Personalized Spaces
Design Build General Contractor on Chicago's North Shore
Planning and Building, Handled Together
The Aharoni Group is a boutique design build general contractor serving Chicago’s North Shore. We take on custom homes, additions, and whole-home renovations, and we manage the work hands-on from the first conversation to completion.
Relationship-Driven
Construction + Real Estate Expertise
Built for Long-Term Value
Thoughtful Planning
North Shore Focused
On This Page
What Is a Design Build General Contractor?
A design build general contractor manages both the planning and the construction of a project under one team. Where a traditional general contractor builds from plans someone else drew, a design build general contractor is involved from the first conversation through the finished build.
That includes custom homes, additions, and whole-home renovations. Decisions about layout, materials, and construction are made together, with the build in mind.
How Does a Design Build General Contractor Work?
The process starts with understanding your goals and ends with a finished project, with construction managed hands-on from start to finish.
01
Understand Your Goals
We start by learning about your vision, lifestyle, timeline, and priorities—whether you’re building, remodeling, or exploring real estate opportunities.
02
Evaluate Property or Opportunity
If you already own a home or land, we assess its potential. If not, we help identify the right property, lot, or investment opportunity with a long-term lens.
03
Plan & Design Strategically
Our team collaborates with you to develop a clear plan that aligns design, budget, and functionality—setting the foundation for a successful project.
04
Build or Renovate with Care
From construction management to hands-on execution, we oversee the process with transparency, craftsmanship, and consistent communication.
05
Deliver Long-Term Value
The result is a home or investment designed to perform well over time—built with quality, intention, and lasting value in mind.
Who Should Hire a Design Build General Contractor?
Hire a design build general contractor if you want one point of contact for the whole project, from planning through construction. It suits homeowners who are building new, adding on, or renovating, and who want clear communication and fewer handoffs.
It works especially well on larger projects where many decisions affect each other, like a custom home or a whole-home renovation.
How Much Does a Design Build General Contractor Cost?
Cost depends on the size and scope of the project, the site, and the level of finish. Custom millwork and cabinetry, structural work, local permitting, and material selections move the number most. Because planning and construction happen together, the cost conversation starts early.
The best way to get an accurate number is to talk through your project with us.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Design Build General Contractor?
The main benefits are one point of contact, fewer handoffs between design and construction, and a process that keeps you informed.
- One point of contact: One team answers for the whole project.
- Fewer handoffs: Planning and construction are coordinated, so questions about buildability come up early.
- Details that work together: Layout, millwork, cabinetry, tile, and lighting are chosen with the build in mind.
- Clear communication: You hear from us at every phase.
Design Build vs Traditional General Contractor
A traditional general contractor builds from plans that a separate designer or architect prepared. A design build general contractor handles the planning and the construction together.
| Design build | Traditional general contractor | |
|---|---|---|
| Who plans the project | The same team that builds it | A separate designer or architect |
| Point of contact | One team | The designer and the contractor, separately |
| Buildability questions | Raised during planning | Often raised after plans are drawn |
| Changes along the way | Handled by the same team | Coordinated between firms |
The tradeoff is that you commit to one team early, so choose a contractor you trust.
Why Choose The Aharoni Group as Your Design Build General Contractor?
Expertise & Experience
Decades of combined construction and real estate knowledge.
Relationship-Driven Approach
Hands-on involvement and clear communication at every stage.
Quality Craftsmanship
Homes built to last — not volume-driven projects.
Strategic Perspective
Every decision considers long-term livability and value.
We also bring licensed real estate services, so we can guide you from finding the right property to completing the build. We serve Chicago’s North Shore, including Winnetka, Northbrook, and Lake Forest.
Design Build General Contractor FAQ
What does a design build general contractor do?
A design build general contractor handles both the planning and the construction of a project, so one team manages the work from the first conversation to completion.
How is design build different from a traditional general contractor?
A traditional general contractor typically builds from plans someone else designed. Design build brings the planning and the construction together under one team.
What types of projects do you build?
We build custom homes, home additions, and whole-home renovations on Chicago’s North Shore, including Winnetka, Northbrook, and Lake Forest.
Do I have to be involved in the design decisions?
Your priorities drive the design. We plan around how your family lives and keep you informed at every phase.
How do I get started?
Use the contact form below or call (847) 668-8576. We will talk through your project and the best path forward.
Can I see examples of your work?
Yes. Browse our project portfolio, or contact us to talk about projects similar to yours.
Let's Talk About Your Build
Whether you’re early in the process or ready to move forward, our team is here to help you navigate your next step with clarity and confidence.
Let’s Build Something You’ll Love
Get in touch with us to start your project!
Let's bring visions to life
Lake Forest, IL
Lake Forest, IL
(847) 668-8576
+1 234-567-8901
© 2026 The Aharoni Group. All Rights Reserved
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