House of Kartheiser LLC

House of Kartheiser, LLC, is a full-service professional remodeling company that is licensed, bonded, and insured. We believe home renovations shouldn’t be a frustrating experience. Watching your project develop and seeing it come to light should be a fulfilling and exciting event.

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House of Kartheiser Company name and logo.

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Basements, no longer considered a cold and damp storage area.

Not every basement remodel needs to have a wet bar or a pool table to make it “finished”, but if that’s your style then we can help you get there. The fact is there are numerous directions you can take your basement remodeling in and there are very few things that will limit your style.

With our experience, we’ve created dozens of beautiful finished basement remodel to suit various needs. Just a few of the ways we’ve re-engineered the Chicago suburbs basements of others:

Home theater room with recessed lighting

Cocktail bar with club lounge

Wine cellar room

Game room wired for sound

Home gym and exercise room

Bedroom for guests & family

Kids play area

Office and work area

Entertainment hub

Basement spa and sauna

And so much more! The beauty of your basement is that, when it’s empty, it’s a blank canvas where anything goes. Clear access to electrical and plumbing with an open floor plan means your plumbing, electrical, walls and lighting can be placed anywhere to maximize your floor plans.

With the ability to place walls as needed and build them on the fly, you’ll be able to wire your basement not only for sound, but for audio/video as well as direct home networking (both wired and wireless access points) Your basement remodel can now be transformed into a place for your entire family and guests to retire for extreme entertainment or true relaxation. Your basement can become an exact match to the space you’ve felt your home has always lacked.

The best part is that you don’t have to tear out walls, restructure existing rooms, change doorways or tamper with the rest of your home. Everything you need to design the perfect living space as an extension to your home sits right under your feet – literally.

Basement remodeling is a passion that we don’t take lightly and our portfolio proves that. Redefining your living space is something House of Kartheiser, LLC, takes pride in, and we want to show you exactly how we can turn your dark, drab and boring basement into a space that no longer suffers from piles of clutter and old projects you’ll never finish. Instead, work with us to transform your basement into a majestic and all-inclusive resort of your very own.

Contact Us Today For Your Free Estimate

We use state of the art design software with the top of the line rendering software to help give you an idea of what your newly remodeled area will look like in 3D. Like us on FaceBook to view our work we have completed over the years.

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One of the best areas to remodel, to expect the best return on your investment, is the kitchen.

It is no secret that remodeling and upgrading areas of your home can help to increase its value. A kitchen remodel is one of the best areas to remodel, and to expect the best return on your investment. Studies have shown that more activity takes place in the dinner and kitchen areas than any other room in the house; so improving that space can definitely increase your home's resale value.

New kitchen remodel designs and ideas will cut down on your energy costs and create a more functional space. Up to date and new kitchen conceptions can help to personalize your entire home, as everything seems to revolve around the kitchen in most homes today. Just how much the value will increase is dependent upon the quality and extent of the kitchen work that is done.

Kitchen remodel and design is an art that takes skill. Whether you are considering kitchen cabinets for a new home or a kitchen remodel project, we can help make your dream kitchen become a reality. So, before beginning this tough-but-rewarding project, ask yourself:

What Are My Needs and Desires? : Is your kitchen a disaster zone where you can't even manage to boil an egg? Or do you just want to freshen the place up with new appliances, countertops, floors, and cabinets? A need might be: I need kitchen cabinets because my current ones are falling apart. A desire might be: I desire a new dishwasher because my current one is ugly and noisy, though it works perfectly well.

Is It Worth Putting Myself Through This? : Do you want work crews threw the house for extended periods? Do you want to spend money and put yourself through this turmoil? While one of the more expensive home renovation projects, kitchen remodels retain their value well should you decide to sell your house.

Deep-Down Renovation or Surface-Level? : Be honest. Is this an $85,000 full-scale kitchen remodel or a less ambitious surface-level kitchen renovation? No shame in either choice.

