From admin on March 3rd, 2011 in Chicago
While the concept of ridiculously oversized mansions may be passé, the desire for open space is not. So many homeowners have looked to opening up the floor plan of their existing homes. In this economy, and with a greater restraint on unnecessary consumerism, homeowners aren't building oversized homes any more—"and no one can afford to move up to larger houses, but people still want to have that spacious feeling,"
says Mike Dew, owner of Oak Tree Construction in
Schaumburg....
Continue reading Chicago’s Great Open-Plan Homes
November 24th, 2010 in Chicago
While we've mentioned many times how great of a return on your investment kitchen remodels can bring, it can be hard to know how to spend your money. Looking to experts such as Matt Lederer can help.
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August 16th, 2010 in Chicago
After a series of lawsuits regarding fraudulent home repairs and remodeling, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn is putting his foot down. In July, 2010, he signed two bills into law—Senate Bill 3545 and Senate Bill 2540—to protect disabled homeowners from falling prey to the unethical practices of so-called professionals.
Under Senate Bill 3645, individuals can now be charged with aggravated home repair fraud if the project was completed to assist a person with a disability, i.e. installing a wheelchair ramp. The penalty for projects under $500 has increased from a Class 4 felony to a Class 3 felony, which means a penalty of 2 to 5 years in prison along with a fine of up to $25,000. For second offenses, the charge changes from a Class 3 felony to a Class 2 felony, which could mean a 3- to 7-year prison stint and maximum fine of $25,000.
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July 6th, 2010 in Chicago
Not many homeowners would be comfortable with the idea of their foundation shifting under nature’s every whim, but Irving Stenn and Judith Racht, as architect Laurence Booth would discover, were a different breed entirely. They wanted nothing more than to be engulfed in the environment of their lakefront Michigan home, which meant accepting everything nature had to offer.
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July 1st, 2010 in Chicago
After tearing down the 1960’s ranch-style home they inherited along with their Lake Michigan land in Saugatuck, this couple decided it was time to minimize and modernize. Architect Charles K. Carlson was enlisted to build the vacation home of their dreams, while interior designer Stephen Knollenberg had the tough task of decorating it just to their liking.
The biggest challenge that this team faced was incorporating the lakefront views into the home itself.
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