Hello and welcome to Design Partners. We are your one stop shop for your structural needs. We have years of experience, and over 50 consecutive, unsolicited, 5-Star reviews on Thumbtack. - whether you have structural issues, need an inspection or safety concern, give me a call today - I look forward to hearing from you!
"Great job"
Nicole W on February 2025
Hello and welcome to Design Partners. We are your one stop shop for your structural needs. We have years of experience, and over 50 consecutive, unsolicited, 5-Star reviews on Thumbtack. - whether you have structural issues, need an inspection or safety concern, give me a call today - I look forward to hearing from you!
"Great job"
Nicole W on February 2025
We specialize in Structural Engineering Services and various types of Construction Jobs. Structural Engineering: Structural Design & Inspections Professional Condition Assessments Streamlined Permit Planning Thorough Construction Oversight Construction & General Contracting: Construction Management Structural Framing (Steel) Custom Outdoor Living Spaces (Decks and Pergolas) Specialized Welding and Metal Work Masonry and Concrete Solutions Railing - new fabrication and rehabilitation
"Ken and the folks at AGGO did an excellent job with our stairs. They came very quickly to give an estimate and listen carefully to our problem. They completed the work quickly, efficiently, and for a great price--easily beating other bids."
Andrew I on July 2021
We specialize in Structural Engineering Services and various types of Construction Jobs. Structural Engineering: Structural Design & Inspections Professional Condition Assessments Streamlined Permit Planning Thorough Construction Oversight Construction & General Contracting: Construction Management Structural Framing (Steel) Custom Outdoor Living Spaces (Decks and Pergolas) Specialized Welding and Metal Work Masonry and Concrete Solutions Railing - new fabrication and rehabilitation
"Ken and the folks at AGGO did an excellent job with our stairs. They came very quickly to give an estimate and listen carefully to our problem. They completed the work quickly, efficiently, and for a great price--easily beating other bids."
Andrew I on July 2021
Since 2006, Green City Gardens has been beautifying Chicagoland, one yard at a time. Our enthusiasm and dedication are evident in the creativity of our designs and the quality of our work. Since every landscape in different, "cookie cutter" solutions won't do. Green City Gardens personalizes every design according to our clients' needs and desires. We won't show up and dictate what you need...we'll listen to you and give you what you want. From complete landscape design & installation to simple garden makeovers to beautiful flower pots, Green City Gardens can improve your quality of life.
"We recently hired Green City Gardens for a landscaping project and we couldn't be happier with the results! JD's knowledge about plants and design is so impressive. He took the time to listen to our vision and made excellent recommendations based on our layout, local climate, and soil conditions. JD and his team's attention to detail was also impeccable. They were incredibly thorough in every aspect of the project, from preparing the soil to ensuring proper drainage. They worked efficiently but took the time needed to get everything just right. I especially appreciated how they kept the workspace clean and organized throughout. In addition to their technical skills, their customer service was outstanding. They communicated clearly, kept us informed about progress, and were always open to our input. I felt like they truly cared about making sure we were happy with the final product—and we absolutely are! If you're looking for a knowledgeable, reliable, and skilled landscaper that is in a class of their own, I highly recommend JD at Green City Gardens. He transformed our outdoor space into something beautiful, and we couldn't be happier!"
Spencer S on October 2024
Since 2006, Green City Gardens has been beautifying Chicagoland, one yard at a time. Our enthusiasm and dedication are evident in the creativity of our designs and the quality of our work. Since every landscape in different, "cookie cutter" solutions won't do. Green City Gardens personalizes every design according to our clients' needs and desires. We won't show up and dictate what you need...we'll listen to you and give you what you want. From complete landscape design & installation to simple garden makeovers to beautiful flower pots, Green City Gardens can improve your quality of life.
"We recently hired Green City Gardens for a landscaping project and we couldn't be happier with the results! JD's knowledge about plants and design is so impressive. He took the time to listen to our vision and made excellent recommendations based on our layout, local climate, and soil conditions. JD and his team's attention to detail was also impeccable. They were incredibly thorough in every aspect of the project, from preparing the soil to ensuring proper drainage. They worked efficiently but took the time needed to get everything just right. I especially appreciated how they kept the workspace clean and organized throughout. In addition to their technical skills, their customer service was outstanding. They communicated clearly, kept us informed about progress, and were always open to our input. I felt like they truly cared about making sure we were happy with the final product—and we absolutely are! If you're looking for a knowledgeable, reliable, and skilled landscaper that is in a class of their own, I highly recommend JD at Green City Gardens. He transformed our outdoor space into something beautiful, and we couldn't be happier!"