Contact us today to set up a consultation.

We use state of the art design software with the top of the line rendering software to help give you an idea of what your newly remodeled area will look like in 3D. Like us on FaceBook to view our work online.

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Bathrooms are one of life’s necessities.

A simple bathroom remodel can make a world of difference with your day to day schedule.

Bathrooms are one of life’s necessities, but that doesn’t mean your bathroom can’t also be a place of spa-like relaxation. A well-designed and well-equipped bathroom remodel can improve your daily routine and add exceptional value to any home. As a remodeling company in the Chicago suburbs area, House of Kartheiser, LLC, maximizes function with an eye towards smart and innovative design in every bathroom remodel.

A House of Kartheiser bathroom remodeling project begins with a survey of the homeowner’s wishes and needs. In order to get a clear picture of the project, we’ll start with a few questions:

•    How is the bathroom currently used?

•    How does the bathroom’s current location impact the design?

•    Is the homeowner concerned more with luxurious details? Or does function trump all other decisions?

•    How does the home’s age and style impact the aesthetics of the bathroom?

•    Are there any “must haves?” Deluxe shower? Whirlpool tub? Double-sink vanity?

•    How can we achieve the best design for the budget?

•    What storage considerations should be incorporated into the design? His and her closets? Linen closets? Built-in shelving?

A House of Kartheiser bathroom design is a holistic one.

A bathroom remodel can be as simple as redoing the bathroom within its current footprint, but it is more typically a project involving the redesign and reconfiguration of cramped, outdated bathroom and master bedroom. Many homes have bathrooms that are considered too small by today’s standards. Based upon years of experience renovating older homes, House of Kartheiser is able to efficiently maximize space and minimize cost when tackling a bathroom remodel. We understand that simple solutions – from new cabinetry to glass shower stalls – are just as important as reconfiguring interior space.  Whether your bathroom remodel is large or small, House of Kartheiser can create an open and relaxing bathroom to fit your lifestyle.

Drop us a line or call use today. Like us on FaceBook to see all of our work online.

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Finished Carpentry refers to all carpentry that is visible.

In many of the rooms shown in home magazines, one characteristic stands out: decorative trim. Moldings, baseboards, sills, and wainscot add charm and ambiance to many an otherwise unprepossessing space. It's not surprising that many homeowners have the addition of trim work as one of the items on their short list of home improvements.

Molding and trim comes in hundreds of styles and types. Many rooms, especially in newer construction, are anonymous boxes with little trim and less character. Adding decorative molding and baseboards can add style and substance for a reasonable cost. Owners of vintage homes may wish to upgrade and match existing trim, or replace decorative elements torn out during a previous owner's "remodel".

Crown Molding is the most popular type of cornice molding. Crown generally refers to the types of single-piece moldings that are installed on the angle to their adjoining surface. Crown moldings have a profile that project out on the ceiling and down on the wall and gives a rich appearance to a room.

As its name suggests, crown molding serves as an ornamental capping to walls, cabinets, and built-in furniture. Crown molding also used as a decorative support for horizontal architectural elements like decorative ledges and shelves. Adding decorative crown molding to the relatively simple room provides a certain character that the room would not have otherwise. Many complex looking crown-molding profiles consist of the series of simple moldings installed together to achieve a finished appearance. Crown moldings are also used in combination with other moldings to add details to the fireplace mantels and shelves.

If your time is at a premium and your do-it-yourself skills are limited. House of Kartheiser specializes in interior trim installation and can help in restoring your vintage beauty to its former glory or add character that will enhance not only your home's value, but your pleasure and life style in it as well. So please contact us today for an estimate. Like us on FaceBook to see some of our work or follow us on Flickr.

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NovaBrik is an innovative product that replaces the old look of vinyl/aluminum siding.

NovaBrik is an innovative product that replaces the old look of vinyl/aluminum siding.

