Walking through an Evanston neighborhood like Ridge or Lakeshore is like taking a masterclass in American architecture. From the intricate trim work of our Victorians to the solid presence of our brick Tudors, these homes are the pride of the North Shore.
However, if you live in one of these properties, you know that the “face” of your home eventually needs help. You might notice that your original wood windows are starting to rot at the sills. Perhaps your grand entry door has a draft that you can feel from across the room during a Lake Michigan winter.
The frustration lies in the choice you have to make. Do you keep the beautiful but drafty original windows and watch your energy bills climb? Or do you hire a generic window company that might replace your historic charm with “plastic” inserts that look entirely out of place?
Hammell Homes believes you shouldn’t have to choose between history and comfort. We specialize in Evanston exterior remodeling that provides modern energy efficiency while meticulously preserving the architectural integrity of your home.
Key Takeaways:
- Preservation is ROI: Maintaining the historic “look” of your Evanston exterior is the single best way to protect your property value.
- Energy Efficiency: Modern window and door systems can reduce North Shore heating costs significantly without looking modern.
- Lead-Safe Importance: Meticulous lead-safe practices are mandatory when working on the exterior of any Evanston home built before 1978.
- Master Carpentry: Standard installation techniques often fail in older homes; master-level carpentry is required for a proper, airtight fit.
The Tragedy of “Big-Box” Window Replacements
Many Evanston homeowners are targeted by high-pressure sales companies offering “buy one get one” window deals. These companies focus on volume and speed, often ripping out original casings and replacing them with standard vinyl units.
When this happens, the home loses its architectural depth. The trim that once had character is replaced by flat, characterless plastic. Not only does this ruin the aesthetic, but it also alerts future buyers that the home has been “flipped” or cheaply maintained.
In our historic districts, this can even lead to issues with local building codes. A poorly executed exterior project can cost you thousands in lost property value and potential fines. You deserve a partner who understands that an Evanston home is an investment in our community’s history.
The Hammell Approach to “Invisible Efficiency”
At Hammell Homes, we provide what we call “Invisible Efficiency.” Our goal is for your neighbors to walk by and notice how beautiful your home looks, not that your windows are new. We source high-end, wood-clad systems that allow for custom exterior colors and period-correct hardware.
We don’t just “install” windows and doors; we perform a structural restoration. Because Evanston homes have settled over the last century, no opening is perfectly square. A standard installer will just use extra caulk to fill the gaps, but our master carpenters rebuild the opening to ensure it is structurally sound and perfectly insulated.
Our “Solutions, Not Shortcuts” philosophy is especially important for entry door installation Evanston IL. Your front door is the handshake of your home. It needs to be heavy, secure, and perfectly balanced to withstand the humidity shifts of the North Shore.
Navigating the Evanston Restoration Process
A successful exterior project starts with a deep respect for the existing structure. We begin every project with a historic profile audit, where we take measurements of your existing trim and casings. This ensures our new materials will sit flush and look intentional.
The safety of your family is our next priority. Since most Evanston homes were built in an era of lead-based paint, we utilize strict EPA lead-safe certified protocols. We contain the workspace and use HEPA-filtered equipment to ensure that your yard and interior remain clean and safe.
Throughout the build, you will have the direct communication that Rick Hammell is known for. You can learn more about our general home remodeling Evanston services or see how we approach interior renovations to see how we maintain a cohesive look throughout your property.
Real Pride in Evanston Preservation
The result of an exterior restoration is a home that finally feels as solid as it looks. You get the quiet, the warmth, and the ease of use that modern technology provides, but your home keeps its 1920s soul.
Elsa Schmitt, one of our local clients, mentioned that her home received compliments all the time after her renovation. She appreciated that we worked diligently to deliver a beautiful job while keeping the lines of communication open.
Another neighbor, Jason W, noted that our team understood the challenges of artisan materials. This is the difference between a contractor and a craftsman. We are proud of our 97% satisfaction rate because it proves that Evanston families value quality over the quick fix.
Your Next Step for Your Evanston Home
Your home’s exterior protects everything inside. It is time to stop “making do” with drafty windows and a sticking front door. Let’s restore the beauty of your Evanston property and make it as efficient as a new build.
Hammell Homes is ready to help you plan an exterior that honors the past and secures your future. Let’s talk about how to boost your curb appeal and lower your energy costs today.
Schedule Your Free Consultation with Hammell Homes
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does historic window replacement in Evanston cost? The cost of window replacement in Evanston is higher than standard suburban projects because of the need for wood-clad materials and historic trim matching. We provide a custom, no-pressure consultation to give you a clear budget that reflects the architectural requirements of your specific home.
Do I need a permit for a new front door in Evanston? Yes, the City of Evanston requires permits for most exterior modifications, including window and door replacements. We handle the entire permitting process for you, ensuring that your selections meet all local building codes and historic district guidelines.
Will new windows really lower my heating bills? Modern double or triple-pane windows with low-E coatings can significantly reduce heat loss during Evanston winters. When combined with our master-level installation that eliminates air leaks around the frame, most homeowners see a noticeable decrease in their monthly utility costs.
Can you match my home’s original 100-year-old trim? Matching original millwork is one of our master carpentry specialties. We can often source or custom-milling trim that replicates your home’s historic profiles. This ensures that your new windows and doors look like an original part of the architecture.
How long does an exterior remodeling project take? A typical window and door replacement project for an Evanston home takes between one and three weeks, depending on the number of units. We maintain a 95% on-time delivery rate to ensure your home isn’t left open to the elements for longer than necessary.
Is it better to repair or replace old wood windows? While some original wood windows can be repaired with new glass and weatherstripping, if the frames are rotting or the structural integrity is compromised, a high-quality replacement is usually the better long-term investment for ROI and comfort.
About the Author
The Hammell Homes Editorial Team is led by Rick Hammell, an Evanston-based general contractor with 39+ years of experience in the North Shore remodeling industry. Since 1986, Hammell Homes has specialized in the delicate art of historic home restoration, a commitment that earned the firm 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 an EPA Lead-Safe Certified contractor. From our base in Evanston, IL, we have completed over 600 projects, focusing on master carpentry, window and door installation, and luxury home remodeling. Our “Relationships Over Transactions” philosophy ensures that we treat every Evanston home with the respect it deserves. Reach out to our expert team at 847-571-2994 or rick@hammellhomes.com.
