Overview

In this blog, the home remodeling experts at Orland Builders Inc. explain the benefits of whole-home renovations in Chicago’s southern suburbs. We’ll walk you through permitting basics, identify value-boosting upgrades, and explain how to align current design trends with timeless style.

We also cover cost expectations, how to stay on budget, and how phased renovations make it possible to remain in your home during construction.

Highlights

Introduction

Whether you’ve lived in your home for decades or recently settled into the community, the idea of moving away from the familiar can be overwhelming. Established routines and the social fabric of your neighborhood are hard to replicate elsewhere.

However, life can change, and perhaps you find you’re outgrowing your space, working from home more often, or want to make aging-in-place accommodations. When your house doesn’t meet your needs, something has to give.

Enter the whole-home remodel. It’s a transformative project that revives your space from top to bottom, creating a fully customized environment that reflects your family’s priorities, tastes, and long-term plans. From custom basements to reimagined kitchens and spa-style bathrooms, a total home renovation will make your current home feel brand new without sacrificing the zip code you love.

Which Benefits Do Entire Home Renovations Offer?

A full-scale home remodel gives you a chance to:

  • Customize your space to fit your lifestyle, from adding more bedrooms to expanding your kitchen or building a new attached home office.
  • Improve energy efficiency with new windows, HVAC, insulation, and water-saving fixtures.
  • Increase your property value, especially when updating kitchens, bathrooms, and exteriors.
  • Avoid the cost and stress of moving, especially in today’s competitive real estate market.

Whole-home remodeling also ensures your home meets your family’s changing needs over time, whether that’s accommodating young children, aging parents, or multigenerational living.

Which Home Improvements Impact Your Property Value Most?

Strategic upgrades can significantly boost your home’s appraised and perceived value.

In Chicago’s southern suburbs, focusing remodeling efforts in these areas is especially impactful:

Kitchen Redesign

Open-concept kitchens with high-end finishes are in high demand. Features like oversized islands, quartz counters, and custom cabinetry offer impressive returns on investment.

Bathroom Remodeling

Updated bathrooms with walk-in showers, dual vanities, and modern fixtures are especially attractive to families and aging homeowners and are essential selling points.

Basement Upgrades and Refinishing

Finished basements are often used as rec rooms, bars, or additional bedrooms. They’re especially valuable in homes with generous lower-level square footage just waiting to be transformed.

Home Exterior Renovation

First impressions count. A refreshed façade with new siding, entry doors, or stonework can elevate curb appeal and signal high value to potential home buyers.

How Do You Choose the Right Designs for Your Total Home Remodel?

Design decisions can make or break your remodeling experience. Work with a designer who balances trends with function to ensure your upgrades stand the test of time while reflecting your unique style.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

Look to the Latest Trends in Home Design for Inspiration

Some of the most popular remodeling trends among south suburban homeowners today include:

  • Flexible spaces: Think office and guest room combos, pocket doors, or multi-use lofts
  • Energy-efficient upgrades: High-performance windows, tankless water heaters, smart thermostats
  • Statement kitchens: Waterfall islands, two-tone cabinetry, and bespoke backsplashes
  • Outdoor living areas: Covered patios, pergolas, and outdoor kitchens

Tailor Your Home’s Storage Solutions To Suit Your Goals

One of the biggest homeowner regrets is not planning for enough smart storage.

Consider adding custom-built-in storage to living rooms and home offices, mudroom cubbies, garage organization systems, and walk-in closets with adjustable shelving.

Consider Which Improvements Are Required To Facilitate Easy Aging in Place

Whether you’re future-proofing or planning for immediate accessibility, you should consider a home remodel blueprint that includes:

  • Wider doorways and hallways
  • Curbless, zero-threshold showers
  • First-floor owner’s suites
  • Lowered counters or roll-under sinks in kitchens

These features make your home safer and more comfortable without sacrificing style.

Ask Your Remodeler To Suggest Cost-Effective Finishes That Mirror Your Style

Not all beautiful finishes carry a luxury price tag. Great alternatives include choosing luxury vinyl plank flooring over hardwood, quartz countertop installations for durability and design flexibility, or using reclaimed wood or vintage tiles for unique, budget-conscious touches.

