Home Additions and Structural Changes

Adding to and refreshing your home is always the best way for a new change without moving. If you’re thinking about making these changes, always make sure you get the right permission before diving headfirst into a big project.

What Is Considered A Structural Change?

The standard HOA clause describes a structural change as anything that can impair the ‘structural integrity’ of the building or may change it structurally.

A structural change essentially refers to condo or homeowners who want to change the original floor plan and also remove some walls in the process. If that is the case, you need to run your design plans by the HOA since they know what it takes to ensure a building remains structurally sound post renovations. You need permission before you make any structural changes to your house or condo.

You do not require a building permit for certain repair and replacement work. If you want to put in something simple like a fence, however; you do have to consider the height restrictions. In Chicago, you need one if the fence is going to be higher than five feet.

Why Hiring an Architect Is a Good Idea!

This is one of the main reasons why most homeowners hire experienced architects to design alterations on their behalf. In fact, most associations ask for those specifically. Architects know Chicago construction codes intimately and will know exactly what type of plan can pass inspections.

Architects are highly attuned to the design and layout they create including which walls are load-bearing and how certain decisions can affect HVAC efficiencies among other considerations. However, it is your responsibility as the owner of the condo to ensure any home additions they mention in the plan are implemented to the letter.

If you are in search of contractors who can make home additions and other structural changes without violating building codes, get in touch with us at Arete Renovators. Our aim is to deliver services that our clients can rely on without hesitation. With years of experience in construction, remodeling, and design, you can count on us. We offer our services in Streeterville, West Loop, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, River North, Gold Coast, Old Town, and Roscoe Village. Contact us for a consultation today.

Masonry and Tuckpointing

A gorgeous brick wall can stand the test of time and changing trends. However, the mortar that holds the joints in place can deteriorate with time even if the bricks are as pristine as ever. In order to keep the pristine and timeless look, regular masonry repair, such as tuckpointing, has to come into the picture.

What is Tuckpointing?

Tuckpointing is a masonry maintenance process that entails the removal and replacement of deteriorating mortar in brickwork. While it may seem like a simple procedure, it is far from a DIY project. That’s because most brick walls are load-bearing structures which means that they transfer and carry the load to the ground safely.

The stability ensures the solidity of the entire structure and adds a complex element that only a professional mason can maintain.

The Process

The first thing he will do is remove all debris and dust using an angle grinder rather than the traditional hammer and chisel. The former provides more accuracy which is important to ensure the bricks don’t chip.

After that, new mortar is mixed to match the exact color of the bricks and is filled into all of the joints. The experienced professional knows exactly how much and where to put the mortar for the best results. The smooth application allows the material to set flush with the bricks or indented as per your needs.

The mortar is then left to harden but the mason doesn’t stop there. He uses a special tuckpointing tool to create straight lines in the filled joints and fills those with a lime putty. The material shields the treated area against moisture and corrosion for longer lasting perfection.

How Often Is Tuckpointing Required?

Masonry maintenance jobs such as tuckpointing should be done as per the weather and the type of exposed structure you have. Some masonry repair work does not require joint repair until the structure is at least 25 years old. It is typically done to protect the bricks from moisture damage and to fix mortar joints that have deteriorated completely. It also helps bring the liveliness and beauty back to the bricks.

If you see some loose bricks in your villa’s facade or even around your fireplace, address it immediately by calling in the professionals. Arete Renovators, for instance, will do more than a simple tuckpoint. If required, they can also create a custom plan for parts of the brickwork that require relaying. Get in touch with us for a consultation by dialing (773) 610-4551 whether you live in Streeterville, West Loop, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, River North, Gold Coast, Old Town, and Roscoe Village.

It is More Than Just an Accent – Wallpaper Trends

Depending on who you ask, wallpaper never really went out of style. While some original prints from the ’80s and ’90s may look and feel like they should be retired, both vintage and modern wallpaper can be used to make walls stunning works of art. Here are some trends you can use to do just that.

Tapestry Design

Wallpaper designs inspired by tapestries are all the rage. Their popularity keeps rising with homeowners as more want the seamless more permanent look. The unique print can become a focal point of any room. Boasting expansive landscapes, this wallpaper design is a great way to introduce a palette of colors to a bland space.

