About this company
Advance Design Studio
Common Sense Remodeling is Plain as "Common Sense" Show more
Common Sense Remodeling is Plain as "Common Sense"
Our unique approach to the complexities of remodeling has been refined since 1992 to assist clients in effectively designing their projects within the parameters of realistic predefined expectations, ultimately delivering a superior project experience rarely anticipated in the remodeling industry.
Our mission is to produce positive, fully customized remodeling experiences for our clients. Common Sense Remodeling turns any renovation goal into a predictable, carefully planned step-by-step process that avoids setbacks, re-designs, and budget overruns so prevalent in typical remodeling experiences.
We start by getting to know you and understanding your needs, while you take your time to get to know us and our approach. You'll soon discover how our process facilitates trust and comfort as we come alongside you to execute your project from your initial ideas straight through to the installation of your last doorknob.
“By developing a comprehensive plan from the beginning, projects flow according to expectations and clients don’t have to be disappointed”, says Todd Jurs, founder of Advance Design. “Clients love the fact that we handle it all, that we are wholly responsible, and that they can count on projects coming in without surprises”.
As we manage the multi-faceted details of your project from start to finish, we save our clients the frustration of having to coordinate qualified professionals from every corner of our industry. With project planning and design, up-front budgeting, product education and selection, quality construction, efficient management, and final wrap up - all under one single source of responsibility; you’ve set the stage from the very beginning to experience the smoothest remodeling project possible with relatively little room for error.
Contact us at www.advancedesignstudio.com to explore what we have to offer, and see why the Common Sense Remodeling process simply makes sense; Common Sense!
Serving the greater Chicagoland areas including the communities of Barrington, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Lakewood, Crystal Lake, Hampshire, Deerfield, Northbrook, Bull Valley, McHenry, Woodstock, St. Charles, Geneva, Elmhurst, Wheaton, Southern Wisconsin, and more. Hide
Types of work
GuildQuality surveys
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Photos 698
Customer satisfaction
Of 374 customers surveyed, 293 respondedReviews 273
Of 293 respondents, 273 left a reviewRecent reviews
Lori S.
Advance Design Studio made everything so seamless and easy, and their work was so well-planned, thoughtful, and timely that I've been recommending them to anyone and everyone that is interested in any sort of remodel.
Additional comments
Needs And Desires
Needs And Desires - After our first meeting, understanding how we were feeling concerning the budget, and seeing a few of my inspiration pictures, the designer knocked it out of the park with recommendations for the design and gave great options that exceeded our expectations.
Project Proposal
Project Proposal - I regularly referred to the proposal as it was so detailed and contained everything we needed to know. It also served the purpose of helping to ensure everyone was aligned on cost, materials, design, etc.
Investment Analysis
Investment Analysis - The investment analysis really helped us budget and determine what we could do without and what we were willing to spend a little more on. There were no surprises at the end of the project because of how detailed and well thought-out the analysis was.
Knowledge And Expertise
Knowledge And Expertise - Every question we had was answered honestly and sufficient reasoning/justification as to why something should/shouldn't be done. Even the sub-contractors were very willing to answer all of our questions. Not once did we feel like we were being taken advantage of or steered in the wrong direction.
Project Manager Communication
Project Manager Communication - The project manager communicated with us multiple times a day and we always knew what was happening the next day or when the schedule changed. He was also very quick to answer our calls/texts!
Sub-Contractors - Professionalism
Sub-Contractors - Professionalism - The sub-contractors were nothing short of amazing. They didn't rush their work, they were always on time, and they were so clean! It didnt feel like anything was under construction when they left for the day. They were all very kind and polite - they even took the time to let my small children see what they were doing and learn a little bit. It was a pleasure having them in our home!
Safety & Cleanliness
Safety & Cleanliness - Everything was kept very clean. Every speck of dust was always swept or vacuumed up, even when I told them not to worry about it. We never had to go back and clean up after anyone!
