do you compartmentalize and create a spacious bathroom while minimizing any impact to the remainder of the house? This was especially challenging since the areas under construction could only be accessed from the exterior which was located 300 feet from the street through a thickly wooded area. To resolve this we created a separate access lane from the driveway to bring both materials and labor to the area. The use of ½-clear, ½-frosted glass partitions allowed for both privacy and an "open" feeling throughout the bathroom. In opposite corners, both husband and wife have the private amenities they cherished; she a toilet and the feminine classic bidet, while he wanted a toilet and a masculine urinal. The entire design was held together through the use of glass tiles on wall surfaces and a seamless floor tile (Jerusalem Gold stone). As the owners plan to retire in place, we incorporated a curbless shower and decorative grab bars where appropriate. For more information, contact Design Construction Concepts at (847) 498-1676.

Company Name:  Doomis Custom Builders Location of Home: 34 Mudhank So. Barrington, IL Directions:  I-90 Exit Barrington Rd. North to Mudhank Road West (approximately 2 miles). Drive will be on North Side of Street. 34 Mudhank, So. Barrington, IL 60010. (approximatley 3 miles) Description of Home:  When the current owners of this spacious home on a five-acre site in South Barrington originally acquired this property, they had a pretty good idea what changes they wanted to incorporate into their new home. However, what seemed to be a relatively simple project turned out to be far more complex and time-consuming than originally expected, even though it was not their first major remodeling project. Considering the magnitude of the work on this complete home renovation the owners were about to undertake they knew it was important to find a reputable contractor, with extensive background and experience in remodeling of large, complex homes. After a few months of searching, they selected Doomis Custom Builders based upon the recommendations of a good friend. The owners said, "We couldn't have made a better decision. Not only were they a good choice, they recommended some outstanding subcontractors and were very patient, understanding, and extremely easy to work with." The new owners loved the outside architecture of the house. On the inside they wanted higher ceilings, more light, and a screened-in porch. They were able to accomplish most of this within the existing layout by raising the ceilings to use the space between floors and above the ceilings. The one major addition was a two-story screened-in porch, which allowed them to increase the existing eight-foot kitchen ceiling to 13 feet and add additional windows and skylights for more illumination and visibility toward the lake. The house, which is located on the west end of a small lake with a pond, creek, and bridge to get from the road to the house, already had a lot of windows to capitalize on views in almost every direction. The views to the outside were supplemented by a large three-story atrium in the center of the house. In addition to an extensive interior upgrade, the couple decided to add: an indoor pond to the existing atrium; a hot tub and pool; a wine storage area; and a glass balcony floor between the main and lower level atrium. All the interior doors and woodwork were replaced with ustom-made craftsman-style walnut doors and woodwork. The downstairs great room features a large projection TV and a raised starlight ceiling with blue LED accent lighting.

Company Name:  Insignia Kitchen & Bath Design Group, Ltd. Home Location: 84 Wybridge Lane North Barrington, IL 60010 Directions:  Merge onto I-90 W/ I-94 W/ KENNEDY EXPY W. Keep LEFT to take I-90 W via EXIT 43B toward O'HARE/ ROCKFORD. Merge onto IL-53 N toward ROLLING MEADOWS. Merge onto IL-53 EXT N. Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto LAKE COOK RD. Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto N RAND RD/ US-12 W. Turn LEFT onto S WYNSTONE DR. Turn LEFT onto WEYBRIDGE LN. The house is at 84 Weybridge Ln, North Barrington, IL 60010-6907 Description of Home:  A mid-sized ordinary-looking kitchen, pantry, breakfast room—and a desire to update and radically change the look—is what Insignia Kitchen and Bath Design Group started with this project. Once the overall concept was unanimous, it was decided to take the kitchen and the large adjacent laundry room and combine the two to form a single large kitchen area that includes laundry space. THE MECHANICS… The wall between the kitchen and laundry room was removed, yielding a wonderful spacious kitchen that is able to handle the massive stone hood and two bi-level islands across from the armoirestyle refrigerator treatment and concealed laundry and utility storage. This new larger space made it possible to include a larger format appliance selection, including a 48" Wolf range, 54" Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer, two dishwashers; one of which is a Fisher and Paykal double drawer, a microwave drawer, and a full-size washer and dryer. THE LOOK… STONE, STONE, AND MORE STONE Large tile limestone flooring, with tastefully spaced Cambrian Black accents, makes the space look classically elegant. Perimeter countertops in Terra Nova nicely complement the distressed cabinet finish, while the heavy 6-cm-thick island tops in Cambrian Black tie in with the floor accents. Stone cladding for the backsplash, island backs, and an arch between the kitchen and breakfast room leaves very little exposed wall to be painted. The molding for the breakfast room’s arched opening, cabinet crown, and base molding throughout the space… What else… stone. Last but not least is the focal point, which includes the hood and the massive stone cooking alcove. The combination of both inset and full overlay door styles in two distinctive finishes, gives this space plenty of personality and further enhances the look of the stone. THE RESULT… This space is uniquely elegant and is well-suited to the family’s lifestyle. The demands of ergonomics and the home owner’s simplifying aesthetic sense have been satisfied, making time spent here even more enjoyable every day.