Novabrik is a patented mortarless brick siding system that is a decades-old Canadian product relatively new to the United States. NoveBrik is a dry stack, siding-like lapped concrete brick that provides the full dimension of masonry at a reduced cost. The high strength concrete bricks overlap and interlock to create a strong, water resistant brick veneer.

Novabrik can be installed on wood studs, steel studs and concrete structures. Application on innovative Building systems like Insulating Concrete Form (ICF) systems and Steel Buildings is very easy and cost effective. Because the bricks hang on the wall, no brick ledge or steel support is necessary for support. This self-supporting property makes Novabrik a perfect product for remodeling homes with vinyl or aluminum siding.

Novabrik comes indifferent color pallets so that you can create your own blend. The manufacture provides corner blocks, wainscot, and windowsills. It is used in residential construction, for new homes and remodeling, and in commercial construction as well as large or small projects.

Although on close inspection, the lack of mortar joints in Novabrik reveals you’re not using the traditional brick siding system. Regardless this product has a handsome quality of it’s own, with all the inconveniences of mortar being eliminated. Novabrik can be installed in freezing temperatures without the additional costs usually incurred in winter with conventional masonry installation. There is no variation in the mortar joint color or thickness and no height limitation for installation in a single day. There is no mortar joint to maintain over the life of the building.

Contact us if you would like to receive a free quote or any more information on Novabrik. Like us on FaceBook to see a lot of our work. Follow us on Tumblr to read our past post and future posts.

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The Kitchen Backsplash

The kitchen backsplash is the focal point of the kitchen and often sets the tone for the rest of the house. Therefore, when choosing appropriate kitchen backsplash tile you should make it blend in with your countertops, cabinets and other decorating designs. House of Kartheiser can help you decided in picking an appropriate color pallet to satisfy your tastes.

Most of the time, a mosaic tile backsplash is definitely the best way to keep a specific area above the sink or the stove. You can achieve an attractive and simple option to clean it properly. These mosaic tile styles offer a wide variety of options. You can select many colors and fascinating designs. You can even choose from a palette of bright and bold colors that will complement your home decor, or go for beautiful terracotta design for your backsplash.

You can purchase marble, glass or plain mosaic. Keep in mind, glass tiles may appear to be delicate but they are somehow the most popular selections for a kitchen backsplash. You must select a nice mosaic design so that it complements your home decor and then allow your attractive mosaic tile backsplash become an outstanding focal point whenever someone comes into your kitchen.

The area that a backsplash covers is really not so large, so the expense of the kitchen backsplash tile is small compared to the visual impact you achieve. Most kitchens look so very similar, and all kitchens that are really used get their share of splatters and drips, so a kitchen ceramic tile, mosaic glass tile, stainless steel or creative metal backsplash makes good sense too. A carefully selected kitchen backsplash tile can make a modest home look expensive and classy.  Therefore, plan ahead, and choose a good kind of  kitchen backsplash  tile for you.

Don’t hesitate to drop us a line or give us a call and we can help you brainstorm on a kitchen backsplash. We have lots of pictures of different jobs we have done over the years.

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Making the decision to build a deck is one of the best things you can do for your home.

Making the decision to build a deck is one of the best things you can do for your home and your investment in your home.  It may seem like a big decision and a lot of money now, but you will see the long-term investment pay off and then some.  There are many things that determine your cost such as material, size, and shape.  The only thing that limits you on your deck is your budget.

Porch Decks? Yeah, that's right - porches are decks. If you'd like to step out of your front door onto a deck that winds its way around to the back door, you might be looking for a porch. These types of decks are best for rural homes, or houses with a lot of land around them.

Barbecue Decks. Looking for a place where you can grill steaks without feeling trapped in the kitchen? Barbecue decks have become more popular with the recent grilling renaissance that's swept through American suburbs like a warm front in June. Real wood decking, or some of the woodier-looking composite decking materials, are best for barbecue decks.

