Month: September 2025

Prelude Landscaping has been designing and building stunning outdoor spaces in Winnipeg for over 15 years. They specialize in creating landscapes that are both beautiful and easy to maintain, helping homeowners enjoy their yards without the hassle. From softscaping and hardscaping to professional design services, their team has the expertise to transform any property into a functional and inviting outdoor living space.

Certified in water features and driveway sealing, Prelude Landscaping goes beyond standard landscaping to boost curb appeal and increase property value. Their dedication to quality work has earned them industry recognition, including the 2019 MBNLA Award of Excellence in Residential Landscape Construction. Contact them to learn more!

Key Services 

• Landscape design services
• Complete landscape construction and installation services (commercial & residential)
• Walkways, paths, and staircases
• Water features
• Hardscaping
• Outdoor kitchens

Customer Feedback

Prelude Landscaping was a wonderful company to work with in the summer/fall of 2021. Their ideas, suggestions and attention to detail were appreciated. We had some initial ideas on the yard we were looking to create, however, Prelude was able to take those ideas and create much more for us. We appreciated the suggestions for perennials and various bushes that would work based on the direction our yard was facing and how much sun/shade particular areas would receive. We had artificial turf installed and their expertise on the type of product and professional installation was excellent. The stone product they provided is top-quality and their installation was meticulous. Their crews were respectful, organized and hard working. We would definitely recommend working with Prelude to create a yard that works for your family. They provide a thorough consultation process, work with you to make your ideas come to life and provide very good value for the great work their team performs.

– Jodi, Google

Landscape Design FAQs

What is landscape design?

Landscape design is the art and science of planning and arranging outdoor spaces, including gardens, patios, lawns, water features, and hardscaping, to create functional, beautiful, and sustainable environments.

Why should I hire a professional landscape designer?

A professional ensures your outdoor space is aesthetically pleasing, functional, and built to last. They also consider soil conditions, drainage, zoning regulations, and plant selection to prevent costly mistakes.

What services do landscape designers provide?

Services typically include site analysis, 3D concept renderings, plant selection, softscape and hardscape planning, irrigation design, lighting, patios, walkways, retaining walls, and outdoor living spaces.

How long does a typical landscape design project take?

The timeline depends on the project’s size and complexity. Design planning can take a few weeks, while installation may range from several days for small projects to a few months for larger landscapes.

Can a landscape designer work with my existing garden or only new projects?

Landscape designers can work on both new and existing properties, helping to renovate, refresh, or expand your current outdoor spaces.

Do landscape designers handle maintenance after installation?

Some designers offer ongoing maintenance packages, including lawn care, pruning, seasonal plantings, and irrigation system upkeep, while others focus solely on design and installation.

What is a 3D landscape rendering?

A 3D rendering is a digital visualization of your proposed landscape. It allows you to see how features like patios, plants, lighting, and water elements will look before construction begins.

How do I choose the right materials for my landscape?

Professional designers recommend materials based on durability, aesthetics, climate suitability, maintenance requirements, and your personal preferences.

Can landscape design increase my property value?

Yes. A thoughtfully designed outdoor space improves curb appeal, creates functional living areas, and can make your property more attractive to buyers.

Are sustainable or eco-friendly design techniques available?

Absolutely. Many designers use native plants, water-efficient irrigation, permeable paving, and other sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact and lower maintenance costs.

Creating a comfortable and inviting living space in your finished basement requires careful consideration of heating and cooling options. Basements can have unique temperature and humidity challenges, making it essential to choose the right systems to maintain a pleasant environment year-round. At Utah Basement Finishing, we understand the importance of climate control, and in this blog post, we’ll explore the various heating and cooling options for your finished basement.

The Importance of Climate Control

1. Comfort

Proper heating and cooling systems ensure comfort in your basement, allowing you to enjoy the space in all seasons.

2. Moisture Control

Climate control helps manage humidity levels, preventing moisture-related issues such as mold and mildew growth.

3. Energy Efficiency

Efficient heating and cooling systems can reduce energy consumption, leading to cost savings on your utility bills.

Heating Options

1. Forced Air Heating

Forced air heating systems, such as furnaces or heat pumps, can distribute warm air throughout your basement via ductwork. This option is efficient and provides consistent heating.

2. Baseboard Heaters

Baseboard heaters are electric units that can be installed along the baseboards of your basement walls. They provide zonal heating and are relatively easy to install.

