Will Construction Costs Go Down in 2026? Here’s What Chicago Area Home Builders Are Watching


If you’re planning on building a custom home in the Chicago suburbs or simply trying to decide when the best time to start building is, one of the biggest questions on your mind is whether construction costs will decrease in 2026. With supply chain pressures, labor shortages, tariff disruptions and broader economic uncertainty still in […]




SG Home Builders’ Annual Industry Outlook: What to Expect in Residential Construction in Naperville & DuPage County


Since 2020, the residential construction market in Naperville and throughout DuPage County has experienced unprecedented activity, alongside steadily rising costs. As we head into the new year, homeowners considering custom homes, renovations, or additions are asking the same question: What should we expect next? Based on what we’re seeing across the local market, here are […]




Why Two Custom Homes in Naperville With the Same Square Footage Can Cost Very Different Amounts


For custom homes in Naperville, IL, the home building process often starts with checking the price per square foot; it’s one of the first tasks to check off the list. But that number can be extremely misleading, and two homes of the same exact size on the same block can have drastically different price tags.  […]




The Worst Thing a Home Builder Can Hear


“We Want to Make Sure We Get Back What We Put Into This Project.” Let’s just say it — this is the worst comment a home builder can hear. Unless you’re flipping distressed homes for a quick turnaround, the idea that you’re going to “get back what you put in” on a renovation or custom […]




Building Multigenerational Homes in Chicagoland (2025 Guide)

New Construction


Summary: Multigenerational homes (where grandparents, parents, and kids share one address) are growing fast in the U.S. (17% of 2024 buyers purchased multigenerational homes). In Chicagoland, you can keep a home classified as single-family while designing smart “semi-separate” spaces, or explore Chicago’s evolving ADU (accessory dwelling unit) rules. Expect custom-build costs to vary widely by […]




The Number One Reason I Lose Bids — and Win Lifetime Clients: Spot-On Estimates


In the world of custom home building, accurate estimates are everything. Many builders chase every bid, sometimes at the expense of their clients or their own sanity. At SG Home Builders, a trusted name among new home builders in the Chicago suburbs, we approach things differently. Yes, we lose some bids — but the clients […]




What’s the Most Expensive Part of Building a New House? (2025 Guide)

Beautiful ranch style home with three car garage, black trim, and porch.

blog,Costs to Build A Custom Home / September 18, 2025

Building a new house is equal parts thrilling and complex and the budget is where expectations meet reality. So what actually costs the most in 2025? National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) data shows that interior finishes make up the largest share of construction costs, followed by major system rough-ins (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) and framing. […]




How Energy Code Requirements Are Inflating Project Costs


If you’re planning a home addition, remodel, or new home construction, you’ve probably come across the latest energy code requirements. What was once a simple design process has now turned into a budget-busting obstacle for many homeowners. While energy efficiency is an important goal, these rigid codes often don’t align with the realities of existing […]




Metal Roof vs. Asphalt Shingles: What’s Best for Your Chicago Home?

a metal roof in Chicago. Choosing the right roofing materials for your Chicago home.


When building or renovating a home in Chicago, Illinois, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is choosing the right roofing material. For homeowners focused on long-term value and weather resilience, the debate often comes down to two popular choices: metal roof vs. asphalt shingles. In this article, we’ll break down the pros, cons, […]




Does It Save Money To Build A Ranch Home?


When you’re considering building a custom home, one of the first decisions you’ll make is the style of home that fits your needs—ranch or two-story. What many people don’t realize is that a ranch home, while often perceived as simpler or more accessible, can actually cost significantly more to build than a two-story home. Why […]




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