May 17th, 2022
"APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS… AND WEEDS HERE IN CHICAGO. IF YOU’RE PLANNING ON STARTING A GARDEN, WE HAVE SOME HELPFUL TIPS TO HELP EVERYTHING YOU GROW BLOSSOM AND BLOOM. PLAN YOUR LAYOUT BEFORE YOU PICK UP THE SHOVEL AND START THROWING SEEDS INTO THE GROUND, TAKE SOME TIME TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SPACE FOR YOUR GARDEN. FIND A PLACE IN YOUR YARD THAT GETS 6-8 HOURS OF SUNLIGHT EACH DAY AND ONE THAT IS CLOSE TO A WATER SOURCE AND EASILY ACCESSIBLE. DECIDE WHETHER YOU WANT TO PLANT DIRECTLY INTO THE GROUND OR USE RAISED BEDS. USE THE RIGHT SOIL DON’T USE POTTING SOIL OR SOIL YOUR LANDSCAPER LEFT LYING AROUND. WE RECOMMEND STARTING WITH A GOOD ORGANIC VEGGIE…
April 14th, 2022
"‘APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS’… AND AMPLE OPPORTUNITIES FOR WATER TO LEAK INTO YOUR HOME. IN THE CHICAGOLAND AREA, IT’S IMPORTANT TO TAKE PREVENTATIVE STEPS TO ENSURE YOUR HOME IS SAFE FROM THE HEAVY SPRING RAINFALL. HERE ARE FOUR WAYS TO HELP PREVENT FLOODING AND OTHER PROPERTY DAMAGE CAUSED BY SPRINGTIME SHOWERS: CLEAR OUT YOUR GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS DURING THE MONTH OF APRIL, YOUR GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS ARE PUT TO THE TEST, WORKING TO CATCH ALL THAT RAINWATER AND PUSH IT AWAY FROM YOUR HOME. IT’S IMPORTANT TO MAKE SURE YOUR GUTTERS ARE CLEAR OF ANY DEBRIS AND ARE WELL-SECURED TO YOUR HOME. IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A PROJECT, ADDING GUTTER SHIELDS OR SCREENS CAN HELP KEEP DEBRIS FROM BUILDING…
March 10th, 2022
"THE WEATHER IS TURNING WARM HERE IN CHICAGO, WHICH MEANS IT’S TIME TO GET YOUR HOME OUT OF THE WINTER BLUES AND FRESHEN IT UP! STANDING BACK AND LOOKING AT THE SPRING CLEANING YOUR HOME NEEDS CAN SEEM DAUNTING. BUT, WITH THESE HELPFUL TIPS, IT WON’T BE DIFFICULT AT ALL. DECLUTTER MOST HOMES ARE FILLED WITH THINGS THE HOMEOWNER EITHER DOESN’T USE ANYMORE OR DOESN’T NEED. IT’S TIME TO GET RID OF THE CLUTTER. TAKE SOME TIME TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM AREAS IN YOUR HOME, WHETHER IT BE THE JUNK DRAWER IN THE KITCHEN OR STUFFED-TO-THE-BRIM GARAGE CABINETS. ONCE YOU’VE FOUND ALL THE AREAS THAT NEED DECLUTTERING, SORT YOUR BELONGINGS INTO FOUR DIFFERENT CATEGORIES–GARBAGE, DONATIONS, STORAGE, AND KEEPING. GET RID…
February 9th, 2022
"WITH THE PANDEMIC AND THE HIGH-PRESSURE SITUATION OF SCORING THAT COVETED RESERVATION, PERHAPS PLANNING A ROMANTIC VALENTINE’S DAY AT HOME IS A BETTER OPTION THIS YEAR. HERE ARE SOME COZY DATE IDEAS FOR YOU TO PLAN FOR YOUR FAVORITE PERSON. NETFLIX AND CHILL THIS MIGHT BE THE MOST OBVIOUS CHOICE. BUT, THERE ARE EASY WAYS TO MAKE IT MORE SPECIAL THAN EVERY OTHER NIGHT YOU SPEND BINGING NETFLIX. CREATE A SPECIAL LINEUP OF YOUR HONEY’S FAVORITE SHOWS OR REWATCH THE MOVIE YOU SAW ON YOUR FIRST DATE. BY ADDING SOMETHING SENTIMENTAL TO THE NIGHT, IT WILL MAKE IT A WORTHY VALENTINE’S DAY CELEBRATION. AND, DON’T FORGET TO ORDER IN YOUR FAVORITE MEAL OR PUT TOGETHER A TASTY SMORGASBORD OF DESSERTS…
January 14th, 2022
"AS A RESPECTED CUSTOM HOME BUILDER, WE UNDERSTAND NOT EVERYONE HAS THE ABILITY TO PLAN A MAJOR RENOVATION TO THEIR HOME. BECAUSE OF THIS, WE THOUGHT WE’D SHARE SOME SIMPLE IMPROVEMENTS YOU CAN MAKE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR TO MAKE YOUR HOME FEEL BRAND NEW. NEW YEAR, NEW COLORS THE EARLY MONTHS OF THE YEAR, WHEN IT’S COLD AND YOU’RE EXPERIENCING CABIN FEVER, ARE THE PERFECT MONTHS TO PAINT. PICK ONE ROOM OR SEVERAL ROOMS IN YOUR HOME AND PAINT THE WALLS A DIFFERENT COLOR. YOU’LL FIND THAT CHANGING THE COLORS OF A ROOM MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE WITHOUT MAKING A BIG DENT IN YOUR BANK ACCOUNT. IF YOU WANT TO GET CREATIVE, HAVE A CUSTOM-DESIGNED MURAL PAINTED OR HANG A…
December 15th, 2021
