Unlike what you may see on television, kitchen remodels do not happen overnight, or even over the weekend.  In fact, most kitchen remodels take between one and three months at minimum.  Being realistic about your timeline is important so that you may prepare yourself and your family for what lies ahead.  Depending on the extent of your remodel, you may even relocate your family during periods of the renovation due to the lack of appliances or inability to travel through the home based on where the kitchen is located.  While this doesn’t seem ideal in the short term, the long term benefits of a remodel make up for the minor inconveniences. In addition to having realistic expectations, there are a number of other things you can do before even hiring a contractor or designer:

1. Define a budget.  Besides for outlining a total cost for your kitchen remodel, think about what elements are most important to you.  Do you prefer a specific type of flooring for easy cleaning or are you looking for top of the line appliances?  Or perhaps, you are looking for handmade custom cabinets with ornate details?  It is important to identify these items so that if you run into unforeseen costs or changes to your budget, you can easily identify alternative items that you’d be more willing to cut back on.  With that said, make sure you build in a cushion for those unforeseen costs, emergencies, etc…

2. Create a “look book.”  Start browsing the magazine rack at the grocery store for inspiring ideas, whether they be layouts, color combinations or even specific products.  Or check out some of our favorite internet applications such as Pinterest or Houzz.com (which Avondale is featured on both!) and build your online style book.  When you’re ready to interview designers or contractors you’ll have a head start and be able to easily translate your wish list.

3. Finally, keep your reason for your remodel top of mind.  If you are looking to add resale value to your house for an upcoming sale, perhaps making more budget-concise choices is best.  On the other hand, if you are planning on hosting parties or cooking often, a top of the line kitchen would be ideal.

We welcome you to bring us your “look book” and budget, so that we may help you create your dream kitchen and update your home.

Well, you are in luck. Gone are the days of graph paper and rulers.  And in are the days of modern technology.  Thanks to floorplanner.com, you can log in and layout your entire home.  From entryways with built-in lockers to kitchens equipt with every type of amenity, floorplanner.com allows users to be as detailed as they like.  Users can even layout patio furniture in
their lawn or shelving units in their garage.

Best of all, the Internet site is free for an initial layout in both 2D & 3D.  Prices are extremely reasonable for multiple layouts or users, starting at just $14.95/year.  Users must purchase a package to export layouts.

We, at Avondale Custom Homes, are always available to help you layout your remodeling jobs. However, in the meantime we urge you to take advantage of this free software until you are ready to move forward with your project.

Obviously if you are looking to sell rather quickly, such as this summer, minor improvements that are cost-concise are best.  Chicago Magazine recommends adding energy efficient elements and increasing curb appeal.  This doesn’t mean you’ll have to proceed to buy all new kitchen appliances, simply make small changes that will benefit not only the next owner, but also you in the meantime.  Programmable thermostats and low-flow showerheads are two examples the magazine lists.

If you are looking to sell your home in a few years, your budget can be a little higher as you’ll be taking advantage of the improvements yourself for a while.  Mechanical and roof upgrades/inspections, creating more living space, and splurging a bit on the kitchen or bathrooms is recommended by Chicago Magazine.  Creating more space can be best be done by completing a basement or adding an outdoor living space, as it maximizes current square footage without the cost of a full addition.  By completing either one of these spaces, it truly showcases the potential of home, especially for families or those looking to host friends and family often.  Splurging a little on the kitchen or bathrooms can be interpreted by choosing midrange appliances, fixtures, and amenities.  Rather than purchasing the bathroom tile that you most like, downgrade a notch to save money but also get the original look you were going for.  On average remodeling efforts recoup 50-65% of their cost with kitchens recouping the most, according to Remodeling magazine’s 2011-2012 cost vs. value report.

Finally, if you plan to stay for a decade-plus, focus on creating a home that can accomodate a variety of ages and generations, and that is energy efficient.  Larger energy efficient projects include adding higher grade insulation, solar-heated hot water systems, and geothermal heating and cooling systems.  Overall this will reduce your bills and make your house more marketible.  As for creating a home that will be age-appropriate for later years in life, suggestions include first floor shower accomodations and larger bathrooms for wheelchair accesbility.  Lastly, reconfiguring homes for multi-generational families means adding additional master suites or even wings with kitchen and bathroom accomodations.

