Author Archives: SMART Builders

SMART Builders – Luxe Interiors + Design’s 2020 Gold List

SMART Builders, Inc. is proud to be included as an Illinois Honoree in Luxe Interiors + Design’s 2020 Gold List.  We appreciate being recognized with this group of inspirational and innovative design professionals.  Our Lake Forest custom home project was featured in the March/April 2019 issue of Luxe Interiors + Design. Contact SMART Builders if you are considering building a new…

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“We’re Walking In a Winter Wonderland…” on October 31st?!

Yes, winter is just around the corner (or is it here?)!  Time to get your house in shape for the colder months ahead. Here are some home maintenance ideas that will keep your home running in peak condition all winter long. EXTERIOR MAINTENANCE Check foundation for cracks, and caulk around the areas where masonry meets siding, where pipes or wires…

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Chicago Suburban Oasis in Progress by SMART Builders, Inc.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, “Custom homes stand out from the crowd. They are one-of-a-kind, upscale creations that come with luxury upgrades and unique architectural design.” SMART Builders, Inc. is proud to share this one-of-a-kind custom home currently in progress.  This 13,000 sf custom home sits on a 4-acre lot in the western suburbs of Chicago.  To…

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SMART Builders, Inc. Lake Forest custom-built home featured in LUXE INTERIORS + DESIGN Magazine

We are pleased to share our recent feature article in LUXE INTERIORS + DESIGN CHICAGO magazine.  The article profiles our custom-built home located in Lake Forest, Illinois. Click HERE to read the full article.

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Wilmette New Construction – North Shore Custom Home by SMART Builders

SMART Builders is pleased to share this rendering of one of our custom home projects currently under construction.  In addition to custom homes in Lake Forest, Burr Ridge, and Glenview, this home is being built in the North Shore community of Wilmette.  SMART Builders, Inc. specializes in delivering custom homes with quality and attention to detail that is unparalleled. Please…

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Lake Forest Custom Home by SMART Builders

SMART Builders is pleased to share this stunning custom-built home in Lake Forest, Illinois which was completed in 2017. This home exudes casual elegance… Feel perfectly at ease whether enjoying a quiet moment in the garden room or entertaining family poolside! Our photo gallery features an array of custom home styles to inspire you.

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Arlington Heights Custom Home In Progress – Framing

From the ground up: Smart Builders is excited to announce our latest Arlington Heights project! Framing, also known as “rough carpentry,” is where we first begin to see the custom home take shape. This two-story home will be approximately 3500 square feet. We are also building other custom homes in Arlington Heights and Chicago’s other Northwest and North Shore Suburbs. Up next: roofing,…

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Lake Forest Custom Home Features Western Red Cedar Shake Roof Installed By Smart Roofing, Inc.

The roofing professionals at Smart Roofing, Inc. recently installed this beautiful Western Red Cedar Tapersawn Shake roof in Lake Forest. Western Red Cedar Tapersawn Shakes are sawn on both sides giving it a look similar to a sawn shingle but with a thicker appearance, Tapersawn Shakes are known for their smooth uniform imposing look providing an exceptional looking roof. Check…

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Avoid Home Damage From Frozen Pipes

As a deep freeze takes hold of the Chicago area (a bit early this year), here are some tips to avoid damage to your home from frozen pipes – and what to do if you are too late. Make sure everyone in the household knows where the shut-off valves are located and how to turn them off. If there is…

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Lake Forest Custom Home In Progress – English Skylight Installation

Smart Builders is pleased to share the progress of our custom home project in Lake Forest. As we’ve shown in the past, construction of this Lake Forest custom home is progressing from rough finishes to intricate, one-of-a-kind details. This month, we are featuring the installation of this beautiful English Skylight, by Town & Country Conservatories, in the garden room. Check…

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Smart Roofing, Inc. replaces 90-year-old Lake Forest Ludowici Clay Tile Roof

Smart Roofing, Inc., a Ludowici Crown Roofer, recently replaced the 90-year-old Ludowici Brittany shingle clay tile roof on this Lake Forest home. A dramatic textured terra cotta tile in irregular lengths with the feel of aged stone, Brittany shingle roof tile provides a truly provincial appearance. Brittany shingle tiles are available in standard and custom matte colors, mists and blends….

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Lake Forest Custom Home In Progress

Smart Builders is pleased to share the progress of our custom home project in Lake Forest.  Construction of this Lake Forest custom home is progressing from rough finishes to intricate, one-of-a-kind details.  Designed by H. Gary Frank Architects, these pictures show the evolution of the cupola – inside and out. Check back often for information and pictures of our projects…

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Get Your Home Ready For The Fall

  You’re already drinking hot cocoa and pumpkin spice lattes, but is your home prepared for the onset of cold weather? Use this checklist of fall home maintenance tips to ensure that your home is as ready as you are for the temperatures to drop.     → SEALED & SECURED Using exterior caulk that’s color-matched to your home, seal…

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Smart Roofing, Inc. – Coming Soon to St. Charles

The roofing professionals at Smart Roofing, Inc. are pleased to enhance a home in St. Charles with the GAF Glenwood®Lifetime Designer Shingles from the GAF Ultra-Premium Collection. Read more here: http://www.smartroofers.com/smart-roofing-inc-coming-soon-to-st-charles-gaf-glenwoodlifetime-designer-shingles/

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Bathroom Tile Trend – Cement?

