A Contractor’s Guide to Home Additions

A new room addition may just be the solution you are looking for to make your home more spacious. It is less expensive than a complete renovation with a change to the floorplan, and it can suit your needs without overwhelming your current living space. Here is some advice from a contractor regarding your addition.

Determine Property Lines

Before planning a new addition to your home, determine where property lines are first, and develop the plan for your plot. Remember to include the landscaping and the location of all of the utilities. You need to leave an easement between your neighboring properties. The City of Chicago has very strict restrictions on how large of a dwelling can sit on a piece of property. Be sure to consult with an architect who can help you determine if you have reached your maximum living space allotment for your lot.

Make Sure the Design Complements the Floor Plan

Examine the existing floor plan of your home before working on the new addition. A professional contractor or architect can help you come up with design dimensions that can complement – rather than compromise it. Besides considering how the new space will be used, consider how the addition will make your home look from the outside – remember, aesthetics play a huge role in a property’s market value. You don’t want your home to look segmented. The addition should flow smoothly both on the interior and exterior.

Determine the Materials You Will Need

Once your drawings and permits have been approved, your contractor can bid on the project as drawn and help with material selection. Sometimes it is easier to tackle room by room. You may want some higher-end finishes and custom pieces in certain rooms and others can be more mid-grade but achieve the same aesthetic.

Beware of Outlier Bids

Always question the outlier bid, whether they sit at the extreme high end or extreme low end of others you have received. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Some contractors may not provide a project manager and expect you to oversee permitting, approval paperwork, design, and manage the construction. Other contractors may come in a little higher but include all of these services as part of their offerings. Always choose a contractor that you feel understands your needs and vision.

Whether you wish to have a new room installed or a complete renovation job to give your home a makeover, trustworthy service is worth its weight in gold. Because new additions in a home are a complex job, you should hire contractors who have years of experience.

This is where Arete’ Renovators can prove invaluable. As licensed, professional, and bonded contractors we have a proven positive track record of successful projects under our belt. We offer renovation services and home additions throughout Chicago in Streeterville, West Loop, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, River North, Gold Coast, Old Town, and Roscoe Village. Get in touch with us today.

What To Expect When You Hire Areté Renovators

Whether you want your kitchen, or your entire home renovated from top to bottom – hiring experienced and professional contractors should be your No. 1 priority. Even if you are proud of your DIY skills, chances are you do not have the experience, tools, insurance, and resources to prevent costly accidents and injuries.

To prevent the hassle and pain, choose experienced renovators such as Areté Renovators. Here are just some reasons why we are the best in the business:

Seasoned Veterans on Staff

When you work with Areté Renovators you will always have peace of mind knowing your home is in experienced hands. Our renovation service has skilled members on staff who have 30+ years of experience working on all types of residences and spaces. Together, they have completed more than 1,000 projects, and that number is increasing every week.

We specialize in the details. Most contractors shy away from working in downtown Chicago high rises due to the strict requirements and tight quarters. Chicago high rises are where we thrive. We have built a great reputation and relationships with building management, engineers, and doormen throughout the city.

We are well versed in techniques that can ensure each job is completed on time and according to budget. All of this without violating state regulations for construction standards – ensuring clients get the best service.

Comprehensive Design Services

A renovation should transform your home, not make it look slightly better than it did before. The team of professionals at Areté Renovators can incorporate elements that will give your home a makeover from the inside out.

Because we offer a range of design services, we are able to bring the remodeling experience full circle from the estimate to permitting, design, and completion. Need the kitchen remodeled? Ask for a specialized team to be sent over. Want to add a patio to your house? Areté Renovators will send over specialists who can suggest multiple design options.

All renovation professionals Areté employs have valid licenses and they all work together to ensure customers are satisfied throughout each job. Whether you want a new home built from scratch, need a custom room designed, or just want to touch up your bathrooms, get in touch with Areté Renovators today. For us, the sky is the limit when it comes to meeting your renovation and remodeling needs.

