Articles filed under Home Improvement

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Looking for a little bathroom remodeling project Apr 12, 2013 12:00 AM
Q. I'm a single woman and recently closed on my own home. The bathroom is nice, but I want my contractor to do a little remodeling. Please note that I can only afford some easy upgrades and space is limited.
Home inspector doesn’t want buyers at inspection Apr 11, 2013 12:00 AM
Q. We’ve just made an offer on a house, and our agent gave us a list of home inspectors. Two of the inspectors that we called sound knowledgeable, but they prefer to do the inspection alone and then email the report to us. Do you think it’s important for us to be at the inspection or simply to receive the report afterward?
Does your garage need a makeover? We’re here to help Apr 10, 2013 12:00 AM
If your garage is a real mess, we’ve got a contest for you. Submit a photo of your messy garage to win an Extreme Garage Makeover sponsored by Junk Remedy and Garage Store valued at $4,000.
HGTV designer’s style rooted in the suburbs Apr 9, 2013 12:00 AM
HGTV Design Star winner Meg Caswell found all sorts of inspiration while shopping at Scentimental Gardens in Geneva last week. The 35-year-old Kenilworth native and Chicago design firm owner is always on the lookout for items she can feature on her HGTV show, “Meg’s Great Rooms.” “My business before was my heart and soul, but it was a lot of hard work. I sometimes had 20 clients at once. Now, I have the privilege to select just a few clients,” she said.
Build walls properly when finishing a basement Apr 6, 2013 12:00 AM
Q. You've written about putting up a foam vapor barrier on the basement wall when remodeling. You suggested building a frame wall a certain amount of distance from the basement wall itself and then insulate and finish the framed wall.
Agent tells buyers not to attend home inspection Apr 5, 2013 12:00 AM
Q. We are in escrow to buy a home, and we hired the home inspector who was chosen by our real estate agent. When we asked if we could attend the inspection, our agent said this was not necessary and that most homebuyers don't.
Couples opt for calming Asian-inspired designs for master bath Apr 1, 2013 12:00 AM
The allure of Asian-style design in American homes has existed for some time. In the bathroom, homeowners have come to appreciate its calming atmosphere, warm colors, clean design and sense of serenity.
Home inspector: Buyers worry about radon in home Mar 29, 2013 12:00 AM
Q. We are in the process of buying a house and were informed that the sellers installed a radon mediation system last year. Radon levels before the system was installed were about 7 picocuries per liter. What should we do about this situation, and what are the effects of radon exposure to occupants?
An enclosed porch comes out of hibernation Mar 24, 2013 12:00 AM
Everyone looks forward to some special aspect of spring's arrival, whether it's seeing colorful bulbs burst into bloom, packing away the snow shovel or dusting off boxes of Easter decorations. For Sycamore homeowner Mary Waight, exchanging winter's deep freeze for warmer temperatures means a return to her enclosed porch, a frequent relaxing spot for her, her husband, Gary, and their petite terrier mix, Rudy.
Keep food safety in mind in selecting faucets, sinks Mar 24, 2013 12:00 AM
Q. I recently read your column about a homeowner asking about a small faucet for a prep sink that would use cold water only. As a food professional, I'd advise that food-prep sinks should always include hot water as well, for general cleanup and for washing hands. I believe hands and the sink need to be washed every time you handle raw food products.
Duct cleaning gives some homeowners peace of mind Mar 23, 2013 12:00 AM
John Santos of Los Angeles wants his home to be a healthy gathering place for family and friends, some of whom are recovering from major illness. As part of his effort, he recently had his home's ductwork professionally cleaned.
Where the best place to put the furnace? Mar 23, 2013 12:00 AM
Q. We were looking at model homes and I noticed one of the models we liked had the furnace in the garage and another model had the furnace in the laundry room. I like to tinker and I need all the room in the garage I can get. What's the difference?
Home inspector who offers to make repairs has conflict Mar 22, 2013 12:00 AM
Q. Our home recently fell out of escrow, and the circumstances were very suspicious. The buyers' home inspector said we have mold. We were unable to see it, but the inspector said it was only visible with a special flashlight.
New fixture improves singin’ in the shower Mar 17, 2013 12:00 AM
Q. A friend recently told me about a new shower head that plays music. Can you please give me some information about this shower head and how it is installed? I'm excited about this and I want one!
Local company greatly improves sump pump technology Mar 16, 2013 12:00 AM
The best sump pumps today use less energy, a critical feature when the power is out and the pomp is running on a battery backup. A local company also makes digital pumps with no moving parts to break. Metropolitan Industries Inc. of Romeoville has been developing and manufacturing pumps for residential, commercial, industrial and municipal use for more than 50 years.
A look at ground fault circuit interrupters Mar 16, 2013 12:00 AM
Q. In the past you've written about special outlets for the garage. What should I install? I'm selling my house to my son and I want everything to be safe.
Buyers should attend their home inspection Mar 15, 2013 12:00 AM
Q. Our agent says it's not important for us to attend the home inspection, that we should just wait for the report. But we're uncomfortable with that advice. There are so many things we want to ask the inspector. What do you recommend?
Elongated toilet may still fit tight space Mar 10, 2013 12:00 AM
Q. I enjoy your take on plumbing and hope you can help me. We're replacing our old round front toilet and I would like to put in an elongated toilet. My husband says that the space is too tight for an elongated. Is there another option we can look into before he runs out and buys the same type of toilet?
Woodworking no longer a hobby just for middle-aged men Mar 9, 2013 12:00 AM
In a world where technology means you rarely have to lift a finger, more people are looking for things to do with their hands. Increasingly, they are turning to traditional skills and hobbies like woodworking, which is not only popular, it's become downright cool.
Drains, catch pans needed for attic for appliances Mar 9, 2013 12:00 AM
Q. I recently converted the attic space in my home to a bedroom, bathroom and laundry. I hired a contractor with years of experience to design and complete the work, and I am well-pleased with his work.