Tile is one of the best materials for bathroom design because it’s resistant to moisture and easy to maintain. However, even in the world of tile, some choices are better suited for bathrooms than others. Your bathroom floor has to stand up to wet conditions, frequent cleaning, and look good while doing it. Try one of the hottest and most…

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Smart Roofing, Inc. Installs Standing Seam Roof in Highland Park

The roofing experts at Smart Roofing, Inc. have recently installed a standing seam metal roof system in Highland Park, Illinois. A standing seam metal roof system is a succession of vertical sheet metal panels connected side-by-side by a vertical locking mechanism called the seam.  The seams can be seen from the ridge of a roof all the way down to…

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Home Improvement and House Design Ideas – Roof Tiles: Concrete vs. Clay

If you love the distinct and attractive look of roof tiles, then you are among a growing number of homeowners who pick tiles as the roofing material of choice. While initially, tile roofs can be a costly investment, especially if you opt for clay vs. concrete tiles, they offer many great benefits, including: Durability Longevity Great Curb Appeal Low Maintenance…

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Smart Builders – Arlington Heights Custom Home Completed

Smart Builders recently completed this 4500 square foot custom home in Arlington Heights, and it’s ready for the homeowners to move right in! This home features Brookhaven By Wood-Mode custom cabinetry from Abruzzo Kitchen & Bath, Miele and Wolf/Sub-Zero appliances, hand-made brick, state of the art audio/video/security systems from Moonlight Audio Video, and much more.   Contact Smart Builders if you…

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Decor Trends in Copper & Bronze

Metals have always been an important element in home décor; not only because of that special shine it adds to the room, but also for the added touch of glamour and distinction. Metals are also used frequently because of its capacity to reflect light, and its versatility to adapt to, and blend in with, any décor style or trend. The…

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Smart Builders Project Featured By Wood-Mode

Smart Builders and Abruzzo Kitchen & Bath are featured in Wood-Mode’s Perspective, Traditional Design for the 21st Century. The Perspective was designed with the premise of luxury and American tradition in mind, giving readers an insider’s look into the changing face of traditional design in the United States.  The Smart Builders traditional home remodel project, which was designed by Abruzzo…

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Lake Forest Custom Home In Progress – 2nd Floor

Smart Builders is pleased to share the progress of our custom home project in Lake Forest. Construction of this Lake Forest custom home is moving up to the second floor. These pictures show the floor joists being installed for the second floor.   What is a floor joist? Floor joists are an important part of the supportive structure of a…

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Smart Builders – Lake Forest Custom Home – From The Ground Up

The Foundation A proper foundation does more than just hold a house above ground. It also keeps out moisture, insulates against the cold, and resists movement of the earth around it. Oh, and one more thing: It should last forever.  A good foundation requires a lot more than digging a hole and pouring some concrete into forms. It must be…

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Smart Builders – Lake Forest Custom Home In Progress

  Smart Builders is pleased to share the progress of our custom home project in Lake Forest. So far, you’ve seen deconstruction, demolition, and  foundation walls… now we’re installing the structural steel!   Contact Smart Builders if you are considering building a new home or have a new construction project in Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs or Chicago’s North Shore neighborhoods.  Check back often…

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Smart Builders -A visit to RH – A One-of-a-kind Residential and Retail Experience

“If you haven’t heard about it yet, you will; and it’s definitely worth the trip! It’s a spectacular space.” Richard Bondarowicz, Principal, Smart Builders, commenting on a recent visit to RH Chicago, The Gallery at the Three Arts Club. Last week RH (Restoration Hardware) opened the doors of a gigantic flagship building in Chicago’s residential Gold Coast neighborhood. The Three Arts…

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Glenview Custom Home – Pergola In Progress

per·go·la – “A pergola is an outdoor structure consisting of a roofing grid of beams and rafters. This roofing grid may be left open or covered so as to create an area sheltered from the elements. Pergolas may be freestanding or attached to a house.” On this beautiful fall day, our homeowners are dreaming of enjoying their time relaxing under the pergola…

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Arlington Heights Custom Home In Progress – Installation of Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete can be a great alternative to using other materials to achieve a sophisticated look. Commonly used for patios, sidewalks, and driveways, stamped concrete can look like brick, cobblestone, or slate.   Contact Smart Builders if you are considering building a new home or have a new construction project in Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs or Chicago’s North Shore neighborhoods.  Check back…

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Smart Builders – Lake Forest Custom Home

Smart Builders is pleased to share the progress of our custom home project in Lake Forest.  You’ve seen the deconstruction and the demolition… now we’re getting ready for the foundation walls! Contact Smart Builders if you are considering building a new home or have a new construction project in Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs or Chicago’s North Shore neighborhoods.  Check back often for…

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Step #6 – Steps To Building A New Home

In our continuation of the series of Steps To Building A New Home, this week: Accept the inevitable.  You’ve made the plans, have the permits, and secured the loan; now the only thing left to do is build your house. Easy, right? Oddly enough, crazy things will happen. That’s a given. How you and your team react to these hiccups…

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Step #5 – Steps To Building A New Home

In our continuation of the series of Steps To Building A New Home, this week: Plan, plan and plan some more. Every large-scale construction project has this one thing in common. The owner, whether a private developer, government agency or corporate entity, knows the importance of planning the project in detail before starting to build. These owners know that moving…

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Smart Construction Group – Insurance Restoration Work in Arlington Heights

FROM ANOTHER SATISFIED CUSTOMER… Smart Group, I wanted to thank you for the insurance work you did on my house this summer. Pete, thank you for seeing the big picture on what I really needed done and introducing me to Rich. Rich, you were great to work with and definitely know your profession. The definition of getting what you pay…

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