Pool Decks. Well, maybe you don't have a pool yet. But if you get a pool, well, you've pretty much got to build a deck around it, right? (Use this reasoning if your family resists your argument that decks add value and beauty to homes.) Pool decks should be easy on bare feet, so decking with a smooth, satiny surface is your best bet for these kinds of decks.

Second-Story Decks. Where is it written that decks can only extend from the ground floor? Nowhere, that's where! Second-story decks are great for parties, and if built right, can double as carports.

Freestanding Decks. As decks go, these are probably the easiest to build, since you don't have to remove siding, attach the decking to your home, or otherwise risk damage to the house itself during construction.

Vinyl decking advantages and disadvantages:

Vinyl decking has become really popular lately owning to its flexibility and low cost. Vinyl is an artificial substance that has two advantages over traditional hardwood – it’s easy to clean, and does not require daily cleaning.

Like hardwood decking, vinyl too is quite strong and can withstand a large range of temperatures. It doesn't crack, decompose or decay easily. It can stand a lot of moisture, so if you live in a rainy area, you can rest assured that your decking won't decay and rot (vinyl is water proof by nature).

But of course, there are some disadvantages too. For one, it can give your deck a cold, artificial feeling. Nothing can really replace wood, which gives natural warmth. Vinyl decking can end up looking very artificial, as something of an after-thought, detracting from the overall look of the house.

If you have any questions on the different types of decking and or designs. Please give us a call or drop us a line and we could go into detail on the different options there are. Like us on FaceBook to view some of our work we have done over the years.

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What better way to jump start the day as well as ease all the stresses away anytime of the day by lounging about in your own personal retreat?

Homeowners are deciding to remodel their master bathroom now, not only for reselling purposes, but also for their own enjoyment for years to come. Either way your master bathroom remodel will pay off. There are better products out there than 10 or 15 years ago. The bathrooms remodeled right now will last way longer comparing to the ones done in the last decade. Another advantage of remodeling now, are the lower prices for bathroom components and fixtures comparing to even few years back (30%-50% especially if purchased online). How many times have you decided to have a date night with the loved one out at an expensive dinner and a night at a ritzy hotel? Just ask yourself, how nice would it be to have your own high-end hotel room to retreat to every single night?

What better way to jump start the day as well as ease all the stresses away anytime of the day by lounging about in your own personal retreat?  Master bathroom remodeling ends your imaginings and paves way for you to enjoy just this in utter luxury, comfort, style and privacy.  One of the best benefits is both you and your partner can lavish at all these—together.  So if you plan on undertaking a master bathroom remodeling to afford your upscale lifestyle of pure indulgence and your relationship more intimacy, then here are ideas to guide you through.

Whatever the trend maybe, a universal course that the home improvement industry is  taking tends toward achieving efficiency and functionality without ever sacrificing beauty and appeal.  This is evident in both designs as well as products, making today—the best times to do master bathroom remodeling.

His and Hers… and Us

One of the prime reasons for taking up master bathroom remodeling is to provide both the couple a chance to do the essentials without having to take turns.  This maximizes practicality and even intimacy.  One of the easiest task to create a section each for his and hers to allow grooming at the same time and better organization is the addition of a double sink vanity.  An airier shower and bigger tub to accommodate two are superb ideas to allow couples the ‘us' time.

Pure Indulgence

Whatever your idea of indulgence is, master bathroom remodeling can bring about that much needed change to make every waking and retiring hour so much better.  Gone are the days when you have to be a member of some exclusive fitness club to take advantage of first-class pampering.  Today, going through all the cost and hassles just to become a member nor burning gas is not necessary as you can get all the rejuvenation and relaxation you need right in the comforts of your very own home.  From steam showers, sauna, deep-soaking tubs, rain jets, Jacuzzis, vertical shower spa, whirlpools, and other facilities and features are now conveniently offered in the market, ideally for home use.