Workmanship
Workmanship - Everyone took their time and it really shows in their work. They were all perfectionists and wanted to make sure their work reflected that. We were so impressed with the cabinetry, flooring, hardware, and countertop. Everything looks and feels so high-end and substantial.
Client Experience
Client Experience - Advance Design always made us feel like we were the only clients they were working with even though we were one of the smaller projects on their schedule. We so appreciated the gesture of sending gourmet cookies at the completion of the project!
Fears Or Concerns
Fears Or Concerns - We had seen so many horror stories on social media about clients being "ghosted" after a deposit was made, the finished project not meeting expectations, or not being able to get a hold of the contractor. We didn't have to worry about any of that with Advance Design! I actually didn't have to worry about anything at all - they took care of ordering, scheduling, and communicating with the subs. I just had to be at my house!
Exceeding Expectations
Exceeding Expectations - The overall process. I was blown away by the attention to every detail so that we didn't have to worry about anything. Having line-of-sight of their whole business model and project plan just blew me away.
Why ADS?
Why ADS? - The organization of the project from beginning to end, the up-front communication, the detailed estimate before the contract was signed, the walk through with subs to eliminate as many suprised as possible/get a better cost estimate... after seeing all of that, it just seems like a no-brainer. Especially after getting quotes from other companies and getting much less for a higher price.
Future Project with ADS
Future Project with ADS - Yes, we already have a list going!
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Review in Campton Hills, IL
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Beverley R.
Additional comments
Needs And Desires
Needs And Desires - Carrie and I were a mindmeld on my project.
Project Proposal
Project Proposal - Thorough.
Investment Analysis
Investment Analysis - Thorough. Easy to understand.
Why ADS?
Why ADS? - Working with Carrie!
Why ADS?
Why ADS? - They have brand awareness locally in online ads and magazines. You know, those small regionals. That's what drew me to them. I visited there on-site building, and I was impressed that they are a standalone business. They are approachable. They let you create under one roof and that is very, very appealing.
Additional Comments
Additional Comments - Overall, they're a wonderful company to work with. There's good people, the talent and craftmanship. They obviously have a lot of experience to bring to the table.
Response
Jeff B.
Additional comments
Needs And Desires
Needs And Desires - Both Nick and Anna have been wonderful to work with. They take the time to listen and understand what we would like!
Why ADS?
Why ADS? - Recommendation by a friend and the great communication.
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Pam A.
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Kate W.
We have used them twice. They did an excellent job each time. I would definitely recommend them.
Additional comments
Exceeding Expectations
Exceeding Expectations - The staff was terrific and exceeded my expectations.
Why ADS?
Why ADS? - We have used them on a larger scale project and had a good experience. The second time, there was no question about who I would use.
Future Project with ADS
Future Project with ADS - I will keep them in mind for future projects.
Response
Review in Mt. Prospect, IL
Additional comments
Why ADS?
Why ADS? - We were satisfied the first time we used them, so we decided to use them again.
Response
Lisa L.
We chose ADS from other recommendations and were not disappointed. We encountered a couple of challenges which Matt and team quickly resolved. It was more involved than expected but the result is a beautiful, master bath retreat. Exactly what we wanted!
Additional comments
Needs And Desires
Needs And Desires - Carrie seemed to know exactly what my tastes were and made the selection process a breeze.
Project Proposal
Project Proposal - Every step was listed in the planning guide which I could refer to at any time throughout the project.
Knowledge And Expertise
Knowledge And Expertise - The project team asked questions to ensure I was getting what I wanted right up to the end.
Project Manager Communication
Project Manager Communication - Matt was constantly checking in and making sure each step of the project went as planned.
Sub-Contractors - Professionalism
Sub-Contractors - Professionalism - Adam and Kevin were here throughout the entire project. Their work was impeccable and their manner totally professional. I felt like they became part of the family!
Safety & Cleanliness
Safety & Cleanliness - The work area was picked up at the end of each day so we could access what we needed.
Workmanship
Workmanship - The work was fantastic and I loved watching the progress each day.
