Our Story
18 Years. One Standard.
We started Cornerstone because we were tired of seeing homeowners get patched solutions to structural problems. We do one thing — gut renovation — and we do it right.
Built on Frustration.
In 2006, founder Mike Callahan was a project manager for a large Chicago general contractor. He watched homeowners spend six figures on renovations that left the old wiring, the failing plumbing, and the compromised structure hidden behind fresh drywall. Two years later, those homes had the same problems — just harder to reach.
He started Cornerstone Home Rebuilders with a single rule: we don't patch. We rebuild. Every project we take on gets stripped to the studs. Every system gets replaced. Every permit gets pulled. No exceptions.
Eighteen years later, we've completed over 47 full gut renovations across the Chicago metro and northern Illinois. Our clients are homeowners who want the job done once — correctly — and never have to think about it again.
"I've never once regretted doing a job right. I've regretted cutting corners — every single time."
Mike Callahan
Founder & General Contractor
Illinois GC License #104-016842
How We Work
The Rules We Don't Break.
No Patches
We don't cover problems. We remove them. Every project starts at the studs.
One Contract
You deal with us from demolition to final walkthrough. No subcontractor handoffs, no finger-pointing.
Pull Every Permit
Every permit, every inspection, every sign-off. Your home's record is clean when we're done.
Fixed-Scope Pricing
We scope the job before we price it. No allowances that balloon. No surprises at the end.
Credentials
Licensed, Insured, and Accountable.
We carry every credential required by the State of Illinois — and a few more.
Illinois GC License
#104-016842 — Active
$2M General Liability
Certificate available on request
Workers' Compensation
Full coverage for all crew members
Permit Management
We pull every permit — no exceptions
OSHA 30 Certified
All lead crew members certified
47+ Completed Projects
All with final certificate of occupancy
Our Team
The Same Crew, Every Project.
We don't use rotating subcontractors. Our core crew has worked together for over a decade. They know our standards, our process, and what it means to do the job right.
When you hire Cornerstone, you get the same people from demolition day to final walkthrough. No handoffs. No surprises.
Service Areas
Where We Work.
We serve the Chicago metro area and northern Illinois. If you're within 60 miles of the city, we can take your project.
Chicago Metro
& Northern Illinois
Ready to Talk?
We take on a limited number of projects each year. If you're planning a gut renovation, let's start the conversation now.