Articles filed under New Homes

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Builders see more business-related moves May 18, 2013 12:00 AM
Relocations, both long distance and within the area, are increasing as corporations begin to move their people again and individuals choose to return to the Chicago area or move for personal reasons. Many of those relocating, especially those moving for their job, do not have the luxury of time.
Vista and Tuscan model homes open at Symphony Meadows May 17, 2013 12:00 AM
Two new model homes wow visitors at Symphony Meadows, a master-planned community in Volo with scenic wetlands, conservation areas, lakes and nature trails. The new models, the Vista and the Tuscan, are receiving rave reviews, said Chris Naatz, vice president of sales and marketing for D.R. Horton.
Plote Construction associated with homes, too Apr 20, 2013 12:00 AM
The Plote name is well known for heavy road construction throughout the Northwest suburbs. But few realize the breadth of the family's interests and holdings, such as Plote Homes LLC, which was originally established as Par Development in 1989. The home-building company is run by Dan Shepard, executive vice president.
Many young buyers shy away from older houses, foreclosures Apr 13, 2013 12:00 AM
First-time buyers are actively driving the housing market as they tire of high rents, waiting to own or their lack of building equity. The housing crash that took place about four years ago caused many potential buyers to delay their plans for a significant period of time, but now they are jumping into the market in increasing numbers.
Campton model home opens at Ingham Park in Aurora Apr 12, 2013 12:00 AM
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Aurora is a new home community, Ingham Park, that offers exciting kitchen designs and larger secondary bedrooms for children's active lifestyles. At Ingham Park, Ryland Homes is building seven floor plans that feature 9-foot first-floor ceilings, four bedrooms, 2½ to four baths and a three-car garage.
Stronger energy efficiency rules kick in for builders Mar 23, 2013 12:00 AM
Homes built in 2013 will be 32 percent more energy efficient than those built under the energy codes that went into effect in 2006, thanks to new regulations put in place Jan. 1 by the state of Illinois, said Roger Gerstad, owner of Gerstad Builders of McHenry.
Buyers of new homes can’t wait to move outdoors Mar 22, 2013 12:00 AM
Many homebuilders incorporate outdoor living spaces into their overall home design. The yard and garden become part of the floor plan when sliding glass doors open to patios and decks and beautiful backyards.
Central School loft conversion provides lesson in suburban living Mar 17, 2013 12:00 AM
Victoria Bisbikis doesn't consider herself impulsive but she broke character by plunking down a deposit immediately after seeing how the kindergarten room at the former Central School in Libertyville was shaping up. "I didn't want to take the chance of losing it," the soon-to-be single mom said of the three-bedroom loft.
Today’s larger kitchen has work zones, rather than a work space Mar 8, 2013 12:00 AM
The work triangle, which determines placement of the refrigerator, stove and sink in relation to a primary work space, assumes the kitchen has one cook. It has been the traditional tool of kitchen design for decades. It worked — then.
Builders fulfill desires with specialty rooms Mar 1, 2013 12:00 AM
Have you ever dreamed of having a whole room dedicated to your favorite pastime, sport or other leisure activity? Custom homebuilders often receive requests from their clients for a specialty room where they can indulge in their passions.
Homebuilders target specific market segments Feb 22, 2013 12:00 AM
Today with the most diverse group of homebuyers ever, one size does not fit all. A variety of buyers comprise today's market — active seniors, empty-nesters, young professionals, singles, young families with children and first-time buyers. And they desire different homes.
$600,000 settlement planned over Grant’s rebate flap Feb 12, 2013 12:00 AM
Grant's Appliance has agreed to a $600,000 settlement involving a 2010 lawsuit involving $500 rebates that customers never received if they spent $399 or more at their stores.
Kane, Elgin gear up for foreclosure makeovers Feb 8, 2013 12:00 AM
The Kane-Elgin HOME consortium announces its 2013 funding levels to get local foreclosed homes rehabilitated and back on the market. The program has a higher budget than normal thanks to successful sales of nearly all its 2012 properties.
Cambridge Lakes opens Cascade model home Feb 1, 2013 12:00 AM
DR Horton opens a new model, the Cascade, at Cambridge Lakes in Pingree Grove. The community offers residents a 30,000-square-foot rec center along with 360 acres of open space including wooded park areas and natural conservation areas.
How is local business affecting area furniture makers? Oct 28, 2012 12:00 AM
Local customers — and the lack thereof — has affected a pair of merchants in different ways and in one case, a Hoffman Estates furniture maker took on a second job to make ends meet. Burress Amish Furniture in Elgin sells all sorts of solid wood furniture made by Amish people living in Ohio. Joanne Scara, the store's marketing associate, estimates that half of the store's clientele hails from the surrounding area. Customers typically discover the 29-year-old store online, then come in to see what it's selling — merchandise is not available for purchase online.
Tracy Hill, pioneer in suburban property management, dies at 68 Oct 17, 2012 12:00 AM
The property management industry lost one of its pioneers in Tracy Hill, who died Sunday at age 68. Hill grew up working in his father's company, Kimball Hill Homes. But instead of taking over the family business with his brother David, Hill founded Property Specialists Inc., in 1975 and grew the company from serving 10 communities to 250.
Federal Reserve: Housing lifts growth in most US regions Oct 10, 2012 12:00 AM
Stronger housing markets helped boost economic growth at the end of the summer in nearly every region of the United States, according to a Federal Reserve survey released Wednesday. The Fed said growth improved in 10 of its 12 regional banking districts from mid-August through September, while leveling off in one region and slowing in another.
Nicor, ComEd offer rebates for energy efficient homes Oct 2, 2012 12:00 AM
When Caryn Rosborough and her husband, Matt, started talking to builders about a new Elgin home, they were intrigued by the talk of high energy efficiency. Pete Stefani, president of Naperville-based Kings Court Builders, said the Elgin home his company built isn't LEED-certified or up to the standards of the green building program through the National Association of Homebuilders. But the energy efficient house the Rosboroughs moved into in August is Kings Court Builders' new standard. And because of the Residential New construction Program offered by Nicor Gas and ComEd, the builder got a rebate for the work.
21st century homes arrive as construction industry evolves Sep 13, 2012 12:00 AM
Twenty-first century homes will not be like the childhood home you remember. Changing lifestyles, advances in home technology and green building trends — with a focus on cost savings and energy efficiency — are beginning to reshape how homes are constructed today.
Sho-deen adds custom building to home mix Sep 8, 2012 12:00 AM
Kent Shodeen and his son, Craig, have long been known for planning big projects. Their company, Sho-Deen Inc., for example, is building Geneva's 2,000-home Mill Creek subdivision, which includes a golf course, lakes, parks and hiking trails. But when the economy started to falter in 2007, Craig began to think smaller.