Stunning Modern Gut Rehab and Second-Floor Addition in Albany Park, Chicago

Homeowners in Albany Park, Chicago, sought to modernize their traditional home while maintaining its historic charm. Their goal was to create a functional, open-concept space for their growing family with added bedrooms and updated amenities. This gut rehab and second-floor addition transformed the property into a modern masterpiece, tailored to their needs and perfectly suited for life in this vibrant Chicago neighborhood.

Why Did the Homeowners Decide to Remodel?

The homeowners in Albany Park, Chicago, decided to remodel their traditional home to better accommodate their growing family while embracing a more modern and functional design. They wanted to open up the layout for improved flow, add additional bedrooms and bathrooms, and update aging systems to ensure long-term comfort and efficiency. By opting for a gut rehab and second-floor addition, they were able to preserve the home’s historic charm while upgrading it with modern features and amenities that align with their lifestyle needs.

What Challenges Did We Overcome During the Remodel?

During the remodel of this Albany Park home, we faced the challenge of blending a modern design with the property’s historic character, ensuring the new two-story addition seamlessly complemented the existing structure. Reconfiguring the layout to create an open-concept design required strategic planning to maximize functionality while maintaining the structural integrity of the home. Upgrading the outdated systems—electrical, plumbing, and HVAC—within the confines of an older property presented logistical hurdles, but our team executed the installations with precision. Additionally, the tight urban setting required careful coordination to manage construction without disrupting the neighborhood, ensuring a smooth process from start to finish.

How Did We Achieve the Homeowners’ Vision?

We achieved the homeowners’ vision by carefully balancing modern design elements with the historic charm of their Albany Park home. Starting with a complete gut rehab, we reimagined the interior layout to create an open-concept living space that improved functionality and flow. Adding a second-floor extension provided the additional space they needed, including four bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and a luxurious master suite designed for comfort and relaxation. High-quality finishes, such as hardwood flooring, modern fixtures, and white shaker cabinets, elevated the home’s aesthetic while aligning with the homeowners’ desire for a clean, timeless look. To ensure the home was as efficient as it was beautiful, we installed brand-new mechanical systems, including updated electrical, plumbing, and HVAC, along with new insulation for enhanced energy efficiency. On the exterior, we modernized the curb appeal with vinyl siding, new windows, and outdoor features like a front porch and back patio. These thoughtful updates not only transformed the home into a stylish, functional space but also honored the homeowners’ vision of preserving its original character while tailoring it to their family’s needs.

How Has This Remodel Changed the Owners Lives?

This remodel has significantly improved the homeowners’ quality of life by providing them with a spacious, modern, and functional home tailored to their needs. The addition of four bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, including a luxurious master suite, has created ample space for their growing family, while the open-concept layout fosters better connectivity and flow throughout the home. The updated systems—electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and insulation—ensure greater energy efficiency and reliability, reducing maintenance worries. Moreover, the stylish finishes and enhanced curb appeal have given the owners a home they’re proud to live in, blending historic charm with contemporary comfort to perfectly suit their lifestyle in Albany Park.