I talk to Chicago homeowners every week who have the same realization: they're sitting on valuable real estate they've never considered. Their rooftop.
In a city where every square foot commands a premium, it's remarkable how many properties have rooftops that are essentially storage areas for HVAC units and pigeon droppings. We started Chicago Roof Deck & Garden fifteen years ago because we saw this untapped potential everywhere we looked.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Chicago real estate has always been competitive. What's changed is how buyers and appraisers view outdoor space. A well-designed roof deck doesn't just add enjoyment—it adds tangible value to your property.
We've seen clients add $50,000 to $200,000 in appraised value depending on the scope of their project. More importantly, we've watched them transform how they live. That's the part that doesn't show up on spreadsheets but makes all the difference.
Think about it: when was the last time you hosted friends on your roof? Watched the sunset over the skyline with a drink in hand? Had breakfast outside without leaving your building? For most Chicago homeowners, the answer is never. That changes everything once you have the space.
Why Now?
The pandemic shifted how people think about their homes. Suddenly, outdoor space wasn't a luxury—it was essential. That shift hasn't reversed. If anything, it's accelerated.
Buyers today actively seek properties with outdoor living space. They're willing to pay premiums for it. They factor it into their decisions the same way they factor in kitchen quality or bathroom count.
What this means for existing homeowners: your rooftop represents both lifestyle value and financial opportunity. The investment you make today pays dividends in daily enjoyment and long-term property value.
What We've Learned From 2,000+ Projects
Over the years, our team has transformed rooftops across every Chicago neighborhood. Lincoln Park brownstones. West Loop lofts. Gold Coast high-rises. Each project taught us something.
The biggest lesson? Every rooftop has potential, but realizing that potential requires understanding both the structural realities and the lifestyle possibilities. You need engineers who get Chicago building codes and designers who understand how you want to live.
That's why we built a team with architects, structural engineers, landscape architects, and 60+ skilled craftsmen all under one roof. When you work with us, you're not coordinating between five different vendors. You're working with one team that handles everything from permits to plantings.
The Real Return on Investment
Here's what I tell people who ask about ROI: yes, a roof deck increases your property value. Yes, it makes your home more attractive to future buyers. Those are real, measurable benefits.
But the return that matters most isn't financial. It's the summer evening with friends gathered around your outdoor kitchen. It's the quiet morning coffee with the city waking up around you. It's the space that becomes your favorite room in the house—even though it has no walls.
Your roof isn't just square footage. It's untapped potential waiting for someone to see it clearly.
We've spent fifteen years helping Chicago homeowners see that potential and make it real. If you're ready to look up at your rooftop differently, we should talk.