"YOU MAY NOT THINK IT, BUT THE WINTER MONTHS ARE AN EXCELLENT TIME TO BEGIN HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS. DURING COLDER WEATHER MONTHS, IT MAY BE EASIER TO SECURE POTENTIAL DISCOUNTS FROM PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTORS, AS WELL AS SHORTER COMPLETION TIMETABLES. HERE ARE FIVE OF THE BEST WINTER HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND RENOVATIONS TO TAKE ON: KITCHEN UPGRADE THERE ARE SO MANY DIFFERENT WAYS TO SPRUCE UP YOUR KITCHEN, FROM REPLACING THE COUNTERTOPS, SWITCHING OUT CABINETS, CHANGING LIGHT FIXTURES, OR ADDING A TRENDY BACKSPLASH. ALL OF THESE PROJECTS CAN BE DONE WITH A MINIMAL AMOUNT OF TRIPS BACK AND FORTH OUTSIDE, THEREFORE, MAKING THESE PERFECT COLD-MONTH PROJECTS. BYPASS SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER BY UPGRADING THE APPEARANCE OF YOUR KITCHEN THIS WINTER. CHANGE THE…
November 11th, 2021
"WE’RE CONTINUING OUR WORK WITH GREENLINE HOMES TO HELP CREATE MORE SUSTAINABLE AND AFFORDABLE HOMES IN CHICAGO COMMUNITIES. CLIMATE CHANGE AND OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL SHIFTS HAVE CREATED A NEW DESIRE FOR CUSTOM-BUILT HOMES THAT ARE ENERGY-EFFICIENT, EASY TO MAINTAIN, AND SUSTAINABLE. BUILDING A GREEN HOME WITH THE HELP OF GREENLINE HOMES, WE’RE UTILIZING GREEN BUILDING TECHNOLOGY AND PROFESSIONAL TECHNIQUES TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE CONSUMER AND BUILD THESE HOMES. BY USING SOLAR ENERGY, INCREASED LEVELS OF INSULATION, AIR SEALING, AND CAREFULLY SELECTED MECHANICALS AND APPLIANCES, WE’RE BUILDING NET-ZERO-ENERGY HOMES THAT END UP PRODUCING MORE ENERGY THAN THEY CONSUME. THESE ECO-FRIENDLY HOMES ARE BUILT USING SUSTAINABLE BUILDING MATERIALS WITH AN EMPHASIS ON INDOOR AIR QUALITY AND WATER- AND ENERGY-EFFICIENT APPLIANCES. FAMILIES…
October 14th, 2021
"GET INTO THE SPIRIT OF THE SPOOKY THIS SEASON BY TURNING HAUNTING YOUR HOUSE WITH HALLOWEEN DECOR. WHETHER YOU WANT TO KEEP IT SOPHISTICATED OR GO DOWNRIGHT CREEPY, HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO HELP MAKE YOUR HOME THE TALK OF THE TOWN. UNDECORATE BEFORE YOU PUT UP ANY DECORATIONS, TAKE YOUR PICTURE FRAMES OFF THE WALLS AND STORE AWAY ALL DECOR ON TABLES AND SHELVES. DISPLAYING BATS AND WITCHES NEXT TO BEACH PHOTOS OF YOUR KIDS AND COUSINS WON’T EXACTLY SCREAM ‘HALLOWEEN THEME’. AND, MAKE SURE TO FILL EMPTY SPOTS ON THE WALLS WITH SPOOKY DECORATIONS OR PHOTOS. DOING ALL OF THIS WILL PUT THE ENTIRE FOCUS ON YOUR HOCUS POCUS. STICK TO ONE COLOR SCHEME IF POSSIBLE,…
September 22nd, 2021
"With fall upon us, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your home for the change in weather. Every year, the shift from warm to freezing temperatures causes damage to homes that could have been prevented by following some simple steps. Check Your Gutters We all enjoy looking at the leaves as they change color, but if enough of them build up in your gutters, it can cause damage to your roof, insulation, ceilings, and walls. Clean out all the leaves, check that your gutters are straight and secured to the fascia, and don’t forget to check for clogs in your downspouts. Test Your Sump Pump During the winter months, the ground is already frozen and it becomes difficult for…
August 5th, 2021
"‘GREEN’ HOMES ARE DESIGNED AND BUILT WITH YOU AND THE ENVIRONMENT IN MIND. THEY’RE BUILT TO PROVIDE A SAFE, HEALTHY, AND SUSTAINABLE PLACE TO LIVE, CREATING HEALTHIER FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES. AS WE BECOME MORE AWARE OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES, THE DECISION TO BUILD MORE ENERGY-EFFICIENT HOMES HAS BECOME MORE POPULAR. THERE ARE MANY BENEFITS TO GREEN HOMES, INCLUDING: SAVING MONEY THE WAY THE HOME IS BUILT AND THE MATERIALS USED DURING CONSTRUCTION HELP LOWER ENERGY AND WATER BILLS, AS WELL AS REDUCE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR COSTS OVER TIME. ON AVERAGE, GREEN HOMES USE 20-30% LESS ENERGY AND WATER, HELPING TO DECREASE MONTHLY UTILITY BILLS. EVERYTHING FROM THE LIGHT BULBS TO THE STYLE OF ROOF IS CONSIDERED IN THE DESIGN PROCESS IN…
July 20th, 2021
"WITH THE WARM WEATHER OF SUMMER COMES THE GRAND IDEA OF RENOVATING YOUR HOME. THE NICE WEATHER AND INCREASED AMOUNT OF DAYLIGHT MAKE IT THE PERFECT TIME TO START THAT PROJECT YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED - A NEW KITCHEN OR BATHROOM! THERE ARE MANY THINGS YOU MAY NOT CONSIDER WHEN PLANNING A REMODEL, SO WE’VE COME UP WITH SOME HELPFUL TIPS TO HELP YOU KEEP COOL DURING THE REMODEL. PREP ADJACENT ROOMS WHEN REMODELING ONE ROOM IN YOUR HOME, THERE’S NO DOUBT IT’S GOING TO AFFECT ROOMS SURROUNDING IT, AS WELL. IF THERE WILL BE DEMOLITION OR DRILLING, THE VIBRATIONS FROM THE WORK BEING DONE CAN WORK TO DISLODGE AND DAMAGE ITEMS IN NEARBY ROOMS. WE RECOMMEND REMOVING ALL FRAGILE AND…
