Understanding Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui

Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui are popular practices in that they help people live in harmony with their environment. Although they are based on similar principles, they each have a favorable direction that the home should face.

Vastu Shastra

Vastu Shastra is an ancient practice that comes from India. It is similar to Feng Shui practice in China. Vastu means “dwelling” and Shastra means “science. While Feng Shui is more about the placement of objects in a space to create harmony, Vastu is the practice of designing and constructing buildings in alignment with natural forces.

The goal of Vastu is to create a balance between the five elements: water, fire, earth, air, and space. When these elements are in harmony, it is believed that they will bring health, wealth, and happiness to the home’s occupants.

Both practices help people live in harmony with their environment. The main difference is that Vastu Shastra is based on the five elements: water, fire, earth, air, and space. Each element has a favorable direction that the home should face.

Vastu Shastra believes the home entrance should face east or North East. This is because these are the directions where the sun rises. The sun is a source of energy, good luck, and fortune. Having your home face east or northeast allows you to take advantage of these things.

Feng Shui

On the other hand, Feng Shui believes that the main door should face South or South East. This is because this is the direction of the Wealth star. The South East is also where the sun rises. Having your home face this direction allows you to take advantage of good luck and fortune.

So, which one should you choose? If you are looking for a home that brings you good luck and fortune, you should choose a home facing South East, according to Feng Shui.

If you are looking for a home with good energy, you should choose a home facing east or northeast, according to Vastu Shastra.

Now that we’ve gone over the favorable directions of each practice, let’s talk about the disadvantages and advantages of each direction in Chicago.

Your home can face four main directions: North, East, South, and West. Each has its unique benefits.

North Facing Homes

Home buyers less desire North and South-facing homes, but they have their own advantages and disadvantages. North-facing homes don’t get a lot of sun so they can be quite dark and gloomy. The upside to a North facing home is that it’s usually cooler in the summer and has warm bedrooms in the winter, so it’s more energy-efficient if you have bedroom at the back of the house.

North-facing homes get the most sun in the summer and the least in winter. This is because the sun is in the northern sky during summer and in the southern sky during winter. North-facing homes are also more likely to have a great sunset view since the sun sets in the west.

Advantages:

• The northern hemisphere’s residents in warmer climates will experience the most positive effects.
• Helps you save on air-conditioning costs in the summer by reducing energy consumption.
• Clothes-drying in the backyard is most effective for north-, northeast-, and northwest-facing homes.

Disadvantages:

• Not a wise choice for colder climate zones in the northern hemisphere.
• The amount of natural lighting is less at the front of the house than it is at the back.
• The increased use of heaters during winter causes a higher consumption of energy.

South Facing Homes

South-facing homes get the most sun in winter and the least in summer. This is because the sun is in the southern sky during winter and in the northern sky during summer. South-facing homes are also more likely to have a view of the sunrise since the sun rises in the east. In the northern hemisphere, the sun rises in the southeast and sets in the southwest. Often south-facing homes are best for climates with harsh winters like Chicago.

South-facing homes also receive the majority of the sunlight during the winter months, so it is also most likely to help you melt the snow from your driveway and sidewalks in the winter. The opposite is true if your home faces North. A northern-facing home is more likely to create icicles and has frozen snow on the ground because it doesnt get as much sunlight, especially in the winter months.

Advantages:

• South-facing houses get the most sun in the winter, making them warmer than other houses.
• South-facing houses typically have a better view of the sunrise.
• Houses that face south are efficient at absorbing solar heat.

Disadvantages:

• In winter, south-facing houses can be too sunny and bright.
• In summer, south-facing houses can be too hot and stuffy.

East Facing Homes

East-facing homes get the most sun in the morning and the least in the afternoon. East-facing homes are also more likely to have a view of the sunrise since the sun rises in the east. East-facing homes typically have large windows that let in a lot of light.

East and West-facing homes are the most desired by home buyers. An East facing home gets a lot of morning sun in the front of the home, which is great for starting your day and can help you wake up more easily in the morning. If you are morning person and enjoy getting up with the sun, then an East-facing home may be perfect for you.

Advantages:

• East-facing houses get lots of sun in the morning, making them bright and cheerful.
• In the afternoon, east-facing homes get less sun, which can help you save on cooling costs.
• East-facing houses typically have a better view of the sunrise.
• East-facing windows are optimal for solar heating.

Disadvantages:

• In the afternoon, east-facing houses can be too shady and cool.
• In the morning east facing houses can be too hot and stuffy.
• Less energy efficient compared to North or South facing homes

West Facing Homes

West-facing homes get the most sun in the afternoon and the least sun in the morning. West-facing homes are also more likely to have a view of the sunset since the sun sets in the west.

Western-facing homes will have a warm backyard in the morning, and cooler West-facing homes will get the afternoon sun. Western-facing homes are great for relaxing in the evening and can help you sleep better at night. The downside to a West-facing home is that it can be quite cold in the morning, so you’ll want to ensure you have a good heating system.

Advantages:

• West-facing houses get lots of sun in the afternoon, making them warm and cozy.
• In the morning, west-facing homes get less sun, which can help you save on cooling costs.
• West-facing houses typically have the best view of the sunset.

Disadvantages:

• In the afternoon, west-facing houses can be too hot and bright.
• In the morning, west-facing houses can be too dark and dreary.

Regardless of your house’s direction, there are advantages and disadvantages. By understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each position, you can make a more informed decision about which is best for you and your family.

Which direction’s advantages appeal most to you? Let us know in the comments below!

If you need to buy or sell a house in the Chicagoland area, make sure to book a consultation to make sure you get the most from your home-buying or home-selling experience. Thank you very much for reading! We hope this helps. Please feel free to share with your family and friends.

While there are many things that can go wrong, working with an experienced agent and team makes it a smooth and relatively stress-free experience. 

In this blog post, we cover the entire process of buying and selling a home simultaneously in Chicago Illinois, the best practices used by those in the know,  and what’s working well in today’s market. Let’s get started!

Can I sell my house and buy another one at the same time?

Many buyers and sellers carry out the two processes simultaneously. On average, 20% of homeowners make the two transactions together. There are a number of steps that need to be coordinated and this is complex to achieve in a chain. 

There are several different strategies that you could use to accomplish this goal. You will need to talk with your agent about what the best approach would be for you. As a complicated process, each one should be approached on a case-by-case basis, but here are the basic steps you will need to take to buy and sell your house at the same time in Chicago, Illinois. 