Geometric and Graphic Prints

Considered to be the hottest design ideas in wallpaper trends today, graphic and geometric prints add a modern and playful look to almost any space they are placed. For instance, art deco prints can add a sophisticated touch to bland surroundings and make them more elegant. Bold, white, and neutral color patterns can help you make the most of this design trend.

Metallic Prints

Considered as novelty wallpaper, metallic prints fit seamlessly into a high-tech design and can also add some much-needed aesthetics to minimalist décor. While black and graphite are ideal colors of choice, your walls can look uninspired if you choose a single color. Refresh the trend by using wallpaper with a metallic or matte finish and a rough texture.

Panorama Designs

Panorama or mural landscape designs are making a comeback and in a big way. Originally delegated to living rooms and bedrooms, the designs have now regained their popularity and can be found today in bathrooms and foyers. Atmospheric panoramas and scenery allow this wallpaper trend to offer aspiring interior decorators plenty of options to create a style statement with their home.

Check out this list for more information. Whether you adopt these trends or look for others, hire reliable general contractors to apply the wallpaper seamlessly. This is where Areté Renovators can prove invaluable. We provide contracting, renovation, paint, and other construction services in Streeterville, West Loop, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, River North, Gold Coast, Old Town, and Roscoe Village. We won’t just add space in your house, we will do so in a way that is beautiful and functional. Get in touch with us for a consultation today.

Top Unique Kitchen Island Ideas

Kitchen islands are great ways to expand your kitchen and can act like a statement piece. The right island can complete a kitchen. Here are some ways you can transform this staple kitchen fixture and make it stand out.

Upgrade the Hardware

While old hardware may make your island have a slight vintage quality, upgrading those pieces can bring it into the modern era. Simple gold-toned touch handles or accent pieces will do wonders. Dress the back of the island with dummy drawers or door fronts to renew the piece and spruce up the plain look.

Add Molding

By adding molding to the faces and corners of the kitchen island, especially if you have a transitional kitchen, it can bring the look from plain to great. This style choice will make the piece more cohesive with the surrounding décor, which enhances its timeless quality.

Lighten Up the Space

You don’t have to remove your existing kitchen island to make it unique. Just strategically add LED lights to completely transform it. For example, under-cabinet strip lights can serve as accent lighting that will brighten and add ambiance. Additionally, hanging pendant lights right on top of the counter will make the kitchen island stand out and add extra décor.

Go for a Distressed Finish

A kitchen island can look like a treasured antique if it has the right distressed finish. With the appropriate heirloom stains or paint, you can get an island that will give your kitchen a stylish and lived-in appearance at the same time.

Waterfall Countertops

A waterfall countertop is the answer to extra countertop space and a flawless design. The design extends over the top of the cabinets and right down to the floor on both sides. Besides adding a streamlined touch to the kitchen, the countertop also provides accessible seating space for bar stools and high chairs.

Whether you are searching for reliable contractors who can add a unique kitchen island to your kitchen or need a room renovated from top to bottom, contact us at Areté Renovators today. We are known for our workmanship, modern products, and reliable services. If you live in Streeterville, West Loop, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, River North, Gold Coast, Old Town, or Roscoe Village, get in touch with us for a consultation by calling 773-610-4551. We can help you realize your vision.

In The News: Igor & Davor Jokanovic

Igor Jokanovic and Davor Jokanovic were recently featured in a Real Producers Article. Click here to read more!

Design Your Kitchen for Seamless Function

The concept of a home kitchen has been upgraded from a functional space to the heartbeat of your home. Homeowners do not just use their kitchen for cooking – they also use it to come together as a family and entertain friends. To ensure this, modern home designers are prioritizing seamless open plan spaces that flow with the rest of the home and encourage socialization. Here are some of the top tips you can use to create a similar seamless kitchen in your home.

Install Seamless Cabinets

Cabinets that do not have handles offer a seamless look to a kitchen, enhancing its modern aesthetic. The look opens up more space and makes the kitchen look clutter-free and minimal at the same time. You can also go the extra mile by painting the cabinets all the same color for a chic look.

Merge Modern with Traditional

You should also consider vintage wooden kitchen cabinets made from traditional solid wood with unique handles. Adding built-in appliances, such as a stove or a chimney will add to the seamless look.

Add Pendant Lights

A pendant light suspended on top of the kitchen island or table will add visual appeal to your kitchen in a modern way. The warm glow of the LED lights will make the space look cozier and bring the décor of the space together. Also, go for under-cabinet lighting to add a cozy element.

