About Us

For more than 30 years we have been remodeling and building custom homes throughout the North Shore and surrounding communities. With over 300 projects completed in Winnetka, Wilmette, Glencoe, Kenilworth, Glenview, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Northfield, and Evanston, Elmshire Builders brings a wealth of collective experience to each and every project.

Building upon three decades of success and inspiration we recently expanded our operations into the northwest suburbs, in such communities as Arlington Heights, Des Plaines, Mt. Prospect, Palatine, and Inverness.

As our business has evolved, so has our organizational model. Rather than relying entirely on sub-contractors, we have expanded our core team to include project managers (master carpenters themselves), a full-time detail carpenter, and a full-time licensed electrician. While our full-time staff is on-hand to oversee projects and ensure continuity with sub-contractors, the subs we select for our projects have been working with us for years. We know each of the managers and all the laborers on a first-name basis, and we understand each crew’s unique strengths and competencies. With these professional relationships and our own internal staff, we are uniquely positioned as a home builder to provide a smooth, seamless construction experience to our customers.

At a Glance

● 30 years in business
● Over 300 projects completed throughout the North Shore
● More than 80 local client references you may call
● Online project management tools for customers
● Recipient of multiple Historic Preservation Awards
● Family owned and operated

Company History

Rob Wickenkamp, a carpenter and Chicago-area native, founded Elmshire Builders in 1986. Since then, Elmshire has grown into one of the most respected and trusted general contractors on the North Shore. We have completed more than 300 projects ranging from renovations and rehabs to additions and custom homes. Our work has been featured in Better Homes and Gardens, Midwest Living, and North Shore Magazine, and we are proud to have been the recipients of multiple Historic Preservation Awards in communities throughout the North Shore.

Rob’s son, Eric, joined the company in 2003 to manage the business, allowing Rob to focus on his passion for fine carpentry. Eric’s primary goal as Business Manager is to ensure an excellent customer experience from initial concept to final walk-through. Together, Eric and Rob have developed a number of differentiating business practices aimed at giving you not just an easy construction experience, but a truly enjoyable one. We strive to help you feel that sense of excitement that comes from building the right home for you and your family — because we know exactly how good that feels!