How to buy and sell your house at the same time 

1. Find an agent who specializes in simultaneous buying/selling

Work with an experienced agent who can help you navigate the process. They will be able to give you specific advice and guidance on what needs to be done in order to sell your home and buy a new one simultaneously.

Many different factors could affect the success of your transaction. Your agent’s experience, the market conditions, and the time of year all contribute to your likelihood of success. Choosing the best help could be the most important of all.

2. List your current home first

Start by putting your current home on the market. 

It’s critical to get everything in order before listing your property. When you’re looking to sell and purchase at the same time, a good offer from a strong qualified buyer is essential.

3. Start looking for your new home 

It is important to have a firm idea of what you are looking for. As your current home is already listed, you don’t want to lose time figuring out what you want. Nail down as many variables as possible, including location, bedrooms, age, size, and price range. 

3. Negotiate on both homes at the same time

You will need to negotiate the offers on both homes until an agreement is reached on price and terms. This can be tricky, as there are many moving parts involved. Your agent will be able to help you navigate this process and keep everything on track.

If you spot a property that interests you, you can place an offer on the condition that your house is sold. Often this is the most challenging negotiation. Keep in mind that having a sales contingency lowers the value of your offer. When compared to a non-sale contingency offer, a sales contingency offer would be very ineffective in our current market circumstances.

4. Be ready to close quickly 

Once an agreement has been reached with both homes, it is time to close! Your agent will walk you through the closing process so that nothing gets missed or overlooked during this important step in your transaction.

The most common closing is a concurrent closing, this is often done by closing on one home in the morning and closing on the second only a few hours later.

What is a concurrent closing?

A concurrent closing is when you sell one property and then purchase another within a short time frame, usually on the same day. Exactly simultaneous closings are not technically feasible at the same time – you could compare it to twins being born. It’s part of one overall process, but it can’t physically happen at the same moment 

In concurrent closings, the first closing must be completed before the next, thus there must be a minimum duration of at least a few hours (bare minimum) between them.

As you can see, selling and buying a house at the same time can be a lot of work. This is why most people choose to enlist the help of an agent to make the process as smooth as possible. 

Let’s take a look now at some of the best practices that are being used in today’s market.

Best practices for selling/buying at the same time

Here are some of the best practices that we are currently seeing in today’s market:

• Get pre-approved for the new house before you list your current home for sale. This will ensure that if there is a multiple offer situation, you have an advantage over other buyers.
• Be aggressive with the listing price of your home. A reasonable listing price or receiving a strong quick offer and contract will be beneficial when submitting the offer on your new home.
• Look at homes prior to listing yours for sale so that when you do list it, you will already have an idea of what is available and at what price.
• Have a team that can make this process easy for you. A real estate agent with years of experience in buying and selling homes simultaneously is extremely helpful as well as having closing attorneys who understand the process and how to coordinate the closings so that they happen on the same day.
• Use the same attorney, agent, title company, and lender for both transitions. With many moving parts, the fewer people involved the less of a chance of miscommunication or mishaps.

What is working well in today’s market?

There are many things that are working well in today’s market when it comes to selling and buying a home at the same time. Here are the most notable:

We recommend all our simultaneous seller buyers have a strong written offer from a buyer for their home before viewing and submitting an offer on their new home. Here are the reasons why:

• Your offer will be more attractive to the seller of the new home if it is accompanied by a written sale contract of your current home.
• If you have a great strong offer on your current home, this can help in negotiations for the purchase of your new home.
• Be prepared to move quickly when you find the home you want to purchase. In some cases, multiple offers can be made on a property and the seller may choose the offer with the quickest closing date.

Once again, keep in mind that having a sales contingency lowers the value of your offer. When compared to a non-sale contingency offer, a sales contingency offer would be very ineffective.

Alternatives to Selling before Buying

If you are unable to sell your home before buying a new one, there are a number of options to explore, which include renting your home before buying, using a bridge loan or HELOC loan, getting a leaseback, or selling to an ibuyer. 

Rent your home before buying:

If you are financially capable and qualify for two mortgages at the same time, one option is to lease your property before looking for your next home. After you are settled in and the lease has expired, you can then place your old home for sale. Leasing your first property would give you time to look for your next home and not have to deal with the strict constraints of concurrent closings.

FHA and VA loans, however, do not allow you to have two mortgages at the same time. Also, lenders prefer that your monthly mortgage and housing payment account for less than 43% of your gross income. If qualified, this is a great alternative to simultaneous closing. Contact your lender and/or your agent regarding your specific situation.

A bridge loan or HELOC loan:

This is a short-term loan that can be used until the proceeds from your home sale are available. If you have equity in your current house, you may use that money to pay for the down payment, closing costs, and unforeseen expenditures while still keeping both houses.

A bridge loan enables you to borrow money for a new property before selling your present home. Bridge loans typically come with higher interest rates than traditional mortgages and they often require high credit scores and low debt-to-income ratios.

Leaseback:

If you are unable to find another place to live, but your current house has sold, you could negotiate with the new buyer to lease or rent your old home back to you for a short period of time. This is often mostly done with investors or developers. Most traditional buyers want possession at closing. This option allows you time to buy without having to use a bridge loan or be in a huge rush to find another place.

Sell to an iBuyer:

An Instant Buyer is an organization that purchases houses from sellers who want to sell quickly and completely online. The iBuyer makes an offer to the seller within a few days of receiving a description of the property. It’s gaining popularity thanks to large corps and even traditional real estate companies offering this service.

Zillow has recently discontinued this service because it has already lost a lot of money with the few it has completed. It’s quite convenient to sell to an iBuyer, but like with everything else, there is a price. However, if you can find an iBuyer that makes financial sense, take advantage of it. Confirm that you’re receiving a fair price by consulting with a reputable real estate broker. 

Pros and cons of selling and buying a home simultaneously

Here are some of the most notable:

Pros:

• You will not have two mortgages at the same time.
• You won’t need a place to stay while you find your new home
• One move instead of two

Cons:

• Selling and buying at once requires two closings, which means two sets of closing that must go exactly to plan. There is a higher risk that one or both transactions will fall through, so you need to be prepared for this possibility.
• Time restraints limit the time to find your new home
• Most people will need an agent to pull it off

Conclusion 

What is the best option for you? It depends on your situation, financial ability, time constraints, and what makes sense to you. You should always consult with a reputable real estate broker/agent that knows all of your options and can assist you in making the best decision for your situation.