Our team of professional renovators in Chicago is comprised of industry experts who have years of experience renovating and designing new properties in Streeterville, West Loop, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, River North, Gold Coast, Old Town, and Roscoe Village. Get in touch with us by calling (773) 610-4551 and get a free initial consultation. You can also visit our showroom to discuss a project in person.

Finding the Perfect Lighting for Your Home

You can make your house look cozier and more inviting without a complete renovation job by playing with lighting options to make each room feel inviting. Here are some tips to consider.

Choose Lighting Options That Make a Great First Impression

The first thing you and your guests see when you enter your home is your entryway. To make a great first impression, consider hanging a chandelier or a modern pendant light fixture in the center of the ceiling. Besides illuminating the space, this lighting option also creates a welcoming ambiance. However, make sure you choose options that can fit the proportions of your foyer.

Also, if you want to draw your guests’ attention to your fantastic art pieces adorning your walls, consider adding halogen or adjustable recessed down-lighting over the artwork to make it stand out.

Use Multiple Light Sources

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to have a single lighting theme throughout your home. With countless options at your disposal, you can make each space unique and productive by being a bit creative.

For example, make sure your kitchen is well lit, but with task lights, which can brighten up workspaces – such as the counter or the island. Also, place lamps on the side tables in your living room for reading purposes or just to give the room a softer look. The bathroom can benefit from lighting options that have little to no glare or shadow.

Don’t Ignore Function for Form

At the end of the day, you need to realize that no matter how pretty a lighting option looks, it has to serve a function. Even if you purchase an expensive, ambient light fixture for the kitchen – if it doesn’t properly illuminate your space, it is doing you a disservice.

Be sure to select exterior lights that are bright enough to illuminate your lawn and backyard in order to eliminate shadows. Your patio, porch, and garage should be outfitted with appropriate lighting options to secure your living space.

Whether you are looking for appropriate lighting options for your home or want to renovate the entire structure, get in touch with Areté Renovators today. Our team comprises industry professionals who have years of experience in property management, remodeling, and design. We currently offer services in Streeterville, West Loop, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, River North, Gold Coast, Old Town, and Roscoe Village in Illinois.

Your Bathroom Deserves a Backlit Mirror

Who says bathrooms have to be boring? To make your bathroom stand out, you do not have to go all out – just replace your boring mirrors with a backlit mirror and see your bathroom transform into a heavenly sanctuary. Here are just some of the benefits these unique mirrors can offer.

Available In Several Designs

These lighted mirrors are available in several designs, which affect the ambiance of your bathroom. Backlit mirrors are more popular among homeowners because of the immersive experience they provide. While the light is behind the mirror, the shape of the mirror you choose will ultimately decide the ambiance.

Eliminated Shadows

Traditional light fixtures are notorious for throwing shadows and because the light fails to illuminate the bottom half of our face, applying makeup and getting a clean shaving can be a challenge. Backlit mirrors prevent this by highlighting the entire face with clear and even light distribution.

Diffuses Light Evenly

The LED lights fixed behind these mirrors are available in warm and cool color temperatures, which can complement your natural complexion. The result is a widespread and flawless glow that highlights areas of your face that you missed while shaving, washing your face, or applying makeup. Each task you perform in front of these backlit mirrors will be completed to perfection each time.

Adds Style to Bathroom Décor

If your bathroom décor leaves a lot to be desired and you are on a budget, installing a backlit mirror will enhance the space. The illuminated mirror will act as a focal point with your décor, adding a touch of sophistication and elegance, which can make your bathroom stand out and feel more welcoming. If you have two sinks, consider adding two mirrors or a single backlit mirror in between them. The choice should depend on your taste and budget.

If you are looking for professional bathroom renovators, look no further than Areté Renovators. As the main residential contractor in the Chicagoland area, we have made a name for ourselves through dedication and commitment to our clients. Our team of professional renovators is comprised of industry experts who have years of experience remodeling and designing properties in Streeterville, West Loop, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, River North, Gold Coast, Old Town, and Roscoe Village. Get in touch with us by calling (773) 610-4551.

