Last Updated on August 29, 2025 by Advance Design Studio – Home Remodeling
For the tenth consecutive year, Advance Design Studio has earned a place on the national Qualified Remodeler Top 500 list, which celebrates leading professionals in the home improvement industry—ranking 291st overall and 37th in the design-build category.
What makes the QR Top 500 list stand out is its inclusivity—it brings together companies from every corner of the field, from full-service contractors and kitchen & bath specialists to design-build remodelers, general home improvement firms, and insurance restoration experts across the nation. Our local team is honored to stand alongside some of the largest firms in the country, a recognition made even more meaningful as we continue to adapt to the industry challenges that have affected homeowners over the last few years.
Key Design-Build Takeaways
The latest Qualified Remodeler Top 500 report highlights a few key takeaways- namely that the landscape is always changing, and successful firms are adapting. Rising costs for labor and materials continue to put pressure on design-build firms nationwide. It takes more effort and careful planning to achieve successful outcomes, bring homeowner visions to life, and simultaneously maintain healthy bottom-line results. Skilled labor shortages, price increases, and product tariffs have all created challenges that must be overcome for remodeling firms to survive and thrive today.
“One of the biggest challenges we’ve experienced in 2025 is navigating the continued rise in material and labor costs while delivering designs that meet our clients’ expectations and stay within budget,” one QR Top 500 company says.
In today’s economic climate, success in the remodeling industry is seen from the design-build teams that are focusing more than ever on precision and accountability. Homeowners value trust more than ever. Cost remains a critical factor for homeowners across the nation, and remodelers must find ways to meet expectations, sometimes by honing project scopes or selecting more cost-conscious finishes to align with financial goals. From nailing down selections early and triple-checking orders to tightening timelines and sticking closely to budgets, attention to detail has become an even more critical part of delivering a smooth client experience. Homeowners are widening their priorities beyond just beautiful results – they want a transparent, collaborative relationship with follow-through at every stage of their project.
Communicating current information about project progress is a non-negotiable for homeowners today, especially if clients work from home or are present during construction. More time is often spent by project management providing daily feedback while still juggling the scheduling of crews and subcontractors, coordinating deliveries, and even pitching in on job sites themselves, since skilled labor availability remains tight.
To meet these challenges, successful remodeling firms have adapted by making communication more intentional and streamlined. Many now rely on digital tools—like client portals—to share updates, track progress, and answer questions in real time. Platforms such as Buildertrend, which Advance Design Studio uses, allow clients to feel informed and at ease throughout their project’s construction.
LOOKING AHEAD
Another interesting finding of the QR report revolves around consumer confidence levels. Interestingly, not every region is experiencing the same level of homeowner hesitation or confidence when it comes to remodeling. Coastal firms report feeling the effects of economic uncertainty, which naturally makes homeowners more cautious about committing to large-scale remodeling projects. However, with the tightening of the Illinois housing market and many homeowners locked into low mortgage rates, Midwest families are choosing to remodel rather than move. This has created strong opportunities for design-build firms in the Midwest to meet growing demand for home additions and large-scale remodels, creating a strong 2025-2026 market.
“Our design and field team members are committed to maintaining transparent collaboration with every homeowner we work with,” says Nick Holm, ADS Director of Operations. “We believe that communicating early and often with our clients is key to clearly establishing their priorities and finding creative solutions that achieve their desired outcome and financial goals. Trust is key – our clients trust that we will deliver at every stage of the project, and advocate on their behalf to find the best solution, especially if unforeseen challenges arise.”
TOP DESIGN-BUILD PROJECT TYPES
According to Qualified Remodeler, the design-build industry in 2025 is being shaped by three key project types: whole-home remodels, kitchens, and baths. This mix tells an important story about today’s homeowners. Many families are choosing to invest in their current homes rather than relocate, often tackling larger-scale renovations that reimagine multiple rooms at once. At the same time, families are prioritizing practical, high-impact spaces like kitchens and bathrooms—projects that are both a sensible and substantial investment.
A bath remodel, for instance, offers everyday comfort and functionality, while also adding long-term resale value. Kitchens, too, remain the heart of the home, making them a natural investment when people want to elevate how they live, whether they plan to relocate or not. At the end of it all, having a home designed to reflect your unique family needs and style is still incredibly important today.
Our team has seen an increase in whole-home remodels in the past few years, and kitchens and baths have always been a top priority for homeowners in the Chicagoland area. To help you gather inspiration for your own home, we’ve curated a collection of our most popular bathroom remodels and kitchen remodels most popular kitchen remodels over the past couple of years.
Challenges often spark the greatest opportunities for growth in any industry. As the current climate continues to evolve, it’s the remodelers who embrace fresh ideas, creative strategies, and thoughtful execution for homeowners that will lead the way forward. We’re honored to once again be recognized among the top remodelers in the nation, and we’re excited to see what innovative and inspiring projects we tackle in 2026 and beyond.
“Being named one of Remodeling Magazine’s TOP 500 remodelers is a huge honor — but it’s also a reminder of the responsibility we carry,” said Christine Jurs, co-owner of Advance Design Studio. “As we look ahead to 2026, client expectations are evolving faster than ever — from smart technology integrations to faster timelines and more personalized design experiences. Meeting those expectations means constantly pushing ourselves to be more innovative, more adaptable, and more intentional in every project we take on. Our team has never backed away from a challenge — and that’s exactly what sets us apart.”
Our team is ready to help you complete the home remodel on your to-do list – we’d love to meet with you! Call us at 847-836-2600 or schedule a complimentary appointment with our design team to start your plans.