Client Experience
Client Experience - All questions were answered and concerns addressed quickly.
Fears Or Concerns
Fears Or Concerns - I didn't have any fears but was concerned about the time it would take. They did everything to speed up the process but ensured that it was done right.
Exceeding Expectations
Exceeding Expectations - Matt quickly addressed a challenge we encountered. He was great at assessing the issue and coming up with a perfect solution!
Why ADS?
Why ADS? - Location, the fact that they had reliable and competent contractors in each field that would completed the job and would show up.
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Amanda D.
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Diane
Absolutely!
Additional comments
Needs And Desires
Needs And Desires - Anna was great - my kitchen design was exactly what I wanted and the project turned out to look great! Worked with us to change the very few things we wanted changed.
Project Proposal
Project Proposal - The proposal did give us a pretty efficient knowledge of what to expect and the different totals for each part of the project.
Investment Analysis
Investment Analysis - It was - the budget broke down into the different amounts for each trade or part of the project and came out well.
Knowledge And Expertise
Knowledge And Expertise - Every question was answered and they came up with ways to handle certain issues that came up.
Project Manager Communication
Project Manager Communication - Absolutely and if we left a message he returned calls right away. He kept us informed through each stage of the remodel so we knew what to expect.
Sub-Contractors - Professionalism
Sub-Contractors - Professionalism - Absolutely!
Safety & Cleanliness
Safety & Cleanliness - Always cleaned up after each trade was finished and removed the garbage or sent someone back for it.
Workmanship
Workmanship - Absolutely satisfied - has totally changed the kitchen and we love it.
Limited Warranty Satisfaction
Limited Warranty Satisfaction - Have read it through once but have not really sat down to go over it again. But believe it is satisfactory.
Client Experience
Client Experience - Everyone we worked with from the designer to the contract manager and all the different trades that came in were very professional and very nice & easy to work with.
Fears Or Concerns
Fears Or Concerns - Did not really have any fears or concerns. One of our friends has family that used Advance Design for a bathroom remodeled and was very pleased.
Exceeding Expectations
Exceeding Expectations - Everything in the process turned out the way it was all presented to us.
Why ADS?
Why ADS? - We liked the idea of having one company to do the whole project and not have to hire a contractor and all the subcontractors separately. Like the common sense remodeling. We did like that you have the Studio open occasional weekends for people to come in.
Ways To Improve
Ways To Improve - Our experience was pretty good don't know that I have a suggestion.
Future Project with ADS
Future Project with ADS - Possibly the Handyman Help - at the moment we are not considering any future remodels but if we were we would certainly have Advance Design Studio do the remodel.
Additional Comments
Additional Comments - The whole project went pretty smoothly and all on time or even ahead of schedule.
Response
Review in Elgin, IL
Why ADS?
Why ADS? - Attention to detail. End to end project management and organization
Response
Kristina W.
Additional comments
Needs And Desires
Needs And Desires - My designer/salesperson worked to understand my needs and desires and made the design and selection process easy. I had Anna, and she did a really nice job listening to what I wanted and needed.
Investment Analysis
Investment Analysis - Regarding if my investment analysis was an effective tool for developing my project plans and budget, I would say not really. That didn't matter. I knew I wanted to do it.
Sub-Contractors - Professionalism
Sub-Contractors - Professionalism - Advance Design Studio's subcontractors were very professional and courteous throughout my project.
Fears Or Concerns
Fears Or Concerns - I didn't have any other concerns about hiring anybody because I hired them to do my master bathroom before and knew I would go to them again. I was going to use them again.
Why ADS?
Why ADS? - The factor that went into my decision to partner with them was because they did a great job on my bathroom.
Future Project with ADS
Future Project with ADS - I will be considering them for services in the future. I used them for handy help prior to that too, and I would definitely use them again.
Additional Comments
Additional Comments - Again, they really did a wonderful job. I am very happy with it. I only gave them a 4-star rating when recommending them to anybody I know because they are expensive. However, to me, it was worth it. They are a one-stop shop, and I really enjoyed the remodel. The people were great.