June 25th, 2021
"THE NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL (NSC) INTRODUCED NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH BACK IN 1996 TO PROMOTE SAFE BEHAVIORS TO HELP PREVENT INJURIES AND DEATHS AT WORK, ON THE ROADS, AND AT HOME. BOTH FATAL WORK INJURIES AND ROADWAY DEATHS ARE ON THE RISE, WHICH MEANS PROMOTING SAFETY IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER. ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT TIPS THE NSC HIGHLIGHTS IS THAT SAFETY IS A 24/7 SUBJECT. WE SHOULDN’T STOP PRACTICING SAFE BEHAVIORS ONCE THE CLOCK STRIKES 5 PM. EVERY YEAR, THE NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL PROMOTES FOUR TOPICS THROUGHOUT THE MONTH OF JUNE. HERE ARE THE SAFETY TIPS FOR 2021. PREVENT INCIDENTS BEFORE THEY OCCUR IN ORDER TO CREATE A SAFE WORKPLACE, IT’S IMPORTANT TO IDENTIFY RISKS AND TAKE PROACTIVE SAFETY…
May 20th, 2021
"The number of homes with “SOLD” signs in their front yard in the city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs started skyrocketing last summer and hasn’t cooled off since. Chicagoland home prices are on the rise, as well. But, that isn’t preventing homes from being sold so quickly in such a competitive market. With the combination of a low supply of homes available and low mortgage rates, the trend of strong buyer activity is expected to continue. If You Build It, They Will Come With a limited number of homes available on the market in Chicago, new home construction has become very appealing. There’s nothing quite like the brand-new look and freshly painted feel of a new home, no matter if…
April 13th, 2021
"If you’re like most Chicago residents, now that the weather is turning warmer, you couldn’t be more thrilled about spending more time outside. Whether this is your first spring in your new home or you’re simply looking to spruce things up a bit, taking care of your outdoor space gives you a much-needed outdoor oasis. Perfect your outdoor space with the following tips. Choose Bold Colors While you may avoid colorful furniture and decorative accents inside your home, outside is a completely different ball game. Don’t hesitate to choose a bold color for your outdoor furniture, rugs, flowers, etc. The brighter, the better! Adding in some color can help create a more vibrant outdoor space. Consider shades of orange, aqua,…
February 16th, 2021
"A finished basement can be a highly functional space for you and your family to enjoy. If your current basement is in the process of being remodeled, or if you’re considering a basement remodel in the future, you’ll want to consider all options to ensure the room looks and functions exactly how you want it to. We know this can be an overwhelming process with endless possibilities, which is why our custom home builders in Chicago have provided some helpful insight below. Utility is Most Important Functionality should be at the forefront of your basement, as you’ll want to get as much use out of this area as possible. Consider creating separate rooms for laundry, working out, storage, or even…
January 7th, 2021
"Now that 2020 is behind us, we're excited to focus on what we do best: new construction in Chicago. Because most families spend the most time in their kitchen and bathroom, these are two focal points for remodels. Maybe you've been thinking about updating your bathroom design for quite some time, or maybe you have a small bathroom that you're not sure how to update. Consider some of the following power room trends for 2021. Back-Lit Mirrors or Medicine Cabinets Who doesn't love a little bit of mood lighting in their master bathroom? Create an ambiance by investing in back-lit mirrors or a back-lit medicine cabinet. Not only does this create an inviting space and the illusion of a floating…
December 23rd, 2020