Now the time many spend in their baths are considerably increasing, integrating entertainment through technology has become a common fashion in master bathroom remodeling.  Waterproof sound systems, media players and televisions have become familiar fixtures in bathrooms.

Setting the Mood

Focusing on the major surfaces such as walls, counters and flooring as well as the creative play of lighting can get you a long way when it comes to creating the mood or ambiance in your master bathroom remodeling project.  Your choice of colors can easily create a statement so do the choosing carefully.  Depending on your personal taste and budget, you can choose to enjoy the luxuriously distinct look that natural stone, glass, hardwood or other material of your choice.  Add a generous variety of rich textures to create a plush look and feel.

These master bathroom remodeling ideas are just some of the most basic that you can consider to make a success out of your project.  But however you choose to go about the design; it all boils down to the details.  A skylight to open up your home for stargazing, candles that flicker romance, rocks and plants, fresh flowers… all these can work magic in adding appeal to your master bathroom remodeling so never skip on these seemingly small things.

Our goal is to help homeowners create a living space that reflects exactly who they are while keeping in mind the importance of the property’s return on investment. Our forte is installing custom tile and natural stones (i.e.: granite, slate, marble, travertine). We have renewed everything from the cozy condo to the growing family dwelling to homes in Chicago’s most exclusive neighborhoods. Whether a homeowner is looking to spruce up their kitchen or simply say goodbye to their avocado bathtub, let House of Kartheiser Home Remodeling be your choice!

We are a genuine, hard working and honest master bathroom remodeling and renovation specialists paying attention to every detail and helping customers with every aspect of the master bathroom remodel. If you are looking for a contractor to help you with your master bathroom remodel, you just found the specialists here at House of Kartheiser.

There’s no reason to look any further. Please call us to set up a free no obligation estimate. I guarantee it will be a great and helpful experience and not a waste of your time. We are one of the very best in what we do and we use state of the art design software with the top of the line rendering software to help give you an idea of what your newly remodeled area will look like in 3D. We are looking forward to hearing from you and hopefully helping you with your master bathroom remodeling project.

Like us on FaceBook to see some of our projects: Master Bathroom Remodel.

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Ceramic floor tiles are becoming more and more popular amongst homeowners.

Ceramic floor tile are becoming more and more popular amongst homeowners of contemporary to colonial styles as their top flooring option because of their stylish appearance and easy to maintain qualities. When deciding on a new floor, ceramic tile is very versatile and can be used in an array of settings such as kitchens and baths, as well as dining rooms and living rooms, and even outdoors. It is also available in many colors, sizes, and looks.

Ceramic tile can be found in bright colors, neutrals, and even wood grain finishes. In places where the weather is warmer, ceramic floors are preferred instead of carpeting because it makes a cooler option. They can also be placed in interesting patterns since they come in both smaller and larger rectangular shapes. Another great aspect of ceramic floor tile is that they can be placed on walls to create a more dramatic look, or can be substituted for base boards.

As long as your ceramic flooring tile is grouted properly, it will be waterproof and can even be placed outdoors since certain types resist frost. It’s always a good idea to buy and save a few extra tiles just in case one breaks. Don’t worry though; just removing the broken pieces, cleaning the area, reinstalling the new tile, and regrouting the area can easily do repairing the broken tile.

Advantages of Ceramic Tile

Easy to Maintain: It is recommended to apply sealant every two to three years to maintain. You may also hose it down if necessary. Home good stores and supermarkets carry products to assist you in maintaining and up-keeping your tiles.

Versatility: Ceramic tile can be used as flooring, backsplashes, portico's (a porch leading to the entrance of a building), murals, and countertops depending on your style of decor. You have the option to match your floor to your tile walls, or contrast the two to make your room unique.