Top 4 Ways to Make your Patio and Porch Really Stand Out

Outdoor Remodeling

The kitchen and living room may make up the heart of a home, but your porch and patio are the elements that can make or break a first impression. While both are separate elements of your home, they can add serious value to your property with some touch-ups. Here are some tips that can help:

Consider The View

While your porch and patio should be comfortable, you should also consider the view they offer – especially from inside your home. Will your porch and patio block a pretty view of the mountains or a lake behind or in front of your home, or will they enhance it? Considering this often-ignored element will help in designing a porch or patio that can serve as a visual as well as a comforting treat for visitors.

Use Your Home As A Guide

Many homeowners in Chicago don’t consider whether the design they have for their porch or patio will blend with the architecture. The result is usually unsightly. Outdoor elements that do not coincide with the lines of your home end up standing out like sore thumbs. Prevent this from happening by choosing materials that mimic the ones your house is made of and add screens that look like the windows.

Refresh The Furniture

Patio and porch furniture doesn’t have to mimic indoor pieces – especially if you want to make those areas pop. Make the space look fresh and inviting by updating your traditional wicker and metal chairs with a fresh coat of paint. Use bright colors such as reds and yellows to really make the area stand out. If not, consider adding colorful cushions or re-cover existing ones with bold colored covers.

Add Flora

Who says flowers only belong in your yard? Add splashes of color to your porch and patio by placing potted flowers at strategic points. You don’t have to use pots. Get creative by using old cans, pitchers, and even a wheelbarrow for the exterior. This is a cost-efficient and easy way to bring color to drab outdoor spaces that are a part of your house.

Before adding a porch or patio to your home, make sure it does not violate Illinois building codes. A professional contractor will be aware of these and for times you don’t need a permit.

Whether you are looking for professional contractors to build or rebuild a porch or patio in Chicago, get in touch with Areté Renovators today by calling (773) 610-4551. We have been bringing dreams to reality in the Chicago area since 2002 and have extensive experience remodeling entire homes and specific spaces to suit their clients’ needs. They currently offer services in Streeterville, West Loop, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, River North, Gold Coast, Old Town, and Roscoe Village in Illinois.

A Contractor’s Guide to Home Additions

Adding a new room to your home can solve your space issues. However, if you want to save time and money, your contractor will recommend you consider the following.

Make Sure You Know What the Space Is For

Before hiring a contractor for a home addition in Chicago, determine why you need the additional space by drafting a design guide. In other words, you need to figure out what you need the space for. For example, if you are adding it to accommodate an elderly family member, do you have enough space for a bed and bathroom? If it is going to be used as an added living space to accommodate your expanding family? Know the space’s purpose, your goals, and your needs prior to reaching out to a contractor.

Whatever the case may be, if you know the reason behind the space, your contractor will be able to come up with an accurate estimate and design, which can accommodate all your needs.

Consider a Micro Addition

If you are unsure about investing in the addition, you can always go for a bump-out. Also known as a ‘micro addition,’ it is basically an expansion of an existing room in the home. While it does still require permits under Illinois law, it is far less invasive than incorporating a whole home addition. Micro additions allow you to add a small amount of square footage to transform a space and make it more functional. These are ideal for:

Kitchens that require an island or more counter space.
A walk-in closet for a bedroom.
A breakfast nook, complete with seating arrangements.

Renovate According to A Budget

A budget is one if not the most important factor of a renovation. As a general rule of thumb, double your labor and rough material estimate to account for finish materials (vanity, cabinetry, appliances, plumbing fixtures, paint, flooring, tile, etc.) In addition to the labor and materials, you can almost always guarantee an “unknown” will come up after the demo has occurred. It is impossible for a contractor to foresee every issue especially those hiding behind the walls and floor. It is important to set aside a contingency fund to cover the unknowns.

