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Home Remodeling in Lake Forest, IL

DESIGN-BUILD REMODELS FOR LAKE FOREST'S HERITAGE HOMES

Lake Forest has more architectural significance per square mile than any other suburb in Illinois

Howard Van Doren Shaw and David Adler both built signature work here. The vintage colonials, English Tudors, and lakefront estates of East Lake Forest aren't just homes, they're documented architectural history. Working on them takes a different posture than a 1980s split-level in another suburb. You start with what the original architect intended and figure out how to keep that intact while making the house actually function for a modern family.

Skor Construction does Lake Forest remodels with that posture. Kitchens that respect original casework profiles. Primary suite expansions that match exterior detailing exactly. Basement build-outs that finish below grade without erasing the upstairs character. We're a design-build firm, 15 years in business, with experience navigating the Historic Preservation Commission and Architectural Review Board processes Lake Forest is known for.

Most projects here run $200,000 to $600,000+. Whole-home heritage renovations can run higher because of the casework matching, custom millwork, and material sourcing.

The Lake Forest review process is stricter than anywhere else nearby

The City of Lake Forest has Historic Preservation Commission jurisdiction over designated historic homes, plus Architectural Review Board oversight on all exterior changes. Permit timelines run 8 to 12 weeks for design-review properties, 4 to 6 weeks for interior-only standard residential work. East Lake Forest properties almost always fall under the ARB or HPC.

We design submittals that lead with the existing home's architectural language. Detailed elevation drawings, material specifications, casework matching documentation, and a narrative explaining how the renovation preserves what matters get the package through review with fewer revision cycles. Once approved, we manage permits, inspections, and review board compliance through final walkthrough.

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Home Remodeling in Lake Forest, IL

The most common Lake Forest project is a kitchen remodel inside a heritage home. The work is meticulous: existing casework gets documented and either preserved or replicated, new cabinetry matches original profiles, premium materials throughout (quartzite, honed marble, custom millwork), and integrated appliance packages that read as architecture rather than equipment. The kitchen still feels like 1925 from across the room. Once you're in it, every drawer is soft-close and every appliance is panel-ready.

Primary suite expansions, basement build-outs with period-appropriate detailing, and whole-home heritage renovations make up the rest of the work. Lake Forest kitchen projects typically run $150,000 to $300,000. Whole-home heritage renovations run $400,000 to $1M+ depending on scope and architectural complexity. Kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, basement finishing, and home additions.

Lake Forest remodeling FAQs

The questions we hear most often from homeowners in Lake Forest and the surrounding Northwest suburbs and North Shore.

Can you work on a historic Lake Forest home?expand_more

Yes. We've worked in heritage homes throughout the North Shore including properties with significant architectural pedigrees. The approach respects original casework profiles, plaster walls (often using veneer plaster for repairs), and preserved architectural details. We partner with preservation-experienced architects when the project warrants it.

What does a Lake Forest remodel cost?expand_more

Kitchen remodels in Lake Forest run $150,000 to $300,000. Primary bath remodels in vintage homes $75,000 to $200,000. Whole-home heritage renovations $400,000 to $1M+ depending on scope, casework matching requirements, and architectural complexity. Basement build-outs $150,000 to $400,000.

How long does the Lake Forest review process take?expand_more

Historic Preservation Commission review or Architectural Review Board approval typically runs 6 to 10 weeks. Interior-only work in homes not designated historic moves on a standard 4 to 6 week permit timeline. We prep submittals to minimize revision cycles, but design-review work in Lake Forest is genuinely stricter than surrounding villages.

Do you work in East Lake Forest near Market Square?expand_more

Yes. The historic district around Market Square and the lakefront properties east of Sheridan are some of the most architecturally significant addresses in the area. Work in this zone almost always requires HPC or ARB review, but the careful design approach pays off in homes that retain their value and character.

