Aging Lockport home gets facelift, care of Distinctive Remodelers

Christmas came early for Alvin and Sue Green in 2009, compliments of Distinctive Remodelers—who gave the couple’s older Lockport home a much-needed upgrade in time for them to host a big holiday family party last December.

Owners of a sturdy but aging ranch built in 1954 that was overdue for several improvements, the Greens were motivated to renovate last summer after noticing their neighbor’s house down the street—a recipient of handsome new replacement windows. They inquired with the homeowners and learned that Distinctive Remodelers had completed their project, with stunning results. It wasn’t long before Alvin and Sue contacted the Orland Park-based firm and scheduled an in-home visit.

“We had shopped around and talked with several remodelers. Many of these contractors were pushy with their ideas and unreliable at keeping appointments, and some never even called us back,” said Alvin.

But the team from Distinctive Remodelers not only showed up punctually and prepared, but they were also very personable and flexible, Alvin recalled.

At first, “we were primarily interested in having Distinctive Remodelers replace our roof and many of our windows, two jobs that took priority,” said Sue. “But we were happily surprised to learn that Distinctive Remodelers also specialized in new kitchens. Our kitchen, which was cramped and outmoded, desperately needed a complete makeover.”

Sue said the Distinctive team made many suggestions during their visit that made a lot of sense. Distinctive wa also quite “budget friendly,” and they gave the Greens a very reasonable quote on a complete kitchen remodel and a few other upgrades, “so we decided to take the plunge.”

Chairman Bryan Nooner noted that the kitchen portion of the project in particular wouldn’t be easy, considering the home’s age and original materials. Several aspects presented challenges, among them plaster walls and ceilings that would spread cracks and generate ample dust during the renovation, original linoleum and corkboard floors that would not be easily removed, and firmly affixed kitchen cabinets that were actually built and assembled on site in 1954.

“The Greens also had big, unique windows, including a very large picture window, that required a quality replacement brand to match those dimensions and produce energy efficient results,” said Bryan. “They smartly chose Argon gas-filled Marvin brand wood windows with low-E glass in a variety of configurations, including casements and double hungs. And we installed attractive three-inch wood trim around the windows that really makes them pop.”

After first replacing the roof and then finishing the windows, Bryan and his crew embarked on the kitchen redo and remaining improvements in late fall. Their challenge was to have the entire job completed before the Greens’ scheduled Christmas Eve party that was quickly approaching.

“The first step was for them to expand our existing space by removing a wall and utilizing a powder room we no longer wanted. We had them install beautiful custom birch cabinets with a warm cherry finish that matched our home’s cherry wood furniture,” Sue said. “Topping off the cabinets are elegant crème-colored granite countertops with brown flecks that pick up the brand new dark maple hardwood flooring, which extends into the dining room.”

Additional kitchen enhancements include a new appliance package, undermount stainless steel sink and faucet, coat closet, lighting and electrical package, back door, and glass panel door leading to the basement to improve visibility. Matching ceiling fans were also implemented in the kitchen, dining room and living room.

“They took only 21 days to complete the kitchen and windows—without sacrificing any quality or workmanship—which was an amazing turnaround. It was the best Christmas present we could have asked for,” said Alvin.

Indeed, the Greens’ Christmas Eve guests could barely believe it was the same home—especially after walking into the all-new, bigger kitchen.

“It was like a second housewarming party, 13 years after first moving in,” added Sue. “This project had been on our wish list for a while. Our two daughters are now moved out of the house, so we had the time and resources to devote to a major remodel. And considering how much my husband enjoys cooking in the kitchen, it made perfect sense to reinvent that room and invest in this upgrade.”

The Greens can’t say enough about their positive experience working with Distinctive Remodelers and the finished product.

“Aside from finishing the job early, which was most impressive, they also gave us plenty of options to choose from in terms of brands, materials, colors and finishes. Their well-stocked showroom was loaded with displays and samples to browse through,” said Sue. “And I can’t get over how clean and organized they were on the job. Everything was neat and tidy after each day’s work, with no dust or mess left behind. They really exceeded our every expectation.”

Distinctive Remodelers specializes in a wide assortment of renovation projects, from room build-outs, second-level additions, and home theater room installations to basement finishing, kitchen makeovers, and roofing, siding and window replacements — with no residential job too large for the firm to tackle. Additionally, all work is backed by a full warranty.

“We draw on the built-in advantages of being a part of the Distinctive Family of Companies — a successful, established area business with nearly 50 years of collective experience,” Bryan said.

Bryan launched Distinctive Remodelers based in large part on growing demand from past home buyer clients eager to upgrade and expand their existing residences.

“We have a large base of loyal, satisfied customers from over the years who often call us for future projects,” said Bryan. “We know these homeowners and what they’re looking for, and we’re familiar with the territory we cover. We would often get calls from many of these past home buyers who sought to hire us for jobs such as adding a room, finishing a basement or rethinking a kitchen. Instead of turning down these requests, we initiated Distinctive Remodelers, which offers partial or whole-house renovation services throughout the suburbs.”

In addition to having a highly skilled crew in place, the firm has an unparalleled reputation for outstanding quality and value. Plus, Distinctive Companies has a 3,000-square-foot, full-service design studio, making it simple and convenient for remodeling customers to choose their exterior and interior product, finish and material selections. From cabinet pulls and plumbing fixtures to flooring options, door handles, appliances and trim packages, everything is there under one roof. Homeowners can browse through plentiful wall and floor displays, samples and swatches.

Distinctive Remodelers also relies on the parent company’s skilled architectural design team and its computer-aided design (CAD) resources to ensure that the conceptualizing and planning of every home project goes smoothly and efficiently.

“When you hire Distinctive Remodelers, you can rest assured that you’ve enlisted the most knowledgeable, courteous professionals in the industry. Every person on our crew has been carefully screened and will treat you and your home with the greatest respect,” said Bryan. “And you can count on prompt, thorough responses to your questions and requests, too.”

Moreover, Bryan added, “you can rest assured that you’ll receive the highest level of customer service from a project manager specifically assigned to your home who will supervise your job from start to finish.”

To make an appointment for a free estimate, contact Distinctive Remodelers at (708) 479-7700. For more information, visit www.DistinctiveRemodelers.com.