Articles filed under Home & Garden
-
Lawyer passes baton on educating board members, unit ownersDec 25, 2024 6:00 am - After more than 13 years of having the privilege of writing this column, I am passing the baton. Although the column is called “Condo Talk,” it has addressed legal issues concerning the full variety of homeowner associations in Illinois; that is, condominium associations, master associations and common interest community associations.
-
Optimize your organization: Tips to eliminate the clutter and cut down your stressDec 24, 2024 9:35 pm - If clutter has you down, consider these strategies to organize your interior spaces and start the new year with a new outlook.
-
Younger generations swap tradition for self-expression with holiday decorationsDec 24, 2024 4:50 pm - Whether dressed in black, mimicking bare branches or decked out with enough bows for a Taylor Swift concert, the Christmas trees in some U.S. homes this year display an unconventional streak. They beckon visitors to behold the decorator's personality, not a mere symbol of Yuletide cheer.
-
Shake snow from plants; shovel with careDec 23, 2024 6:38 pm - There has not been much snow in the Chicago area yet this year, but when a storm does finally come, carefully shake snow off plants during heavy wet storms to minimize damage.
-
Why disclose old, ungrounded outlets?Dec 23, 2024 6:15 am - Q: As a fellow home inspector, I think you go overboard with electrical issues, such as ungrounded two-prong outlets in old homes.
-
Stay safe with these gas fireplace tipsDec 19, 2024 4:22 pm - Heartwarming scenes around a fireplace are even more enjoyable when safety has been prioritized. Individuals with gas fireplaces need to embrace fire safety as well. Here are some strategies to stay safe this season.
-
Lack of mortgagee information could delay amendment effective dateDec 19, 2024 3:43 pm - When does an amendment to the declaration of an owner’s association become effective? The board has discovered it will take some time to find all the mortgagee information for the required mailing.
-
Replacing old toilets will pay off in lower water billsDec 18, 2024 11:20 pm - Even though you can likely fix your old toilet with a repair kit, you would be better off in the long run installing a new water-saving model. The flushing of toilets typically accounts for 30% of the water usage for a family making it, by far, the greatest single water usage appliance.
-
Questions about home inspectorsDec 18, 2024 12:01 am - What should one consider before entering the business of home inspection? Columnist Barry Stone answers four questions to set you on the right path.
-
A step-by-step guide to renovating a neglected gardenDec 17, 2024 10:55 pm - Whether you’ve inherited a neglected garden from a previous homeowner or have been too busy to keep on top of maintenance, don’t despair: Devising a game plan now can set you up for a much better view by next winter.