Custom builder makes dream ranch a reality

Jan Koranda had no intention of having a custom home built for herself and her two Labrador retrievers.

While it's true that she had an itch to move from the older Cape Cod home in Clarendon Hills where she had lived since 1976 into a ranch like the one she grew up in, she didn't have a desire to buy new construction or have a custom home built from the ground up.

But then she began seeing one firm more than any other constructing custom residences on teardown lots on her street, including her next door neighbor's new home. That firm was Molidor Custom Builders and its president, Tom Molidor, was becoming a familiar face on the block.

"I was awed by the level of craftsmanship and integrity built into these homes and the efficiency with which they were being completed by Tom and his crew," she said. "Plus, what impressed me was the fact that Tom had so many years experience building homes throughout Chicagoland -- especially in and around Clarendon Hills. And in talking further with my neighbors, everyone had great things to say about Molidor and a positive experience to relate."

After comparing prices and doing her homework, Koranda was convinced that Molidor Custom Builders was the right choice for her. So, she purchased an ample lot in a nearby section of Clarendon Hills, razed the older home on the site and hired Molidor to create her dream ranch.

"As a starting point, I brought Tom ideas for a basic ranch design I found on the Internet. I also indicated my preference for large windows and having the major living areas face the rear of the house so that I could better enjoy the beautiful backyard, view the wildlife and watch my dogs, Smokey and Blackie, play outside," she said. "From there, we worked together on envisioning a fresh, new and personalized floor plan that suited my lifestyle and met my needs."

Molidor and his team fashioned a 2,500-square-foot main-floor open layout that includes three bedrooms, three baths, a kitchen that opens to an airy great room, and a 2½-car garage.

Among the eye-catching amenities in the home are hardwood floors on the main level, a floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace, wet bar, vaulted ceiling and three skylights in the great room, Silestone quartz countertops, custom cabinetry that picks up the sunlight from the ample windows in the kitchen, tray ceiling in the master bedroom, rear paver brick patio with an integrated fire pit and bench and a front porch.

"I also had them plant plenty of shrubs and spruce up the landscaping. Plus, we fenced in the backyard and created a dog run on the side of the house for Blackie and Smokey," Koranda said.

Molidor also carved out a 2,500-square-foot basement below that duplicates the first-floor footprint, essentially doubling the home's potential living space. Koranda, however, opted not to complete it at first-although she chose to have a lower-level fireplace installed and plumbing roughed-in for a future bath and wet bar.

She took delivery of her finished home two years ago. But the urge to bring her finished basement dreams to fruition finally won out, and she called Molidor back last October.

"Tom offered several helpful recommendations that I took him up on, including installing a steam shower, portioning off a closed-room exercise area and utilizing contemporary vinyl plank flooring that sports a distressed oak look," she said. "It gives the appearance of hardwood floors and is scratch-resistant, but it's rugged enough to withstand the wear and tear imposed by parties, children and two fully grown large dogs."

Koranda also chose to have concealed wiring installed for audio and data, making it easier to set up a private study in the basement. Three double-door storage closets were also built.

Now that construction is complete, Koranda said it has effectively doubled her living space.

"It's kind of like having two homes in one, with that much more space for relaxing, enjoying time in the private study, exercising and entertaining," she said.

Koranda said it's refreshing to work with a builder that offers options like basement finishing, especially one that's willing to tackle the job a few years after the primary construction work has been completed.

"Molidor Custom Builders has one of the best warranties in the business and I wanted to take advantage of that for my basement," she said. "They really take care of their customers. I can't say enough about Molidor Custom Builders and how wonderful they made the entire experience for me."

Molidor Custom Builders currently has three custom inventory homes for sale, all of which are available for immediate occupancy. The first two are located in Downers Grove. Both are 3,000-square-foot, two-story homes with four bedrooms, priced at $599,000.

The third is a three-story residence in Naperville. It features five bedrooms, spans 4,150 square feet and is priced at $1.3 million.

For information about Molidor Custom Builders, call (630) 789-1500 or visit www.molidorbldr.com.