Leader Builders Articles

Leader Builders is a design-build firm, which means that we specialize in taking your vision from concept to project completion. Welcome to our blog, where you can read more about us, our projects, and our tips for your addition or remodeling project.

• Plumbing Selections Advice: A Q&A with Crawford Supply

  June 02, 2020

  Tips for picking your kitchen and bath plumbing fixtures.

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• Exterior Design Advice: A Q&A with brick&batten

  May 13, 2020

  Tips for a successful exterior makeover or home addition.

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• How to Remodel Your Home for Aging in Place

  November 29, 2019

  Improve the safety and accessibility of your home by following these Universal Design best practices.

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• Design Trend: Green Kitchen Cabinets

  November 14, 2019

  All the green kitchens we’ve pinned this year — and their paint colors.

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• Deconverting a Chicago 2-Flat or 3-Flat to a Single-Family Home

  November 13, 2019

  Project examples, considerations, and options for your project.

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• How to Finance a Home Addition or Renovation: Part 1

  November 08, 2019

  All About Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs).

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• 10 Home Design Trends from the 2010s

  November 07, 2019

  And Our Predictions for the 2020s.

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• Our Favorite Architectural Details

  September 27, 2019

  Ideas to add character to a builder basic house.

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• A General Contractor’s Guide to Buying a Fixer-Upper

  September 27, 2019

  What to look for, and what to avoid, when you're buying to remodel.

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• House Tour: A Historic Renovation of a Chicago Home

  August 19, 2019

  This one's for lovers of ornate woodwork, closed floor plans, and antique thrifting.

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• Design Trend: Blue Kitchen Cabinets

  June 18, 2019

  Meet the blue jeans of the kitchen cabinet world.

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• Chicago Garden Walk Roundup 2019

  May 28, 2019

  Our comprehensive list of upcoming Chicago neighborhood and suburban garden walks and pond tours.

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• Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

  October 10, 2018

  Protect your home from costly, unnecessary repairs this Chicago winter.

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• 4 Must-See Open House Chicago Sites

  October 09, 2018

  See something new (or something old) at the Chicago Architecture Center's annual event

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• Myths About Home Addition and Remodeling Costs

  August 15, 2018

  Don't fall for these common misconceptions.

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• House Tour: A Chicago Dormer Addition and Attic Conversion

  June 28, 2018

  New dormers and a finished attic make a Chicago home functional for a family of four.

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• Summer Home Maintenance Checklist

  June 11, 2018

  Take advantage of warm weather and long evenings to catch up on outdoor projects.

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• Home Additions: Build Upwards or Outwards?

  May 15, 2018

  Considerations as your plan your home addition.

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• The Typical Cost of a Home Addition or Major Remodel in Chicago

  April 25, 2018

  2018 pricing guidelines for designing and building a second story addition, kitchen and master suite extension, attic conversion, and more.

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• Meet Our Suppliers: Amish Custom Kitchens

  April 19, 2018

  Learn about the company, their cabinet selections, how to choose a high-quality cabinet, and how to prepare for the kitchen design process.

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• House Tour: a Respectful Addition to a Chicago Bungalow

  April 13, 2018

  Hear from homeowners who preserved the character of their bungalow even as they updated it.

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• Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

  March 12, 2018

  Get your home ready for outdoor enjoyment while taking precautions against Chicago weather.

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• House Tour: Harmonizing a New Addition with a Traditional House

  March 07, 2018

  A beautifully styled Evanston home stays true to its traditional roots as it expands.

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• Looking Forward: 2018 Home Trends, Innovations, and Predictions

  February 01, 2018

  Homes are getting smarter, safer, more eco-friendly, and more expressive.

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• 10 Possibilities for a Renovation

  May 31, 2017

  Remodeling your home can offer a new lifestyle—or better fit your current lifestyle.

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• Best Building Practices that Go Above and Beyond Code

  May 17, 2017

  A sample of our practices which ensure quality and longevity.

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• How to Prepare for Your In-Home Consultation

  May 03, 2017

  Follow these steps to get the most out of your site visit.

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• The Advantages of Design-Build

  April 26, 2017

  Stay on budget and ensure quality by hiring a design-build firm.

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