Add Color Smartly

Vibrant colors, such as red and yellow, may make a kitchen seem quirky and fun, but shades of grey can bring the aesthetics of this space together. Kitchen islands or cabinets painted grey-green or blue-grey can add a sophisticated touch to a kitchen. If your kitchen has a wooden floor, consider painting it these colors for a unique look.

Consider Metal Hardware

A few years ago, cabinet hardware used to be designed to blend into kitchen cabinets. Today, we have more options allowing homeowners and interior designers to be more creative. Add warmth and charm to the space by drawing attention to the shape and size of the hardware you choose with nickel or brushed silver options. If you want to renovate your kitchen down the road, changing the hardware can help you get a new look and make the space look more seamless.

If you are looking for contractors who can help you realize your kitchen design within budget, get in touch with Arete’ Renovators today. We offer kitchen renovation services within Chicago in Streeterville, West Loop, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, River North, Gold Coast, Old Town, and Roscoe Village.

Ways to Choose A Suitable Interior Designer According to your Budget

If you are looking for an interior designer who can meet your aesthetic demands and help remodel your home just the way you want it – you have your work cut out for you. Choosing one can be difficult. Will the one you choose meet your needs, or will you butt heads with them?

Consider Your Budget

Usually, it comes down to one thing – your budget. If you hire an expensive designer, you may not have much budget left for the suggestions they will make for your decor and renovations. Your job is to find the right company and professionals who can meet your demands – all within your budget.

Here are some considerations:

If you are on a shoestring budget, consider up-cycling or reusing existing furniture. You can also find some great bargains at second-hand stores, resale shops, and garage sales.
If you have an average budget, the worst thing you can do is splurge without prioritizing first. At this point, you need to make compromises in certain areas. Go with a designer who can help you decide where you can spend and where you should save.
If you have a healthy budget and want the best, don’t hesitate to splurge on a renovation service or designer who can match your vision to a tee.

Make Sure They are the Right Fit

Even if you are 100 percent comfortable with the budget you are working with, make sure you review a designer’s past projects. This will help you narrow down your choice.

The bottom line is you should choose a professional who is an expert at working within a range of budgets for the best results. Take an active part in the decision-making process to ensure the final results are to your liking, rather than the designer’s. You should take his/her ideas to heart, but if you lose your ideas and suggestions in the process, you may end up with disappointing results.

If you have a remodeling project you want to start, make sure the service you use can acquire permits in the Chicago area like Arete Renovators. Our trained design professionals can add value to your home using their 20-plus years of experience in the industry. Allow us to make your remodeling vision a reality by calling us today. We offer services in Streeterville, West Loop, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, River North, Gold Coast, Old Town, and Roscoe Village.

Tips for Building a Home Gym Just for You

Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to get a gym membership to stay healthy or make strides towards getting a perfect beach body. You can make a functional gym right at home. Here are some tips that can help you get a good head start for a gym you can be proud of.

Find the Ideal Space

Not just any room will do for an at-home gym. Before you start your workout regime, make sure the space you choose in your home is large enough to accommodate it. It should be spacious enough for a yoga mat for your core exercises, weights, and various machines.

The space you need depends on how much room you have and the workouts you do. For example, you may need more space for Pilates or a HIIT workout. Also, you may need to have a cabinet or a rack for heavy lifting equipment.

Get Basic Equipment First

While purchasing a treadmill can be tempting for a home gym, you may not have the space for it. Start by first purchasing affordable and smaller pieces – such as kettlebells, resistance bands for stretching, and a yoga mat.

At this point, your aim should be to maximize the space you have with equipment that doesn’t take up much space. Once you are used to working out in the space, you can invest in a renovation to expand your home gym.

Organize Your Home Gym

If you dedicate an entire room for a home gym, you should take measures to organize your equipment, which will help when you are doing circuit training.

Build a set of heavy-duty shelves or racks for large pieces and keep smaller ones under your bed or your garage. You can also use your garage to store large equipment. However, keep in mind you will have to take the equipment out each time you work out.

A DIY job can end up costing you more than a simple gym membership. To keep within a budget, get in touch with Arete’ Renovators for your gym remodeling needs. We have been in business since 2002 and know what it takes to create a home gym that can last for years. We work with the best products and industry leaders to provide general contracting services you can rely on in Streeterville, West Loop, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, River North, Gold Coast, Old Town, and Roscoe Village. Get in touch with us for a quote today.

