Arete’ Renovators of Chicago Q&A

How long has your company been in business?

Arete Renovators has been servicing the Chicagoland area for 21 years now. It was founded in 2002 by two brothers Igor and Davor alongside their father Jovo, a master carpenter. They had the vision of leveraging Jovo’s skills in carpentry and millwork to showcase his craftsmanship and to create a more balanced life for their family. That’s how the business was born.

What areas do you typically service?

We service the Chicagoland area, which includes Streeterville, the West Loop, Linkin Park, Lincoln Square, River North, the Gold Coast, Old Town, Roscoe Village, and even more that I can’t think of at the moment. We also work in surrounding areas in the Chicago suburbs, including Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Evanston, Winnetka, Oak Park, Glencoe, Highland Park, Wilmette, and the Northbrook suburbs.

Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?

So at Arete, we take state regulations very seriously so clients can rest assured that all of our renovation professionals have valid licenses. We are insured. Your project is going to be in safe, capable hands and we are also able to obtain bonds if the project requires it.

What type of renovations do you specialize in?

Our residential services encompass a variety of projects, including interior and exterior work on single-family homes, multifamily residences, and high-rise condominiums. We handle kitchen and bathroom remodels, as well as full home renovations. Additionally, Arete specializes in commercial remodeling. We have established long-standing relationships with suppliers and building management throughout the Chicagoland area, particularly in downtown high-rises, for over 20 years. This has allowed us to organically expand into commercial remodeling. We have experience with a wide range of commercial spaces, from optometrist offices to common areas in apartment buildings and everything in between.

What types of renovations offer the highest return on investment?

Kitchen and bathroom remodels consistently offer high returns on investment, typically ranging from 60% to 90%. These upgrades significantly enhance a home’s resale value, particularly if the existing kitchens and bathrooms are outdated, dysfunctional, or unappealing. Consequently, homeowners often prioritize these remodels. Additionally, exterior projects such as deck additions are proving to be particularly valuable. In Chicago, where livable outdoor spaces are rare and the weather often limits outdoor activities, adding a deck to enjoy the brief warm seasons can make a property much more attractive to potential buyers.

Do you do three-season rooms?

We do, we get we have a lot of clients requesting three-season rooms and screened-in porches too. Those are becoming increasingly more popular with homeowners, especially as we transition into warmer months. Many people want to do those outdoor additions because they see the appeal of having a livable outdoor space.

How much value will a specific renovation potentially add to my property?

Let’s look at kitchens as a prime example. A full-scale kitchen renovation could offer a return on investment of around 55% or above depending on how far you choose to go with that renovation. If you’re investing heavily in updates to fixtures, lighting, and cabinetry, you’ll likely get more bang for your buck in those areas. 

These are things that homeowners tend to not give too much thought to, but they go a long way in giving your kitchen an updated look, which will ultimately attract home buyers and just add more value overall. Your home stands to gain more from a kitchen renovation, but the magnitude of that value is of course influenced by the extent of the renovation, and the choice of updates, and always fluctuates depending on the current market condition.

Are there any renovations that are particularly appealing to buyers in the city?

I previously discussed the increasing appeal of outdoor renovations within the city. However, I’d also like to touch on the trend of combining condominium units, which is gaining popularity among our clients. While outdoor spaces are desirable, not everyone wants to maintain a lawn. Therefore, condominiums with limited outdoor areas, such as a balcony, are attractive to those individuals. 

One common issue with existing condos is that they can be too small for larger families. As a solution, many of our clients choose to combine two units into one larger space. This allows them to expand their living area without the hassle of searching for a new property if they already own a condominium. This type of renovation has become very popular in the city.

Does renovation require a permit, and if so, what is the process to obtain one?

For combining condos, that renovation does require permitting and the specific paperwork that you’ll need will vary depending on the scope of the project. Some projects may require only one to two forms, such as architectural plans and drawings, others may take up to seven forms or more. Additionally, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with your building’s specific rules and any applicable zoning fees. 

