Archive for March, 2010
Posted by Laura Nelson on March 14, 2010
Mirror, before (top) and after (bottom)
“If the mirror over your bathroom sink is at least ten years old, chances are the silver is beginning to wear away from the moisture, and it looks black along the bottom edge,” says Keith Carlson of Carlson Glass in Wheaton.
There are two ways to remedy that, he says, without the expense of replacement. First, the mirror can be trimmed and the black area cut off. Or, a decorative beveled strip can be applied on top of the mirror to cover the silver loss. That’s a great option, according to Carlson, because it updates the mirror, too. Strips and decorative corners are available in a variety of widths. It’s a project easily done by homeowners, says Carlson.
See the display of mirrors and bevels at Carlson’s Glass and Mirror Showroom, 312 West Front St., downtown Wheaton.
Posted by Laura Nelson on March 14, 2010
Homeowners are more likely to improve their current homes, rather than move, according to the Bates brothers of Bates Construction in Wheaton. Dan and Mike Bates point to a recent project that included knocking down an existing wall plus putting on a 15′ x 20′ addition.
“Taking down the wall gave the home an open floor plan, and updated the house dramatically,” says Dan. Besides additions, Bates Construction remodels kitchens, baths and basements. They also install decks, windows, doors and siding.
For a free estimate, call Bates Construction at (630) 668-2334.
Posted by Laura Nelson on March 14, 2010
Bathroom showerheads are frequently highlighted as water-conserving, but new bathroom sink faucets also optimize water flow without sacrificing performance. The beautiful Moen ShowHouse “Destiny” faucet shown here is a new hands-free faucet designed exclusively for the powder room. It is certified to meet WaterSense Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) criteria, and is ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)compliant. A laminar stream allows for clear and quiet water flow. The high-arc spout provides more clearance for hand washing. Controls are discreetly located under the sink, for a sleek, minimalist look. Available in chrome.
Phil Walz Plumbing in Naperville can make the Destiny faucet part of your bathroom remodel. For more information on their remodeling and full-service plumbing, call (630) 355-0080. Visit their showroom at 1340 W. Ogden Ave. (near River Rd.), Naperville.
Posted by Laura Nelson on March 14, 2010
Like many services, we often take rug cleaning for granted. We find a company in the phone book, and have them pick up our orientals, trusting they’re equipped to do a good job.
Too often, however, people find out they’ve made a mistake; the blues and reds have bled into the whites, colors are faded, and treasured orientals are still dirty.
“Rug cleaning is a very competitive business, and some people will promise anything they can to get work,” says Henry Bertalmio, owner of Best Way Rug & Furniture Cleaners in downtown Wheaton.
Having spent his lifetime in the rug cleaning business, Bertalmio, 55, knows what he’s talking about. His father, Ambrose, founded Best Way in the waning years of the depression. In 1946, he built a specialized rug-cleaning plant in downtown Wheaton, its present location. Henry and wife Nancy carry on the business today, along with their sons, Clay and Joe. Son Mark also helps out on occasion.
Rug cleaning techniques that Ambrose Bertalmio perfected are still responsible for Best Way’s success today. They clean between 9,000 and 10,000 rugs a year in the Wheaton rug-washing plant.
“Most of the rugs we get in are hand-made and intended to last a lifetime,” says Bertalmio. “We take special care to make sure they are hand-washed properly. Each and every rug has to be treated individually as a separate item because they are made under different conditions.”
Rug cleaning involves several steps, he explains. Rugs are measured and tested for color fastness, then sorted for dry cleaning or washing. About 95% are hand-washed. Rugs are placed on a custom-built, slanted, wash floor for cleaning. Next, rugs are rinsed, run through a wringer, and hung overnight in a custom-heated drying room. The next day, each rug is treated with additional soil retardants, stain removers, or pet odor sprays as needed. Following that, fringe is cleaned and brushed by hand to get it as white as possible. The next day, rugs are rolled up and delivered.
Rug-cleaning charges depend on the size, with a discount available if you choose to take it in and pick it up.
Besides custom rug cleaning, Best Way also repairs and re-fringes rugs. Best Way also cleans carpeting and furniture and sells and installs new flooring. Best Way is at 319 W. Front St., downtown Wheaton. (630) 668-7940. www.bestwayrug.com
Posted by Laura Nelson on March 14, 2010
After homeowners finish the important job of choosing the color for their beautiful stone countertops, next comes selection of edge profiles. There are different edge treatments to choose from, including flat, rolled or roundover, half bullnose, bookend and bevel. Marble Tech offers premium edge treatments like the ogee (large and small), chiseled and triple waterfall.
The edge you choose is a personal preference, but be sure to discuss things like your lifestyle and number of kitchen users with your sales consultant. For example, if you have a large family with children, a simpler, rounder edge style might work better for you because of comfort, safety and easier/faster cleaning.
Marble Tech offers a large selection of edge profiles for every granite surface. In fact, 9 different edges are included in their unique standard package for homeowners. Additional edge types are available, and they can also create custom edges.
For more information, call (800) 551-0885. Also visit www.marbletechinc.com. MarbleTech has showrooms in Naperville, Wheaton, Geneva, Crystal Lake, Schaumburg, Algonquin, Chicago, Lincolnwood, Barrington, and Highland Park.
Posted by Laura Nelson on March 14, 2010
DuPage Credit Union is a not-for-profit, full service, financial institution with more than 30,000 Members. With a long-standing tradition of superior service, DuPage Credit Union offers financial solutions to anyone who lives or works in DeKalb, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry or Will counties.
Members come to the Credit Union for a variety of reasons and in today’s Buyer’s Market many have chosen DuPage Credit Union as their trusted mortgage lender. Members feel secure knowing they are working with a knowledgeable team of non-commissioned Mortgage Specialists who have their best interests in mind. Another unique advantage is Members will always make their first payment to their last to the Credit Union and there are no pre-payment penalties.
The Credit Union also offers a variety of seminars and services tailored to the meet the ever-changing marketplace, such as:
– Buying and Selling a Home in Today’s Market Seminar
– First-time Home Financing Seminar
– Personalized Mortgage Evaluations
– Free Mortgage Rate Watch Service
DuPage Credit Union’s award-winning website, at dupagecu.com, features all of the Credit Union’s products and services designed to help Members save time and money including: online applications, Online Banking, seminar dates and free car-buying tools.
Branch Offices are located in Bloomingdale, Downers Grove, Geneva, Naperville, Villa Park and Wheaton. To learn more about DuPage Credit Union and the many benefits of Membership, visit a Branch Office, dupagecu.com or call (800) 323-2611.
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