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Brad AshmanMeet

of Chicago Renovation

JULY 2019A SOCIAL MAGAZINE EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE RESIDENTS OF GLENCOE

GLENCOETHE COMPASS

The Glencoe Compass • July 2019 July 2019 • The Glencoe Compass12 13

Brad Ashman, residential and com-mercial remodeler and developer, went away to college for his education, nev-er expecting the most important lesson he received would be outside the classroom. “While I was living at my fraternity at University of Illinois, two of my fraternity brothers and I made a plan to convert an unused dorm room into a three-bedroom apartment. We were given the go ahead and got to work. It was my first of many opportu-nities to be involved in construction.”

With over 35 years experience, Brad and his company, Chicago Renovation & Development, have been busy making a name for themselves all over the Chica-go area. Brad, his wife, and their three children live in Glencoe, but his projects range from Lake Forest to Hyde Park and west of those parameters.

While delivering award winning remodeling, Chicago Renovation & Development has built its reputation

on being honest, setting appropriate expectations, providing thoughtful and excellent service, and prioritizing com-munication. Serving on the board of NARI-Greater Chicagoland, Brad holds himself to the highest standards. Many young builders and remodelers turn to Brad to seek advice when a complex problem arises. Like clockwork, Houzz recognizes Chicago Renovation & Development on an annual basis with multiple awards including Best of Hou-zz on Service, Design, and Saves.

Upon starting a project, Brad works with the homeowner to educate them on what is possible within their timeline and bud-get. Understanding that nobody comes into a renovation with a clean slate and a blank check, he works hard to provide an honest assessment that is upfront and direct. Brad takes pride in the fact that he can say to his clients, “We’re friends now and we’re going to be friends when this is done.”

“The renovation process is not always smooth. There’s going to

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By Rebecca Osberg Photography by Scott McDougall Photography

be dust, dirt and unexpected conditions. We do our best to do our best. When a surprise hits, we don’t run or hide,” says Brad. “Many contractors just cover up these issues which then manifest themselves six months to a year down the line. We come up with options and involve the client in choosing the best course of action. We don’t get overwhelmed. We wrap our heads around an issue and figure it out. Most importantly, we are constantly communicating with our client.”

“Our clients have no worries about people not showing up, cutting corners or stealing from their home. We are so reliable that if we don’t show up or call first, start checking hospitals,” laughs Brad. “There’s no fluff about how we are better, care more, use the finest lumber, glue, design, etc. In fact, we often find ourselves being brought in to correct work done by previous contractors who were ‘better, cheaper & faster.’ Our crews have been working together for decades and deliver professional remodeling that few can touch. Our prices are appropriate for our level of knowledge and craftsmanship. With that said, “We are more affordable than you think!”

Brad and his family love living and working in Glencoe. His wife Laura works at South School

with a Side of Craftsmanship, Honesty, and Skill

Brad Ashman

The Glencoe Compass • July 2019 July 2019 • The Glencoe Compass14 15

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Alexandra Arenson, North Shore Country Day School Class of 2018.

Alexandra is attending Santa Clara University in the fall.

around town

Class of

2019

and his youngest works for the Glencoe Park Dis-trict. Whether it’s the tuna salad on black bread from Foodstuffs, the 4th of July fun, the MLC or the Christmas lights on the Santiccioli’s house, there’s nothing better to the Ashman family than their hometown.

Brad loves heading to the city for date night with his wife at Athenian Room, Gibson’s, Topo Gigio or Zanies. As a historian, he enjoys delving into pres-idential and historical figure biographies and going to classic car shows. Speaking of classics, Brad’s favorite movie is The Outlaw Josey Whales and favorite musician is rock legend George Thorogood. On the weekends, Brad can be found gardening, grilling or boating.

Whether it’s a 118 year-old row house in a histor-ic neighborhood of Chicago, renovations, flood restoration, or time for a new modern kitchen, Brad Ashman is on it and lives right down the street. Chicago Renovation is known for their craftsmanship & integrity. To learn more about Brad and his team, visit www.Chicag-oRenovation.com or call 847-786-4902.