Choices inside and out at Kimball Hill

When purchasing a new home, one of the most important considerations is selecting one that offers a good value both now and in the future. That's why Rolling Meadows-based Kimball Hill Homes offers so many choices, allowing buyers to add value to every part of their home.

"Something that is individualized is more desirable, and that's why the special touches buyers add to a new home today, like oak railings or a deluxe master bath, create a home that's more valuable today and will continue to be in the years to come," said Jack Wexelberg, regional president for Kimball Hill Homes (www. kimballhillhomes.com).

To illustrate the various options buyers can add to a home, Wexelberg highlights the Regency SL plan available at Ingham Park in Aurora.

"With six exterior elevations and sixteen structural options, there are literally hundreds of possible combinations. And that doesn't even take into consideration color and interior finish choices," he said.

For example, buyers can opt for a longer front porch; a second-level front porch; and brick, stone and shutters for the exterior of the home.

Inside, choices include a fireplace, sun room, first-floor master suite, curved staircase, butler's pantry, loft and guest suite.

Wexelberg added that buyers shouldn't underestimate the impact of finishes on the feeling of a home. "Choosing a dark hardwood over lighter hardwood or carpet can make a home feel more formal, for example. Even the hardware selection has an impact. The brushed nickel hardware package has a modern feeling, while having bronze doorknobs or bath faucets is more vintage," he said. "And it's the combination of all of these things that adds value to your home and will make it stand out when it comes time to sell."

Choices like these are available at each Kimball Hill Homes community throughout the Chicago area, including Settlers Ridge in Sugar Grove. There, the Harvest and Grove series of homes offer up to three elevations and nine structural options per home. Like at Ingham Park, buyers can add a butler's pantry, sunroom, extra bedrooms, extra baths and a fireplace.

"Even in a home priced under $300,000, there are still many, many ways to personalize and add value," he noted.

But options aren't limited to single-family homes. Kimball Hill Homes also gives buyers a variety of choices in the townhouse plans, too.

At The Residences of Shelburne Farms in Winfield, buyers have the option to add an extra powder room, extra bedroom, volume ceilings and a fireplace. And at The Country Townes of Legend Lakes in McHenry, a second master suite, loft, front or side-loading garage or a family room are all available. And, like the single family homes, dozens of finish options are available, too.

"While the level of choice in our single-family homes is impressive to buyers, all of the options in our townhouses blow them away," said Wexelberg. "Buyers truly don't expect any structural options with a townhouse, so when they see all the ways they can adjust the floor plan to fit their needs, they're really 'wowed'."

Wexelberg added, "Regardless of the style of home you buy, customizations you make today will help your home stand out when it comes to time resell. The investment you make in your home will grow in the future, and that's why home ownership is so attractive."

Townhouse base prices range from $160,490 to $305,990 and single-family homes are priced from $231,990 to $553,990. For more information on any of Kimball Hill's communities, call (800)-355-5945 or visit www.kimballhillhomes.com.