Cost Effectiveness. Ceramic tile offer the best dollar spent of any flooring surface. The added bonus to limited upkeep and maintenance adds even more value. With House of Kartheiser you will appreciate our attention-to-detail for many years to come. Give us a call or drop us a line if you have any questions or are in the market for a little tile work.

Like us on Face book to view 400+ photos of work we have done over the years.

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“Why should I buy or build a new custom home today when there are so many resale homes on the market?”

People ask all the time: “Why should I buy or build a new custom home today when there are so many resale homes on the market?” The answer is simple and obvious to anyone who has looked at new custom homes over the past several years.  New custom homes built today are better than ever, and there may never have been a better or more economical time in the past 10 years or so to build a new home.

More people are looking, more people are buying and the climate of the market seems brighter than it has in quite a few years. With so many economic indicators pointing in a more positive direction, and lenders beginning to be more open to lending for new custom  home construction, builders and buyers alike are looking at the future with optimism and anticipation.

Two indicators that suggest a rise in custom home building, and real estate sales in general, are an upswing in auto sales and furniture purchases. Growth in these industries has always been a precursor to home sales, and both of these industries are on the rise. Land costs are at or near multi-year lows, building materials and labor costs also are leaning in favor of buyers, and new building technologies and innovative features are making new homes better than ever.

Recent advances in ways to save on energy costs through improvements in products and construction methods are making new custom homes more economical to maintain, as well as more comfortable to live in. A well though out design plan can capture the way today’s homeowners live and are flexible enough to accommodate any changes in lifestyle that might come along.

BUILDING AN EXTENSION OF YOU

Homeowners can live in a custom home that is truly built to live, last and look better. In today’s economy, value is really the measure of true luxury, and a new home embodies both.

Give us a call or email us today for a consultation, or if you are in the market hiring subcontractors, we do it all at House of Kartheiser LLC.

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So, all things considered, installing hardwood flooring can be the best decision you ever made about your home.

Say you are considering replacing your current flooring and you can’t decide whether to spend the extra it may cost to install hardwood flooring.  Here are five excellent reasons why it may be your best option in the long run for hardwood flooring:

ELEGANCE:  Whether you put in a classic red oak with a gun stock finish or a "radical" Tiger strand bamboo, or anything in between; hardwood flooring gives your home a look of time-honored quality.

DURABILITY:  A good hardwood flooring can last decades in your home.  If you pay attention to its care and maintain a good, sturdy surface on it (a good polyurethane or even an aluminum oxide prefinish), it can outlast other flooring choices by many, many years.

FIX-ABILITY:  Even if your floor does get damaged or worn, a good hardwood flooring can be sanded, stained and polyurethane multiple times and damaged boards can often be replaced.  If it is done correctly, the way House of Kartheiser does it; your floor can still look as good as new each time.

FLEXIBILITY:  And while you are at it, most solid hardwood flooring can be stained to match furniture, existing stair rails, cabinets etc.  If you decide on a new look in your home, your floor can be adapted to your vision.

RESALE-ABILITY:  Installing hardwood flooring in your home can increase it resale value.  In these volatile times, many folks find themselves moving for work or retirement (or whim).  Hardwood flooring is a value-added product that makes that easier.

So, all things considered, installing hardwood flooring can be the best decision you ever made about your home. House of Kartheiser is your one stop shop for all your needs including flooring.

Don't hesitate, give us a call or drop us a line today if you have any questions or need a little help.

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There are endless possibilities when it comes to painting or faux painting your walls.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to faux painting your walls... so many products and color choices that it's easy to get overwhelmed! House of Kartheiser will help you every step of the way. We talk about what paint style and color best fits your unique situation. Whether the finish is Venetian plaster or glaze or, perhaps you're interested in the Tuscan look... or maybe a more contemporary urban finish fits your lifestyle... no matter what you'll get honest and professional advice and workmanship from House of Kartheiser.

