Our Process

Learn more about our Chicago home remodeling process.

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View our work.
Modern white kitchen with large island, white cabinets, brick backsplash, and city view from windows.

01

CONSTRUCTION PLANS

A smooth construction process begins with a good plan.  It should meet your needs at a price that makes sense.   If you have a fully developed plan from a designer, we'll look through them with these thoughts in mind.  If we can, we'll make practical suggestions to improve them and lower costs.  For clients who know what they want but don't yet have plans, we can connect you with a designer to help you create fully specified plans that achieve your vision.  For designers with clients, we can help you complete your plans with our construction and drafting teams.

Modern kitchen with white cabinets with blue lower cabinets, a marble island, stainless steel appliances, wooden floors, a large window with a city view, hanging bulbs, a small dining table with chair by the window, plants, and a clock on the wall.

02

CONSTRUCTION BIDDING

We'll start by giving you ballpark numbers.  If they’re not what you expected, we'll make suggestions to bring the costs into line if possible.  When we're on the same page, we'll create a spreadsheet accounting for every labor item and material necessary to complete your project. It lets you understand your projects cost at a granular level and enables you to make decisions knowledgably.  If we remain in line with your cost expectations, we'll do a site visit to spot and anticipate issues.  If our bid  meets your approval, we’ll send over a contract for your review and signature.

Modern kitchen with light wood cabinets, white countertops, and gray tiled backsplash. The kitchen has a gas stove on the left and a double sink on the right, with a view into a living area with wooden floors and a white spherical pendant light.

03

Bathroom vanity design with dual sinks, gold faucets, mirror with decorative frame, upper light fixtures, and tall storage cabinet, all with detailed measurements.

PRE-CONSTRUCTION

Once we receive your signed contract and deposit, we’ll order all your materials to our warehouse, build your custom cabinetry in our cabinetry shop as needed and give you a start date on the calendar.  We'll make arrangements with your building manager and help you with any permitting issues at your request.  As we get closer to your start date, we'll update you as dates may shift for various reasons.  Usually, we'll give you notice of a definite start date about a week in advance.

04

ACTIVE CONSTRUCTION

Once in construction, our goal is to complete your project as quickly as we can while ensuring our high level of craftsmanship. 

The first day, our head of construction will meet you to review your project details and answer any questions.  Once we protect your house, we'll begin demolition and remove the debris.  New materials will arrive shortly and construction will begin and proceed continuously.  We'll update you regularly and you'll never wonder where our workmen are.  If there are construction surprises along the way, we'll explain the situation, give you options and estimate the anticipated costs. 

Once we start, there is nothing you have to do.  If there are questions or updates, we'll reach out to you or your designer.  We know construction can be mysterious and anxiety provoking.  We'll do our best to be transparent and get your project completed as fast and smoothly as possible.

Modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, a white marble island with a sink and seating, stainless steel appliances, and a backsplash with a geometric tile pattern.

05

CONSTRUCTION BILLING

We review all projects weekly and bill accordingly.  Some clients prefer to pay in 4 installments.  This can be done as well.

Your deposit will be applied to early invoices though we retain a portion of your deposit equal to 10% of your estimate until your project is nearly complete.  When the punch list is done, we'll provide a detailed report of all extras and credits and apply the last 10% of your deposit to our billing.  We'll then issue a final bill or a check for your final credit.  A detailed, final report will accompany.

If you have any questions along the way, our bookkeeping team will happily address those. 

Bright living room with large bay windows, beige sofas, two side chairs, and modern coffee tables, featuring a wall with decorative wood paneling and built-in lighting.

06

POST CONSTRUCTION

When your project is complete, our construction lead and you will create a punch list.  Once completed, our one-year warrantee will go into effect.  Non-urgent issues that arise will be handled on a scheduled basis, usually at one, three, six and nine months, if needed.  Urgent issues which could cause further damage will be handled immediately.  

In the years to come, we'll be there to advise you on any issues in your house and help anyway we can.

Contact us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Modern loft apartment living room with exposed brick walls, large windows, wooden ceiling beams, and colorful furniture including a dark gray sectional sofa, striped area rug, yellow ottoman, and white lounge chair, with artwork on the walls and city buildings visible outside.