Design-build remodeling in Chicagoland since 2006
Updated October 2026 A kitchen remodel goes best when you make the big decisions in the right order: goals, budget, layout, cabinets, team, then construction. This guide walks through each one, with what to decide, what to ask, and what to expect. It’s written for homeowners in the Chicago area, but the steps apply to…
From overflowing Pinterest boards filled with inspiration to home loan applications leaving you speechless, we’ve all been there. You know you want to transform your home, maybe add a spa-like bathroom, or finally finish the basement, but figuring out how to finance a home renovation without breaking the bank can feel like a complicated puzzle….
Ready to remodel your home for 2024? If you’re looking to give your home a fresh, new look in 2024, you’ve landed in the right place. We at Design First Builders are excited to share our top 8 remodeling ideas and trends for the upcoming year. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or ready to dive into…
Fall Decor Ideas It’s that time of year for fall decorating, and what better way to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere than decorating your kitchen for fall? Fill your kitchen with cozy vibes by decorating it for fall with elevated, stylish seasonal fall décor like vases, autumn flower arrangements, and more. Discover how to…
With the 2022/2023 school year coming to an end, most are finalizing plans for their summer vacation, preparing for a busy summer sports schedule, or getting the yard ready to enjoy during the warm months. It’s very unlikely that hosting friends & family for the winter holidays is part of your current thought process, but…
The Chicagoland area is currently experiencing a surge of innovation in the home renovation and design industry. With advancements in technology and materials, homeowners have access to a vast array of options to customize and enhance their living spaces. From kitchen and bathroom remodels to room additions and whole-house renovations, the latest trends in home…
Whether homeowners should remodel their homes now or wait until inflation is more under control in a year or two depends on several factors. Let’s explore some of these factors below: In conclusion, whether homeowners should remodel their homes now or wait until inflation is more under control in a year or two depends on…
Whether you’re building a new home from the ground up or undertaking a renovation, you’ll make a lot of complex and critical decisions along the way. Your home building or renovation process all begins with choosing the company you will work with. Cost is an important component but having the right team on your side…
If you want or need a kitchen renovation but lack the cash to pay for it up front, financing is a good alternative. Financing a big remodel project can be affordable while allowing you to protect the value of your home through proper maintenance and updating. But before you start your project on borrowed funds,…
Do you want to create a kitchen that reflects your love of nature and the outdoors? While the kitchen may not seem like the most obvious room for a nature-based design, anyone can incorporate a number of elements that will bring the outdoors into their cooking zone. Here are six things you might try. 1….
9 Luxury Bathroom Remodel Ideas for a Spa-Like Retreat A luxury bathroom isn’t about spending the most. It’s about thoughtful details that make everyday moments feel special. Warm floors, a deep tub, soft lighting, and a place to sit can turn a plain bathroom into a retreat. Here are nine luxury bathroom remodel ideas to…
A second kitchen sink sounds like a luxury, but it solves real problems. Two people can work at once, one can rinse vegetables while the other loads the dishwasher, and a bar or coffee corner gets its own water. It can also cost you counter space and add plumbing. Here are five questions to answer…
Updated October 2026 A good pantry is more than a closet with shelves. It’s a storage plan built around what you actually cook, buy, and use. Many pantries disappoint because they follow assumptions nobody questioned. Here are five worth a second look before you design or redesign yours. Quick answers Shelves: mix heights and depths,…
Blog → Kitchen Bump-Out Addition: 5 Times It Makes Sense Updated October 27, 2026 Kitchen Bump-Out Addition: 5 Times It Makes Sense Is a kitchen bump-out addition right for you? See five situations where a small bump-out beats a full addition, from galley kitchens to tight lots. Marc Santarromana Blog In this article Quick answers…
5 Butler’s Pantry Ideas for Modern Homes A butler’s pantry is a small room between your kitchen and dining area that handles serving, storage, and overflow, and it’s useful even if you don’t have a butler. Today, homeowners use them as a staging area for entertaining, a wet bar, extra storage, a second workspace, or…
A good home office design does five things well. It keeps noise out, lights your work without glare, fits your body, gives you the power and data you need, and looks right on a video call. For many people, that’s no longer a pandemic workaround. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 22.6 percent of…
Kitchen countertop trends come down to seven materials and looks, and each one asks something different of you. Some wipe clean with a damp cloth. Others need a little care to stay beautiful. Here’s how the most popular choices compare, so you can match the surface to the way you actually cook. Quick answers Easiest…
5 Questions to Answer About Your Home Office Addition Answer five questions before you build, and a home office addition goes much more smoothly. If you work from home, you’ve probably tried the kitchen table, the corner of the bedroom, and the couch. A dedicated office can be worth building. But an addition is a…
Updated October 2026 If you love your neighborhood but need more room, a home addition can solve the problem without a move. The hard part is choosing where the new space will help most. This guide covers four popular additions, what each one is best for, and what to think through before you start. Quick…
Full vs. Partial Second Story Addition: Which Is Right for Your Home? A full second story addition adds the most space, while a partial one adds less but can suit a specific need and may cost less. Adding a second story can double a home’s usable square footage without using any more of your lot,…
Do you like to entertain large groups at home? Then you know that your kitchen is a central part of the action for everyone. Whether it’s a base for multiple people to prepare large meals or an unofficial gathering point for guests and hosts alike, a well-planned kitchen can bring everyone together for more fun….
The clearest signs you need a kitchen remodel show up in your daily routine, not in a magazine. You walk back and forth for every ingredient. Counters disappear under small appliances. A drawer sticks, a floor won’t come clean, and you’ve started avoiding the room when friends come over. Here are seven signs it may…
As you plan your kitchen remodel, one of the most impactful decisions that you should make is whether to pursue an open kitchen floor plan or a closed plan. What do these terms mean in real life? And what are the benefits and drawbacks of each? Discover some answers to your questions.
You may want to avoid spending money on fads (short-lived trends that won’t pay off long-term) during a remodel, but that doesn’t mean you need to avoid trends completely. Some trendy upgrades may be useful for your family’s lifestyle, may save you money over the years, or may even improve your home’s value long-term if…
A small kitchen doesn’t have to feel cramped. With the right layout, storage, and lighting, many small kitchens work better and look larger without adding square footage. Here are seven ideas to start with. 1. Choose a layout that fits your room Galley and L-shaped layouts tend to work best in small kitchens. A galley…
Do you want to build a home addition that will add space and functionality to your house? If so, one element that all homeowners should give thought to is how to make the addition harmonious with the rest of the existing house. Why is this important? And how can you do it? Here’s what you…
The stay-at-home orders to curtail the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic changed the lifestyles of many people. One study has found out that more people took up cooking to fill the extra time they had in the house. With more time spent in the kitchen, you may have found that you need to spruce up this space…
A primary suite addition gives you what the house didn’t: a bedroom with room to breathe, a bathroom that’s yours alone, and a closet that holds your clothes. If your current bedroom is just the biggest room on the hall, the fix is usually more space or a better location. There are four common ways…
Does your home need a renovation? Many homeowners focus on ways to remodel the existing layout, but an addition could give you much more ‘bang for your buck’ in your renovation budget. How could a home addition add value and luxury to your home? Here are a few of the best choices to solve your…
An aging in place remodel makes your home work for you as your needs change, so you can stay where you are. Most people want exactly that. AARP’s 2024 Home and Community Preferences survey found that 75 percent of adults 50 and older would like to live in their current home. Wanting to stay is…
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