Stairway brings light and interest to downstairs living space. A sliding panel on the left closes to create privacy in the downstairs study/bedroom. Garrett Downen

Located on leafy North Dayton in Chicago's fashionable Lincoln Park, this single-family home is the epitome of understated elegance in family living. This beautiful house features a swirling center staircase, two-story dining room, refined architectural detailing and the finest finishes. Windows and sky lights fill the space with natural light and provide ample views of the property's beautiful landscaping. A unique, elevated "green roof" stretches from the family room over the top of the 2½-car garage and creates an outdoor space that accommodates a fireplace, dining area and play place. With approximately 5,400 square feet of living space, this home features six bedrooms and 5.1 bathrooms, including an entire floor dedicated to the master suite. This home was developed as a speculative home during the Great Recession and went under contract in less than 30 days. Nathan Kirkman

This build was one that we took on to discover if we could build a more cost friendly home, and still have some of the same elements as the majority of our other speculative homes. We discovered that although we came in at a lower price point. We had to remove some of the elements that we desire in our homes. We loved the interior layout of the home, but felt that the exterior curb appeal was not exactly as we would have liked. Philip Slowiak Photography

Photo by Stu Estler 2014 Custom Builder Award of Excellence SILVER ADWARD: Speculative Home Between 5,000 – 7,000 SQ. FT.
Large elegant gray two-story concrete fiberboard exterior home photo in DC Metro

Located on leafy North Dayton in Chicago's fashionable Lincoln Park, this single-family home is the epitome of understated elegance in family living. This beautiful house features a swirling center staircase, two-story dining room, refined architectural detailing and the finest finishes. Windows and sky lights fill the space with natural light and provide ample views of the property's beautiful landscaping. A unique, elevated "green roof" stretches from the family room over the top of the 2½-car garage and creates an outdoor space that accommodates a fireplace, dining area and play place. With approximately 5,400 square feet of living space, this home features six bedrooms and 5.1 bathrooms, including an entire floor dedicated to the master suite. This home was developed as a speculative home during the Great Recession and went under contract in less than 30 days. Nathan Kirkman

WINNER: Silver Award – One-of-a-Kind Custom or Spec 4,001 – 5,000 sq ft, Best in American Living Awards, 2019 Affectionately called The Magnolia, a reference to the architect's Southern upbringing, this project was a grass roots exploration of farmhouse architecture. Located in Phoenix, Arizona’s idyllic Arcadia neighborhood, the home gives a nod to the area’s citrus orchard history. Echoing the past while embracing current millennial design expectations, this just-complete speculative family home hosts four bedrooms, an office, open living with a separate “dirty kitchen”, and the Stone Bar. Positioned in the Northwestern portion of the site, the Stone Bar provides entertainment for the interior and exterior spaces. With retracting sliding glass doors and windows above the bar, the space opens up to provide a multipurpose playspace for kids and adults alike. Nearly as eyecatching as the Camelback Mountain view is the stunning use of exposed beams, stone, and mill scale steel in this grass roots exploration of farmhouse architecture. White painted siding, white interior walls, and warm wood floors communicate a harmonious embrace in this soothing, family-friendly abode. Project Details // The Magnolia House Architecture: Drewett Works Developer: Marc Development Builder: Rafterhouse Interior Design: Rafterhouse Landscape Design: Refined Gardens Photographer: ProVisuals Media Awards Silver Award – One-of-a-Kind Custom or Spec 4,001 – 5,000 sq ft, Best in American Living Awards, 2019 Featured In “The Genteel Charm of Modern Farmhouse Architecture Inspired by Architect C.P. Drewett,” by Elise Glickman for Iconic Life, Nov 13, 2019

Speculative Build - Designed and Built by Jensen Quality Homes Open Foyer. Character grade oak floors with provincial stain and polyurethane finish
Inspiration for a mid-sized craftsman medium tone wood floor enclosed dining room remodel in Nashville with beige walls and no fireplace

Located on leafy North Dayton in Chicago's fashionable Lincoln Park, this single-family home is the epitome of understated elegance in family living. This beautiful house features a swirling center staircase, two-story dining room, refined architectural detailing and the finest finishes. Windows and sky lights fill the space with natural light and provide ample views of the property's beautiful landscaping. A unique, elevated "green roof" stretches from the family room over the top of the 2½-car garage and creates an outdoor space that accommodates a fireplace, dining area and play place. With approximately 5,400 square feet of living space, this home features six bedrooms and 5.1 bathrooms, including an entire floor dedicated to the master suite. This home was developed as a speculative home during the Great Recession and went under contract in less than 30 days. Nathan Kirkman

This modern northwest contemporary house was a speculative venture that was one of two side by side homes. The project maximized the views by creating a side entry allowing full windows from all rooms. The stucco, wood and stone veneer exterior creates a modern northwest character. The open floor plans allow for flexible circulation and continuous views from room to room.

Located on leafy North Dayton in Chicago's fashionable Lincoln Park, this single-family home is the epitome of understated elegance in family living. This beautiful house features a swirling center staircase, two-story dining room, refined architectural detailing and the finest finishes. Windows and sky lights fill the space with natural light and provide ample views of the property's beautiful landscaping. A unique, elevated "green roof" stretches from the family room over the top of the 2½-car garage and creates an outdoor space that accommodates a fireplace, dining area and play place. With approximately 5,400 square feet of living space, this home features six bedrooms and 5.1 bathrooms, including an entire floor dedicated to the master suite. This home was developed as a speculative home during the Great Recession and went under contract in less than 30 days. Nathan Kirkman

Photo by C Kevin Coffey
Elegant exterior home photo in Nashville

As a builder of custom homes primarily on the Northshore of Chicago, Raugstad has been building custom homes, and homes on speculation for three generations. Our commitment is always to the client. From commencement of the project all the way through to completion and the finishing touches, we are right there with you – one hundred percent. As your go-to Northshore Chicago custom home builder, we are proud to put our name on every completed Raugstad home.