We’ve helped Illinois families buy and sell their homes in Chicagoland for over a decade – get in touch if you have any questions about buying and selling your home at the same time in Chicago. 

• Share on Twitter
• Share on Facebook
• Share on Pinterest

It’s every person’s dream to live in a home that fits their particular way of life and family. So it’s no surprise that many people take on the epic project of building their own homes. When you decide to construct your own house, several factors can wildly affect the final price tag.

Often People Ask What’s The Most Expensive Part of Building a home?

Construction accounts for the largest expense when building a home, eating up more than 60% of the overall costs. While a finished lot cost accounts for 19% of the overall expense.

The largest component within construction expenditures is interior finishing, which accounts for 25% of the overall price tag. Framing is the second most costly element, accounting for 17%

The cost breakdowns for these items range significantly depending on what type of house you want to build and where you live. In this blog post, we will discuss the most expensive parts of building a home as well as some other aspects that can increase or decrease the price tag! We will also go through the most cost-effective houses to construct.

What’s the most expensive part of building a house? Construction cost break down of building a house

Here is the cost breakdown for an average home – but bear in mind the percentages depend on the lot price, which can drastically change depending on the area.

Expenses as a percentage of the total cost of construction: 

How does the lot price factor into the overall costs? 

Depending on where you reside and how sought-after your area is, the cost to construct your home can differ. There’s no way around it, in some cases the most expensive part of building a house is the actual land itself!

Take, for example, if you live in California vs Illinois. A lot in California would be significantly higher than somewhere like Illinois and could even amount to more than the cost of constructing the home.

In many other cases, though, the lot will be a small part of the expense – especially when it comes to homes in more remote areas where there is much less demand. Percentages might also vary depending on the cost of labor in your specific market. Fast forward to the next section for a cost breakdown of home builders across the country, showing the average construction cost to build a home.

The average cost to build a home

The average cost to build a 2,600 square foot home in the United States is $423,800. This ranges between $240,000 – $710,000, depending on location and construction materials. This cost can vary greatly within the United States.

Region Average Cost per Square Foot:

The difference in prices isn’t always down to the most expensive elements. Some of the items that account for the difference in cost are location, labor costs, and materials. Homestyle, square feet, beds, baths, and enhancements will all add or lower your overall construction costs too.

Cheapest homes to build

The least expensive home to build is a modular home, coming in at an average cost of $140 a square foot. A custom build can be as little as $250 a square foot.

A pole barn home is the cheapest home design to build currently. This term, while not new, is no longer a snoozer. These low-cost houses have recently been dubbed ‘barndominiums’ after a recent trend that has dubbed these modest properties. Check out the hashtag for some impressive displays of banominiums going up all across the country. You can build a pole Barn House for anywhere between $7,000 – $35,000.

Another popular approach is the tiny house and minimalist movement, which has seen great success on Youtube channels like Never Too Small. While the cost of building these homes is significantly less than an average-sized home, they can prove to be expensive in other ways. Tiny homes come in second as the cheapest home to build in America today, from anywhere between $40,000 – $80,000.

Out of the traditional home designs, the ‘Villa’ is the cheapest home at $110K – $150K square foot, while the ranch style home is the most expensive home to construct at $196K – $625K per square foot.

Conclusion

We hope this article was a good introduction to the expenses associated with constructing a house.

To recap; the most expensive part of building a house is the cost to construct, which can vary depending on location, amenities, and home style.

The least expensive homes are modular homes due to savings in labor costs over other types of construction methods.

Other factors that will increase or decrease your price include delivery service fees if needed, site work upgrades/additions, enhancements.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us. We are real estate agents that can provide you with locating your next home builder and finding your dream home. You can find Naperville’s best home builders here..

Building your dream home is a big decision, but you’ll be making the best choice if you work with one of these companies. We hope you find this list useful when choosing your new custom home builder.

If you’re looking for a new home, there are several things to consider before deciding on which one is best for your family. One of the most important is the quality of workmanship and materials used by each company. The last thing any homeowner wants after investing in a house is to have it fall apart. 

Another factor you should consider before choosing your new home builder in Naperville, IL is their customer service history. You want a company that cares about the finished product as much as you do! A good way to find out about a company’s customer service is to read reviews; they’re a goldmine of unbiased real customer experiences. 

However, we understand that you might not have time to scour the internet for reviews. Building a home in a busy time! That’s why we’ve taken the time to do a deep dive into home builders in Naperville IL, so we can share the very best with you.  

Below is a countdown of the best custom home builders in Naperville.

8. Oak Hills Builders

Nick Stanitz, the son of a real estate entrepreneur, began building homes in 1988. Nick grew connections and started constructing houses in Naperville, becoming one of the area’s largest developers. He also developed important new subdivisions including Ashbury, Stillwater subdivisions, and most recently the Clow creek. Oak Hills Builders has produced over 40 homes per year. They built plenty of new subdivisions such as Stillwater and Clow Creek. 

Oak Hills Builders is a family-owned business, so you can always be sure their hearts and heads are in the right place when it comes to designing homes with integrity. As such, they are highly commended as a trusted home builder in Naperville. 

7. Overstreet

Best of Houzz Service 2015-2016

Overstreet Builders are three generations of Overstreet builders that have satisfied Napervillians for more than 60 years. The Overstreet family believes in hard work, integrity, and honesty. When you are looking for a new home, the best place to begin is with people who have been in business for more than 50 years.

Overstreet Builders are located in the Naperville area but build homes throughout DuPage County and surrounding areas. They now have sites available in Ashwood Park and Hidden Creek, but you may also build a custom house anywhere your heart desires.

The Overstreet family will work with you to create your perfect dream home. You can expect quality craftsmanship when you choose Overstreet builders for all of your new construction needs. 

When building a custom house, there is no limit on how creative they can get. So you can expect a beautiful one-of-a-kind masterpiece when working with Overstreet builders. If you are wondering what’s the most expensive part of building a house find out here. 

6. T6 Construction and Development Inc

T6 Construction and Development, Inc. is a firm based in Downers Grove, Illinois. They specialize in general contracting, construction management, and design/build construction. T6 construction builds expertise, knowledge, and integrity into every project it undertakes. In the words of T6 themselves, they “…offer a full range of services, from pre-construction and consulting through constructing their clients custom homes and buildings.”

T6 Construction and Development has built a reputation in the industry for quality, honest service by maintaining strict ethics in its bidding policy and providing a safe work environment. All carpenters and laborers are employed in-house, giving them maximum control over the process from start to finish. 

