Name: Erdmann Exterior Designs
Price range: $$
Rating: 5

The homeowner we built this home for was a previous customer and family friend. She had always talked about how much she missed the architecture and feel of the homes she used to see when she grew up in Charleston, SC. Her dream was to be able to save up enough money to one day build a home in Arlington Heights, IL that rivaled what she was used to from her childhood. One day we got a phone call from her stating that she was ready to build this home as long as we stayed close to her budget. The key to achieving the effortless southern charm that this customer was looking for was in the details. The two story wrap around porch if very Gone with the Wind in my opinion and I have a feeling that's what the customer was going for. Can't you just imagine Scarlett O'Hara sitting on that porch on a warm spring day?

We finally found the perfect property near downtown Arlington Heights. We did receive some which unfortunately held a lot of fond memories to the neighbors. Nobody was very happy when they saw we were tearing it TTM11384 down the current house. Let me tell ya, they were not quite about their feelings.

We used Marvin and Stanley doors on this project. Marvin doors are Energy Star qualified in our area. Just because this house looks like it belong in South Carolina doesn't mean it doesn't still snow up here in Illinois. To be qualified ENERGY STAR certification, a window or door must meet a set of requirements that are determined by the U.S. government. Those requirements differ based on geography, meaning a window that’s being installed in Minnesota has different requirements than one in Florida. The certification is meant to indicate that the window is energy-efficient in the region where it will be used, and can help homeowners save on energy costs. We used Marvin Windows as well.

This homeowner opted to go with Hardie siding because of it warranty and lasting color. Hardie retains the look of wood and also with the ColorPlus®, it’s all one uniform color. Hardie TTM11385 puts 50% more coats of paint on their siding. This allows them to put a 15 year warranty that covers paint and labor, protecting against peeling, cracking, and chipping. The ColorPlus® technology is engineered to help protect your home from UV rays, so the color you pick is the color it will be for the next 15 years.

In the end, not only have the neighbors have warmed up to it and are in awe with the detail. From the corbel work on the gables, to the two story wrap around porch, to the pergola and outdoor seating area. The homeowner was able to live out her dreams with us and we were glad we could make someone as happy as we made her.