Spencer S on October 2024
With over 40 years of experience, Atlas Restoration LLC offers a wide variety of the most efficient and cutting-edge waterproofing and foundation repair services throughout the Chicagoland area. Our highly trained team provides exceptional service from your initial call to installation. We guarantee each client a custom job-specific repair solution, ensuring you’re entirely satisfied with the outcome. Contact us today to book your appointment for a free estimate—let's get started on your project!
"Went very well. They came on time, did a great job. Will hire again if needed."
MICHAEL N on March 2022
With over 40 years of experience, Atlas Restoration LLC offers a wide variety of the most efficient and cutting-edge waterproofing and foundation repair services throughout the Chicagoland area. Our highly trained team provides exceptional service from your initial call to installation. We guarantee each client a custom job-specific repair solution, ensuring you’re entirely satisfied with the outcome. Contact us today to book your appointment for a free estimate—let's get started on your project!
"Went very well. They came on time, did a great job. Will hire again if needed."
MICHAEL N on March 2022
The James Group has been building luxury homes in the Chicagoland area for over 14 years. We are committed to making your dream home a reality through an easy, no-hassle experience. Whether you're looking to renovate or build from the ground up, we work with integrity, high quality standards, and an unsurpassed passion for creating your perfect home.
"The work was done on time and there were no pricing surprises. All pricing was agreed in a detailed contract before starting construction, and they used Buildertrend to keep us updated on the status of the renovation"
Brian P on January 2023
The James Group has been building luxury homes in the Chicagoland area for over 14 years. We are committed to making your dream home a reality through an easy, no-hassle experience. Whether you're looking to renovate or build from the ground up, we work with integrity, high quality standards, and an unsurpassed passion for creating your perfect home.
"The work was done on time and there were no pricing surprises. All pricing was agreed in a detailed contract before starting construction, and they used Buildertrend to keep us updated on the status of the renovation"
Brian P on January 2023
Midwest Landscaping Design & Tree Service Inc. is a family owned and operated company. We are based out of Downers Grove. We have been servicing the western suburbs for 35 years. Some of our many specialties are designing and renovating your property. We offer FREE ESTIMATES and are FULLY INSURED. We offer 1 Year Guarantee on Plants
"There were large gaps between the pavers at the end of my driveway. When Pat got here, he convinced me to do additional work in other areas of the driveway. On the next visit, Pat said I should cut back some trees and shrubs around my property. A mature birch tree and an evergreen shrub was cut down to a stump, while I wasn't home. This appears to be part of his MO - as he added many things to the "verbal contract" every chance he got, doubling the contract price without providing any paperwork or receiving any signed approvals. Then when it came to payment he REQUIRED CASH. I am a small Asian woman and when questioning the quality of work he got visibly frustrated and shouted at me in front of my 8 year old that "[he] should have known better than to deal with a...." at which point I asked him to leave my property. The "great job" he did leaves my driveway looking aesthetically worse than when he started, and my pavers are still shifting - wish I could upload a short video."
Jenelle T on April 2024
Midwest Landscaping Design & Tree Service Inc. is a family owned and operated company. We are based out of Downers Grove. We have been servicing the western suburbs for 35 years. Some of our many specialties are designing and renovating your property. We offer FREE ESTIMATES and are FULLY INSURED. We offer 1 Year Guarantee on Plants
"There were large gaps between the pavers at the end of my driveway. When Pat got here, he convinced me to do additional work in other areas of the driveway. On the next visit, Pat said I should cut back some trees and shrubs around my property. A mature birch tree and an evergreen shrub was cut down to a stump, while I wasn't home. This appears to be part of his MO - as he added many things to the "verbal contract" every chance he got, doubling the contract price without providing any paperwork or receiving any signed approvals. Then when it came to payment he REQUIRED CASH. I am a small Asian woman and when questioning the quality of work he got visibly frustrated and shouted at me in front of my 8 year old that "[he] should have known better than to deal with a...." at which point I asked him to leave my property. The "great job" he did leaves my driveway looking aesthetically worse than when he started, and my pavers are still shifting - wish I could upload a short video."
Jenelle T on April 2024
Oregel brick paving is a locally owned company with 20+ years experience. Quality and customer satisfaction is always at the top of our list so we always bring our highest quality of work and customer service to every job that we complete. Our focus is to complete the job in a quick and timely manner with the utmost professionalism and work with our clients to create the vision they have to enhance their outdoor living space at a competitive price.
"Good did great job"
Vito v on November 2024
Oregel brick paving is a locally owned company with 20+ years experience. Quality and customer satisfaction is always at the top of our list so we always bring our highest quality of work and customer service to every job that we complete. Our focus is to complete the job in a quick and timely manner with the utmost professionalism and work with our clients to create the vision they have to enhance their outdoor living space at a competitive price.
"Good did great job"
Vito v on November 2024
We guarantee your satisfaction. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service. Check out our services offered and call or click to schedule an estimate today!