In addition to T6’s experience, clients also benefit from the firm’s principles. They endeavor to be personally involved in every aspect of a project to ensure its ultimate success. They consider themselves a key player on any home-building team, as they can generate costing budgets and propose alternative construction plans during the design development stage. They can get creative and provide engineering at very competitive prices, making them the general contractor of choice for anyone looking for the whole package. 

5. M House Development

Best of Houzz Design 2018-2021 | Best of Houzz Service 2018-2021 | 10 Reviews

M House Development is a custom home builder in Naperville, IL that prioritizes quality design with fresh, modern finishes. M House’s reputation for high-quality workmanship, originality, and attention to detail distinguishes it from the competition. They have that contemporary flair that many people desire nowadays.

M House was created by Scott Mathieson. His dedication to the field is evident in his job, as well as the long-term impression he makes on his clients. Clients are kept up to date on the progress of their order throughout the building process, thanks to his open communication and straightforward business approach. His previous 18+ years of homebuilding expertise have equipped him with the knowledge and skills to design and build over 3500 single-family residences.

The desire to make a difference in people’s lives, coupled with a love for beautiful design, inspired the creation of M House Development. This Naperville home builder knows that every family is unique, which is why they will work with you to create your perfect dream house. M house is based in Naperville but builds homes though-out the western Chicago Suburbs.

4. Crestview Builders Inc

Crestview Builders is a firm that provides spec and bespoke homes in the Naperville area. Over the last four decades, the firm has established 21 subdivisions and constructed over 1,800 houses in Naperville and neighboring communities. That’s a lot of houses! They currently offer sites at Ashwood Park, Hidden Creek, and Hobsons Pond in Naperville.

Crestview builders are just one of many home builders in Naperville, but they are unique since this family-owned company takes pride in hiring only the best to work on your house. Mike Steck, the owner of Crestview has over 40 years of experience in real estate development, which makes him a leader in this industry.

Crestview is committed to bringing their clients only the highest quality houses at an affordable price tag. Crestview Builders is a family-owned and managed firm that has a team of locally-raised employees with long histories with the company. They are known for being upfront and honest with all customers about who they are and what they can provide them.

3. Charleston Building and Development

Best of Houzz Design 2018-2021 | 13 Reviews, 5.0

With Charleston Building’s median project cost of over $1.5m, you will see some of the most extravagant and customs designs on this side of the Mississippi. Charleston was voted “Best Builder in Naperville” by Naperville Magazine. It’s not hard to see why; one look at their portfolio and you’ll find nothing but luxurious, high-end homes that are sure to blow you away.

Charleston’s office is small, stylish, and feels like home; they like to think of it as a reflection of their team. Since 1998, Larry Van Someren has innovated home building with his creative modernist designs. The business is now run by both of his sons with an in-house designer.

Charleston Buildings can be found all around the Chicago suburbs but many are found right here in Naperville! Charleston is a master at designing luxury custom homes for any kind of clientele, whether you only have $500k or over $20mil to spend – they will build it (and beautifully). If you are looking for something truly unique, Charleston is the company for you.

2. Kings Court Builders Inc

Best of Houzz Design Award 2013, 2019, 2020 | Best of Houzz Service Award 2013-2016, 2018-2021 | 42 Reviews, 5.0

Another long-time builder in the Naperville area is Pete Stefani, with Kings Court Builders. Pete has years of expertise in constructing houses and is one of the most well-known and trusted builders in the region. Kings Court Builders has a history of excellent customer service and continues to provide high-quality workmanship for homeowners throughout Naperville.

Homeowners are impressed with Kings Court Builders’ dedication to delivering a top-quality home. They have several different floor plans for you to choose from and modifications are welcomed, which means the options are endless! Many of their homes feature premium materials and great attention to detail in all aspects of design.

They have sites available in Ashwood Park and Americana Estates, but they may also build custom homes if you already own a plot of land you’d like to use. They also have a professional team of designers and consultants to guide homeowners through the entire building process.

1. DJK Custom Homes

Locally Owned, Eco-friendly, 32 Years In Service

Best of Houzz Design 2016 | 2018 Best of Houzz Service 2015-21 | 64 reviews, 4.9 | 131 Projects in Naperville

Dan Kittilsen and his wife Kim own and operate DJK Custom Builders. DJK Custom Homes was founded in 1988 and has been delivering high-quality, cost-effective, eco-friendly homes to Naperville residents ever since. Dan is still involved in each new home development, ensuring that you get the authentic experience every time. Many of the homeowners speak highly of DJK’s meticulous attention to detail and honesty.

DJK Custom Homes is locally owned and operated, which means they take pride in the work they do for Naperville homeowners. They are committed to building only the highest quality homes; ones that meet all local regulations as well as energy efficiency standards. 

DJK Custom Homes is proud of its excellent customer service record; many homeowners even remark on how responsive they are to their questions or concerns throughout the process. They have a staff of experts on hand to guide you through the construction process, so you can rest assured that your home is built to last.

The ranch-style home is one of the most popular styles across America. Its popularity stems from its simplicity, wide appeal, and affordability. 

The style is so popular that you will find them in nearly every single neighborhood in every state. The first ranch-style homes date back to the early 1900s and have origins from Western American design, as well as Spanish Revival influences.

Read on to learn about the origins of the ranch-style home, why it’s so great today, and how to spot them out in your neighborhood or while looking at prospective home listings online.

Identifying A Ranch-Style Home

Ranch-style homes are usually easier to identify than other styles of homes. They are usually built low to the ground with a low pitch roof line and without dormers.

Ranch homes usually have medium to large roofs overhand and have a sheltered, off-center front entry. Ranch-style homes usually sprawl the width of the lot and often have attached garages. They have a large picture window and an asymmetrical design.

Ranch-style Home Design Subtypes

Since ranch-style homes have been around for so long, it’s no surprise that there are a lot of variations on the theme. Here are some of the most common subtypes of ranch-style homes.

Side-Gabled Roof 

A gabled roof is a set of sloping roofs in which all the slopes are parallel to each other. These roofs are designed to use the same amount of roofing materials. This allows for consistent roof planes and minimizes the transitions between surfaces.

Gabled roofs have two slopes on each side that meet at a ridge that runs down the center of this style of home, making it easy to identify gabled ranch homes off in your neighborhood.

Hipped Roof

The shape of a hipped roof is similar to that of a pyramid. Roofs on houses can have two triangular sides and two trapezoidal ones. They are almost always at the same pitch or slope, which gives them a symmetrical appearance

Hipped roofs are very similar to gabled roofs, except they lack the central ridge running the length of the home. This allows for more roof variations and styles while still maintaining a simple, identifiable design.

