Glencoe kitchen, bathroom & whole-home remodeling

Glencoe's architectural tapestry reflects its rich history, from grand turn-of-the-century estates to mid-century modern gems. Frank Lloyd Wright's 1915 Ravine Bluffs development still holds six of his houses plus the Sylvan Road bridge he designed (rebuilt to his plans in 1984). Early homes were often built with plaster and lath interiors. The distinct topography of Glencoe, with its ravines and bluffs, presents unique challenges and opportunities for additions. We understand the specific considerations for homes along the Green Bay Trail, where lot sizes and orientations can vary, as well as the unique character of properties near Glencoe Beach or overlooking the Glencoe Golf Club. Even in areas like the vicinity of Central School, where a mix of housing styles exists, the emphasis is on quality and thoughtful design. The convenience of the Glencoe Metra station (UP-N) makes the village a desirable location. District 35 schools feed New Trier.

Remodeling that stock is careful work: kitchens and baths modernized within plaster interiors, basements finished under early-1900s foundations, and additions stepped around ravine setbacks and mature trees. Where the Village's address-lookup map still shows a lead or galvanized water service, Glencoe reimburses half the cost of a full replacement up to $10,000 — an upgrade worth folding into any major remodel. GS Construction delivers kitchens, bathrooms, basements, additions, and whole-home renovations from the downtown blocks around Writers Theatre and the Metra station to the west side by the Chicago Botanic Garden. Early homes, often built with plaster and lath interiors, demand a nuanced approach to kitchen and bathroom remodels, preserving original character while integrating modern amenities and infrastructure. Many basements in these older homes, built with less robust waterproofing than today, benefit significantly from finishing that incorporates modern drainage and insulation techniques, transforming often underutilized space into functional living areas. The distinct topography of Glencoe, with its ravines and bluffs, presents unique challenges and opportunities for additions, requiring careful consideration of setbacks, existing mature trees, and lot lines to ensure seamless integration and compliance with village regulations. The Village of Glencoe's appearance review process for exterior changes, particularly in established areas, ensures that new construction and additions harmonize with existing streetscapes, a process we are well-versed in navigating. While teardowns and new infill construction occur, there's a strong appreciation for preserving and enhancing the existing housing stock. Many homeowners seek to expand living space while retaining the historical integrity of their properties, leading to demand for thoughtfully designed additions that complement existing architectural styles, whether it's a sunroom overlooking a ravine or an expanded family room. Whole-home remodels often involve updating electrical and plumbing systems that are characteristic of homes built decades ago, ensuring they meet contemporary standards without compromising the home’s original charm. Our experience with diverse foundation types, from stone to concrete block, allows us to effectively address the challenges of basement finishing and foundation work common in Glencoe. Many remodels aim to enhance homes for modern family living while respecting their historical context.

Glencoe's Development Services Department runs permitting, and since January 2025 building plan reviews and inspections have been handled by SAFEbuilt, with new applications filed through the Village's online Citizen Self Service (CSS) portal. Certified local landmarks carry real protection — no exterior alteration or demolition without Historic Preservation Commission approval — and in 2026 the Village adopted additional ordinances to discourage teardowns of historic homes. Helpfully, Glencoe waives the permit fee when a project includes replacing a lead water service line under its cost-share program. GS Construction manages the full permit process for Glencoe projects, from portal submittal through final inspection.