"They did great work. Everything was done perfectly!!!"
Ron R on April 2025
We guarantee your satisfaction. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service. Check out our services offered and call or click to schedule an estimate today!
"They did great work. Everything was done perfectly!!!"
Ron R on April 2025
Transform your outdoor space with Foremost Landscape Inc. Our expert team specializes in creating stunning landscapes and hardscapes that will make your neighbors green with envy. Contact us today to bring your dream garden to life.
"Foremost landscaping provided excellent service on my lawn! The owner was also able to help my husband and I map out a really nice patio in our backyard. He was very professional and the job was completed in an efficient and timely manner. We would highly recommend to anyone looking to upgrade their outdoor apace!"
juliana M on March 2024
Transform your outdoor space with Foremost Landscape Inc. Our expert team specializes in creating stunning landscapes and hardscapes that will make your neighbors green with envy. Contact us today to bring your dream garden to life.
"Foremost landscaping provided excellent service on my lawn! The owner was also able to help my husband and I map out a really nice patio in our backyard. He was very professional and the job was completed in an efficient and timely manner. We would highly recommend to anyone looking to upgrade their outdoor apace!"
juliana M on March 2024
We are architects that design projects using everyday functional logic, and make sure that the design is aesthetically pleasing. After the initial on site consultation, all clients are presented with a detailed proposal that states a detailed scope of work, a fixed lump sum fee, a time frame to complete the work, an associated payment schedule based on work completion milestones. All projects include unlimited design meetings and design revisions to assure client satisfaction. We work on any size projects from complete new home design to interior remodels, kitchen remodels to master bath remodels. We offer additional architectural services such as all structural calculations and permit expediting acting as the client's agent handling all communications with the village or city. Do you have a design and just need a permit to start work? We can do this also for a reasonable lump sum fee to get your permit approved quickly. All projects completed timely and all expectations are clearly stated so there are no surprises!
"Seamlessly. Steve took care of everything and made the process painless. He was very thorough and kept us up to date on the permit process. Hire him. He won't disappoint."
Joanne E on December 2024
We are architects that design projects using everyday functional logic, and make sure that the design is aesthetically pleasing. After the initial on site consultation, all clients are presented with a detailed proposal that states a detailed scope of work, a fixed lump sum fee, a time frame to complete the work, an associated payment schedule based on work completion milestones. All projects include unlimited design meetings and design revisions to assure client satisfaction. We work on any size projects from complete new home design to interior remodels, kitchen remodels to master bath remodels. We offer additional architectural services such as all structural calculations and permit expediting acting as the client's agent handling all communications with the village or city. Do you have a design and just need a permit to start work? We can do this also for a reasonable lump sum fee to get your permit approved quickly. All projects completed timely and all expectations are clearly stated so there are no surprises!
"Seamlessly. Steve took care of everything and made the process painless. He was very thorough and kept us up to date on the permit process. Hire him. He won't disappoint."
Joanne E on December 2024
The timeline for basement ceiling modifications spans four to 12 weeks, with the specific duration depending on your chosen method and project complexity. Floor-lowering projects often require more time due to careful excavation and foundation reinforcement processes.
Weather conditions, permit processing, and unexpected structural discoveries can extend the projected timeline. Most homeowners should prepare for some disruption to normal household activities during critical construction phases.
Converting previously unusable basement space into a functional living area often increases your home's assessed value, which may impact property tax obligations. Tax assessment practices vary significantly between municipalities, with some jurisdictions basing calculations on finished square footage.
To avoid surprises, contact your local tax assessment office before beginning construction to understand potential tax implications and budget accordingly for any anticipated increases.
Engaging a qualified structural engineer represents an essential first step for any basement ceiling project. These professionals evaluate foundation integrity, soil conditions, and load-bearing requirements to determine feasibility and recommend appropriate approaches.
Their expertise helps prevent potentially catastrophic structural issues while ensuring compliance with building codes. Although this consultation adds to initial expenses, it provides crucial guidance that may prevent costly mistakes or safety hazards.
Historic or aging properties present unique challenges when modifying basement ceiling heights. Older construction methods, outdated materials, and accumulated settlement issues require specialized assessment. Heritage designations may impose additional restrictions or requirements on modification approaches.
House-raising often provides advantages for older homes with compromised foundations, as it allows simultaneous foundation repair or replacement during the ceiling height modification process.
While professional contractors must handle all structural modifications, homeowners with appropriate skills may complete certain finishing aspects independently. Tasks potentially suitable for DIY include non-structural elements like painting, trim installation, or basic finishing work.
However, all excavation, foundation modification, and house-lifting operations require specialized equipment and expertise. Attempting structural work without proper qualifications creates significant safety risks and potential property damage.