Hidden Kitchen Storage Features Worth Considering

Modern, light grey kitchen shelves and drawers make for plenty of storage room in a recently renovated kitchen.

Good kitchen storage isn’t necessarily about having more cabinets. It’s about making better use of the space you already have. During a kitchen remodel, there are plenty of opportunities to incorporate storage features that keep everyday items accessible without leaving them out in the open. From appliance garages and toe-kick drawers to hidden countertop outlets, […]

How to Create More Counter Space Without Expanding Your Kitchen

Close up shot of a woman's hands chopping vegetables at her spacious kitchen counter.

Counter space is one of those things you rarely think about until you don’t have enough of it. Between small appliances, meal prep, groceries and everyday clutter, even a generously sized kitchen can quickly start to feel short on usable work surfaces. Fortunately, adding more counter space doesn’t necessarily require a larger kitchen. A thoughtful […]

Walk-In Pantries vs. Pantry Cabinets: Which Is Better?

A man removes a jar of spices from his walk in pantry in his Chicago home.

Storage can make or break a kitchen. Even a beautifully designed space can become frustrating if there isn’t enough room for groceries, small appliances, cookware and everything else you use regularly. When planning a kitchen remodel, homeowners often have two main pantry options: a walk-in pantry or built-in pantry cabinets. Both can provide excellent storage, […]

How Contractors Coordinate Designers, Trades, and Permits

A general contractor reviews plans at his desk while working on his laptop.

A remodeling or construction project involves far more people than the crew you see working on-site. Depending on the scope of the project, there may be architects, designers, electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, carpenters, inspectors, suppliers and other specialists involved at different stages. Add permits, material deliveries, inspections and homeowner decisions to the mix, and keeping […]

Remodeling for Resale: Where to Spend and Where to Save

A modern living room style, recently remodeled and styled to attract buyers.

Whether you’re planning to sell your home next year or simply want to protect its long-term value, remodeling with resale in mind can be a smart investment. The key is knowing which upgrades buyers are willing to pay for and which projects are less likely to deliver a meaningful return. Not every renovation needs to […]

Which Bathroom Upgrades Offer the Best Return on Investment?

Close up of a beautiful luxury sink in a newly renovated Chicago bathroom.

A bathroom remodel can make your home more enjoyable to live in while also increasing its appeal to future buyers. But if resale value is part of your decision, it’s important to know that not every upgrade delivers the same return. The best bathroom renovations strike a balance between style, functionality, and practicality. Instead of […]

What Homeowners Wish They Had Known Before Their First Remodel

Top view of a man tiling the floor during a home remodel.

There is a first time for everything, including living through a remodeling project. For many homeowners, that first remodel comes with a learning curve. You may know what you want the finished kitchen, bathroom, basement or addition to look like, but knowing what happens between the initial idea and the finished space is another matter […]

Kitchen Remodel ROI: Renovations That Add the Most Resale Value

Close-up of a freshly remodeled, modern and cozy kitchen, decorated for a Chicago winter.

A kitchen remodel is one of the most popular home improvement projects, and for good reason. It’s often the heart of the home, where families gather, meals are shared, and guests naturally gravitate during gatherings. It’s also one of the first spaces potential buyers evaluate when touring a home. If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, […]

The Most Common Reasons Remodeling Projects Go Over Budget

A woman reviews home remodel estimates and invoices with a calculator at her desk.

Going over budget is one of the biggest concerns homeowners have when planning a remodel. And while unexpected expenses can happen during any construction project, many budget problems are not completely unpredictable. Sometimes the original home remodel budget was unrealistic. Sometimes the scope changes halfway through construction. In other cases, hidden conditions, material selections, or […]

The Difference Between an Estimate, Bid, and Proposal

A close up shot of a calculator, pens, and building plans.

If you are planning a home remodel, addition, or new construction project, you will probably hear several terms used to describe the cost of the work. Estimate, bid, and proposal are among the most common, and although they are sometimes used interchangeably, they do not necessarily mean the same thing. Understanding the bid vs. estimate […]