IL License Number: 104.017181

CASE STUDY

Improving Longevity Through Targeted Repairs on a Newly Purchased Home in Hawthorn Woods, IL

Location: Hawthorn Woods, IL
Services: Roof-edge protection and moisture control: bathroom venting, chimney housing and flashing, soffit and fascia upgrades, gutter system replacement, cedar repairs, and roof tune-ups on a two-story tudor.
Investment Today: Circa $20,000
Future Plan: New roof, siding and windows in 3–5 years (estimated $70–80k)

Roof Repairs Hawthorn Woods IL

The Situation

Nurhan had only owned her home in Hawthorn Woods for a few weeks when she gave us a call. Her home inspection uncovered a list of concerns: worn siding and cedar trim, disconnected gutters, a rusted chimney top, a power fan that wasn’t working, and signs of leaking. Inside the attic, the news wasn’t much better, as all three bathroom vents were dumping steam directly into the attic instead of outside, leaving behind dampness and uneven siding color.

She knew the home would eventually need a full roof and siding replacement, but that was a $70–80,000 project: not something she wanted to jump into right after buying the house. What she did have was $20,000 set aside to stabilize the home, protect against further damage, and buy a few years of breathing room before taking on the larger investment.

Our Goal

The theme of this job was “buying more time”: making urgent repairs as needed and securing the home to ensure that existing materials could last longer. The idea was simple: focus on the must-haves now: moisture control, ventilation, and water management so the house would be comfortable, dry, and protected while Nurhan planned for the full exterior project in three to five years.

What We Did

  • Bathroom Venting: Installed three new roof terminations — two high on the back roof and one on the lower roof — and reconnected all three bathroom ducts so steam now exits outside. Opened rafter channels for better airflow.
  • Attic Fan: Replaced the non-functioning power fan with a new unit and set the thermostat to about 120°F, so it only runs on hot days. This keeps the bedrooms quiet for everyday living until a ridge vent is added with the future roof replacement.
  • Chimney Repairs: Rebuilt the chimney housing with new metal, replaced flashing, and sealed with fresh caulking to keep water and animals out.
  • Soffit & Fascia: Removed deteriorated cedar and installed LP SmartSide soffits and fascia around the entire home. Also rebuilt soffit and gutter intersections at the gutter arch in LP for durability and a clean finish.
  • Gutter System: Installed a brand-new, oversized, seamless K-style gutter system with 3” x 4” oversized downspouts designed to stay with the home, improving drainage and protecting the foundation.
  • Roof Touch-Ups: Replaced select cedar boards, adjusted shingles, and sealed vulnerable areas to reduce the risk of leaks.
  • No Nonsense Pricing: The agreed contract price for this project was $20,000, and the final invoice also reflected $20,000. There were no change orders or unexpected costs. We are proud to note that we delivered exactly what we promised at the agreed-upon price.
Attic Ventilation Repair Hawthorn Woods IL

The Results

By the time we wrapped up and walked the project with Nurhan, the difference was obvious. The attic no longer filled with moisture after showers. The new power fan kept things cooler on hot days but stayed off during normal weather, making the bedrooms much quieter. The chimney housing was solid, the flashing was sealed tight, and the fresh soffit and fascia gave the home a crisp, strong frame. The new gutter system, which will last for decades, looked sharp and finally carried water away from the house the way it should.
Most importantly, Nurhan felt relief. Instead of staring down a massive $70–80,000 project immediately after buying her home, she now had a comfortable, protected house and a clear plan for what’s next. With about $20,000 invested wisely, she gained time — three to five years to plan the full roof and siding replacement without rushing into it.

Looking Ahead

We agreed to keep an eye on the siding through the winter. Some areas likely lack a proper weather barrier underneath, which explains the uneven color and moisture issues. Come spring, we’ll revisit the siding and decide whether it’s time to move forward with a full replacement or simply repaint for a little more life. When the roof is eventually replaced, the power fan will come out and a ridge vent will take its place, finishing the ventilation upgrade.

Takeaway

Not every home needs the “big project” right away. Sometimes the smarter move is to invest in the systems that protect everything else: ventilation, roof edges, and gutters. That’s what Nurhan did. The house is now quieter, drier, and better protected, with a clear plan for the future — and the peace of mind that she’s not wasting money on stopgaps.

If you’ve just bought a home and the inspection turned up issues like these, let’s talk. We can help you handle the must-haves today while planning wisely for the bigger investments tomorrow.

Get Free Quote

Fill out the form below to get started!

Have a Similar Issue? Let's Talk!

Mariusz Holda

Owner: Mariusz Holda

📞 FREE Consultations (Call or Text):
847.847.2883

Results

Damage We Encountered

Completed Repairs

Holda Team

Mariusz Holda

Mariusz Holda
Owner

Guided project planning and key homeowner decisions; set standards and approved final deliverables.

Barbara Holda
Operations

Coordinated scheduling, materials, and day-to-day communication; kept the homeowner updated.

Mariusz Dziekonski
Foreman

Led the crew on site; directed daily work; managed walkthroughs and quality control for trim, soffit, and fascia.

Miroslaw Stosel
Roofing Specialist

Performed roof ventilation improvements and roof maintenance.

Wojciech Serafin
Gutter Specialist

Installed 6" seamless gutters with 3"×4" oversized downspouts, including proper pitch, outlets, and secure fastening.

Artur Kurek
Gutter Specialist

Installed 6" seamless gutters with 3"×4" oversized downspouts, including proper pitch, outlets, and secure fastening.