Posts Tagged Home & Garden
Posted by Laura Nelson on March 14, 2010
Keith Druek, Seabreeze West Construction
As a successful remodeler of many beautiful Naperville area homes since 1991, Seabreeze West Remodeling often hears discouraging stories like the one below, where earlier selection of contractors did not work out. Owner Keith Druek says “I want to educate consumers about selecting remodelers right from the beginning, because then the project will leave the client happy and content for years to come…”
CASE STUDY
A Naperville area couple we will call Mary and Bob Smith obtained several bids for a basement remodel, and selected “neighborhood remodeler Adam” who submitted the cheapest bid. They signed a generic basic contract, and submitted a deposit check. Because they knew of Adam and he was reasonably priced, Mary and Bob did not think about a certificate of insurance, list of project references, plans and blueprints, and a detailed scope of work for their project.
Problems quickly surfaced. Their check was immediately cashed, there were frequent project changes and requests for more money, and the project dragged. Subcontractors also began to bother the homeowners directly, requesting payment. Adam didn’t return Mary and Bob’s phone calls about timeframes and other questions. He appeared less at the work site, because he probably did not have the cash flow necessary to pay the subs. When they thought their project was finally (thankfully!) completed, Mechanics’ Liens began to arrive in the mail. The Smiths had to hire a lawyer to sort things out.
This is certainly not the remodeling journey a homeowner has in mind!
Keith reminds readers to always keep the following in mind:
– The cheapest bid is not always the best. Obtain 3 bids from reputable companies that have been in business at least 10 years, and are willing to provide project references. Very cheap remodelers usually bring cash flow and project completion issues.
– Educate yourself and communicate! Ask questions! Learn about every step of the process, from initial design to final inspections. Your contract should clearly show what this project does and does not include. You will be working with your remodeler a long time. Build a relationship with your remodeler and be sure both sides communicate well.
– Be sure you have essential project paperwork in order:
1) Detailed contract;
2) A complete set of building plans and thorough set of specifications and materials;
3) Certificate of Insurance;
4) Information on building codes, practices and permits.
Remember, you are investing in your home–invest wisely and use a professional! For more information and a free estimate, call Seabreeze West Remodeling, (630) 585-0123. www.seabreezewest.com
Posted by Laura Nelson on March 14, 2010
If you have a lamp with a frayed cord, touchy socket, or missing part, take it to Dave Harms, the Lamp Wizard at Carlson’s True Value in downtown Wheaton. Harms, a retired Bell Labs inventor, has invented and built a diagnostic tool that pinpoints the problem for why a lamp is not working.
“You’d be surprised at the misconnections in a lamp that can cause shocks, fires, or blown fuses,” says Harms. In addition to an obvious defect, this new piece of test equipment quickly verifies that all connections from the plug to the light bulb contacts have been correctly made, that polarities are correct, and that there are no points that could be touched that would result in electrical shocks to people or pets.
Harms’ invention uses diode logic to indicate possible faults within seconds. It’s a tool that performs an eight-point test to isolate any problem. When repaired, the lamp owner can be assured that there will be no fuses blown, no potential for electrical shock or fire hazard, and the lamp will function properly.
To get your lamp working properly, take it to Carlson True Value at 125 E. Front St., Wheaton. (630) 668-1111
Posted by Laura Nelson on March 14, 2010
By Cherri Zboril, Alternating Currents
Double tapped breakers, improper wired receptacles, and use of extension cords are just a handful of items seen daily in homes that can cause a fire. More than 28,300 residential electrical fires occur annually, causing nearly 350 deaths, 1,000 injuries and more than $995 million in damage, according to the US Fire Administration. And many of these electrical fires could have been easily corrected with proper installation by a licensed electrician.
Double tapped breakers occur when the electrical circuit is overloaded. This overload will cause the breaker to pop or trip and turn off. After time, the breaker may fail to pop, thus resulting in a fire hazard. By upgrading the breaker or distributing the electrical circuit, it corrects the fire potential.
Receptacles and switches are another source of fire potential. If these electrical devices are not properly wired, a fire can result. Three-way and four-way switches are frequently seen without proper number of wires. Many times homeowners do these repairs on their own, but without proper knowledge, these repairs result in potential fire hazards.
The most frequently seen fire hazards in homes are extension cords. Homeowners may not be aware of the danger of using extension cords to operate garage door openers, sump pumps, freezers, and refrigerators. All of these devices need to be connected to a properly installed receptacle.
In addition to correcting fire hazards in homes, homeowners must have properly operating smoke detectors. Most villages require houses to have interconnected smoke detectors in each bedroom, 1 on each level of a house, and 1 near a furnace as well a 1 carbon monoxide detector located within a house.
If homeowners are unsure of their home’s electrical fire hazards, contact Alternating Currents Corporation, an electrical contracting company servicing the Chicagoland suburbs. This 16-year old company offers free evaluations of a home’s electrical condition. Call (630) 545-9343 or visit www.altcur.com for more information.
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.
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