Latest News

  1. CL Design-Build Receives Houzz’s 2012 ‘Best Of Remodeling’ Award

    March 22, 2012

    First-Ever Survey & Analysis of More than 1.2 Million Members Reveals Top-Rated Professionals and Current Design Trends from Across the Country


  2. What is Your Cost per Square Foot?

    November 8, 2011

    I recently received a phone call from someone asking me the question: “What is your average cost per square foot?” I get this question often and I cringe when I hear it.

    People will ask me this question sincerely in order to compare me to another builder. I beg you; do not compare builders based on this question. The answer is more complex than the question and you will not have an accurate measure of what your home will cost.

    So what do I do when I get this question?


  3. What Would You Change?

    October 4, 2011

    Do any of the following apply to you? It is time to replace those “standard” options in your home or the items that were in style at the time the house was built. The Kitchen cabinets are outdated and the appliances either don’t function as well or you would like energy efficient appliances. Even the […]


  4. The Perfect Place to Watch Some Football

    September 8, 2011

    “Are you ready for some football?” Here are 8 ingredients of the perfect place to cheer on your team.


  5. How To Make Your Kitchen Your Favorite Room of the House

    October 21, 2010

    Is your kitchen the most used space in the house? If so, you are not alone. The kitchen is often the hub of a home—whether your family sits together to eat at meals or everyone just grazes, odds are it’s a central meeting spot several times a day. In addition to family, invited guests may […]


  6. 5 Great Remodeling Ideas

    September 21, 2010

    Although it’s starting to get colder it’s still a great time for remodeling projects. Here are my top 5 picks for Home Improvement and Remodeling Projects. These 5 ideas, in addition to the ever popular new paint will always bring value to your home as well as enjoyment to you. Does anyone else have any great fall projects ideas?


  7. Chicago’s Greenest Smart Home Worth a Visit

    March 11, 2010

    Home energy-efficiency and eco-awareness are certainly topics and concerns that today’s new home buyers are concerned about. The Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry’s smart home exhibit has been refreshed for 2009 and worth a visit — either for the first time or even if you’ve been there previously.


  8. NAHB: Assess Your Home’s Efficiency with an Energy Audit

    February 9, 2010

    As the year begins and winter sets in, you may be wondering how to save money on your energy bills this year. Conducting a do-it-yourself home energy audit is a fast, relatively simple way to assess how much energy your home consumes and determine what you can do to make your home more energy efficient. […]


  9. What doesn’t kill you will make you stronger

    December 28, 2009

    Looking out at the winter wonderland as the sun sets, thinking about the many new people I have met recently who are considering investing in a new home or remodeling their existing home, I have become reflective. I am thankful and blessed. I cannot help but feel optimistic and determined to come through this long walk in the woods to see the sunset. “What doesn’t kill you will make you stronger,” and it sure makes you appreciate the journey.


  10. Choosing a Reputable Homebuilding/Remodeling Contractor

    September 3, 2009

    When you begin to search for the right contractor for your home, how do you know who you can trust?…or who is the utmost professional?..or who is the most qualified? It is a big decision and it bears research. Your choice of contractor can determine whether your house becomes the home of your dreams . . . or your worst nightmare.



While Bob and I have worked with CL Design Build, the experience has been positive, professional, and one we would pursue again. Our dream home was creatively designed balancing practicality and cost. Cheryl’s attention to detail will make our home a focal point of the neighborhood. Thanks to all at CL Design Build!

~ Bob and Ann Elwood

We met with 5 different local builders when we started this custom build adventure. Cheryl Lee, hands down, left the best impression. She was knowledgeable, open to and interested in our ideas. They were always timely and attentive to any and all questions that we had and patient and informative when we were chewing over a decision. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience than working with the CL Design-Build team! Danielle Brown

~ Danielle Brown

We enjoyed working with CL Design Build to build our 100% custom dream home. Starting with a blank piece of paper, we were able to build our home from bottom to top using our own ideas and concepts. We are really enjoying our home today.

~ Doug and Cinda Coyne

That teamwork between Brad and Cheryl ensured that we received the best that is available. There is a trust and bond between CL Design-Build and their clients that gave us peace of mind. The numerous compliments that we receive on our beautiful home are tremendous!

~ Richard and Kristine Christie