From Skyscrapers to Smoky Peaks: The Wild Differences Between Building in Chicago vs. East Tennessee

I’ve been building homes for over 20 years, and let me tell you—construction is NOT a one-size-fits-all industry. What works in one place can be a total disaster somewhere else. I cut my teeth in Chicago, learning from some of the best builders in the business. That city taught me precision, efficiency, and how to survive brutal winters without losing my mind. But when I started building in East Tennessee, let’s just say I had some adjusting to do.

Turns out, putting up a high-end home in the Smoky Mountains is a whole different ballgame—from navigating steep terrain to dealing with suppliers who may or may not show up on time (bless their hearts). Here’s what I’ve learned about the stark differences between building in Chicago vs. the mountains of Tennessee:

#1. The Land: Flat & Predictable vs. Beautiful & Unforgiving

Chicago: Gridlocked and Precise

Chicago is flat as a pancake, and every inch of land is accounted for. You’re dealing with tight city lots, strict zoning laws, and the joys of urban excavation (which often includes surprise encounters with ancient pipes, forgotten basements, or some contractor’s bad decision from 50 years ago).

• Tight lot lines mean there’s zero room for error—every foundation must be dead-on. 

• Deep basements are standard, and if you’re not hitting water or old infrastructure, it’s a good day. 

• Heavy clay soil makes drainage a nightmare—get your sump pumps ready.

East Tennessee: Gorgeous, But Unpredictable

Out here in the Smokies, the land is breathtaking—but also completely unforgiving. There’s no such thing as a “standard” lot. Every build site comes with its own set of surprises.

• Steep slopes mean planning is everything. The photo to the left is one of our trucks that tipped over, thankfully everyone was alright and no materials were damaged. Pure luck! 

• Rocky terrain means excavation can get expensive fast. When you hit solid bedrock, it’s not just an inconvenience—it’s a budget breaker. 

• Unpredictable water tables mean site drainage isn’t just a suggestion; it’s life or death for your foundation.

Bottom line? In Chicago, you’re fighting tight spaces and red tape. In Tennessee, you’re battling Mother Nature herself.

#2. The Weather: Brutal Cold vs. Humidity & Storms

Chicago Winters: Build Fast or Freeze

If you’ve ever worked a job site in subzero temperatures, you know the struggle. Chicago builders race to get foundations in before the ground freezes because once winter hits? Everything slows down.

• Concrete cures slower in the cold, so timing is everything. 

• Snow delays? Oh, they’re real, and they’re a nightmare. 

• Materials shrink and expand, which means you’d better account for seasonal movement.

Tennessee Summers: Heat, Humidity, and Storms

In the Smokies, we’re not worried about frozen foundations—we’re worried about sudden downpours, extreme humidity, and tornado-season surprises.

• Humidity warps wood—if you don’t store materials properly, they’ll be useless before you even start. 

• Flash floods can wash out a site overnight if drainage isn’t planned perfectly. 

• Storm damage is real—you haven’t lived until a pop-up storm takes down half your framing.

Bottom line? Chicago builds fast before winter; Tennessee builds carefully before the next rainstorm.

#3. Building Codes & Inspectors: Two Different Worlds

Chicago: Rules, Regulations, and More Rules

Chicago’s building codes are NO joke. You’re dealing with layer upon layer of regulations, strict inspectors, and a permitting process that can feel like a full-time job.

• Zoning is tight, and you’ll know quickly if your plans don’t fit. 

• Expect multiple inspections at every phase, and if you think you’re going to outsmart the city? Think again. 

• Diversity in contractors—you get a wide range of skilled professionals from different backgrounds and specialties, which means you can always find the right expert for the job.

Tennessee: More Flexibility, But Also More Relationships

Compared to Chicago, Tennessee’s building codes can feel downright relaxed—but that doesn’t mean they’re any less important. The key difference? In Tennessee, it’s not just about what you know—it’s about who you know.

• Fewer restrictions mean more freedom, but also more room for mistakes if you don’t know what you’re doing. 

• Local inspectors can vary—some are thorough, some are, well... less so. 

• Tight-knit contractor network—out here, long-standing relationships matter. Newcomers have to prove themselves before getting access to the best crews.

Bottom line? In Chicago, you prove yourself on paper. In Tennessee, you prove yourself in person.

4. The People: Big-City Hustle vs. Mountain Connections

Chicago: Fast, Competitive, and Highly Skilled

Chicago is a melting pot of talent. You’re working with tradesmen from all over the world, each bringing their own expertise. The city is competitive, which means the best of the best rise to the top.

• Specialization is key—framers frame, roofers roof, and you’re hiring true experts for each part of the job. 

• Supply chains are predictable—materials are available and arrive on time. 

• Deadlines are sacred—miss one, and you’re out.

Tennessee: Talented, But Built on Trust

The talent is incredible, but it’s built more on relationships than competition. The best crews have been working together for years, and if you want in, you’d better earn their respect.

• Many subcontractors are jack-of-all-trades, which is great for flexibility but can slow things down. 

• Supplies don’t always arrive on time, so you’d better have a Plan B. 

• Networking matters—you don’t just hire the best; you earn the right to work with them.

Bottom line? Chicago builds at city speed. Tennessee moves at trust speed. If you’re not patient, you’re going to have a bad time.

Final Thoughts: Two Worlds, One Builder

After 20+ years in the business, I’ve learned one thing: great construction is about adapting. Chicago taught me precision, efficiency, and how to build through just about anything. Tennessee has taught me patience, problem-solving, and that sometimes, Mother Nature has the final say.

Two completely different worlds—but at the end of the day? The goal is the same: build homes that last, in a way that respects the land, the people, and the craft.

So, whether it’s a tight city lot or a steep mountain ridge, I’ll make it work. Because that’s what a damn good builder does.