Remodeling for those who want to love where they live.
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Kitchens · Baths · Additions · Basements · Custom Homes
â—† What We Build
04 Specialties
Kitchens
Every room is designed and built by one in-house team, from a single bathroom to a second-story addition. No handoffs, no surprises.
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Bathrooms
Additions
Basements
Since 2006, Chicagoland homeowners have trusted one team to design, permit and build the rooms they live in every day.
2006
Founded in Itasca, IL
20+
Years of experience
2,000+
Projects completed
5-Year
Build-quality warranty
The Design First Difference
Designed first. Then built right.
Most remodels go wrong in the handoff between the designer and the builder. We don't have one. Every discipline lives under our roof in Itasca.
Our Process01
Architecture & Design
Plans are drawn in-house, so the design works with your home's structure from the very first sketch.
02
Interior Design
Our designers help you choose finishes, fixtures and cabinetry that fit both the plan and the budget.
03
Permitting & Purchasing
We pull the permits and order the materials, so lead times are planned, not discovered.
04
Construction
Our craftsmen build what was designed, backed by a 5-year guarantee on build quality.
05
Project Management
One point of contact keeps the schedule, the budget and you in the loop from start to finish.
Custom Homes
A home designed around your lifestyle. Built to last.
Experienced craftsmen and an in-house design team take your custom home from first sketch to final walkthrough, with a 5-year guarantee on build quality.
Explore Custom HomesClient Stories
In their words.
“
I did a first floor remodel and after interviewing many firms, I chose Design First because they thought out of the box and reconfigured my kitchen in a space I never before considered.
Kristen W. · First-Floor Remodel
“
Every detail, from tilework to fixtures to finishing touches, was done with precision and care. Our new bathrooms feel both modern and timeless.
Erica T. · Bathrooms
“
The project ended with an absolutely beautiful addition that everyone loved! Throughout the process, DF kept all of their promises and the service was absolutely excellent!
Walt G. · Home Addition
Straight Answers
What to expect before you call.
What does a remodel cost?
Kitchens typically run $100,000–$120,000 and primary baths $80,000–$100,000. Guest baths run $40,000–$60,000, and single-story additions $125,000–$175,000. Final cost depends on scope and finishes.
How long will it take?
Kitchens and primary baths take 8–12 weeks, guest baths 4–6 weeks, and single- or two-story additions 4–6 months. Design, permitting and material lead times can shift that.
Where do you work?
Across Chicagoland, including Naperville, Hinsdale, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Elmhurst, Park Ridge, Arlington Heights, Evanston, Wilmette and Glenview.
Do you offer custom cabinetry?
Yes. We work with AnnTucker Cabinetry and Arbor Mills, and cabinetry is planned from the start of every project.
Straight answers
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for home remodeling?
Most home remodeling projects in Chicago take between 4 weeks and 10 months, depending on the scope. Here’s a general timeline guide from Design First Builders based on project type:
• Kitchen remodel timeline: 8-12 weeks
• Master bathroom remodel timeline: 8-12 weeks
• Guest bathroom remodel timeline: 4-6 weeks
• Single-story home addition timeline: 4-6 months
• Two-story home addition timeline: 4-6 months
• Second-story addition timeline: 8-10 months
Every remodeling project timeline depends on factors like design complexity, permitting, materials lead times, and change orders. Your dedicated Design First Builders project manager will provide a detailed construction schedule once your design and scope are finalized.
What areas do you serve?
Design First Builders serves homeowners throughout Chicagoland, including Naperville, Schaumburg, Wilmette, Wheaton, Elmhurst, Arlington Heights, Glenview, Evanston, and Hinsdale. See our full service area page for additional communities we build and remodel in.
How much does home remodeling cost?
Remodeling costs in Chicago vary by project scope. Here’s a general average cost from Design First Builders based on project type:
Kitchen remodel cost: $100,000-$120,000
Master bathroom remodel cost: $80,000-$100,000
Guest bathroom remodel cost: $40,000-$60,000
Single-story home addition cost: $125,000-$175,000
Two-story home addition cost: $175,000-$250,000
Second-story addition cost: $400,000-$600,000
Every project’s final cost depends on design complexity, material selections, and finish level. Your dedicated Design First Builders project manager will provide a detailed, itemized estimate once your design and scope are finalized.
Do you handle cabinetry and custom finishes in-house?
Yes, Design First Builders handles cabinetry and custom finishes in-house. Our in-house cabinetry partner, AnnTucker & Arbor Mills, designs and builds custom cabinets for kitchens, bathrooms, and specialty spaces, so cabinetry is planned alongside your design from day one instead of outsourced separately.
What services does Design First Builders offer?
Design First Builders is a full-service design-build firm serving Chicagoland, offering kitchen remodeling, bathroom renovations, basement finishing, home additions, full floor reconfigurations, sunrooms, and fully custom home builds. Our team also includes AnnTucker Cabinetry and Arbor Mills for custom cabinetry and finish work.
Let's talk about your home.
Free consultation. Monday–Friday 9 AM–5 PM, Saturdays by appointment.
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