Faux painting provides a way to create artificial surfaces such as wood, stone and marble at a fraction of the cost of purchasing the real materials. These techniques can be used on cabinets, columns, doors, walls and ceilings. The result of these faux designs can often times have a more interesting appearance than the authentic materials. Below you will find a list of some of our more commonly requested techniques, however keep in mind that we are professional artists and can provide virtually any type of faux you have in mind. If you can dream it we can paint it.

Wood Graining: This is a faux technique that is excellent for updating kitchen cabinets at a fraction of the cost of replacing them. This technique is also great for refinishing doors or making a metal door appear to be made of wood.

Venetian Plaster:  Venetian Plastering is our favorite finish to produce because it offers such a beautiful dynamic to any room. You can use it as a focal point on just one wall or you can do a complete room. It is a terrific way to hide wall defects while also delivering an updated artistic touch. The texture and colors can be customized to produce many different results.

Marbling: is a faux finish that offers an alternative solution to costly, genuine marble. This is a more advanced faux finish that requires a gifted artist. It is most commonly used to turn wood columns into marble. The end result provides a spectacular appearance.

Color Washing: This technique is similar to Venetian Plastering minus the texture. It allows for blending of colors in such a way that they deliver an appealing dynamic to any wall.

Ragging: A paint glaze is applied and manipulated by a rag, newspaper, paper or plastic bag. This is most commonly done in layers.

Torn Paper: This technique can be done in different manners but the most luxurious involves multiple layers of small torn pieces of paper applied to the wall. The end result is a truly unique effect. It is definitely an eye-catching conversation piece for anyone who observes it. Another technique used is to tear larger pieces of painted paper and apply then to the wall to create a stone like appearance.

There are so many more choices such as Suede, Sandwash, and even Denim. The choices and options with combining certain finishing techniques like Candlelight, can add even more depth and character to your walls.

Give use a call or drop us a line and we could go into more detail on the many options that we can use to set the mood for your desired room.

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Basement finishing or remodeling is one of the quickest ways to add a new room to your home without the higher expense of a room addition.

A basement remodel is one of the quickest ways to add a new room to your home without the higher expense of a room addition. Because most basements are unfinished, and used for storing all the things you've forgotten you have, it is a relatively simple job for a professional contractor to add quality living space to your home without losing valuable square footage from the rest of your property.

At House of Kartheiser, LLC, we can help you decide how your new basement remodel can best meet your new needs. Whether for a growing family, who is not yet ready to move, or for families just looking for extra space, we can help you gain additional room at minimum expense. But you don't have to stop with the basics. Today's basements can be converted to rooms as elegant and open as any in your primary living spaces. Popular basement finishing projects include saunas, hot tubs, bars, steam rooms, rec rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms.

Many people just don’t have the money to upgrade to a larger home or they just like the location that they’re in now. The solution is to add a new room and or living space.

One of the easiest ways to add a new space to your home is to finish off the basement. When we think of basements we generally think of dark, cold and wet – the place that is more often used for storage than anything else. Basements are also now for being messy because we generally just throw something in a pile and run for sunlight.

A basement remodel dose not have to be the “catch all” of your home; a basement remodel is one of the most cost effective home improvements you could make to gain more living space. Imagine having that office you’ve always wanted, or a guest room or even a new family room. A remodeled basement can be converted to just about any kind of extra room, just use your imagination.

Before you get started on building your new basement, consider these steps for getting your basement into livable shape.

First, basements are below ground level so even if you don’t get physical flooding in yours; it probably has a damp feel to it. A good place to get rid of any water troubles you may have is to call in a waterproofing specialist. They can assist you in making sure that once you spend money on improving your basement space it doesn’t get ruined by water damage. For just slight dampness a good dehumidifier will do the trick.

Think about the amount of actual space your basement offers. Consider this space when deciding what type of room you want to convert this basement remodel to. How much room do you really need for your dream addition, will the basement space be enough? Consideration to the amount of light that comes into your basement should also be a consideration. A darker room would be perfectly suited for a home theater setup while it might not be the most cheerful area for a playroom. Have a look at our gallery page for a few ideas.

