Process
How a Northbrook home addition proceeds.
Design and permitting often take longer than framing. We say so at the first meeting. A second-story schedule that ignores village review is not a schedule we will sign.
01
Site visit
60–90 minutes
The principal walks the house with you: structure, electrical service, drainage, setbacks, and how the family lives in the rooms. We will say whether the addition belongs on the lot.
02
Feasibility
1–2 weeks
A short letter covering what the lot and the village will allow, with an indicative planning range. There is no obligation to sign a construction contract at the site visit.
03
Design team
4–10 weeks
Your architect, or an introduction to a North Shore firm. Schematic design, structure, and a budget with allowances.
04
Village review
4–12 weeks
Permits, design review, stormwater, and variations if required. We pull them as contractor of record. Design and permitting often take longer than framing.
05
Construction
4–8 months
Site protection, a weekly written update, one point of contact. Most families remain in the house.
06
Closeout
2–3 weeks
Punch list, written workmanship warranty, and photographed completion. Warranty items are scheduled promptly, not deferred.
We build with your architect. If you do not have one, we introduce a North Shore firm we already work with. Sealed drawings are required for second-story work. In Northbrook we register as contractor of record before we bid.
Questions about the addition process
- Can we remain in the house during a North Shore addition?
- On most additions, yes. Occupied-residence protocol is the default: site protection, a weekly written update, and a single point of contact. You will know in advance the day water or power must be interrupted.
- How much does a home addition cost on Chicago’s North Shore?
- Indicative ranges, not bids: family rooms often $200,000–$350,000+, primary suites $250,000–$450,000+, second stories $350,000–$600,000+. A written proposal follows the complimentary site visit.
- Do you have an architect on staff?
- Not at present. We build with your architect, or we introduce a North Shore firm we already work with. Sealed drawings are required for second-story work.
- What does a project review cost?
- The site visit is complimentary. If the project belongs with this practice, a short feasibility letter follows. There is no obligation to sign a construction contract at the walk.
- Which North Shore villages do you serve?
- The office is in Northbrook. The practice is limited to North Shore villages — Northbrook through Lake Forest, including Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Glenview, Northfield, and Deerfield. We do not work in the City of Chicago.
- How long does a North Shore home addition take?
- Design and permitting often take longer than framing. Construction is typically four to eight months after permits are issued. A second story promised for the coming season, without drawings, is not a schedule we will sign.
Arrange a site visit
Share the village, the type of work, and an indicative budget. We review the house before we discuss numbers.