Fortunately, at Arete, our project coordinators are highly experienced in obtaining permits in the city and the surrounding suburbs. They are well-versed in city codes and handle the entire permitting process for our clients, saving them multiple trips to City Hall.

Using combining condo units as an example, how long will the renovation take, and how will it affect my living situation during the process?

First comes the design phase. In this stage, you’ll be collaborating with architects and designers and your vision will be translated into detailed blueprints, drawings, and design mood boards. This serves as a creative dialogue that ensures that the combined unit not only meets the functional needs but also meets the aesthetic sensibilities of the client. So simultaneously, while this is happening, usually we’ll start demolition work to clear the way for the new space. This stage generally spans about one to two months depending on the scale that’s required for the project. 

Next, we begin the significant construction work, which includes altering walls, integrating different systems such as plumbing and electric, and ensuring that the new unit is durable and the design is cohesive with the client’s vision. Typically, this takes place over three to six months, depending on how complex and in-depth the project is. 

Finally, after all that heavy construction, our attention turns to the interior finishes. So that’s where paint comes in, fixtures, cabinetry, and all the elements that kind of transform the space from a construction site into your home. This final act takes about one to two months. As far as the living situation, you and your loved ones will need to relocate during the construction process. We understand how inconvenient this can be. 

So Arete always tries to assist with that, we have a sister company, Arete Property Development, and they’re always available to help you find any temporary living needs you and your family require.

What are the potential risks or common issues associated with this type of renovation?

One of the most critical considerations in any modification is ensuring that the building’s structural integrity is not compromised. The removal or alteration of load-bearing walls, if not handled by experts, poses significant risks and could jeopardize the entire building’s safety. It’s crucial to adhere to the city’s building codes and regulations. 

Non-compliance can lead to legal issues, necessitating the reversal and redoing of work already completed. This not only extends the project’s timeline but also increases the overall budget. Merging two condominium units often requires integrating multiple plumbing and electrical systems, which can be complex. Overlooking this aspect may lead to functional problems that result in expensive revisions and repairs later on. 

Additionally, construction projects, including this type, typically encounter unexpected challenges. These can include hidden structural issues that become apparent only after breaking into walls. If previous work was performed incorrectly, it must be addressed before progressing. Delays in receiving necessary materials or extended permit approval times can also occur, leading to further delays and increased costs. These factors can significantly impact the overall budget and timeline of the project. So it’s important to be aware of potential restrictions before starting any construction. 

Each condominium building has its own set of rules and bylaws, which can include specific restrictions on renovations or the combining of units. Therefore, the project coordinator must thoroughly understand these regulations before beginning construction. This is to ensure that such modifications are even permissible in your building, preventing major issues down the line.

Can a renovation be done in phases or does it need to be completed all at once?

We’d recommend completing the project all at once, if you’re doing a project that involves wall removal, or electrical and plumbing reconfigurations, no one wants to leave their home partially completed for a prolonged period, because that just makes the process more stressful and more inconvenient. So we do recommend doing it all at once. 

Another thing is waiting until the end of a project and then requesting to have something more added on, which is going to cost a lot more money. I interviewed a guy who does AV installation inside of people’s homes, so speakers and anything to do with video or running wiring. He says a lot of people in the last phases of their projects will say hey, you know, I want to install some in-ceiling speakers or some kind of wiring inside the wall. He was telling me how that is so much more expensive as opposed to doing it from the jump.

Contact Our Experienced Chicago Home Renovation Experts At Arete’ Renovators

Our staff at Areté Renovators in Chicago are eager to help you hone the vision for your beautiful new home. Our designers can offer their insight and experience, and in our showroom, you can look at photos and samples to help you feel good about a glamorous new Chicago home renovation. 

Areté Renovators can also help you through the build process of your home remodel. We are here for you, don’t hesitate to reach out with questions! We believe in building relationships based on trust and transparency, and we’re dedicated to delivering quality workmanship that stands the test of time. Contact the professionals at Areté today at 773.683.3033 and let us help you make the most of your Chicago home renovation.