Longtime Northbrook Business Gives Old Homes New Look

Written and submitted by Dara Shlifka

Long time Northbrook resident and business owner, Steven Walowitz, founder and president of Northbrook-based Nu-Concepts Window Co., has been giving older homes in and around the Northshore and Northwest suburbs, a facelift for more than 35 years.

Many people who are living in or purchasing an older home can sometimes be turned off by what the home looks like on the outside. They are unaware of an exterior makeover for these homes.

What started out as a replacement window and siding company in 1988 has slowly evolved into an all encompassing exterior design and construction business that will not only give homes an updated look, by adding details such as new windows and patio doors, porticos, purgolas, cupolas, and domers, but will also increase the value of a home while allowing it to be more energy efficient.

When embarking on a new project, an exterior planner will sit down and educate you on the style of your house and get a feel for the homeowner’s personal taste and wish list. After the initial meeting a graphic artist will sketch a rendering of what the finished product of an updated home will look like. The average construction time frame ranges from 4-6 weeks, and with a construction crew that has been with Nu-Concepts for 20+ years, these craftspeople pay special attention to every detail, leaving nothing overlooked.

Nu Concepts also offers a wide variety of products for homeowners to choose from.

Not all replacement windows are created equal.

“I like to tell customers that a window is not just a window,” Walowitz said. “There are various types of replacement windows and doors, we like to carry a variety of high quality and affordable products.”

While an exterior home renovation can increase your home’s value, there are some simple and easy things that you can do to give your home a quick update.

“There are many simple, common sense tips homeowners can adhere to in making the right decisions for fixing up their homes exterior,” said Walowitz.

“Try to stay with your homes architectural integrity. For example, if your house is a colonial, stay colonial; if it is a Victorian, Tudor, prairie style bungalow, 50’s retro or contemporary, stay in that architectural style and enhance it. If you want to change your style home and want a completely different theme, be complete. Carry your new theme out completely.”

“Focus on the entryway,” he adds. “It’s very important to define the entryway. This can be just a simple fix as changing the porch lighting or more in depth by changing the door or adding columns. An uncluttered, clean entry is the most attractive to the eye.”

Additionally, it’s important to blend your color selection with your roof, brick and mortar.

Lastly, Walowitz suggests paying close attention to details.

“It’s the little things that really make an home’s exterior stand out,” he said. “Adding details such as flower boxes, window mantels or shutters are small details that really bring out the beauty of a home.”

For additional information or to receive a complimentary quote contact NuConepts at 847-559-5224 or www.nuconceptswindows.com