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Posted by Laura Nelson on June 21, 2010
Dennis Taylor, The Kitchen Taylor
Updating a kitchen is the most popular investment for a home remodeling project, according to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, (NARI). Kitchen projects can be complicated and costly, so it’s critical to work with professionals who can work through the remodel from start to finish.
“Cabinetry is the most expensive element in kitchen re-dos,” says Dennis Taylor, owner of The Kitchen Taylor. Recessionary times call for recessionary measures, he maintains. While he’s a master craftsman and builds custom cabinetry for high-end projects, Taylor also recommends ways homeowners can save substantially in updating cabinetry.
Taylor, with more than 30 years in the remodeling business, says there’s an easy way to tell if your cabinets are worth refinishing. If the cabinets are built of wood, refinishing or refacing is a good option. (If, on the other hand, they’re pressed board with contact paper on the sides, new cabinets should be installed). In most homes 25 to 40 years old, the quality of standard cabinetry was designed to last a lifetime.
In refinishing, all cabinet doors and drawers are removed. The wood is stripped, sanded, hand-rubbed and refinished in the workshop to produce a durable new finish. It is possible to change the color of cabinets in most cases.
Refacing is done when cabinets are structurally sound, but built of a wood shade that is unattractive, or in a shade that cannot be altered satisfactorily by refinishing. In refacing, door and drawer fronts are replaced and all exterior surfaces of the cabinets are covered with new wood or laminate.
For more information, contact Dennis Taylor, of The Kitchen Taylor, (630) 653-5402. www.thekitchentaylor.com
Posted by Laura Nelson on June 21, 2010
Jeff Tideman of Jet Fan USA with the “world’s best attic fan”.
Homeowners are sleeping better, staying cooler and reducing the cost of air-conditioning by this single, most effective and easy step–you can too!
Did you every wonder why the summer temperature in your bedrooms is ten degrees warmer than the main floor? It’s the 150 degree attic heat backing up through the ceilings, says Jeff Tideman, of Villa Park’s Jet Fan. Tideman, with 27 years of fan installation experience, combines his expertise with the installation of the “world’s best attic fan”.
“Insulation isn’t enough,” says Tideman. “Air conditioners have to work harder and run longer to make it comfortable upstairs. At the same time, the basement is freezing.”
According to studies by the Home Ventilation Institute, homeowners can save up to 30% on air conditioning costs with a powered attic fan. An attic fan forces hot air right out of the attic. Hot, humid air is exhausted and physically forced out of the attic, while drawing in cooler, dryer air from the outside through whatever vents are already in place. The attic fans runs only when conditions require it.
Jet Fan attic fans are all metal and rust proof. All components are American made. The power used to operate the fan is 250 watts–much less power than an air conditioner uses to cool the effect of hot attic air.
Jet Fans are available in two different sizes, says Tideman. Professional installers can determine which model is most efficient for your home.
To learn more about saving energy, money and cooling your home, contact Jeff Tideman at Jet Fan (630) 834-9165.
www.JetFanUSA.com
Posted by Laura Nelson on June 21, 2010
What’s the deal with sealing granite counter tops? It should be done yearly, according to the experts at Marble Tech, Inc. Granite has a natural, porous finish, which can absorb stains. A sealer prevents stains, and doesn’t affect the finish in any way.
To keep your countertops beautiful and stain free, spray the sealer on, and leave for 5 to 10 minutes. Do not let the sealer dry on the surface. Next, wipe off the countertop with a clean paper towel. Wait 24 hours to clean any surfaces that have been treated to allow the sealer to fully penetrate the stone.
Cleaning and sealing products are available from Marble Tech, Inc., including a special 15-year sealer.
Marble Tech, Inc. has showrooms in Naperville, Wheaton, Geneva, Crystal Lake, Schaumburg, Algonquin, Chicago, Lincolnwood, Barrington and Highland Park. Call (800) 551-0885 to learn more, and visit www.marbletechinc.com.