About 10% of all ranch-style homes have hipped roofs. They are often found in smaller ranch homes and rural areas. 

Cross-Hipped Roof

Cross-hipped ranch homes have a hipped-style home with a single extension. These are usually one-story structures with a roof ridge parallel to the front wall and a single hipped addition. Some houses with an attached garage include a second extension.

You can also find cross-gabled roofs with hipped extensions and vice versa. Very large extended ranches have a combination of rooflines with different heights and types. 

About 40% of one-story ranch houses have a cross-hipped roof; you can find examples across the country.

Cross Gabled Roof

Cross Gabled roof ranches are similar to the cross-hipped roofs but with gabled ends. The gabled ends are usually small and set at a right angle to the gabled main roofline. Just like the cross-hipped roof, this style of home is common throughout America. It can also feature two extensions. 

About 40% of all ranch homes have a cross-gabled end with a gable roof and are often one-story structures that can be found across both urban and rural areas in many different price ranges.

Split-Level

A split-level home is a style of a ranch house in which the main living areas are on two or three levels with an open space between them. Split-level homes often have high ceilings and large windows that let in plenty of light.  They often have open floor plans with modern amenities.

About 30% of ranch homes are split-level and can be found throughout the country in many different sizes, styles, price ranges, and age groups. These types of ranch homes offer a more unique design that you don’t see as much today but still maintain an easy to identify look.  

Identifying Details of Ranch Homes

Front Windows
More than 50% of all ranch-style homes have at least one picture window and some examples have more. The large windows let light flood into the home and reward occupants with large open views of the outside.

The large picture window is generally closer to the center as opposed to the front entryway. This allows the home to have a more open floor plan and a wider entryway. From the curb, a large picture window is often the first thing you see when approaching a ranch-style home.

Front Entryway 
The front entry is almost always sheltered by the main roof of the house and is found off to one side. The simplest form of the ranch house has a recessed front entrance with an additional shelter provided by the ranch ranches overhang, which is usually bigger than other ranch homes.

The overhanging roof also provides more inches of protection. Often, the door is set into the L formed by the cross-hipped or cross-gabled roof, yielding additional overhangs for shade.

Most ranch homes have a very small front porch area or none at all. Ranch homes are characterized by a backyard gathering space that extends into the outdoors, giving little importance to the front seating areas.

Open Layout
The ranch-style home facilitates the open layout design that is more popular today than ever. The entryway also often leads to the main living area and kitchen area. 

Many houses also have an open kitchen to living room design with few walls or dividers. This layout is a huge benefit to the ranch house, as it allows for easy socializing and entertaining. Having an open floor plan makes it easier to cook, clean, eat and spend time together as a family, which is why this style of home has been so popular in recent years.

Backyard bonuses

Outdoor living areas are often a main focus of the ranch-style home. Outdoor patios are common and modern ranch homes have larger rear windows with sliding doors. Sliding rear glass doors or french doors are the detail of choice for accessing the backyard. 

One of my favorite characteristics of the ranch-style home is how it gives plenty of privacy while still encouraging the use of outdoor space and functional outdoor living, sometimes with surprise features such as an interior courtyard.

Different Styles of Ranch Homes

Over the years, many acclaimed designers and architects have further developed the potential of ranch-style homes. Here are some of our favorite variations on the theme.

California Ranch

In the 1920s, architect Cliff May designed a new style of home that would be well-suited to California’s mild climate. He drew influences from Spanish, mission, and Pueblo architecture to create a design that is both simple and functional. The California ranch is, naturally, the most popular ranch-style home in California.

The California Style has a more compact design with living areas closer together and the kitchen, dining room, and living/family rooms sharing one large open space. These homes are typically built in warmer climates such as Arizona or Florida, where outdoor entertaining is an integral part of everyday life.

Suburban Ranch

The suburban ranch is a great starter home that can be found across the country. These homes were built en-masse at the height of their popularity.

Suburban ranch homes are normally built on concrete slabs because it requires the least amount of lot prep to begin construction. They use tract material and incorporate attached garages. Suburban ranch homes utilize a lot of the same features as the California Ranch, such as the low-to-the-ground framework and courtyards, but have a smaller, simpler design. 

Suburban ranch homes are both modern and modest, yet the layout offers a great deal of privacy in smaller homes. These homes are often found on average-sized lots with higher fence lines to provide more privacy from neighbors.

Raised Ranch

A raised ranch is a ranch-style house set on a foundation to allow living space below the main level (e.g., a basement). This is the only style of the ranch that provides more living space than a standard one-story. This type of home can have up to two levels, including a finished lower level and a finished upper area. Raised ranches are also more private since the primary living area is higher than the eye level of residents and passersby.

This is typically the most common type of ranch home in older neighborhoods where lots are smaller and narrower. This style still works well in wider, larger lots with bigger yards that have space for outdoor living areas like patios or decks that can be accessed from multiple levels within the house itself.

Split-level Ranch

The design typically has a large living room, which comes off as being more spacious than most other styles owing to high ceilings and fewer walls. The kitchen area often extends into the living area so people can help prepare food while chatting to their families and friends in the living space. The house also has very large picture windows, which let in lots of natural light. The front door is usually recessed into one end just like a ranch home.

These homes are very popular because they provide a lot of open space, but it’s divided up into different rooms so the home isn’t overwhelming or cramped. Many split-level ranches have an attached garage to make for easy access and additional parking without having too many cars on the street.

Storybook Ranch

Jean Vandruff was inspired to build a ranch home with style; a twist on the classic American ranch. Jean Vandruff’s storybook ranches are also known as cinderella ranches. As the name suggests, the fanciful trim and rooflines are reminiscent of cottages often depicted in fairy tales. You can expect storybook ranches to come with decorative trim and an extravagant chimney.

Many of the world’s finest Storybook ranches are in southern California but there is a generous sprinkling in parts of the Southwestern United States.

Modern revival Ranch-style

A modern ranch-style home is a mix between the California Ranch and the Split Level. They are often sprawling ranches, with modern pallet colors and design. This is a bigger, more active version of your grandmother’s ranch.

This ranch-style home has recently seen a surge in popularity, mostly because its design works great for modern families with kids and pets. The house also has lots of open space but it isn’t overwhelming or cramped thanks to its design. This is a popular style of house in the United States, especially among millennials and boomers searching for a long-term home with an open layout.