Stay tuned for more information on our next blog about energy efficiency, and if you’re looking for someone to talk to about your current remodeling efforts, feel free to contact us.  We look forward to helping you.

Outdoor Living Space by Avondale Custom Homes

Record breaking high temperatures have hit Chicago over the past week as we approach spring.  Although experts say we are not completely out of the woods, the worst of the Midwestern winter seems to be behind us.  At Avondale Custom Homes, this has been music to our ears.  Even with the mild winter Chicagoland saw, we still completed a number of interior projects at job sites waiting for warmer weather to complete the exterior ones.  This wave of early spring means we can tackle those exterior jobs, like fully functional Outdoor Living Spaces.

Avondale Custom Homes provides clients with unique Outdoor Living Spaces that extend the home past its four walls.  Spaces can include fully functional kitchens, service bars, seating areas with televisions, elegant sheds with plumbing, and of course a variety of landscaping elements including pools and spas.  All of these can be intricately intertwined with natural elements so your mature landscaping can stay intact and add to the experience of hosting gatherings outside. 

The look of an outdoor living space by Avondale matches the superior look of their one-of-a-kind homes.  By getting to know their client and building a relationship with them, Avondale is able to truly build a space that fits their unique needs, all while maintaining the old-world feel of an Avondale project.  Contacts us today to get started planning your outdoor living space.  Whether already working with a landscaper or architect, or merely daydreaming, we’d be happy to help you start the process.

Hinsdale Exterior

Just recently Avondale was enlisted as the design build contractors for an entire house remodel in Hinsdale.  The two-story house sits on a beautiful corner lot adjacent to Oak Elementary school.  The neighborhood boasts a mixture of original elevations from the 1950’s and beyond as well as brand new remodels.  We are happy to have the opportunity to design this dream home for our clients.

The original first floor featured a dramatic fireplace and ceiling beams in the family room, an elegant dining room, a front sitting room, bedroom, two bathrooms, and a kitchen.  Through Avondale’s design efforts the floor will now feature an entire master bedroom suite complete with a luxurious bathroom and large closet.  The kitchen will showcase custom cabinetry while opening into the living room.  Additionally, Avondale will add an office to the first floor with handcrafted built-in bookcases.

The second floor, whose landing overlooks the front door, features two bedrooms with angled ceilings and a full bathroom.  The new floorplan will include a “Jack and Jill” style bathroom with upgrades to the trimwork in both bedrooms. 

Family Room ready for remodel

For added space, the homeowners worked with Avondale to create a studio living space above the garage.  Brand new exterior elevations will compliment the inside, while showcasing the yard’s natural elements of mature trees and landscaping. 

The process of designing this home included working with both the client’s chosen architect and our in-house architect to fulfill the desired end goals.  Through this process, we built a relationship with our clients where we are able to add features and suggest design changes that we know will benefit their lifestyle in the end.

We look forward to working in Hinsdale on this whole house remodel and to the opportunity of future Hinsdale projects.  We offer new home construction, tear downs, additions, and of course, remodeling.  Not to mention, now is a great time to start thinking about a brand new outdoor living space to enjoy in the upcoming summer months.

If you’re anything like us, you’ve admired the craftsmanship at McNally’s Irish Pub in St. Charles.  Walking through the pub doors is like crossing the ocean and being brought straight to Ireland.  But what you may not know is that owner Maurice McNally custom built out the restaurant through his design build construction company, Avondale Custom Homes and his custom woodworking company.  Over 25 years ago Maurice started Custom Woodworking, Inc. which offers handcrafted millwork, cabinetry, and trim.  From there, he went on to building homes and commercial projects through Avondale.  His experience in commercial projects range from a number of restaurants, including McGonigal’s Pub in Barrington, to office suites and retail sites throughout the Chicagoland area.  We recently sat down with Maurice to talk about the commercial build out process.

