From our blog

Universal Design is for Everyone
The Thelen Blog
It's difficult to argue with the logic of Universal Design. If a home can be designed to be safer, easier to maneuver in, be more intuitive, and in general - equally efficient for small children, capable adults as well as the mobility…

8 ways to get the most for your New Home Investment
The Thelen Blog
We talked to many people at the Lakeland Builders Association Home Expo in Lake Geneva Wisconsin and The Lake Home and Cabin Show in Schaumburg Illinois over the last two weekends. It was great to see a lot of interest in building in…

It’s all in the Details
The Thelen BlogSome people make the mistake of thinking that design is all about something looking great. That's not what we think design is. It's not just how it looks. Design is also how it works. Steve Jobs actually said that, describing the creation…

The Future of Green is Rosy
The Thelen Blog
Kermit the Frog once sang, "It's not easy being green..." but with the wide selection of products, building green becomes easier each year. New homes today are significantly more energy efficient than they were even 10 years ago. And…

Man Caves: The Ultimate Guy Hang-out
The Thelen Blog
The idea of a separate zone in the home for guys to hang out is gaining a lot of traction in the homes we build. The earliest know man cave was probably the cast-off old sofa and battered TV in the basement or a spot in the garage for…

Shower Power
The Thelen Blog
Visiting a luxurious spa isn't the only way to unwind and recharge. Homeowners today are seeing the benefits of enjoying a sensational shower experience everyday.
Roomy showers, clear glass enclosures, steam generators, body sprays,…

Todays Hot Topic: Fireplaces
The Thelen Blog
There is something about the warmth of a fire that is both mesmerizing and comforting. Today's fireplaces are inviting and efficient for everyone. Some people feel there is no substitute for a wood burning fireplace.
The advantages are:
…

Your Garagenous Zone: Innovative Ideas for the Garage
The Thelen Blog
Love shiny epoxy floors and ample space? Then we've found your new hot button! Imagine the garage in your home: Inviting on the outside, organized on the inside - the garage is an integral part of your home and we found…

Prepare your Home for Fall and Winter
General, The Thelen Blog
It has been a very warm year, and JUST MAYBE we'll have a warm fall too, but with Halloween approaching next week, it's now time to think about preparing your home for the colder winter months ahead. Here's what you need to do to in the weeks…

Inside Outside
The Thelen Blog
Have you ever noticed that some homes are placed on their lots like they were dropped from outer space with little or no consideration given to what can be seen from the interior?
Windows are generally located in the middle of the wall of…

The Dirt on Mud Rooms
The Thelen Blog
Gone are the days when you'd walk into a home with no place to deposit shoes, jackets, hats, backpacks and recreational gear.
That's where the importance of Mud Rooms comes into play. We design Mud Rooms to organize your chaos and contain…

Housing Market on the way to Recovery
The Thelen Blog
The U.S. housing market is taking small steps towards a full recovery.
The top five housing markets had an average gain 20.8% in mediam price. For the most parts these are markets with rapidly declining inventory and growing levels…