The History of the American Ranch House

In the 1920s, ranch-style homes first appeared in the United States. The ‘Rambler House’ design became popular around the time when the automobile took off. Early city planning plotted uniform, small lots to minimize the walking distance from rail transportation.  The new streetcar suburbs, on the other hand, allowed for a wide range of land use. 

Clifford May is regarded as the father of modern-style ranch design. His new design placed a sprawling home on a lot horizontally maximizing the facade width.  An attached garage was one of the new rambler home’s most distinctive features, adding to the contemporary vibe.

May’s first ranch-style homes were constructed in San Diego, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara California. The American Ranch is a casual design influenced by early Spanish colonial influences in the United States Southwest. Many of the early homeowners referred to it as “traditional outside, modern inside”. The style experienced a major boom in the years following World War II due to the ease of construction. Many of May’s first homes still stand to this day.

The ranch-style house enjoyed second popularity in the aftermath of World War II. Returning Vets enjoyed the modern contemporary home that enjoyed modern amenities, large family rooms, and attached garages at affordable prices.

The ranch-style home was one of the most popular home styles throughout the early 19th century, catching popularity on the west coast as well as the center of the United States. The ranch-style is popular in the sunbelt and Midwest. By the 1980s, due to the rise in land prices nationwide and changing tastes.

Pros And Cons of A Ranch Home

Like everything in life, there are advantages and disadvantages to ranch-style homes. 

Advantages of the Ranch Home Design

• Simple and easy to maintain exterior design choices.
• Single story homes that are ultimately the only ‘Forever Home’ design  
• Spacious rooms with high ceilings 
• Rooflines that are typically easy to add dormers and other unique roof design choices, making for aesthetically interesting homes
• Lot permitting, it is relatively easy to add to the original structure
• The attached garage avoids too many cars on the street and makes for easy access without clogging up your driveway with multiple vehicles
• Limited exterior design choices may leave you with a bland home. It’s easy to tell a ranch home apart.

Disadvantages of the Ranch Home Design

• Expensive to build: Often ranch-style homes are more expensive to build than two-story homes 
• Wide and open floor plan means more material to construct the home (again, expensive)
• Lot Space can be an issue if you want a very large kitchen or other rooms — in today’s market, land costs are greater than ever before and a larger lot is needed for a huge ranch vs. a two-story home with the same square footage
• Expensive in harsher climates — a ranch with an open floor plan is hard to cool down and in colder climates, heating is expensive and inefficient due to large  square footage compared to compact two-story homes 
• Expensive to build from scratch on your land: Ranches are popular today but they aren’t always cheap due to their elaborate design
• Ranch homes are notorious for issues with insulation and longevity of exterior material  – depending on where you live, y you may spend more money for maintenance over the years if materials aren’t chosen correctly for your climate zone    
• Houses with less than 2,000 square feet are harder to sell because they feel cramped compared to homes around them that may be larger (although there is  a market for smaller homes; many people are looking to downsize)

All in all, the ranch-style is an iconic house that has been around since the 1920s and will continue to be a popular choice for homeowners who want something different but comfortable. If you are interested in building or buying a ranch-style home, keep these points in mind.

Ranch House Lifestyle

Ranch homes are known for their easy-going lifestyle. The majority of their backyards are linked to the kitchen or dining area via a sliding glass door and flat patio, which they emphasize. This allows them to entertain easily and also gives the resident a much more open living environment.

Many ranch homes are decorated with an open floor plan in mind, which means that it is easy for families or friends to congregate together when there’s food on the stovetop or drinks pouring into cups. The layout of these houses tends to be very flexible, which means that it can be changed to fit the needs of a new family or individual.

Ranch homes are also known for being on the smaller side. In fact, many ranch homes have less than 2,000 square feet of living space in them. This is great news for someone who wants a home with more square footage but doesn’t like the idea of living in a two-story house with stairs.

Why Ranch Homes Are Gaining in Popularity

Recently the ranch-style home has seen a resurgence in popularity across the United States. According to an article by Trulia, the ranch-style home is the most popular home design in 34 states.

Ranch-style homes are gaining popularity because they offer a spacious and open home that is easy to maintain. Many of them are also a single story which is why they have become the only ‘forever home’ design. The majority of families looking for a new house today want one that can be easily maintained and provide enough room for everyone to live comfortably without feeling cramped. Ranch homes offer that, with less space than many other styles, but at a fraction of the cost.

Although the most popular home design across the United States continues to be the two-story single-family homes, don’t expect the ranch-style home to lose any popularity anytime soon. The second-largest generation ‘baby boomers’ still prefer to live in single-family homes and the ranch-style home fits them perfectly.

High Costs of Building a Ranch Home

Today, in 34 US states, the most popular home design is still the single-family ranch/single-story home, although this type of house may be more expensive to build than the average two-story house.

The main reason Ranch homes are more expensive to build is that they require a larger footprint than two-story homes. Their overall area is divided over a single floor, rather than many. Sprawling ranches have a larger foundation, roofing, and material expense, all of which drive up construction costs.

Modern ranch-style homes are often custom-built homes with unique designs. They are built with high-quality materials, so their resale value is generally higher than homes of other styles. Ranchettes are also frequently built in senior communities throughout the country, especially in areas with mild winters.

Conclusion

The ranch-style home has been around since the 1920s and continues to be a popular choice for homeowners who want something different but comfortable. If you are interested in building or buying a ranch-style home, keep these points in mind; lifestyle, high cost of construction, pros/cons, and whether they are the right fit for your family. The popularity of this type of house will not change anytime soon as it is perfect for those Baby Boomers looking to downsize from their two-story homes with stairs.

If you are in the Chicagoland area and are interested in finding out more about the ranch-style home.

The average price of a new home in Chicago Illinois is $506,700. A new build on an existing lot can cost anywhere from $120 – $400 per square foot – or even more if you want to add features such as luxurious finishes and expensive materials.

When potential customers hear the average price, sticker shock is common, but if you’re considering constructing a new house, it might be well worth the money. Many individuals see that the opportunity to customize their house to reflect their own unique style is simply priceless.

In this blog, we will cover the average cost to build a house in Illinois. We’ll go through the various factors to consider when building a home, as well as give you a cost breakdown including how to calculate costs and whether buying or constructing a previously owned property is right for you.

What is the average cost to build a house in Illinois?