3. Radiant Floor Heating

Radiant floor heating is installed beneath your basement’s flooring. It provides even, radiant heat from the ground up, offering a comfortable and efficient heating solution.

4. Space Heaters

Portable space heaters are a cost-effective option for small basement areas or as a supplemental heating source. They are convenient but should be used with caution.

Cooling Options

1. Central Air Conditioning

Central air conditioning systems can provide consistent cooling throughout your basement by using ductwork. They are effective for larger spaces.

2. Ductless Mini-Split Systems

Ductless mini-split systems offer cooling without the need for ductwork. They are energy-efficient and allow for zone-specific temperature control.

3. Window Air Conditioners

Window air conditioners are a budget-friendly option for cooling smaller basement areas. They are easy to install in existing windows.

4. Dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers help control humidity levels in your basement, making the space more comfortable and preventing moisture-related issues.

Climate Control Considerations

1. Insulation

Proper insulation is essential for climate control. Ensure your basement is well-insulated to retain heat in the winter and maintain a cool environment in the summer.

2. Ventilation

Proper ventilation helps circulate air and regulate temperature. Consider adding vents or fans to improve airflow in your basement.

3. Professional Installation

Consulting with HVAC professionals for installation and maintenance of heating and cooling systems is crucial to ensure optimal performance.

Consult with Utah Basement Finishing

At Utah Basement Finishing, we have the expertise to help you choose the right heating and cooling options for your finished basement. Our team can assess your specific needs and recommend the most suitable systems for your space.

Year-Round Comfort in Your Basement

Creating a comfortable and climate-controlled basement is essential for maximizing the enjoyment of your finished space. With the right heating and cooling options, you can transform your basement into a welcoming and versatile part of your home.

Ready to explore heating and cooling options for your basement? Contact us today at 801-669-8106 or visit our website here to discuss your project and ensure year-round comfort in your basement.

For the tenth consecutive year, Advance Design Studio has earned a place on the national Qualified Remodeler Top 500 list, which celebrates leading professionals in the home improvement industry—ranking 291st overall and 37th in the design-build category.

What makes the QR Top 500 list stand out is its inclusivity—it brings together companies from every corner of the field, from full-service contractors and kitchen & bath specialists to design-build remodelers, general home improvement firms, and insurance restoration experts across the nation. Our local team is honored to stand alongside some of the largest firms in the country, a recognition made even more meaningful as we continue to adapt to the industry challenges that have affected homeowners over the last few years.

Key Design-Build Takeaways

The latest Qualified Remodeler Top 500 report highlights a few key takeaways- namely that the landscape is always changing, and successful firms are adapting. Rising costs for labor and materials continue to put pressure on design-build firms nationwide. It takes more effort and careful planning to achieve successful outcomes, bring homeowner visions to life, and simultaneously maintain healthy bottom-line results. Skilled labor shortages, price increases, and product tariffs have all created challenges that must be overcome for remodeling firms to survive and thrive today.

“One of the biggest challenges we’ve experienced in 2025 is navigating the continued rise in material and labor costs while delivering designs that meet our clients’ expectations and stay within budget,” one QR Top 500 company says. 

In today’s economic climate, success in the remodeling industry is seen from the design-build teams that are focusing more than ever on precision and accountability. Homeowners value trust more than ever. Cost remains a critical factor for homeowners across the nation, and remodelers must find ways to meet expectations, sometimes by honing project scopes or selecting more cost-conscious finishes to align with financial goals. From nailing down selections early and triple-checking orders to tightening timelines and sticking closely to budgets, attention to detail has become an even more critical part of delivering a smooth client experience. Homeowners are widening their priorities beyond just beautiful results – they want a transparent, collaborative relationship with follow-through at every stage of their project.

Communicating current information about project progress is a non-negotiable for homeowners today, especially if clients work from home or are present during construction. More time is often spent by project management providing daily feedback while still juggling the scheduling of crews and subcontractors, coordinating deliveries, and even pitching in on job sites themselves, since skilled labor availability remains tight.

To meet these challenges, successful remodeling firms have adapted by making communication more intentional and streamlined. Many now rely on digital tools—like client portals—to share updates, track progress, and answer questions in real time. Platforms such as Buildertrend, which Advance Design Studio uses, allow clients to feel informed and at ease throughout their project’s construction.