While many homeowners choose to take the time to save up for their remodeling project, there are several payment options including financing. Your contractor can educate you on the best route to take and where to allocate your money to get the highest return on investment. See our page on home additions in Chicago here. Let us show you home additions before and after photos from projects we have done all over the Chicago area.

This is where Areté Renovators can prove invaluable. Available for projects in Streeterville, West Loop, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, River North, Gold Coast, Old Town, and Roscoe Village, we have extensive experience in design, real estate, remodeling, home additions, and property management. Get in touch with us for a consultation today!

Kitchen Remodeling Projects to Increase Your Home’s Property Value

Kitchen Remodeling

When homeowners undertake a remodeling project, they usually have one primary goal in mind. While boosting aesthetics and functionality are always high on the list, increasing property value is often the top motivating factor. As far as remodeling projects go, the kitchen is a fantastic place to start.

On average, a kitchen remodel provides an 80 percent ROI (return on investment). That means a homeowner who invests in a kitchen remodel can expect to recoup around 80 percent of their costs when their home sells. Moreover, 80 percent of homebuyers say kitchens are the most important room in deciding whether to purchase a home.

However, not all remodeling projects are equally valuable. Some cost more money and time than what they’re worth, so how can you be sure you’re investing in a worthwhile remodeling project?

Here are several kitchen remodeling projects sure to increase your home’s property value.

Redo the Floors

If your kitchen floors are looking shabby, redoing them is a fantastic first step. If your floor is in decent shape, but it just lacks some of its original luster, you might not need a total redo. If you have tile, consider deep cleaning the grout. If you have natural stone, consider polishing it.

However, if you need new floors, go with natural wood. While it might seem like wooden floors aren’t the best choice for the kitchen, statistics show wood floors provide a 106 percent return on investment. You can’t beat the appeal of natural wood floors. If you’re worried about upkeep in the kitchen, consider vinyl or laminate flooring made to look like wood. It has the same aesthetic appeal without the high price tag or maintenance woes.

Upgrade Your Countertops

The countertops are an essential part of the kitchen. The look of the counter can dramatically affect a home’s ticket price. The good news is there’s no shortage of countertop materials on the market. There’s granite, stainless steel, laminate, glass, solid surface, and more.

The best choice for countertop is subjective, however many homeowners are showing a preference towards quartz. It has the look and durability of natural stone without the maintenance headaches. A quartz slab price is roughly the same price as granite.

If you aren’t looking for a hefty price tag and want something more classic like white kitchen countertops, then solid surface and laminate are steady and reliable choices, too. Just be sure to go for higher-quality manufacturers and top-notch installers, and you can have an affordable and beautiful countertop upgrade.

Invest in the Cabinets

In terms of importance, cabinets are right up there with countertops. If your kitchen cabinets aren’t in the best shape, it’s a wise idea to invest in some new ones. As far as style goes, the most important factor is space. Homeowners want cabinets to have a lot of storage.

For materials, wood is always the top choice. However, whether you decide to keep the look of wood or paint them is entirely dependent upon your kitchen’s motif. Don’t forget about the fixtures. Invest in beautiful and functional knobs and handles to complete the look of the cabinets.

Also, it’s worth noting that while doorless, open cabinets look fantastic on Pinterest, very few people want the inside of their cabinets to be permanently visible. So, be wary of jumping on any design trends that don’t consider functionality.

Improve the Lighting

Lighting can make a considerable difference in the look of your kitchen. Nothing beats natural light. If it’s within your budget to add additional natural light via a large window or skylight, it could be worth the investment.

However, if letting natural sunlight in isn’t a feasible option, be sure to spend time selecting light fixtures for the kitchen. A dimly lit kitchen is a huge turn-off. People want to be able to see what they’re cooking. The most critical thing is ensuring there’s adequate lighting, but incorporating interesting fixtures, like bucket lights or under-the-counter lights can go a long way towards increasing property value and winning over potential buyers in the future.