"This year has been one for the books. With so many momentous events and findings this year, our Chicago custom home builders wanted to take a moment to reflect. While everyone has different takeaways from this year, we wanted to share ours as we plan for a busy 2021 ahead. Supporting Local Means Everything The community has come together in a way that we didn’t know was possible, and it has been one of our highlights this year! “Supporting local” comes in a variety of forms. For us, it means trusting a small business to take care of a momentous task — building your home! For others in the area, it means stopping by for a burrito instead of cooking…
November 10th, 2020
"Like many other industries throughout the world, COVID-19 has undoubtedly taken its toll on the real estate market. Many Americans who were considering selling their homes 8 months ago are now reconsidering as the future of the virus is unknown. Currently, there aren’t a ton of homes on the market, meaning that sellers have the advantage when it comes to asking for a particular price. Homes are selling fast because inventory is so low. Record-Low Interest Rates As a result of an economic downswing, the Federal Reserve has drastically cut interest rates to breaking lows. Now, the average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage is below 3 percent. Even a quarter or half percentage can make a huge difference in…
October 28th, 2020
"Despite a crazy and challenging year for all, we are sticking to the one thing we know best: luxury homes. At MK Construction, we can handle everything from your kitchen remodel to building you a completely custom home. If you’ve been considering a kitchen remodel in the upcoming months, here are some of the trends we are seeing a lot of: All Black Black kitchens are quickly becoming the new version of white kitchens, as we are seeing a surge in black countertops, finishes and even appliances. Black is an extremely strong color choice in your kitchen but it can pay off. Glass Another emerging trend that we continue to implement into our designs in glass. Different types of glass,…
August 24th, 2020
"The first impression of your home is extremely important to potential buyers. After all, the majority of real estate purchases begin by buyers looking up properties online, so your property can begin attracting eyes through its listing pictures. Having a strong curb appeal helps create a positive association with your home from the get-go, and our custom home builders in Chicago can help your home reach its fullest potential. Here are some simple tips to strengthen your home’s curb appeal. Add Greenery A little bit of exterior greenery goes a long way! If you haven’t taken the time to plant some shrubs and other plants around the exterior of your home, make sure you do this before you list your…
July 28th, 2020
"Buying your first home is equal parts exciting and nerve-wracking. If you’ve never purchased your own home before, our custom home builders in Chicago want to help make your experience as smooth as possible. Here are a few tips that we’ve compiled to make your home-buying process a success. Don’t Settle One thing that many first-time buyers do is rush into the buying process. This means they haven’t sat down and considered all of the non-negotiables that are on their lists to ensure that they’re happy and content for years (or a lifetime) to come. If you’ve always wanted a waterfall island or you’ve dreamed of having a double-vanity master bathroom, don’t settle for a home that doesn’t offer these…
June 18th, 2020
"Whether you’re a Chicago native or you’ve recently moved to the Windy City, the options are endless when it comes to finding the ideal neighborhood. Over the past decade, certain neighborhoods have emerged and remained popular in the Chicagoland area, and for good reason. Whether you’re renting or buying, consider adding these neighborhoods to your list of options if you haven’t already. River North Nothing screams Chicago like living in the heart of downtown! There are tons of amazing condos and single-family homes in the River North area, not to mention the fact that you are surrounded by some of the best views, food and entertainment that the city has to offer. River North residents can take advantage of shopping…