How Much Will Your Whole-Home Remodel Cost?

The cost of your whole-home remodel depends on the project’s size and complexity. Complete gut renovations, which include removing walls, updating systems, and reconfiguring layouts, are more expensive than cosmetic upgrades like new flooring, paint, or cabinetry, which offer noticeable improvements at a lower cost.

Your budget will also vary by room type. Remodeling bedrooms and living areas can be more affordable, while kitchens and bathrooms cost more because of plumbing, electrical, and permitting requirements. To plan your budget, meet with your contractor for a detailed, itemized estimate.

Are There Ways To Reduce Your Remodel Expenses?

A reputable remodeler can explain each expense and suggest ways to reduce costs, including:

  • Substituting luxury materials with high-quality, budget-friendly options
  • Redesigning layouts to minimize plumbing or electrical rerouting
  • Selecting stock cabinetry or fixtures when available instead of fully custom pieces
  • Phasing your remodel to break costs into manageable stages

What Will Your Contractor Do To Help You Avoid Project Cost Overruns?

Project cost overruns can come from various unexpected sources, including structural issues, material price increases, and changes in project scope. Double-check with your contractor to make sure they’re taking proactive steps to minimize surprises and keep your renovation on track financially.

It all starts with a detailed scope of work that outlines exactly what’s included in your project and what isn’t. This helps prevent misunderstandings and keeps expectations clear from the beginning.

Your contractor should also provide an itemized budget, giving you complete visibility into how project managers are allocating your money across materials, labor, and other expenses. Regular weekly check-ins are another way builders can identify and address issues early before they escalate into significant cost increases.

The most important step seasoned contractors take is helping you prepare for the unexpected. A contingency fund, typically between 10% and 20% of your total budget, is usually set aside at the start so you’re covered if something unforeseen arises during construction.

Do You Need a Permit To Remodel an Entire Home?

In most cases, yes. Any structural changes or work involving plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems will require one or more permits. South suburban cities like Naperville, Plainfield, and Orland Park enforce strict permitting guidelines to ensure safety and code compliance.

Be sure to factor permit timelines into your remodeling schedule. Certain approvals can sometimes take weeks to obtain.

Which Permits and Approvals Might Apply To Your Build?

Depending on your remodel’s scope, you may need:

  • Building permits for structural changes, additions, or major layout shifts
  • Electrical and plumbing permits for system updates
  • Mechanical permits for HVAC upgrades or rerouting
  • Engineering approvals for projects impacting stormwater drainage
  • Special permits in historic districts or properties with preservation restrictions

Each municipality has its own requirements. Working with a local contractor familiar with regional guidelines can streamline this process.

Will Your Home Remodeling Contractor Handle Your Permit Applications?

Your remodeling contractor should be equipped to handle permit and approval applications that apply to your project and manage the following aspects of the process:

  • Submitting drawings
  • Scheduling inspections
  • Liaising with local code enforcement

Select a remodeling company that takes full ownership of the permitting process so you can focus on the fun parts of your build, like selecting finishes and planning your new layout.

Can You Stay In Your Home During the Remodeling Construction Phase?

The answer is yes for many homeowners and renovation construction project types.

Phasing construction stages means your whole-home remodel doesn’t happen all at once, and staying in your home may be possible with:

  • Sealed-off work zones
  • Temporary kitchens or bathrooms
  • Clear communication about noise, dust, and access

However, major overhauls involving all systems may require you to temporarily move to safeguard your comfort and minimize risks to you, your loved ones, and your pets.

Are You Ready To Transform Your Southern Chicago Area Home?

From spacious ranches in Naperville to charming colonials in Orland Park and historic gems in Plainfield, south suburban homes offer timeless charm—but often need thoughtful updates to support today’s lifestyles. Orland Builders Inc. is your trusted partner for comprehensive, customized renovations.

A whole-home remodel empowers you to reinvent your living space from the inside out without abandoning the community you love. With the right contractor, thoughtful planning, and a personalized design strategy, your home can become a functional and eye-catching space that meets your needs now and in the future.

Looking for a licensed whole-home remodeler with deep roots in home construction and plenty of experience working in the southern suburbs? Call us at (708) 645-9915 to schedule your free consultation and start mapping out your dream home today.