Additional Considerations to Boost Your Property Value

In addition to the remodeling projects above, there are a few other things to keep in mind. When you’re choosing a color palette, you should lean towards neutrals. While bold colors are exciting, they aren’t the best for property value, because they aren’t universally accepted. Also, consider upgrading the appliances in the kitchen. You won’t only get more money for the appliances in the home when you sell, the look of high-end, complementary appliances can really tie the entire remodel together.

Be sure to lean towards quality materials and contractors because it will save you many headaches in the long run.

Ultimately, if you focus your renovation on the floors, countertop, cabinet, and lighting, you’ll have an awe-inspiring kitchen that’s sure to boost property value.

Mandy Lee is a contributor to Innovative Construction Materials. She is a blogger and content writer for the building materials industry. Mandy is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that increase property value, maximize energy savings, and turn houses into homes.

And, as always, if you are searching for top-rated kitchen remodelers in Chicago, look no further than Areté Renovators. Our aim is to achieve excellence by providing the best remodeling services in Streeterville, West Loop, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, River North, Gold Coast, Old Town, and Roscoe Village. We work with quality suppliers to make sure each and every product being installed into your home is of the best possible quality. Get in touch with us for a consultation today!

How to Correctly Measure Your Kitchen for Remodeling

Measuring For Kitchen Remodeling

Is your kitchen due for a remodel? If you answered yes, measuring the dimensions beforehand can help you determine how many tiles per square footage you will need. An easy way to log your measurements is by using grid paper where each square can be scaled to represent a square foot. Those measurements will give you an accurate floor plan, which easily can accommodate the kitchen sink, cabinets, and stove. Rather than DIY, hire experienced professionals – but make sure they follow the right protocols.

Here is what you need to measure in your kitchen before it is remodeled:

Measure the Walls

Face the wall that has the sink installed on it. Label the wall that is on your left as No. 1, the one in front of you as No. 2, the wall to your right as No. 3, and the wall behind you as No. 4. Take a tape measure and measure along the floor to get an accurate length of each wall and the ceiling.

Contrary to popular belief, not all walls are square in shape so yours may be off by a couple of inches. Order your cabinets according to the widest of the measurements. Otherwise, you will be left with an ugly gap between the wall and the last cabinet.

Measure the Doorways

Besides measuring the location of the doorway on the wall and its size, also measure the trim. Start on the corner that is on the left and do this for all the walls that have doorways. Start halfway up the wall in the left corner and to the edge of the trim.

Then, measure the width of the door, as well as the trim on both sides. If the wall has multiple doors, make sure you measure them separately using the same method. Measure from the edge of the trim to the edge of the next door and make sure you also take height into consideration. This will give you accurate figures to provide for your contractor.

Your contractor should always double-check your measurements to ensure accuracy in material ordering. Custom cabinetry can have as long as a 6-8 week lead time, so any mistakes made during the measuring and ordering process could extensively delay your project.

If you are looking for professional and experienced home remodelers in Streeterville, West Loop, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, River North, Gold Coast, Old Town, and Roscoe Village, look no further than Areté Renovators. We work with industry leaders to ensure our clients get the best results. Get in touch with us today.

3 Best Garage Rebuilding Ideas for Your New Home

Garage Remodeling in Chicago

Have you just moved into a new home and finally have a garage of your own? No rule says the space must be only for your vehicles, instead, make that space more productive by following these tips.

1. Install a Gardening Station

Use unused space in your garage to create a gardening nook to grow small plants. Start with some additional shelves, a pegboard for your gardening tools, and a workstation to ensure there is plenty of open space for fertilizer bags and other heavy-duty items.

2. Use It to Store Utility Appliances

Bulky appliances, such as your vacuum cleaner, washing machine, and even your furnace, don’t have to take up space in your home. If your garage is spacious enough, store these items, or have them installed in your garage. That way, your house will not feel cluttered and give you more living space to work with.