O’Donnell Commercial (O):  Being in the construction business, you had a leg up as to what to look for when choosing a new pub location.  How should commercial tenants select a location from a construction point of view?

Maurice McNally (M): Yes, my construction experience does help me evaluate the pros and cons of previous construction.  Therefore, I believe it is essential to involve a contractor as early as possible.  I have been included in a number of site searches where I helped evaluate office spaces and restaurant establishments to estimate build out timing and costs before any lease or purchase document was signed.  Avondale is more than happy to work directly with a commercial real estate broker and tenant to tour perspective spaces.

O:  So you can work directly with our firm and a tenant to evaluate approximate timing on build outs?

M:  Yes.  Many tenants may not understand the time needed to build out a commercial space.  Build out doesn’t just involved the contractor.  We team up with an architect to design the space, then bring those plans to the proper city for permitting, and finally start construction.  The permit process and applications can be quite cumbersome and lengthy, taking up to about 30 days in certain cities.  Meaning we can’t even start construction for a month. 

O:  We advise people all the time to start their search for space anywhere from 6-12 months out for most commercial needs, longer if they require a larger space or more built out.  Would you say that is true?

M:  Definitely.  In my experience, it takes most companies or restaurants 1-2 months to find the space they need.  Add another month at minimum for negotiations and attorney review.  That is three months before the space is even ready for construction.  When we work hand in hand with brokers, we are able to bring in architects and necessary construction professionals during negotiation so that we can be ready for construction as soon as proper documents are signed.  But many times, we aren’t brought in till the 11^th hour, meaning we have to play catch up on the project. 

O:   Avondale has in-house architectural services, right?

M:  Yes, Avondale offers architectural services, but also works with a variety of local architects.  As long as there is a cohesive team for a tenant that includes commercial real estate representation, construction, and architecture they are in good hands. 

O:  We recommend tenants to bid out three contractors for projects.  How do you feel about this and what should a tenant look for in a contractor?

M:  Absolutely.  Interviewing and bidding out contractors is important.  The contractor you choose is essential to the success of your commercial site.  Even if you have the best architecture plans, it the contractor who needs to execute them correctly, on time and in budget.  I’m all for keeping the business in the family, but saving money by hiring your cousin to dry wall a space may end up costing you more in the end.  Unless your family members are licensed and bonded, and practice that construction field daily, it may cost you more in the end to use them than choosing a well regarded contractor. 

I make sure to spend time with my clients prior to build out.  We tour office suites I have built out, grab lunch at the pub to talk about construction elements there, or merely listen to them as they discuss their business plan.  Understanding the direction of the company or restaurant, and the budget constraints they may have, is important.  Therefore, if a contractor isn’t putting their time up front in getting to know you, chances are they won’t put the time in later on to fix any construction errors or kinks that may have developed after occupancy. 

O’Donnell Commercial had the opportunity to represent Maurice in the purchase of the new McNally’s Pub in St. Charles.  We continue to work hand in hand with his firm suggesting them for bids on new commercial projects to any of our clients.  For more information on Avondale Custom Homes or to start the search for your new commercial site, contact us today.  We promise to help you with your office, medical, retail, or industrial lease or purchase every step of the way, starting with finding the right contractor.

Mr. Laskaris believes that Avondale’s attention to detail and luxury will enhance his customers’ experience at the dealership. Cadillac of Naperville has been located on Ogden Avenue in Naperville since 1986.

This dealership renovation is part of Cadillac’s nationwide corporate makeover. Kurt McNeil, vice president of Cadillac Sales and Service said, “The dealer image is another piece in the effort to make Cadillac the new standard of the luxury market.  Combined with our new line-up and heightened focus on customer services, we’re confident it will help make Cadillac a compelling choice for luxury buyers.”

The dealership will undergo extensive renovations to both the interior and exterior beginning in early 2012. The exterior of the building will be updated including a new limestone elevation. Extensive work will be done to the showroom, customer service area, customer lounge, and restrooms. Hand crafted trim work by Custom Woodworking, Inc. will grace the showroom, sales and staff offices.  The project has an expected completion date of late Spring 2012.

