Living in Evanston means owning a piece of architectural history. Whether you are in a classic Victorian near the lake or a sturdy brick bungalow in the heart of town, these homes have a soul that modern builds simply cannot replicate.
However, anyone who has tried to update an older home knows that the beauty often hides a few secrets. You might start with a simple kitchen update and quickly find yourself staring at vintage wiring or plumbing that has seen better days.
The frustration usually starts when a contractor treats your historic Evanston property like a standard cookie cutter house. This leads to delays, budget surprises, and the sinking feeling that your home is losing the charm you fell in love with.
Hammell Homes understands that remodeling in our community requires a specialized touch. We have spent nearly 40 years helping your neighbors turn these historic challenges into modern masterpieces.
Key Takeaways:
- Local Expertise Matters: Evanston has specific building codes and historic requirements that demand a seasoned local contractor.
- Focus on Integrity: Successful remodels prioritize structural health and lead-safe practices alongside beautiful design.
- Communication is Core: A stress-free renovation depends on a contractor who keeps you informed at every single stage.
- ROI and Style: Smart updates to kitchens and bathrooms provide the highest return on investment while improving your daily lifestyle.
The Hidden Cost of Choosing the Wrong Contractor
The North Shore is full of contractors who make big promises but lack the specific experience required for older Evanston homes. You have likely heard the stories of projects that were supposed to take six weeks but dragged on for six months.
When a team doesn’t understand the nuances of plaster and lath walls or historic foundation quirks, they often cut corners to stay on schedule. This creates a cycle of stress where you are constantly checking their work and wondering if the job was actually done right.
The emotional toll of a poorly managed remodel is high. Your home is your sanctuary, and having it turned into a chaotic construction zone with no end in sight is a burden no homeowner should carry.
A Better Way to Build in Evanston
We believe that remodeling should be a rewarding experience rather than a source of anxiety. Our “Solutions, Not Shortcuts” approach ensures that every project we touch is built to stand the test of time.
This starts with our Lead-Safe certification, which is absolutely vital for Evanston properties. We protect your family from the hazards of older materials while we modernize your living space.
Luxury in an Evanston home is about more than just expensive cabinetry or stone countertops. It is about the peace of mind that comes from knowing the master carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work behind the walls were executed with precision.
Visualizing the Hammell Homes Process
Working with us feels different because our process is built on a foundation of trust. We start with a no-pressure consultation to hear your story and understand exactly what you want to achieve for your family.
Once the vision is set, we handle the heavy lifting of navigating Evanston building codes and securing the necessary permits. This allows you to focus on the fun parts of the project, like selecting finishes and imagining your new lifestyle.
During the execution phase, our team of master tradespeople treats your property with the respect a neighbor deserves. You can learn more about our kitchen remodeling process or see how we approach bathroom renovations on our dedicated service pages.
Results You Can See and Feel
The true measure of a successful remodel is how it changes the way you live. Imagine a kitchen where the layout is finally open and functional, allowing you to host friends and family without feeling cramped.
Picture a master bathroom that feels like a private spa, where modern luxury is seamlessly integrated into your home’s historic aesthetic. This is the transformation we have delivered to over 600 neighbors in the North Shore area.
Our clients often tell us that the process was just as impressive as the result. Elsa Schmitt from Evanston noted that Rick and his crew were amazing and worked diligently to do a beautiful job on both her kitchen and bathroom.
Another neighbor, Jason W, mentioned that his bathroom turned out stellar despite using challenging artisan materials. He highlighted that our team understood exactly what was required and made the entire experience seamless.
Your Next Step
Your Evanston home is one of your most significant investments. It deserves a partner who has the local experience, the licenses, and the awards to prove they can handle the job with care.
Stop worrying about the “what ifs” of your renovation project and start moving toward the home you have always wanted. We are ready to listen to your ideas and provide the expert guidance you need to make them a reality.
Schedule Your Free Consultation with Hammell Homes
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a typical Evanston kitchen remodel cost? Kitchen remodeling costs vary significantly based on the scope of the project and the materials selected. Because Evanston homes often require structural updates or historic restoration, we provide a personalized consultation to give you an accurate and honest estimate for your specific space.
How long will my home remodeling project take? Most mid-range remodels take between six and twelve weeks depending on the complexity of the work. We pride ourselves on our 95% on-time project delivery rate because we know how important it is for your family to get back to a normal routine.
Do I need to pull permits for my Evanston remodel? Yes, almost all significant remodeling projects in Evanston require permits from the city to ensure safety and code compliance. We handle the entire permitting process for our clients, leveraging our long-standing relationship with local building departments to keep your project moving forward.
What areas do you serve besides Evanston? While we are deeply rooted in Evanston, we provide our remodeling services to the entire North Shore area. This includes Skokie, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, and other surrounding communities where historic homes are common.
Are you licensed to work on older homes that may have lead paint? Hammell Homes is an EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm with decades of experience in historic restoration. This means we follow strict federal guidelines to protect your home and family from lead dust during the demolition and construction phases of your remodel.
Will you help me with the design and material selection? We offer comprehensive guidance throughout the design and selection process to ensure your new space is both beautiful and functional. Our goal is to help you choose materials that enhance your home’s ROI while reflecting your personal style and the historic character of your property.
About the Author
The Hammell Homes Editorial Team is led by Rick Hammell, a veteran general contractor with over 39 years of experience in the North Shore construction industry. Our team specializes in the complex gut rehabilitation and historic restoration of Evanston properties, a dedication that earned us the City of Evanston Beautification Award for Outstanding General Contractor of the Year. We are a fully licensed, bonded, and insured firm (License #09LICR-0564) and maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Based in Evanston, IL, we have completed more than 600 projects ranging from minor handyman repairs to full-scale custom home renovations. Our mission is to provide honest craftsmanship and clear communication to every neighbor we serve. You can reach our team at 847-571-2994 or via email at rick@hammellhomes.com.
