Framing: Seeing our new home take form
The demo is finally complete and we didn’t find any structural issues! It is crazy that a home built in 1910, has no structural issues. We got really lucky. So now we have started framing! This is a really fun…
Demolition has Started! Love seeing our plans come to life!
Demolition has finally started! It seemed like it took years of planning. Working on architectural plans, selecting a GC and contract legal reviews took longer than expected. There was a part of me that wasn’t sure if we would actually…
Finding a Needle in a Haystack: Selecting a General Contractor
Trying to find the right General Contractor (GC), is like finding a needle in a haystack! We finished the architectural plans and were excited to start the bidding process. With a project this large it’s important to make sure you…
Creating the New Floor Plan
After selecting our architect, we got to work immediately. The first step was to measure everything. We needed measurements for the house and land. The architect’s team handled the house measurements. They came in and measured all three floors. The…
Our Front Porch Needed a Little Help
As we finalize the plans for our renovation we decided to update the front porch and make it a bit more stylish. Though I would love to say we did it just to make it prettier, we also wanted to…
First Impressions Matter! Creating a Manicured Front Yard.
When we found our home, it was a typical Chicago Winter. There were a few feet of snow on the ground and freezing temperatures. The front yard seemed bland with limited plants. We quickly learned that it was anything but…
Creating a Backyard Oasis in the City
While we are waiting for the renters to move out, we are focusing on the areas that the renovation won’t include. With summer coming we started with the backyard. We have been condo dwellers in Chicago for years. We have…
Finding the Right Architect for the Job
I am so excited to work with an architect. There is a part of me that believes I was an architect in a previous life. I love envisioning what a space could be and how the structure is built. It’s…
Know the Basic Steps of a Renovation
Before we kicked off the renovation, it was crucial to understand all the steps of a renovation. We looked for step by step or “How To” documentation on renovation stages to get started. We knew we needed an architect and…