3. Make a Living Space Above It

Your garage can provide a solid foundation for a new game room for yourself, for your children, or even a space you can rent out for additional income. You will have nothing to worry about if you hire professionals for the job. Experienced builders take architectural cues from a garage before adding the new space on top in order to maintain structural integrity. They can also design and landscape the door leading up to the garage to make it a seamless part of the house, rather than a separate space.

4. Don’t Break the Law

Of course, before hiring builders for your rebuilding project, make sure they have the proper permits to begin work. Illinois has construction laws, which need to be adhered to, as well as regarding the location, size, and design of any new development. This is especially important for garage construction since the job requires excavation and backfill.

A reputable contractor will have permits and experience to install a new garage or make additions to an existing one so they can begin work right away. However, before hiring them, also keep in mind the cost of replacing damaged landscaping in your budget.

Whether you want to have a new garage installed or a room built on top of an existing garage in a garage remodel, get in touch with Areté Renovators for the job. We have more than 18 years of experience in new home construction and can help you realize your vision in terms of design and functionality. Besides garage rebuilding, we can also replace hardwood floors, remodel your kitchen and bathroom and paint your home, among other services.

Contact Arete’ To Discuss Garage Rebuilding Ideas In Chicago

We source only the best products for each project we undertake and are also known for having the best customer service in the construction business. So whether you live in Streeterville, West Loop, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, River North, Gold Coast, Old Town, and Roscoe Village, get in touch with us today for a consultation. The time and money you will lose with a DIY approach is just not worth it.

Kitchen Design Trends for 2020

Kitchen design trends show that the kitchen is now one of the main focal points in new homes. Gone are the days when the kitchen was built to the back of the house and was just used to prepare food and wash dishes. Fast forward to 2020 and that space has become the heart of a home where families come together after a long day, for celebrations and holidays.

Bring your kitchen into the new year and make it a homey and comfortable space by following these trends:

Opt for Open Shelving

Closed cabinets may keep your appliances and groceries out of sight, but they are being replaced with open and space-saving options. This includes industrial kitchen shelves, which are installed in the open to function like a bureau to hold serving and dinnerware and add a utilitarian feel.

These shelves will also encourage you to purchase appliances that take up minimal space and can double as décor. Because this trend is efficient, the trend has been quite popular in farmhouse kitchens.

Quartz is Still King

High-end kitchen counterparts made of resilient and attractive quartz are a trend that has stood the test of time and is still going strong in 2020. The reasons are simple – the material is incredibly resilient against damage, can last almost forever, and is easy to clean and disinfect. Homeowners also select granite, but it’s more difficult to clean than quartz.

Quartz countertops were not always the go-to choice for kitchen countertops. When first introduced, the lack of variety in finish and colors was a concern. However, with advances in technology, manufacturers are meeting rising demands with a range of colorful and realistic stone-patterned quartz countertops, which can make any kitchen look fabulous. This includes ones that are finished with swirl and vein patterns.

Re-design the Kitchen Sink

Today, the kitchen sink is more than just a place to wash dishes or clean produce. Today’s homeowners are having them designed as workstations where they can complete several tasks with additional accessories, such as a carving board, a beverage station, a drying rack, and a colander.

These versatile sinks are ideal for small homes where space is limited – but they can also prove a productive addition to a larger kitchen. That’s because it not only helps you clean and prepare food, it also becomes a countertop extension where you can entertain guests or serve them drinks as you cook.

If you are looking for builders in Illinois who can remodel your kitchen and give it a modern look, just make sure they have the proper permits. According to the Illinois Home Repair and Remodeling Act, every contractor has to get a contract signed by their clients, which states the total cost of the project.

If you are in search of reliable and certified builders in Streeterville, Lincoln Square, West Loop, Lincoln Park, River North, Gold Coast, Old Town, or Roscoe Village in Chicago, get in touch with Areté Renovators for a quote. We have completed numerous custom kitchen remodeling jobs across the greater Chicago area and can help you bring your vision to life as well. Get in touch with us today.