Builders show off their best in luxury tour

Downers Grove Reporter—September 11, 2007
By Samantha Nelson

Downers Grove resident Steve Sobkowiak usually puts a few decorations in the homes he shows off, but he went all out for his latest project.

The newly constructed $1.39 million home built by Oakley Home Builders of Downers Grove has been fully furnished with flat screen televisions, couches, beds and a wine cellar — all to show it off as part of the fourth annual Chicago Luxury Home Tour, which stops at 29 houses throughout the Chicago area.

“It’s a great way to keep up with trends and get to know the builders,” said Oakley co-owner Ryan Dunham. “Some people go every year, so you have to one-up yourself.”

Founded in 2004, Oakley was first approached to join the tour this year based on good customer feedback and recommendations from other builders, said Luxury Home Tour spokeswoman Brianne Bauer.

While they do work in Hinsdale, Glen Ellyn, Naperville and Downers Grove, Dunham and Sobkowiak said they work to tailor each home to its neighborhood. As a Glen Ellyn resident, Dunham said he has noticed people like to do things outdoors. The duo incorporated a backyard fireplace and gardening spots in the new construction. They also work to ensure the exterior blends in, rather than dwarfing neighbors.

Sobkowiak said he hopes to be part of the tour again next year and build a new home in Downers Grove, where he is currently working on five other houses.

“All the homes are different from each other,” Bauer said. “We pick builders who go different from what the norm is. The trends change so much from year to year.”

Visitors can travel at their own pace to areas including Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Elmhurst and Wheaton. Whether they’re shopping for a million dollar home or just checking out how they can integrate luxury styles into a more modest budget, they can talk with the builders on hand about their techniques and work.

“Consumers are so educated now that you need to have the top of the line because they’ll know,” Sobkowiak said.

Besides being visually appealing, with giant bathrooms and high ceilings, Sobkowiak and Dunham’s newest home is environmentally friendly. The house meets the government’s Energy Star efficiency standards and uses recycled materials in insulation. For future homes, Sobkowiak would like to explore using solar panels.

“One of the things that attracts us the most in this industry is that you’re building something that will outlive you,” he said. “If you don’t build something quality, you’re doing a disservice to yourself and future generations.”