Company Name:  Oak Design & Construction Home Location: 946 Monroe River Forest, IL 60305 Directions:  From I-290 exit at Harlem Ave/IL-43 and head north to Chicago Ave. Turn left (west) onto Chicago Ave and continue on for 4 blocks to Monroe Ave. Turn right (north) onto Monroe Ave and proceed 2 blocks to the house located on the left (west) side of the street. Description of Home:  The homeowners of this new addition are a unique couple, well suited for one another. The wife, Molly, would rather not cook and the husband, Harold, loves it. Molly has a passion for clean surfaces and Harold likes to dirty them! After working with this family for more than 10 years on many projects, it was a gratifying experience for Oak Design & Construction to design and build the kitchen of their dreams—a place where she could entertain, while he could cook with the intensity he enjoys. Central Design Elements Their previous kitchen was too small, with limited mobility and no place for guests to gather. This, along with hiding the coat and shoe trail left by their two teenage sons, drove the need for central design elements in their new kitchen. To make these dreams possible, Oak suggested an addition to their River Forest Mediterranean-style house. Oak, along with architect Nevin Hedlund, created 800 square feet of kitchen, a dining area, and a finished basement. Once the structural footprint and exterior elements were decided, the focus turned to the interior. Oak’s designer, Jon Brady and team, worked to create a beautiful and comfortable kitchen. The design incorporated bold red accents and darker blues atop a neutral canvas of painted cabinetry and maple hardwood floors. A mosaic backsplash, a cherry island, and three custom freestanding cabinetry units were built by Oak in their cabinetry shop. Functionality with Charm Oak included many custom details to create a kitchen that worked. A raised dishwasher and dishwasher drawers provided versatility and comfort for easy clean up for Molly. A countertop of maple butcher’s block opposite the cook top gave Harold prep space. And, a hidden closet and shoe landing was placed at the bottom of the stairs, out of sight. Along with a pantry cupboard, a coffee center, and strategically organized storage—these design elements provided function and charm. This addition, with both ascetic appeal and realistic design, is a grand stop on the Remodel Chicagoland Tour. Come take a peak and get ideas, or just see some good craftsmanship and unique materials. For more information, contact Oak Design & Construction at (708) 383-2244 Photographer credit: Charlie Mayer www.charliemayer.com

Company Name:  Pollard Construction Company, Inc. Home Location: 1506 Franklin Avenue River Forest, IL 60305 Directions:  From I-290, Exit at Harlem Avenue, go North to Division Street and turn Left (West). Proceed West approximately eight blocks until Franklin Avenue. Turn Right ( North) on Franklin, proceed two block until 1506 Franklin Avenue, River Forest, IL 60305. Description of Home:  Pollard Construction invites you to visit our 2008 entry into Remodel Chicagoland: A Tour of Remodeled Homes. The extensive renovation of this 1938 Better Homes & Gardens two-story colonial home encompassed a variety of tasks. Highlights of this ambitious project include a new kitchen, breakfast room addition, and family room, combined with the interior/exterior work requirements one would expect in a 65-year-old home. Completed in phases, building began at the rear of the property with construction of a three-car garage, a gazebo for the hot tub, and relocation of a 150-foot-long driveway to the north side of the house. With the old driveway gone, building the new breakfast room became the next priority. Serving as more than a transition point between the kitchen and family room, Pollard’s architect, Gary Steiner, truly brought the outside in by designing this 15’x15’ room with a vaulted ceiling and surrounding it with Marvin windows. Not uncommon for 1930s-era homes, the kitchen was originally divided into two small rooms. Combining them was an easy decision, resulting in a 13’ x 21’ generously sized galley kitchen. Granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, custom cabinetry with under cabinet lighting, new larger windows to add additional natural light, make this working kitchen a fun place to play. Beautiful Amenities Notable interior features include a built-in custom cherry cabinet with stainless steel bar sink and glass storage. For those who like to read, there are two in-wall cherry bookcases tucked away on either side of the family room opposite a wall of cherry cabinetry. Designed with movie watchers in mind, the family room also includes the newest 52” Sharpe Aquos High-Definition television with surround sound. Considering the Midwest weather, the promise of outside entertaining is always alluring. Located under a redwood ceiling in the gazebo, resides a hot tub with plenty of overhead protection from the elements. Surrounded by flower-filled planters and a custom-built fence, privacy is assured throughout the rear court yard. All of us with Pollard Construction hope you will enjoy visiting this beautiful “new” home. For more information, contact Pollard Construction Co. Inc. at (708) 848-5553.