Looking at your basement right now you may think, “It’s just a basement, I can never turn this into a comfortable room”. If you just aren’t getting ideas for your basement remodel that appeal to you call House of Kartheiser, LLC. When your home was being designed, chances are that there were few if any heat registers or air conditioning vents installed in the basement, if any at all. These of course are necessities if you plan on converting your basement into living space. When you plan your project make sure you consider adding the proper air circulation to maintain comfort. While you’re doing that don’t forget to add carbon monoxide and smoke detectors too.

Now that you’ve covered water and air circulation, it’s time to think about the amount of natural light available to you. Basements generally leave a lot to be desired so you may want to add more. Enlarging windows will let more light shine through and it will serve as an additional escape route in case of an emergency. House of Kartheiser uses a combination of some of the most sophisticated 3D rendering software tools to date, Google Sketchup pro, Cinema 4D, and VRay to give the realistic photo rendering.

Creating a nice living space is not as hard as you think. Go downstairs now and take a look around. See what your imagination reveals about your new living space or click here to get some ideas.

If you are looking for a contractor for a basement remodel, please call us today at 630-742-4836 or complete our contact form.

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The bathroom begins and ends your day-to-day schedule.

Bathroom Design and Remodel

The bathroom begins and ends your day-to-day schedule. You take a shower, you take a bath, you brush your teeth, and you pretty much get ready in this room. There are many things to consider when looking at how your bathroom remodel should look—whether you are designing half-baths in the front of the house, a child's bathroom, or the master bathroom. One of the most popular decor materials, tile or stone can dress up a bathroom in your home. It can be used on counter tops, flooring, showers, and tub surround or simply as a decorative wall design.

Great bathroom tile design is a key element to creating a dramatic look in your home, and it is often inexpensive.

If you want stone tile floors (an elegant and classic addition to any bathroom remodel) marble, granite, or travertine tile for your shower (beautiful as well as practical), your possibilities increase. When you add in different installation techniques, different colored grout, or custom painted or pressed tiles, it is easy to see how complicated the project can become.

Know that you’ve been thinking about a new bathroom remodel. We can help you make the right choices in products and design ideas to remodel or build your bathroom area. There are so many different ways to remodel your bathroom that it can be pretty daunting on where to start. House of Kartheiser, LLC, can help you accomplish this task by taking your thoughts and incorporating our ideas. We know how to work with the space that you have to make the most of it while staying within your budget. Upgrading your bathroom is a great way to add more style to your home. When remodeling your bathroom, it is important to give the room a unified look. But the main question is, how do you get the most bang for your buck? Here are a few ways!

Add a Jacuzzi tub to the master bathroom. This addition will make your bathroom more luxurious and elegant, even in the most ordinary home. Another great addition is a steam shower. Aside from you enjoying a great shower, potential buyers will also welcome this feature. Spend a little extra and upgrade the shower enclosure as well. The little extra cost will definitely be worth it in the end product.

Adding a heated floor is always an inexpensive bonus to your bathroom remodel. Stepping onto a warm Bathroom tiled floor first thing in the morning in the winter is a great way to start your day. A warming system will instantly add distinctive warmth and luxury to your new bathroom.

Giving your bathroom tile a facelift can dramatically change the entire look of your bathroom. Add a neutral design to give it a unique feel. Also, turning your single sink into a double basin sink, especially in the master bath, is a great addition. Not only will you and your spouse both be happier with the separate space, but it will also increase your resale chances. As long as your bathroom space will accommodate the new sinks.

Have a look at our bathroom gallery and master bathroom gallery  for a few ideas, like us on Facebook to view 400+ photos of work we have completed.

If you are looking for a bathroom remodeling contractor, please call us today at 630-742-4836 or complete our  contact form.