Response
Carmen W.
Happy to recommend ADS.
Additional comments
Client Experience
Client Experience - Yes, I will recommend ADS to my family and friends.
Exceeding Expectations
Exceeding Expectations - ADS team members are very responsive, especially my project manager Matt along with Mike's help. Thank you
Why ADS?
Why ADS? - Recommended by a friend.
Future Project with ADS
Future Project with ADS - yes
Additional Comments
Additional Comments - I am very happy with the results and thank ADS, Matt, Mike and their teams.
Response
M. Carmen W.
I had my first floor remodeled. I highly recommend ADS, very professional folks that work there, especially Matt and Mike. They were great to work with, answering all my questions an concerns. They made sure everything was done right and it looks great. Thank you ADS!
Chuck E.
We are currently doing our 4th project with Advanced Design. They make the whole process so easy. Very professional in all areas. Great owner who surrounds himself with great workers.
Additional comments
Why ADS?
Why ADS? - Have used them before. This is our 4th project with them. They are the best!
Response
Lydia S.
Have work with several team members through many upgrades from kitchen, bath remodel to windows and siding. Have always had the best service and results.
Additional comments
Needs And Desires
Needs And Desires - Yes of course my desires and their talent have always been a feel good experience and with satisfying outcome.
Project Proposal
Project Proposal - Always upfront and even with possible change orders
Investment Analysis
Investment Analysis - Knowing the schedule and time line is a relief of any anxiety of the unknown.
Knowledge And Expertise
Knowledge And Expertise - With Advance Design studio you hire professionals and that is exactly what you get.
Project Manager Communication
Project Manager Communication - Nick was great we have had the opportunity to work with him on several occasions and this was the first as project manager. Always courteous and kept us in the loop.
Sub-Contractors - Professionalism
Sub-Contractors - Professionalism - Won’t expect anything less from Advance Design team.
Safety & Cleanliness
Safety & Cleanliness - Very thoughtful of our safety with extra thought to keep things from being overwhelming pandaemonium.
Exceeding Expectations
Exceeding Expectations - Since we have worked together before they always have a way of making you feel as if you are their number one priority and this was no exception.
Why ADS?
Why ADS? - Worked together before knew what to expect.
Future Project with ADS
Future Project with ADS - Advance Design is our go to professionals.
Response
Andy M.
We already have recommended ADS but since your prices are a bit higher than other companies, the people we have told end up choosing someone else.
Additional comments
Project Proposal
Project Proposal - If we had any questions, they were addressed thoroughly.
Investment Analysis
Investment Analysis - Very easy to understand and super helpful.
Project Manager Communication
Project Manager Communication - Nick was great.
Workmanship
Workmanship - The high level of workmanship is clearly evident.
Limited Warranty Satisfaction
Limited Warranty Satisfaction - We feel well taken care of.
Fears Or Concerns
Fears Or Concerns - We weren't sure ADS would be up for building an entire house since their projects are mostly remodeling. But Todd assured us they could do it and that building from square one is a lot easier than redoing an existing structure.
Exceeding Expectations
Exceeding Expectations - Both the quality of construction and the speed with which ADS built our home exceeded expectations, along with the fantastic way they show progress through Buildertrend. The daily updates were fun and very helpful.
Future Project with ADS
Future Project with ADS - Exterior build. We will probably want a shed built next year, fairly big, equaling a 2 car garage size.
Additional Comments
Additional Comments - Totally happy with ADS from start to finish and can't imagine having anyone else build our home. They gave us a huge blessing to live in this house!
Mary B.
We are likely to recommend them to friends.
Additional comments
Needs And Desires
Needs And Desires - Anna made the selection process easy. She is familiar with the vast number of item we had to choose from.
Knowledge And Expertise
Knowledge And Expertise - The few problems that were encountered were resolved quickly. For instance, one piece of plumbing arrived with a fault. It was replaced quickly.