Company Name:  Sevvonco, Inc.   &   Remodel One, Inc. Home Location: 1220 Springsouth Drive Schaumburg, IL 60193 Directions:  From the city: Take I-290 West to Rt. 53 North. Exit at Thorndale westbound. Travel to Irving Park exit. Exit and stay in right lane. At first light (Springsouth) turn right, north down to home 1220 on the left/west side of street. Or Take NW Tollway West toward Rockford. Exit Rt. 53 South. Take Rt. 53 South to Thorndale Rd. exit westbound and follow above. . . Or Take Roselle Road to Wise Road. Turn West on Wise. Travel to Rodenberg/Spring South and turn left/South to 1220 Spring South. Description of Home:  Two design build firms and their teams came together to help improve a family’s quality of life and livability. Jeff and Wendy Brandon have 15-year-old twins. Tony and Mary Stallone have 15-year-old twins. The families became very close friends. The Brandon twins were born with special needs... Both of the twins live at home with their parents, their younger brother, and a caregiver. One of the twins is severely disabled and lacks mobility, is legally blind, and requires around-the-clock care with a live-in caregiver. The Schaumburg, Ill., home in which they live was poorly set up to care for the needs of the twin, so The Northern Trust Co., guardians of the twins’ trust, employed an architect to prepare architectural drawings to remodel the Brandon's existing home to make the child’s life a little easier. REMODEL ONE GETS REFERRAL Mike Nagel, CGR, CAPS, President of Remodel One, Inc. was called in to bid the remodeling project on a referral from the Stallones. About four years ago, Remodel One remodeled the Stallones’ house adding a sun room, a three-season room, and a complete kitchen remodel. That year, the kitchen remodel won the prestigious Gold Key Design Award, which is given yearly by the Home Builders Association of Greater Chicago for the best remodeled kitchen over $100,000. During a visit with the Stallones, the Brandon's were shown the new project and fell in love with the quality, design, and workmanship. They inquired who the remodeler was and received an excellent referral for Remodel One. Because of this referral, the Brandon’s wanted Remodel One to remodel their home. Mike met with the Brandon family and the architect at the residence to discuss the project. “After a brief review of the existing home and the architectural drawings I explained, for various reasons, that the cost to remodel the existing home as per the new drawings would be cost prohibitive,” Mike said. “They asked me to bid the project anyway and I presented them with a proposal that substantiated my original concerns about the cost. After review by the powers that be, it was determined that remodeling the existing house was not the choice they wanted to make and decided to proceed with a new set of drawings for a new home to be built on the existing site.” TWO COMPANIES WORKING AS ONE Mike asked if he could think about it and called his good friend Scott Sevon, GMB, CGR, CAPS, CGP, President of Sevvonco, Inc., a fellow remodeler and a builder of custom homes. Mike asked Scott if he would be interested in partnering with him on the project. “Scott loved the idea, so I told the Brandon family that we would love to do the job, we both had the skills and experience, and we knew we could come together and partner for this project.” After months of bidding and negotiations with all parties involved and several plan reviews, Remodel One and Sevvonco were awarded the project. TREMENDOUS SAVINGS AND DONATIONS Scott and Mike went the extra mile to save the family money. They were successful in negotiating a tremendous amount of savings including a combination of donations and deeply discounted products, labor, installation, and services for the Brandon family. They contacted many of their industry contacts and asked for donations. “The amount of donations was outstanding,” Scott said. “Everyone involved with the project was great. In all of our projects, we really try to save our customers money.” The new home has many amenities: a track system was installed in the twin’s bedroom that allows access to an adjoining wheelchair-accessible bathroom with a special "doored" bathtub and roll-in shower area and one in the living room to allow for the child to use a zero gravity harness for mobility; every doorway in the house was widened to make them wheelchair accessible and the hallways were widened to four feet for added accessibility; a unique countertop, and cabinetry by McNulty Design Group, were installed in the kitchen so the family can eat together at mealtimes; ramps were designed from the garage to the house and; a deck was built that is wheelchair accessible from the backyard play area and main entry.

Remodel Chicagoland™ is a scattered site tour of remodeled or renovated single family homes presented by the HBAGC Remodelers™ of the Home Builders Association of Greater Chicago.  The Tour highlights dynamic and significant home renovations in the greater metropolitan Chicago area.