Speculative Build - Designed and Built by Jensen Quality Homes Formal Dinning Room, Craftsman style wainscoting. Character grade oak floors with provincial stain and polyurethane finish

Located in the highly sought-after Allwood neighborhood of Darien, this spec house is the fourth collaboration with a client who first began with a renovation of her own home. While architecturally it is a traditional home from the exterior, the interiors are more transitional in style. In order to compete in the speculative market, our client’s directive was clear – ‘differentiation the kitchen design from every other spec house’. So we incorporated painted cabinetry but highlighted with rift-cut white oak base cabinets. This contrast between these finishes influenced our decision to select a subtle white quartzite countertop to deliberately highlight the striking porcelain backsplash. The steel and glass partition frames the space – drawing the eye to the focal point of the kitchen, the custom stainless steel hood. Gold hardware adds a pop of flair to the space and warms the room. Walnut drawer inserts, stainless steel appliance garage, pull out trash drawers with compost bins and a stylish desk make this the Gold Standard of spec houses.

Located in the highly sought-after Allwood neighborhood of Darien, this spec house is the fourth collaboration with a client who first began with a renovation of her own home. While architecturally it is a traditional home from the exterior, the interiors are more transitional in style. In order to compete in the speculative market, our client’s directive was clear – ‘differentiation the kitchen design from every other spec house’. So we incorporated painted cabinetry but highlighted with rift-cut white oak base cabinets. This contrast between these finishes influenced our decision to select a subtle white quartzite countertop to deliberately highlight the striking porcelain backsplash. The steel and glass partition frames the space – drawing the eye to the focal point of the kitchen, the custom stainless steel hood. Gold hardware adds a pop of flair to the space and warms the room. Walnut drawer inserts, stainless steel appliance garage, pull out trash drawers with compost bins and a stylish desk make this the Gold Standard of spec houses.

Located in the highly sought-after Allwood neighborhood of Darien, this spec house is the fourth collaboration with a client who first began with a renovation of her own home. While architecturally it is a traditional home from the exterior, the interiors are more transitional in style. In order to compete in the speculative market, our client’s directive was clear – ‘differentiation the kitchen design from every other spec house’. So we incorporated painted cabinetry but highlighted with rift-cut white oak base cabinets. This contrast between these finishes influenced our decision to select a subtle white quartzite countertop to deliberately highlight the striking porcelain backsplash. The steel and glass partition frames the space – drawing the eye to the focal point of the kitchen, the custom stainless steel hood. Gold hardware adds a pop of flair to the space and warms the room. Walnut drawer inserts, stainless steel appliance garage, pull out trash drawers with compost bins and a stylish desk make this the Gold Standard of spec houses.

Located in the highly sought-after Allwood neighborhood of Darien, this spec house is the fourth collaboration with a client who first began with a renovation of her own home. While architecturally it is a traditional home from the exterior, the interiors are more transitional in style. In order to compete in the speculative market, our client’s directive was clear – ‘differentiation the kitchen design from every other spec house’. So we incorporated painted cabinetry but highlighted with rift-cut white oak base cabinets. This contrast between these finishes influenced our decision to select a subtle white quartzite countertop to deliberately highlight the striking porcelain backsplash. The steel and glass partition frames the space – drawing the eye to the focal point of the kitchen, the custom stainless steel hood. Gold hardware adds a pop of flair to the space and warms the room. Walnut drawer inserts, stainless steel appliance garage, pull out trash drawers with compost bins and a stylish desk make this the Gold Standard of spec houses.

Located in the highly sought-after Allwood neighborhood of Darien, this spec house is the fourth collaboration with a client who first began with a renovation of her own home. While architecturally it is a traditional home from the exterior, the interiors are more transitional in style. In order to compete in the speculative market, our client’s directive was clear – ‘differentiation the kitchen design from every other spec house’. So we incorporated painted cabinetry but highlighted with rift-cut white oak base cabinets. This contrast between these finishes influenced our decision to select a subtle white quartzite countertop to deliberately highlight the striking porcelain backsplash. The steel and glass partition frames the space – drawing the eye to the focal point of the kitchen, the custom stainless steel hood. Gold hardware adds a pop of flair to the space and warms the room. Walnut drawer inserts, stainless steel appliance garage, pull out trash drawers with compost bins and a stylish desk make this the Gold Standard of spec houses.

Since the completion of the home our company has maintained this property. Originally built by a local builder as a speculation home, it was purchased by two busy professionals. Why is this important? Let's just say the clients are particular and like it when things aren't just so. Both have high level careers, travel often and expect their landscape to be pristine. Year after year our company rises to this challenge. When originally installed, the builder wanted larger plant material to provide a full and mature look. The continued growth provides a pruning challenge, especially when the client prefers a clean, neat and "compact" landscape. We continually monitor growth and hand prune accordingly, including yearly winter pruning. The backyard is particularly difficult due to the shade, moisture run-off from neighboring properties. The turf requires constant monitoring and adjustment to the irrigation system. The trees create a mess requiring clean up along with yearly power washing of the stone. While the challenges are many, the fine maintenance has led to happy clients and numerous referrals.