Archive for January, 2010
Posted by Laura Nelson on January 18, 2010
Renovating and updating a bath is often said to be a contractor’s least favorite project. It involves working in a small space, is labor-intensive, and doesn’t bring in the revenue produced by a kitchen remodel.
Before
Jim Kaplan, owner of J & M Remodeling, is one contractor who relishes bath jobs.
“I enjoy working on them, because each small change makes such a big difference,” he says. Kaplan recently completed a remodel that moved plumbing, replaced a tub, enlarged a shower, rebuilt a closet, put in a new vanity, and installed a heated floor system.
After
The Nuheat floor warming system is like putting an electric blanket under your floor, according to Kaplan. It’s an electric radiant floor warming system controlled by a programmable thermostat. Nuheat warms tile, stone, laminate and engineered wood floors. It carries a 25 year warranty and is maintenance free.
The homeowner was especially pleased with the enlarged shower, says Kaplan. “It’s always a challenge to rework plumbing,” he says, “but even moving things a little bit makes a dramatic difference in comfort and available space.”
Jim Kaplan has been remodeling interiors since 1979. To learn more about updating your bath, call him at (630) 416-0763.
Posted by Laura Nelson on January 18, 2010
From Sean Folino, Olde English Chimney Sweeps
With the fireplace burning season here, experts at Olde English Chimney Sweeps, Inc. share some tips for a safe and enjoyable winter around the fireplace. Safety is paramount, when gathered around flames in the family room, according to Sean Folino, owner of Old English Chimney Sweeps. The main cause of chimney fires is creosote. A buildup of creosote is highly combustible, so it’s best to do everything possible to minimize creosote and its danger.
1) Burn only seasoned hardwoods. They include oak, maple, birch, apple, cherry and other fruit woods.
2) Do not burn grocery store “paper logs”, treated lumber, trash or discarded furniture in a fireplace or woodstove, as the chemicals raise creosote accumulation.
3) Don’t allow the fire to smolder. The smoke can dangerously backdraft into the home.
4) Have your chimney cleaned regularly, every 200-300 logs.
To keep your chimney safe and in top shape, call Olde English Chimney Sweeps at (630) 679-9500. www.ChicagoChimney.com
Posted by Laura Nelson on January 18, 2010
The days of stiff, scratchy carpeting are long gone, says John Karmis, owner of Karmis Carpets in Glen Ellyn. Today’s carpets feel like soft cotton, Karmis says, with better stain resistance than ever.
John Karmis, Karmis Carpets, Glen Ellyn
The technology for integrating stain repellent qualities into the carpet fibers has vastly improved–it’s far superior to the topical application of the past. According to Karmis, it’s been a boon to customers–but hardly one for retailers.
“Homeowners used to replace carpets about every five years,” says Karmis. That’s when foot traffic and soil made it look tired. “Improved technology has given carpets a longer life,” he says, “with many carpets lasting up to ten years.”
Homeowners shopping for new carpeting should shop and compare, Karmis urges. When Big Box stores quote prices for installation, they can be misleading. He says most times a specialty carpet retailer is very competitive with a Big Box store, is more knowledgeable about the products, and delivers superior service.
To see samples of new soft fibers in carpets, hardwood, tile, area rugs and more, visit Karmis Carpets on Roosevelt Rd. at Park Blvd.
(near Trader Joe’s) in Glen Ellyn. (630) 790-4332
Posted by Laura Nelson on January 18, 2010
With the Olympics coming in February this year, it’s a great time to get a foundation for everybody’s favorite sport, figure skating. Skating is a skill that provides lifelong enjoyment. New students will learn correct skating techniques, have fun, and develop new friendships. Advanced students will learn about competitive skating programs.
Classes begin January 15 for boys and girls from ages 3 to adult. Skate rental is available. See the ad on page 15 of our paper for a substantial discount at both Carol Stream Ice Rink and Downers Grove Icearena.
Posted by Laura Nelson on January 18, 2010
Privately owned and managed, The Reading Tree offers one-on-one tutoring for all ages in all subjects, test preparation classes, high school entrance exam classes, and summer programs in math, reading and grammar.
Reading improvement and comprehension is a specialty at The Reading Tree. Programs are designed to increase reading speed, improve comprehension, and develop critical thinking skills. Courses are flexible, meeting the needs of each individual student.
Summer Boot Camp sessions in reading and grammar are intense programs designed to double reading speed, improve comprehension and writing skills.
To learn more, call (630) 964-5444 and visit wwwreadingtreelearning.com.
Posted by Laura Nelson on January 18, 2010
“Do we have fun? Our goal is to make each day the best day in the life of a child,” say Sr. Julie Stapleton, school principal. Tucked away in a picturesque corner of southwest Wheaton, the school is located on the beautiful grounds of Loretto Conference Center. “We enjoy playing in piles of leaves, rolling snowman balls, and playing T-ball in the spacious grass area,” says Sr. Julie. Indoors, the classrooms are equally cheery and spacious, where children enjoy puppet shows, practice climbing, learn about God and express themselves in creative ways. Admission is open to any child, regardless of religious affiliation.
To schedule a visit, contact Sr. Julie Stapleton at (630) 690-8410. Loretto Early Childhood Center is at 1600 Somerset Lane, Wheaton.
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