Articles filed under Home Improvement
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New home's 'noises' won't be easy to silenceMar 29, 2015 1:00 am - Q. We live in a 16-month-old house. There are noises coming from pipes in two areas: the water heater - a few thumps happen each time water starts to flow; and the furna...
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Oak Park family builds a dream kitchenMar 28, 2015 12:00 am - Most homeowners consider the kitchen to be the heart of their home. The kitchen is where daily meals are prepared, stories are shared and memories are made. Thanksgiving...
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Before leveling floors, find out what caused the problemMar 22, 2015 12:00 am - Q. We would like to level the concrete floors of our second-floor condo. The floor problem is characteristic of the 1870s building. The bedroom slants away from the door...
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Break ground with the right toolsMar 21, 2015 7:00 am - The right tools for the job can be the difference between an interminable landscaping project and one that goes smoothly and efficiently. Aspiring landscapers probably h...
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Kitchen upgrades heat upMar 21, 2015 1:00 am - As homeowners emerge from their recent state of “recession hibernation” and start spending money on home improvement projects again, companies like Imperial Stone in Elk...
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Chicago Home Show about more than just remodelingMar 21, 2015 1:00 am - The Chicago Home Show returned to the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles Saturday to help homeowners gather ideas and jump-start new projects. Exhibitors present th...
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Staples may be a good alternative to some adhesivesMar 15, 2015 12:00 am - Q. I put plastic lattice under my outside deck to dress it up. I tried to glue window screen on the back of the lattice to keep flying insects out, but the screening kee...
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Creating characterful interiors with hardwood moldingMar 14, 2015 12:00 am - Just as tasteful, well-chosen jewelry can turn an unexciting outfit into a stylish, eye-catching ensemble, carefully applied hardwood moldings and trimwork can transform...
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When renovating, be sure to properly upgrade insulationMar 07, 2015 11:00 pm - Q. We have a family room, originally a porch, that we now use year-round. It is a 3½-inch step down from our kitchen. We have baseboard heating. The room is 12-by-16 fee...
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Dealing with electrical surgesMar 07, 2015 11:00 pm - Q. I have had a couple of electronic items burn out from lightning during thunder storms. Other items don't seem to last as long as they should. Will a whole-house surge...