Fireplaces from the Inside Out
Snow is on the ground, the Holidays are coming, and Fireplace Season is officially upon us. Whether you’re prepping for family gatherings or a visit from Santa Claus, you want your fireplace to look its best. So let’s take a couple of minutes to discuss what goes into a fireplace (yes, besides wood).
Basement Nouveau: Building a Cinema Below Your Home
I grew up with two brothers, so as one might expect, there was a lot of sibling in-fighting. We’re all three very different people with different ways of viewing and operating in the world. But the one thing that could always unite us (besides McDonald’s) was how much we loved movies. There were few conflicts […]
Building Your Best Book Nook
November is National Novel Writing Month, so whether you’re a budding novelist or a notorious bibliophile, here are some tips for making the best space to bask in your love of books. Lighting Lighting is of the utmost importance, and should be at the top of your to-do list. The concern is making sure that […]
5 Ways To Go Green With Your Next Remodeling Project
Choose Energy Efficient Appliances Focusing on energy efficiency when you choose your appliances is not only good for the environment, but also great for your budget. The less energy you waste, the less energy you pay for! Big gains can be seen from replacing major appliances like refrigerators and furnaces, but the small things add […]
Gas Heating System: Safety Tips to Keep in Mind
No matter what kind of gas heating system you have, there are some vital tips that you must always keep in mind. There can be hydronic systems, boilers or even the classic furnaces, or even your standard gas stoves that are found in kitchens. These days a lot of kitchen spaces, commercial spaces, and even […]
10 Ideas to Start Your Green Remodeling
In today’s remodeling and building industry, the new trend and buzz word is “green”. A basic definition of “green” is the use of construction methods and materials that provide healthy, efficient, and sustainable choices when remodeling or building a home. Green remodeling is the beginning of creating a lifestyle that is more in […]
3 Key Areas to Insulate Your Home and Material
With the storm season upon us and the winter months approaching, proper insulation is at its most important. Your home being well-insulated results in energy savings, and ultimately more money in your pocketbook. We will cover the 3 keys areas and 4 insulation materials for your home this coming winter. Here are 3 keys areas to […]
6 Elements of Kitchen Remodeling
So you’re ready to make the jump and remodel that kitchen? Your reasons may vary, upgrade appliances, increase home value, and/or “re-map” the layout of the entire kitchen. Here we will take into consideration 6 major elements when kitchen remodeling: The Layout – “Work Triangle” Appliances Material Selection – Flooring/Countertop Storage Electrical – lighting, outlets, […]
Smaller Kitchen Remodeling – 5 Areas Revealed
There’s something that is creative about kitchen remodeling projects- especially if you don’t have the luxury of extra space. This is routine in metropolitan areas like Chicago where hi-rise buildings are common and a condo kitchen can average size of 8′ x 8’… 64 valuable square feet that you must consider how to use best. These are […]
Value Added Exterior Remodeling
Exterior remodeling raise property value, safety, and functionality A home’s curb appeal is crucial because it can be the first thing buyers notice about a home. A recent study done by Realtor.com rates different projects to a home’s market value and its associated cost vs. added value. The results were that 8 out of 10 […]
Appraisal and Home Inspection: What’s the Difference?
Both the appraisal and home inspection are a report based on a professional inspection of a property: “An appraisal is used to identify value” “An inspection is used to identify issues” Re: An Appraisal: Investopedia.com, a respected source for self-education on financial terms defines and explains an appraisal as: A valuation of property (ie. […]
Rooftop Deck….Yes or No?
Does your building have a killer view of the city skyline? If you live in or near Chicago, IL chances are that your rooftop view can get a glimpse of one of the world’s biggest and aesthetically pleasing skylines. The costs associated with a rooftop deck will always be offset by the increased value of […]