LOOKING AHEAD

Another interesting finding of the QR report revolves around consumer confidence levels. Interestingly, not every region is experiencing the same level of homeowner hesitation or confidence when it comes to remodeling. Coastal firms report feeling the effects of economic uncertainty, which naturally makes homeowners more cautious about committing to large-scale remodeling projects. However, with the tightening of the Illinois housing market and many homeowners locked into low mortgage rates, Midwest families are choosing to remodel rather than move. This has created strong opportunities for design-build firms in the Midwest to meet growing demand for home additions and large-scale remodels, creating a strong 2025-2026 market.

“Our design and field team members are committed to maintaining transparent collaboration with every homeowner we work with,” says Nick Holm, ADS Director of Operations. “We believe that communicating early and often with our clients is key to clearly establishing their priorities and finding creative solutions that achieve their desired outcome and financial goals. Trust is key – our clients trust that we will deliver at every stage of the project, and advocate on their behalf to find the best solution, especially if unforeseen challenges arise.”

TOP DESIGN-BUILD PROJECT TYPES

According to Qualified Remodeler, the design-build industry in 2025 is being shaped by three key project types: whole-home remodels, kitchens, and baths. This mix tells an important story about today’s homeowners. Many families are choosing to invest in their current homes rather than relocate, often tackling larger-scale renovations that reimagine multiple rooms at once. At the same time, families are prioritizing practical, high-impact spaces like kitchens and bathrooms—projects that are both a sensible and substantial investment.

A bath remodel, for instance, offers everyday comfort and functionality, while also adding long-term resale value. Kitchens, too, remain the heart of the home, making them a natural investment when people want to elevate how they live, whether they plan to relocate or not. At the end of it all, having a home designed to reflect your unique family needs and style is still incredibly important today.

Our team has seen an increase in whole-home remodels in the past few years, and kitchens and baths have always been a top priority for homeowners in the Chicagoland area. To help you gather inspiration for your own home, we’ve curated a collection of our most popular bathroom remodels and kitchen remodels most popular kitchen remodels over the past couple of years.

Challenges often spark the greatest opportunities for growth in any industry. As the current climate continues to evolve, it’s the remodelers who embrace fresh ideas, creative strategies, and thoughtful execution for homeowners that will lead the way forward. We’re honored to once again be recognized among the top remodelers in the nation, and we’re excited to see what innovative and inspiring projects we tackle in 2026 and beyond.

“Being named one of Remodeling Magazine’s TOP 500 remodelers is a huge honor — but it’s also a reminder of the responsibility we carry,” said Christine Jurs, co-owner of Advance Design Studio. “As we look ahead to 2026, client expectations are evolving faster than ever — from smart technology integrations to faster timelines and more personalized design experiences. Meeting those expectations means constantly pushing ourselves to be more innovative, more adaptable, and more intentional in every project we take on. Our team has never backed away from a challenge — and that’s exactly what sets us apart.”

Our team is ready to help you complete the home remodel on your to-do list – we’d love to meet with you! Call us at 847-836-2600 or schedule a complimentary appointment with our design team to start your plans.

The team that installed our new front picture window were extremely professional. They respected the plants in the flower bed and cleaned everything up very well after installation. I was even impressed that no glass was broken as it is a very big window. The aftercare of doing an inspection adds to their professional service. I would highly recommend GreenFox for your window replacement.

– Eleanor, Google

I had a fantastic experience working with Greenfox Windows on a couple of brand new windows for my studio. While there were some delays early on in the process, the installation itself went incredibly smoothly.

Jordan and Nick were professional, efficient, and genuinely respectful of the space. We ran into a couple of small hiccups during the install, and their attention to detail and commitment to getting things done right was so appreciated. They kept me in the loop the entire time, showed up exactly when they said they would, and worked cleanly even with drywall dust in the air and construction happening all around.

The new windows look incredible. They’ve completely transformed the light in the space, and the difference is honestly kind of magic. I’m obsessed with the transformation. Check out the Before and After photos to see the difference. It’s wild what opening up a couple of walls (with the right crew) can do! I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Greenfox to anyone looking for a skilled and trustworthy window team.

– Jamie, Google

All triple pane windows to entire house installed. Had an audit done last year that said 33% of our heat loss was due to our double pane windows. This winter we never turned the heat on upstairs!! It was too warm! Heat on main level 17.5 to 18 during the day . Heating bill was 1/4 cost to our neighbours! Workmanship excellent! Would recommend GreenFox anytime!

– Patti, Google