We have been dreaming of owning our own house in Chicago for a few years. We wanted space for our two rescue dogs and a nice outdoor area where we could plant fresh herbs, relax and let go of the fast paced city around us. After years in condos with HOAs we finally found a 1910 Chicago brick duplex. We have managed small renovations like updating a kitchen, bathroom and gutting a master bath, we thought it was time to take on a big renovation to get our dream house.

As we started researching how to take on a larger renovation that needed an architect, permits and a general contractor, we found there was not a lot of content available to help home owners wanting to take on the project and be involved. It felt like there was an expectation that you just hire a company, tell them what you want, get out of the way and they will do it all for you. For us, we wanted to be involved from the structure to the design to the actual work. We wanted to be part of the total process to create the home we have been dreaming about. So we started researching and educating ourselves more and wanted to share the knowledge and experience with others that may feel the same. Our Dream on Grace blog was born.

We will posts to share our experience throughout the process- from the research phase, working with an architect, working with the city, construction to sharing the final product. We hope that these posts help you take on a renovation or just get ideas for your home.

More to come!