The average cost of constructing a middle-of-the-road house in Illinois with typical materials is $351,000. This is according to a study by the National Association of Home Builders, and it also takes into consideration many factors such as labor costs. This cost does not include the land or your own custom design changes. You can find the top Naperville home builders here.

Average Illinois land prices

Land prices in Illinois are relatively low compared to other states. The exact location will greatly affect the cost of the land. Additionally, whether your lot is prepped or not will also influence building costs. Water lines, electrical service, sewer hook-up, and soil testing all come at great expense. Plus, if the lot is not properly graded and cleared, there may be an added expense as well.

If you purchase a recently developed subdivision with water and electrical service, you could save yourself significant money compared to building on an unprepped lot.

The cost of your home will vary greatly if you are in an urban area vs. a rural one. Here is the current average cost of land for Chicago and each of the collar counties:

Check out all currently available new construction homes in the Chicago suburbs. Tour all available new construction in the Chicago collar countys by clicking the link above.

Labor

Labor prices account for nearly 40% of the costs. With the current scarcity of labor, rapid growth in labor costs is becoming a bigger concern. Housing is still in strong demand and construction labor cannot keep up. Homebuilders are having to pay more money for workers and they have less choice in who is working on their site.

Labor costs vary greatly from region to region depending on area demand for various trades such as masons or electricians.

The average labor price for a 2,500 square foot in Illinois should cost between $115,000 and $182,000 in labor alone.

Labor costs will vary with materials used, house plan, and location. 

Materials

The cost of materials to build a single-family home in Illinois is $145,600.

Materials can account for about 40-45% of the total cost to build your home. Materials include things like insulation, windows, doors, cabinets, roofing shingles, and flooring.

Building supply costs have been on the rise since the start of the pandemic due to supply chain issues, restricted availability of resources, and labor shortages.

Relatively inexpensive labor rates in Illinois – combined with stable material costs – make building a very affordable option compared to other parts of the country, particularly the Northeast or California.

What is the average price per square foot?

The average price per square foot for houses in Illinois is $103 – $162. However, the cost will once again vary based on location. For example, the price range to build a house in the city of Chicago is $300 – $390 for a single-family home. In the second-largest city in Illinois, Aurora, the price per square foot is $135 – $200.

The cost per square foot also varies based on the home style and amenities. For example, a two-story house will average at around $125 – $150 per square foot whereas a ranch-style would be significantly higher per square foot.

How do I estimate the cost of building a house?

If you’re doing your own construction costs estimation, be sure to add at least 20-30% more than what you originally projected to account for changes in the process. If you want a detailed cost estimation, your best bet is to hire an architect or contractor who can give you an accurate quote. This way, they can factor in everything from labor costs and material prices down to landscaping details, if applicable.

Many factors contribute to the total cost of your home, so it is useful to have an idea of what you can expect during construction even before breaking ground. This will give you a good idea as to whether or not you will be able to afford to buy land and construct your new house within your budget.

To estimate your total costs when building a home, you need to add up the price per square foot of all materials and labor required in its construction and then add on an additional 20%-30% for miscellaneous expenses that may arise along the way such as permits and unexpected repairs.

Is it cheaper to build or buy a house?

Should you build your own home or buy a resale house? This is one of the most common questions prospective homeowners ask. Every situation will vary depending on location, land prices, and other factors such as age and size, which can affect both options equally. To determine if you should develop or purchase, you must first figure out what you’re searching for, whether any exciting properties match, and how much a new construction would cost.

The cost of building a new construction home can work out the same as buying an existing resale house. The main deciding factor in whether it’s cheaper to buy or build will depend on where you live and how expensive your land is priced. If the land price per square foot for undeveloped land is high, then buying a resale house makes more sense. If the land price per square foot for undeveloped land is low, you’re better off building your own home on your lot.

Bottom line, you’ll typically pay more for a new construction property, but you may get more of what you want. If you decide to build a house, you can also lower your expenses by taking on some tasks on yourself. For example, you can save a lot on your drywall and interior finishing installation costs if you install it yourself. This is an important factor to keep in mind, as the cost of materials for construction and labor continues to rise and many people are looking into more affordable options for home building or renovation projects.

Inexpensive labor rates combined with low material prices make building your own home a great option if you are willing to take on the task. However, you’ll need to carefully consider whether or not it is worth sacrificing your free time in order to save money during construction.

How to save when building your own home

Be an owner-builder: If you are going to build a house yourself, this is the way to save thousands. Being an owner-builder will allow you to hire your own contractors and subcontractors, which lowers costs significantly compared to hiring general contractors that would be involved with multiple tradesmen at different times of construction.

Inspections: Make sure all inspections are completed properly to avoid further costs and delays. Keeping a close eye on construction and process will help you avoid costly mistakes that can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs. If you decide to build and be an owner-builder, you must be diligent and keep a close eye on the project. 

Warranties: Get your warranties in place to protect yourself against any unforeseen circumstances that may arise during the construction process.

Permits: If you don’t obtain building permits but get caught by an inspector – or someone else alerts city officials of unapproved work – you will have to pay a fine. Construction delays are often the difference between a profitable build and one that is not. Obtaining all the permits beforehand will help you complete a successful home build.  

Purchasing materials: If you are planning on building your own home, make sure you purchase all materials from the same place, as this will allow for extra savings. When using multiple suppliers, there is no guarantee they’ll be able to offer discounted prices, unlike a bulk buy from a single supplier.

Do it yourself: There are many tasks that can be performed by yourself during construction to save on costs such as drywall and interior finishing installation. This is a great way to lower expenses, but you will need to carefully consider whether or not it is worth sacrificing your free time in order to do so.

If you decide building your own home makes sense for you, you can get a home construction loan to finance the project.

Conclusion

If you are considering building your own home, there are many things to consider. You’ll need to decide if it’s worth sacrificing time to save on costs and determine how much money you’re willing to invest upfront by taking out a loan.

If this sounds like something that may interest you or any of the other topics we’ve covered here today, feel free to reach out for more information! Our team is always available via phone (708-259-2087) or email. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

The use of metallic conduits in residential wiring have a couple of benefits:

· Safety: Insulation for conduit-encased wiring is protected from rodents and nails that can easily cause electrical fires

· Easy upgrades: Conduits allow for easy rewiring to support more electrical appliances during renovations.

· Save time: You can pull in new wires quickly for upgrades

Ultimately, the use of metal conduits helps save time and money while still increasing the safety of residential spaces. Read on to learn more about the use of metallic conduits in Chicago.