Building Green with Milk-Based Paint

Ready-made paint remained widely unknown until the late 1800s when painters would prepare each batch manually using three ingredients namely: A binder to hold the liquid together; dry pigment for the color and a liquid carrier.

Milk-based paint quickly shot into popularity in the 1870s because of its budget-friendly ingredient list. It is made using a milk protein called casein, slaked lime, and Earth pigments. In other words, it is the original organic paint that is gaining traction as an eco-friendly alternative to toxic paint.

Environmental Benefits of Milk Paint

Most commercial paints are comprised of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that certain liquid chemical products can emit. While some may be short-lived, others can cause major health concerns.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), most VOCs are found indoors in concentrated amounts. Besides paints, varnishes and wax also contain organic solvents that can release toxic fumes when they are being applied and even while in storage.

Since milk paint is an organic paint, it does not emit harmful toxins and offers a beautiful matte finish that can last for years. This paint relies on milk proteins for stability, which are produced during the curdling process, like byproducts that come from cheese.

There’s More to Milk Paint

Contrary to popular belief, milk paint palettes are not limited to just intense shades. The color range is highly flexible as the paint comes in the form of a dry powder. In other words, painters have the complete creative freedom to control a shade according to your needs.

Depending on the water content, the final effect can either result in a soft wash, a solid color, or a translucent wiping stain. Additionally, different powders can also be mixed to create new shades.

At Arete Renovators, we take our environmental role seriously and use eco-friendly products such as milk-based paint for each paint job. We can create custom shades that can meet your aesthetic needs. It is one of the main reasons why we have become the premier contractor within Chicago in Streeterville, West Loop, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, River North, Gold Coast, Old Town, and Roscoe Village. Our team is made of a dedicated team of professionals who deliver the best service and products for your dream home. Get in touch with us today.

Choose Your Style with These Living Room Ideas

Your living room is more than just a place where you entertain your guests. With the right decor, it can be transformed into a warm, comfortable, and inviting space your family and friends can enjoy as well. Here are some ideas to help you narrow down your style choices for this space.

Modern Style

If you are going for modern design, lines and space should be as minimal as possible. A modern space has fewer curves, edges, and embellishments (like nailheads accents and tufting) than other styles. Modern design includes simple straight lines, a mix of metals, wood, leather, soft fabrics, natural materials, and neutral colors.

Minimalistic Style

A minimalistic living room, or Scandinavian style, is an ideal choice for homes that are small by opening up that small space with a clean and organized look, making the space look larger than it really is. Scandinavian design takes a modern look to a new level by incorporating clean simple lines with functionality. Scandinavian is very simplistic, functional, and natural with lots of wood, clay, and natural fibers.

Traditional Style

If you love old-school living room styles, a traditional look will fit the bill. Known for being elegant and sophisticated, this style features furniture that is typically handcrafted from wood. Traditional style includes a lot of accents and embellishments like nailheads, tufting, intricate woodwork, deep color palettes, and patterned fabrics.

Cottage Style

A cottage-style living room should be designed keeping specific elements in mind. The furniture should be centered to make the space look warm and inviting. Avoid pretentious pieces and keep the ambiance humble to add to the cozy feel. Add lots of soft fabrics and pillows. Think of bringing the outdoors in with warm colors, wood, faux furs, and centering the room around the fireplace (if you have one).

Industrial Style

Industrial style incorporates the strong elements of modern design with a stronger focus on the architecture of a space. Industrial design includes simple clean lines, mixed metals, wood, glass, and leather. It has a stronger focus on exposed beams, brick, exposed ductwork, and cement. Industrial also strays slightly from modern in color – add pops of vibrant shades of red, pink, blue, or green. Draw inspiration from the architecture of the building and the views from the windows.

Bohemian Style

A Bohemian living room is one that takes advantage of rich patterns and textures to achieve a unique look. Introduce such elements in the form of wall tapestries, colorful backdrop, and rich hues in the furniture you choose for this space. Bohemian style should evoke a calm feeling by incorporating pieces that bring joy, happiness, and peace.

If you are looking for reliable contractors to renovate your living room or any other room in your home, get in touch with us at Arete’ Renovators today. We can also remodel your kitchen, replace all your hardwood floors, and even paint your home. We offer our services within Chicago in Streeterville, West Loop, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, River North, Gold Coast, Old Town, and Roscoe Village.