July 2026

Skewers of Goodness - Photo by Aron Rissman

The Four Most Common Remodeling Questions I Am Asked

Greetings!

1 – What is the harm in waiting to remodel my kitchen?

The cost of remodeling has been out pacing inflation for quite a while. There are many factors causing this, shortage of qualified trades, building material shortages and some finished materials can have long lead times as well. For instance, many plumbing supply houses do not stock the wide varieties of fixtures in multiple finishes like they once did.

2 – Why should I pay for a design up front?

Designing kitchens and bathrooms is complicated. I don’t care how many home improvement or design shows you watch or magazines you read they won’t make you an expert. 

A detailed design and specification development are two very different types of documents. Both can be crucial to a successful kitchen or bath remodel.

3 – I’m a good negotiator, why can’t I be my own general contractor?

Ever hear the phrase “There are no dumb questions”? This question is the exception.

Answer these questions before deciding to be your own general contractor?

What is your return policy? Do you have skilled trades you can trust to be there when you need them to avoid delays? Who and how will the documents be prepared for permitting? Who is taking responsibility for getting the correct materials on site at the right time. One of the key factors in a successful construction project is sequencing, what do you know about that?

4 – Why do I need a designer, can’t I use AI to do the design?

This may come as a surprise but, I have no doubt that there are one or more AI platforms that can provide a good or even a great kitchen or bath design. Assuming, it has all the correct dimensions and data. There lies the rub.



Remember the early days of personal computing? When we constantly heard the phrase “garbage in, garbage out”? Most people don’t understand all the factors or (in AI speak) data points required for good kitchen or bath design. Let alone how to gather them.

An more detailed version of this message can be found on my blog.

When you are ready to move forward, we are ready to help!

Contact us today.

Jeff

Jeff Kida, CR

NARI Certified Remodeler

Owner - DDS Design Services, LLC

Chairman - NARI of Greater Chicago 

630-530-8099

DDS Design Services Testimonials LinkedIn Facebook 

Trends

Breakfast of Champions - Photo by Aron Rissman

This month we are stepping out of the kitchen to the patio to discuss what’s new and trending in grilling. So, for all you people out there still feeling guilty about giving dad a not so exciting Father’s Day gift, this might be your ticket to redemption.

A man can’t have just one power drill, or one set of golf clubs, or one fishing pole or just one grill. Not anymore folks. 

For the last few decades, you were one of two types of grill owners, gas or charcoal. You couldn’t be both. That was the unwritten law in Chicago, like no ketchup on hot dogs. But it’s the year 2026 not only can the men go both ways but now they may want (need) a third way, the flat-top grill.

Even me a dedicated gas grill man must admit my repertoire has been greatly expanded with the addition of a large cast iron grill pan that I put on my grill. For more on this subject I decided to reach out to one of NARI Chicago’s two grilling experts.

In doing so we have created the first ever guest column for our humble Newsletter. Written by none other than Aron Rissman from Mr. Floor Companies in Skokie IL. Aron is my “go-to” for all things flooring related. He is also a big supporter of NARI Chicago. 

Potatoes and Veggies - photo by Aron Rissman

Aron says:

I am far from a grill master, but I absolutely love to grill.

Backyard grilling has evolved a lot over the last 35 years. For many years, my trusty charcoal Weber kettle grill was my go-to cooker, whether I was in the backyard or tailgating at a Bears game. That grill did it all. I even had custom metal bases made so I could use frying pans on it for omelets and hash browns. From Italian beef and sausage combos to beautiful filets for the annual Bears vs. Packers showdown, that Weber handled every challenge.

One crowd favorite was always my grilled chocolate chip cookies. They tasted like they had just come out of the oven and were hard to resist once they cooled enough to eat.



These days, my outdoor kitchen has expanded. I now have the full lineup charcoal, gas, and flat-top grills. When I'm cooking, it's not unusual to have multiple grills going at the same time.

I love cooking vegetables, shrimp, and potatoes on the flat-top. At the same time, the gas grill is usually busy with ribs, steaks, or chicken. The variety of foods and techniques available today makes the possibilities seem endless.

Flat Top Shrimp Stir Fry - Photo by Aron Rissman

One word of warning for anyone considering a flat-top grill, they require a little more maintenance than other grills. To keep them performing their best, you need to clean and oil the cooking surface after every use.

No matter what type of grill you prefer—charcoal, gas or flat-top—remember what grilling is really about. On the other side of the grill, you'll usually find family, friends, and lots of smiling faces. That's what makes it all worthwhile.

Happy Grilling, Everyone!

Thanks Aron, perhaps this will inspire NARI Chicago’s other grill expert (Initials BA) to offer up his opinion before Chicago’s grilling season is over. - Is Chicago’s grilling season ever over? - And of course, we would love to hear about and see pictures of what’s grilling in your backyard this year.

Oh, you still can’t put ketchup on a hot dog. Like never. 

Bacon and Hash Browns - Photo by Aron Rissman

Join us for the

32nd Annual Hinsdale Rotary Run

October 4, 2026 

The Rotary Run Charity Classic, Hinsdale's beloved family run, has been Running Strong for over 30 years!

While much has changed over the decades, the heart of the event remains the same: affordable prices, a family-friendly atmosphere, and something for every runner, walker, and furry friend.

The Rotary Run features 10K, 5K, and 3K run options, along with 5K and 3K walk and Mutt Strutt events. All proceeds support both local and international charitable efforts. Sign up here.

Come celebrate tradition, community, and giving back—one step at a time!

NARI Chicago News

Mary Ann Passi , Executive Director, NARI of Greater Chicagoland

A couple of months ago NARI of Greater Chicagoland announced that Mary Ann Passi has agreed to become the chapter’s new Executive Director!

A recognized association leader with experience across membership, fundraising, and nonprofit growth, Mary Ann brings a passion for building strong member communities and supporting the professionals who drive them.

Great things are already happening under Mary Ann’s and Maureen Henry’s (Marketing Genius) guidance.

If you are a remodeling contractor, sub-contactor or industry professional and not a member, consider joining now.

Welcome, Mary Ann!

Introducing

The Magnetix™ Plus Showerhead Collection from Moen

Moen just introduced their Magnetix™ Plus Showerhead Collection, featuring a magnetic docking system refreshed styling, better movement and expanded customization.

Available in three platforms—a hand shower, a combination showerhead and a compact 2 in 1 showerhead. Other features include a larger spray face, six unique spray settings and intuitive controls.

Available in 7 finishes: chrome, brushed nickel, polished nickel, matte black, oil rubbed bronze, brushed gold & bronzed gold.

Hall of Shame

How not to do it - Photos below from Ron Cowgill.