The Use of Conduits To Run Electrical Wires in Chicago’s Residential Buildings

Chicago was founded on a vibrant culture of development, endurance, rebuilding, and innovation. This drove massive growth in Windy City, making it flourish rapidly. But in 1871, the city had a devastating fire – the Great Fire – that reduced most of its residential and commercial structures into cinders. This event marked a significant historical turning point for a city that would soon become a bustling urban hub.

The Great Fire triggered one of the most prominent building booms in the US. The Windy City quickly rip-roared back to life and would later become home to the world’s first skyscraper – The Home Insurance Company’s building. Like a phoenix, the city quickly rose from its ashes!

This fire also brought an urgent need to reinvent the building code so it would include more elaborate fireproof construction methods. As part of the process to increase safety and reduce fire-related deaths, a couple of tweaks were made to the code, including:

· Wider streets

· Enclosed fireproof stairwells

· Unlocked fire exit doors that opened outward

· Clearly marked fire signage

· Protective fireproof walls to divide two buildings if they shared walls.

· Building with fireproof materials

· Installation of HVAC systems behind fireproof containments that can withstand fire outbreaks for up to 2 hours

Indeed, the post-fire architecture was now more conscious of fire risks. In the 1970s, the city’s leadership devised an institutional method to continue updating the code to improve safety.

Conduits After The Chicago Electrical Code Amendment

So, really, why does Chicago require conduit for residential homes? Well, the truth is, Chicago has had a painful history with fires and does not want to relive that history.

Since most residential buildings in Chicago were built between 1850 and 1930s, they still had the same electrical wiring that supported the developing electrical technologies of those times. The electrical cabling was predominantly designed to accommodate just a few lighting loads.

As a result, this cabling system would eventually become severely overloaded as new appliances were developed. Because of this, most populated Chicago suburbs were at risk of electrical fires. In 2017, the city updated its codes that required all residential buildings to use steel conduit runways to allow newer electrical wires to be pulled whenever necessary. This is now commonly referred to as the Chicago Electric Code amendment.

Data from NFIRS shows that after this new amendment, most Chicago suburbs have reported a lower number of electrical fires than the rest of the country. Besides, most Chicago buildings, including those built in the early 1900s, have electrical systems that can now support the evolved appliances of our modern days.

Advantages Of Using Conduits

Steel conduit and electrical metallic tubing (EMT) are metallic enclosures that provide a path for electrical wires in buildings, protecting them from extreme conditions such as moisture, heat, impact, and chemical vapors. They provide a safe and secure channel to conduct electricity. Conduits can either be installed on a wall or ceiling surface or concealed inside walls, ceilings, and floors for a more robust and beautiful wiring system.

Steel conduit truly is the winning wiring solution. Here’s why:

1. Conduits Provide A Safe, Universal Wiring System

Typically, electrical wires have a soft insulation cover that cannot withstand heat and impact. Metallic conduits used in most Chicago homes provide an added protection over these conductors, protecting them against impact at all temperatures.

This added protection reduces the risks of fires and electrocution massively. Unlike PVC conduits that produce toxic fumes when burned, steel conduits have high heat resistance and remain intact even under high temperatures.

When wiring sensitive circuits, metallic conduits reign supreme as it creates a strong shield against electromagnetic fields (EMF) and electromagnetic interference (EMI). It also minimizes EMF emissions from enclosed power cables by up to 95%.

A properly installed metallic conduit raceway provides universal protection in residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Property owners depend on it because it:

· Offers exceptional corrosion resistance

· Have exceptional fire resistance

· Protects against impact at all temperatures

· Has a highly adaptable coefficient of expansion with most construction materials hence doesn’t stretch, break or tear

· Can create a robust waterproof or submersible wiring system

2. Conduits Provide Superior Physical Protection

Metallic conduits raceways are perhaps the most resilient and sustainable raceway options today. They provide strong protection over electrical wires against high impact. Conduits deflect nails and screws that could potentially lead to short-circuiting and cause electrical fires.

3. Steel Conduit Is Reusable

The longevity and reusability of steel conduits constitute a significant advantage in an environment that promotes sustainable building practices. Using steel conduits for residential wiring ensures that you can run multiple circuits through one conduit. This means that you don’t have to “nuke” your walls every time you need to install a new electrical circuit to support your growing needs.

Additionally, conduits ensure easy upgrades of existing appliances without the risk of overloading the existing wiring system. Even in some of the oldest Chicago homes, having a conduit wiring system ensures that you can remove the old, low-capacity wires and run new cables that can support electrical appliances as they evolve. Ultimately, this ability to add new circuits and reuse the raceways helps reduce the overall environmental impact.

4. Conduits Help Save Time And Money

Steel conduits save money from installation throughout their service life. When properly installed, these metallic raceways can be reused to accommodate evolving electrical needs in a building, saving hundreds of dollars that could be used to replace cabling over the years. More wires and circuits can also be added to the same conduit, eliminating the need for new conduits or drilling in the house to install new wiring.

This added flexibility also allows upgrades and renovations to be quickly done since there is no need to tear down walls and floors for new cabling. In fact, running wires through conduits to support more appliances can take half the time it would take other wiring methods. This means that a home renovation in a Chicago suburb can have its wiring replaced in merely an afternoon.

5. Handles The Heat

Fires can quickly get out of hand if they burn the electrical wiring in a building. Residential spaces, gas stations, and grain elevators which are highly susceptible to explosions, require a truly fireproof wiring system. Steel conduits offer a noncombustible, heat-proof cover over electrical cabling, providing additional protection so the conductors don’t become a source of ignition.

Disadvantages Of A Conduit Wiring System

1. High Initial Cost

One of the main disadvantages of using steel conduits is the high installation cost. This electrical wiring system is more expensive than other wiring systems. Fortunately, these costs eventually even out over time due to the system’s durability, reusability, and flexibility to accommodate evolving electrical needs in a typical Chicago home.

2. Difficult To Install

Unlike other wiring systems, steel conduits require experienced expertise to install and run electrical wires. These raceways require well-thought-out plans and schematics for easy reusability. Running electrical wires also requires care to minimize the risk of ripping off the conductor’s insulation that could potentially cause short-circuiting, electrocution, or even fires.

Key Takeaway

The Chicago Electric Code requires steel conduit raceways in all homes to minimize the risk of fires in the Chicago suburbs. This conduit wiring system provides significant safety, durability, and reusability that supports sustainable building practices. When properly installed, steel conduits provide the best wiring protection against different kinds of extreme conditions and hazards.