Can you match my home's original trim and casework?expand_more

Yes. For homes with significant original millwork, we mill custom replacements to match profiles exactly. Original casework gets documented, photographed, and measured during the site walk. New work is built to those same standards. This is part of why Lake Forest heritage work lands at the higher end of the budget range.

What warranty do you offer on remodeling work?expand_more

1-Year Coverage covers defects in workmanship and materials for interior finishes (paint, drywall, trim, cabinetry, flooring, tile, caulking, sealants), fixtures, doors, and hardware, plus cosmetic work not covered under a longer term.

2-Year Coverage covers defects in workmanship for plumbing systems (supply and waste lines, fixtures, connections), electrical systems (wiring, outlets, switches, and lighting we install), and HVAC modifications or installations we perform.

5-Year Coverage covers defects in workmanship for roof installation and modifications, window and exterior door installation, and siding and exterior cladding systems.

Manufacturer warranties on appliances, fixtures, and materials pass through directly to you.

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Our Design-Build Process

1 | Plan

It starts with a quick discovery call and an in-person visit, where we walk the space, talk through what you want, and pressure-test ideas against your budget. Within about a week, we send a written investment range so you can decide whether to move forward before anyone designs in a vacuum.

2 | Design/Proposal

We move into paid design with our architect and interior design partners, producing real floor plans, 3D renderings, and guided selections for finishes and materials. We coordinate the trades and handle permitting, then close with a detailed, fixed-price construction proposal covering scope, allowances, and schedule.

3 | Build

With your approval, we start construction, led by a dedicated project manager with weekly check-ins, so you always know what's happening and what's next. You leave with a finished space, a written workmanship warranty, and a real human to call if anything needs attention down the road. 

Skor Construction Cost Guide Graphic

Remodeling Cost Guide

Our comprehensive cost guide contains real numbers for remodels in the Chicagoland area. Inside, you'll find:

— Remodeling costs for whole home remodels, additions, kitchen remodels, exterior facade and structural updates, bathroom remodels, basement finishing, and remodels

— Commercial property remodeling costs

— Tiered pricing with what's included at each tier

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Where We Work

We've been remodeling homes across Chicago's North Shore and Northwest Suburbs since 2009, and we know these neighborhoods well, from the way local permitting works to the styles of homes that define each community. These are the towns we work in most often, but our service area continues to grow.

If you don't see your town listed, reach out to us anyway, and we'll let you know whether we can help with your project. 

Our Service Area

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What Our Clients Think

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I can’t give Anton and his crew enough stars for the amazing remodel they did on my downtown Palatine condo kitchen. They did excellent work and their communication and work ethic were outstanding. Highly recommend

Sandy Domin

5 Yellow Star Icons

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Our primary bathroom renovation was completed professionally and flawlessly from the initial proposal to the spectacular result. We are extremely happy with Skor Construction, and highly recommend Anton and his team.

Susan Yankee

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Anton and his crew helped us so much. He was so patient and explained fully his designed proposal. Everything went so well and looks gorgeous. Thank you for your time, patience and effort.

Monica Guzman

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The Skor builder team was very responsive and professional. They left the site clean and the work was done on time and with no issues. I will use them in the future for other remodeling projects.

Christopher Kim

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I recently completed a basement renovation with Anton and the team at Skor Construction, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. They were professional, thorough, responsive, and consistently on time. The project involved a challenging layout, but they completely reconfigured and updated the space with skill and attention to detail. I’m thrilled with the outcome and will absolutely turn to Skor Construction for any future home renovation projects.

Lisa Vandesteeg

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Skor Construction is fabulous. I was looking for a general contractor for a home addition and renovations. Anton took the time to keep me posted and respected my time and budget. He conducted a home visit, spending hours talking about options, processes, and what to expect. His knowledge and understanding greatly impressed me. I would recommend Anton and his team 10 out of 10 times.

Rob Schultz

Ready to plan your Lake Forest remodel?

START WITH A NO-PRESSURE CONVERSATION

Tell us about your home and what you want to change. We'll set up a discovery call and an in-person walkthrough so you can see how we work before you commit to anything.

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