Posted by Laura Nelson on June 21, 2010
Tips From Pond Builder John Loudon
John Loudon, Artistic Design Garden Ponds
Transforming a yard to a retreat by adding a pond is John Loudon’s passion. Loudon, owner of Artistic Design Garden Ponds is the salesman, designer and pond builder who makes sure his customers are satisfied. Whether the pond is 4′x6′ or as large as 26′x26′, Louden suggests homeowners keep the following points in mind:
• Position your pond near the house so you can enjoy its beauty and tranquility.
• Keep it away from low spots, as water run off can be a problem.
• Draining and cleaning need only be done once a year, provided you work in harmony with Mother Nature and follow a five-part maintenance program.
• Koi can be kept in ponds year round. Pond depth, at least 2′ deep, generally freezes only 8″ down even in our area.
• Ponds can be a great asset to a home, unlike a swimming pool, when it comes to resale value.
Loudon uses Aquascape Professional Grade products exclusively. He says, “Our price is fair and competitive. All our work and products are top quality.”
To learn more about getting your own backyard retreat, call Loudon at (630) 995-5275. To see more examples of water gardens, and Loudon’s 20-Step installation program, visit www.adgponds.com.
Posted by Laura Nelson on June 21, 2010
By Sherry Nelson
Frog man Tom Lossman says frogs made ideal first pets. Lossman, in the animal business full time for 19 years, travels the country doing animal shows. His specialty is frogs and geckos. Frogs, he says, are appealing because of their vibrant green color–plus, they’re relatively easy to care for.
“It’s important to provide a suitable vivarium,” says Lossman, “Then, remember to feed them some crickets every other day, and your frog will live 10-20 years.”
A vivarium is a self-contained bio-system. Lossman ships moss, vivarium supplies or complete systems across the country. Systems may be pre-ordered and picked up at shows also. A vivarium contains soil or a substrate along with a complement of living plants, moss, and water making its inhabitants feel at home.
Lossman is a regular exhibitor at Scott Smith’s All animal Expo, with twice-monthly shows at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton. To learn more about frogs and geckos, see him at the show Sunday, June 20. Call him at (715) 212-7378.
For the complete show schedule, visit www.AllAnimalShow.comn.
Posted by Laura Nelson on June 21, 2010
Bargain hunters and antique collectors are sure to visit Sandwich during the summer season. It seems to be the center of the Antique Universe, with shows, malls, shops and boutiques galore. Sandwich, about 30 miles west of St. Charles, is home to the oldest continuing county fair in Illinois. The Sandwich Fair has been held every year since 1889.
The monthly Sandwich Antiques Market is held at the park-like Sandwich Fairgrounds every month from April through October. Crafts, flea market items, garage sales and business booths are featured in the West Field, while The East Field highlights antiques and collectibles from the 19th and 20th centuries. To learn more, call (815)786-3337.
Sandwich Antiques Mart is the oldest mall in Sandwich. Specializing in elegant to primitive antiques and collectibles, dealers in the mall are proud of offering outstanding customer service. Mall owner Sharon Rogers is celebrating 21 years in business this season. The multi-dealer mall is at 2300 E. Rte 34 (just east of Sandwich). Reach her at (815) 786-6122. Check the ad in this issue for a 15% discount offer.
Farmer’s Daughter Antiques is a tidy collection of five specialty vendors. Located in a charming house in the heart of Sandwich, the specialty is primitive country home decor. There are hand-crafted textiles, candles, wood furniture, and accessories. Johnston Benchworks custom upholstered furniture is one of the signature offerings. See the ad in this issue for a 10% discount offer. Farmer’s Daughter Antiques is at 303 S. Main St., (815) 786-6370.
Olde Timers Antique Centre is an expansive mall in historic downtown Sandwich featuring more than 100 vendors. It is located at 131 Church St. (Rte. 34), (815) 786-6430.
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