Custom Fit
By Ann Marie Scheidler
By Ann Marie Scheidler
It’s not often that a client walks into the Jurs’s showroom at Advance Design Studio to discuss a home remodeling project when the future resale of the house isn’t a top priority. But this is exactly what happened when a couple relocating from out-of-state came in for a consultation.
“They were empty nesters who wanted to convert a three-bedroom ranch into a one-bedroom home designed around how they wanted to live the next chapter of their lives,” says Christine Jurs. “I loved the wife when she told us, ‘we just want what we want.’ It was fun to work with them from the beginning.”
The homeowners mindfully chose Advance Design Studio to manage their project from start to finish.
“Since they were from out of state, I had to work with them remotely since they weren’t here,” explains lead project designer, Nicole Ryan. “We were able to do much of the design and planning by phone and email. By partnering with Advance Design, they were able to be very involved in the process but trust that things would be handled and installed exactly as they wanted it, with tons of attention to detail.”
The well-staffed company handles everything from initial ideas, through complete construction, all in house. Jurs explains that this distinguishes them from other construction firms because their entire team is under one roof. Founded in 1992 by her husband Todd Jurs who remains at the forefront of the company, Advance Design Studio provides a full range of remodeling services including additions, major renovations, kitchens, baths, and basements, as well as product sales and complete construction to clients in the northwest suburbs.
“Throughout the entire process, every member of our Advance Design team was readily available and open to working towards whatever it took to get us the finished product that we wanted,” explains the homeowner. “A big part of the organization and efficiency that lead to our final satisfaction was having a dedicated project manager. DJ was always on top of the current status and what was coming next. From start to finish, he was prompt to acknowledge any emails or texts we sent and was equally prompt at taking care of our requests or questions.”
Advance Design Studio kicks off every initial client meeting asking homeowners about previous remodeling experiences. It’s not unusual for conversations to gravitate to horror stories of never-ending, over-budget, messy, full-of-surprises, remodeling stories.
“It doesn’t have to be this way,” Jurs explains. “Remodeling should be fun. People don’t often have more than one or two big remodel projects in their lifetime. They should enjoy the process as well as the end result.”
With decades of experience in the industry, Jurs and her husband frequently saw major disconnects between contractors, designers, and homeowners. They wanted to build a company—and a process—that would guarantee positive remodeling experiences for homeowners. Together, they developed the “Common Sense Remodeling Process” that is the cornerstone of the company today.
“I convinced my husband that we had to start talking about ‘Common Sense Remodeling’ as a deliberate concept because no one else was,” Jurs, the company’s director of communication, says. At Advance Design Studio, Common Sense Remodeling is a fully integrated process that includes preliminary design, budgeting, client education, product selection, construction and project management. It includes five phases: getting to know one another, preliminary project development, project design and development, construction production and check-in, and project closing and warranty check-up.
With every project, Jurs says the company works with clients to develop a realistic budget and designs simultaneously.
“Remodeling isn’t an exact science, but you can’t be shooting in the dark. It’s never a good use of anyone’s time to come up with plans that don’t fit a client’s budget,” she explains. “We put budgets to the possibilities. By being on the same page early on—we eliminate as many potential surprises and disappointments as possible.”
The Common Sense Remodeling Process facilitated easy communication between the homeowners and Ryan, with a few notable standouts.
“It’s hard not to love everything about this project, but I think how the kitchen turned out has to be my favorite part,” Ryan says. “Its original location in the floor plan and wall layout didn’t work well for the open kitchen the couple was looking for. I suggested adding a wall to create a more closed off entry way from the garage, making the kitchen flow work much better for her and getting maximum kitchen storage! I am so happy they loved it and the final result turned out beautifully.”
“Everything about Advance Design Studio shows that they have integrity, character, and a desire to be the best in their field. To know that those in charge of our project were operating from a position of their own strong values was very reassuring to us,” adds the incredibly pleased homeowners.
This renovation is a perfect example of how Advance Design Studio’s encapsulated approach to producing a renovation project leaves a homeowner feeling positive and fulfilled.
“Happy clients who have had enjoyable remodeling experiences are always the best clients,” says Jurs. “Home renovations should be fun. I use that word a lot.”
This year, Advance Design Studio, Ltd. celebrates 25 years. Visit them at 30 Railroad Street in Gilberts, 847-836-2600, advancedesignstudio.com.
Advance Design Studio, Ltd. is located at 30 Railroad Street in Gilberts, 847-836-2600, advancedesignstudio.com.
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