Project Manager Communication
Project Manager Communication - Ed worked hard to keep everyone in the loop. He made good use of Buildertrend and, when that wasn't enough, he would text or call as well.
Safety & Cleanliness
Safety & Cleanliness - Billy, Ed, and the rest of the team cleaned up the job site at the end of every day. Additionally, they covered our carpets to keep them clean.
Workmanship
Workmanship - We are very happy with the furniture and fixtures selected. Everything was installed and tested properly.
Client Experience
Client Experience - We had no issues at all with the Advance Design Studio team on our project. They were a pleasure to work with.
Fears Or Concerns
Fears Or Concerns - We concerned that they would provide what we wanted on time and at the budget agreed. They did.
Exceeding Expectations
Exceeding Expectations - The whole experience went more smoothly than expected. We got what we wanted.
Why ADS?
Why ADS? - We talked to competing fims and they did not demonstrate a high level of experience or professionalism. ADS provided documentation on several similar projects and good references.
Ways To Improve
Ways To Improve - No suggestions.
Future Project with ADS
Future Project with ADS - Yes, we are discussing what we'd like to do next.
Response
Ginger R.
They get to know you and your home. So picking out colors and hardware was easy as they seemed to know my style. Made the choices without stress was wonderful
Additional comments
Needs And Desires
Needs And Desires - They had ideas I didn’t even know I wanted!!!
Project Proposal
Project Proposal - All I can say was project proposal was perfect. Fact filled and easy to navigate
Why ADS?
Why ADS? - Everything under one roof and Christine and Nic were simply wonderful
Additional Comments
Additional Comments - No hesitation in recognizing them 100%
Response
Christian S.
I would specifically recommend friends to work with Carrie. She has been fantastic throughout this entire process.
Additional comments
Needs And Desires
Needs And Desires - Carrie was extremely helpful in helping us to pick out a design and colors that matched what our thought process was for the kitchen.
Why ADS?
Why ADS? - We had complete confidence in Carrie and fantastic communication throughout the process.
Response
Rosemary K.
Additional comments
Why ADS?
Why ADS? - ADS remodeled my kitchen seven years ago so we know the quality of their work.
Response
Review in Buffalo Grove, IL
Yes I would.
Additional comments
Needs And Desires
Needs And Desires - I would have liked more information about the height of the vanity and the shower door
Fears Or Concerns
Fears Or Concerns - The most concerning fear was that it would not be done on time
Exceeding Expectations
Exceeding Expectations - The outcome exceeded expectations
Why ADS?
Why ADS? - We have worked with you before
Future Project with ADS
Future Project with ADS - Yes
Response
Chris M.
I loved having one company to work with from start to finish. They worked with us throughout our design project and also sought input on some personal touches during construction to ensure our needs were met.
Additional comments
Fears Or Concerns
Fears Or Concerns - It's always an anxious time when you are making such a large investment in your home and inviting others in to perform work of a certain level. I'm thrilled with my primary bath everyday and am so happy we finally completed the project!
Why ADS?
Why ADS? - Full end to end service.
Future Project with ADS
Future Project with ADS - Yes, we are looking to undertake a kitchen/living room remodel next.
Response
Review in Hoffman Estates, IL
Additional comments
Why ADS?
Why ADS? - I loved how organized and transparent the estimate was about both material and labor. I like how well organized the design process was. I liked all the ways that ADS visualized and illustrated my choices to make it easier for me to finalize my decisions
Additional Comments
Additional Comments - Both of the designers that I worked with were very professional and helpful during the process. They listened to my input and also gave good guidance and suggestions when requested. They were very quick to turnaround the decisions and changes during this process
Response
Review in Algonquin, IL
Yes.
Additional comments
Exceeding Expectations
Exceeding Expectations - I was happy with subcontractors, responsiveness to my questions, and timely progress of the work. Coordination with the painter worked well.
Why ADS?
Why ADS? - I needed the complete planning, organizing and supervision of the project that ADS provides, and had good results with my earlier bathroom remodeling work.
Response
GuildQuality
Customer feedback report
