Field Notes
Construction insights from the field — permits, budgets, and what we actually see on Chicago job sites.
Field Notes is 32 Build's working knowledge base — plain-language guides on renovation costs, permit timelines, contractor selection, and what we actually see in the field on Chicago projects.
Topics cover kitchen and bathroom renovation budgets, how to read a construction bid, tile material selection, trim and molding types, and what to ask a contractor before signing. New articles are added as topics come up in client conversations.
Articles are written by our field team and reviewed against actual project outcomes. We cover budgeting guides that reflect current Chicago labor and material costs, not national averages. We write about permit processes as they work in Chicago specifically — the Department of Buildings, the landmark review process, and what actually causes delays on real projects.
If you find an article useful and have a project in mind, we offer free on-site estimates across Chicago and the suburbs. Most clients tell us the conversations they have with us before signing are the most useful part of the process — more useful than any article. That offer stands: reach out anytime.
How Much Does a Kitchen Renovation Cost in Chicago? (2026 Breakdown)
Kitchen renovation costs in Chicago range from $15,000 for a cosmetic refresh to $200,000+ for a full gut with custom everything. Here's how to figure out where your project falls — and what actually drives the number.
What Questions Should You Ask a Contractor Before Hiring?
Most homeowners ask about price and timeline. Those matter, but they're not what separates a contractor who will deliver from one who won't. Here's what to actually ask — and what the answers tell you.
Trim and Molding Types Explained: Baseboard, Casing, Crown, Chair Rail, and More
Trim is the detail work. It's the last thing installed and the first thing you notice when a room is done right — or wrong. Here's what each molding type does and where it goes.
Tile Materials Explained: Ceramic, Porcelain, Stone, and When to Use Each
Tiles look similar stacked in a showroom but behave very differently once they're on the floor or wall. Here's what the material difference actually means for your project.
How to Read a Construction Bid (Without Getting Burned)
Most homeowners and investors compare bids by total price and miss the details that actually determine whether a project succeeds. Here's what to look for.
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