Avondale President, Maurice McNally is looking forward to adding this luxury renovation to their already extensive commercial portfolio.

For more information on Avondale Custom Homes, please visit www.AvondaleCustomHomes.com or call 630 584-7106. For more information on Cadillac of Naperville, visit their website at www.CadillacofNaperville.com or call 630 355-2700.

Crane Road Estates entryway in progress

The picture to above shows the current progress of the entryway and gate house.  The combination of brick and stone finish match the traditional old world feel that is Avondale’s niche, while also matching all of the homes in the neighborhood.  Avondale Custom Homes is privileged to work on this project and will take great pride in the lasting effects it has on homeowners and guests of Crane Road Estates.  The improvements made now will continually add value to the subdivision and homes throughout the coming years. 

Crane Road Estates bridge in progress

There are few lots remaining in the Crane Road Estates neighborhood, which is located just a mile from downtown St. Charles and boasts wooded acreage and large site plans.  The neighborhood also lies just east of Randall Road and west of Route 31 making shopping, dining, and accessibility to interchanges well within reach.  The city of St. Charles was recently named the number one city for families and has a renowned school district.

To start building your home in Crane Road Estates or on a custom lot within St. Charles, contact us today.

Kitchen in an Avondale home

Sure, we’ve all seen those great luxury car commercials where the wife is surprised with the keys to a brand new car…giant, red bow and all.  This year we urge you to go one step better and surprise her with a custom kitchen full of energy efficient appliances, one of kind cabinetry, and unique fixtures.  For nearly 20 years Avondale Custom Homes has designed and built award winning kitchens published in the likes of Better Homes & Gardens: Beautiful Kitchens and other journals. 

Remodeling a kitchen is a gift that keeps giving.  Not only will our professionals work with your family to better traffic patterns, storage, and overall aesthetics, we can also improve the value of your home.  Kitchens are where a majority of time is spent within a home, therefore when the time comes to sell your home, most likely buyers are going to look at this area with an analytical eye.  The kitchen may make or break a deal, and more likely increase the selling price of your home.

Kitchen remodeling also means you get to stay put.  The hassle and expenses of trading up will be taken out of the equation when remodeling is included.  Sure, you may think it is a buyer’s market, but the time and efforts it takes to sell your current home plus the potential loss you’ll take probably aren’t worth the trade up. 

Lastly, now is the best time to take advantage of low rates and discounts.  Interest rates continue to be historically low meaning borrowing money for home improvements costs less now than anticipated in the future. 

So call us today and we’ll meet with you next week!  We’ll even gift wrap some design plans for her to unwrap Christmas morning.

Custom Garage Dog Shower

Recently Avondale completed a whole house renovation in Naperville, Illinois.  The client’s family included two very loved (and quite large) dogs; a German Sheppard and a Golden Retriever.  Most people know that these breeds are fun-loving, protective dogs that require attention to calm their ever-lasting energy levels.  Therefore, the family was frequently outside with them for walks or playtime.

As any Midwestern living dog owner knows, muddy paws and dirty fur are a given in the harsh winter months.  To accommodate the family, Avondale Custom Homes built an indoor dog washing station in the family’s garage.  The picture to the left shows the grated floor with an underground basin and draining system.  The extendable shower head hose makes getting around the four-legged family member quite easy. 

In the same home Avondale built this beautiful hutch and cabinet combination to host the family’s rabbit.  Storage for all the pets is conveniently located underneath the rabbit cage, meanwhile the overhead cabinet hosts a light to provide extra Vitamin D for the pet. 

Custom Rabbit Hutch with Overhead Light

These are just a few examples of how Avondale builds a strong relationship with their clients to grow a better understanding of what renovations can not only make the home more appealing but also more functional.  Avondale adds custom elements to each home they complete in order to meet the needs of the entire family.

To see what custom elements Avondale can add to your house, contact us today.