Posts Tagged Local Business
Posted by Laura Nelson on May 10, 2010
Decorative Concrete Edging is a permanent feature that gives gardens a completed look and helps keep garden mulch in place. It will not rust, decompose, or shift like other edging materials.
Eric Voelz, owner of E’s Kurb Appeal, has been installing Concrete Edging for four years. “Homeowners love it because it’s done in one day, and stays in place,” he says.
Landscape Curbing is appealing because of the many advantages it has, in contrast to other edge treatments. These include:
• It’s attractive, giving instant appeal to gardens without overpowering the yard.
• Curbing is practical and cost effective, because it’s permanent. Edging instantly adds value to a yard.
• Curbing is versatile. It’s durable through severe winters, and is available in dozens of curb styles, colors, and patterns. It’s ideal for flower beds, tree rings, mailboxes, sidewalk edging, or to help control erosion.
• Curbing helps maintain bedding materials.
Landscape Curbing is extruded on site in one continuous piece. It has a 1/8″ braided and galvanized cable right in the curb to maximize strength and durability.
Color is added to the mix on site, making it consistent throughout, and does not peel or flake off. According to Voelz, the top colors for this season are rawhide and brown tones, currently topping brick.
To learn more about Landscape Curbing, call Eric Voelz at E’s Kurb Appeal at (630) 621-8480 and visit www.eskurbappeal.com.
Posted by Laura Nelson on May 10, 2010
According to HomeGain.com, homeowners can maximize home sale prices with a relatively small investment. HomeGain.com conducts nationwide home improvement and home staging surveys to assist homeowners in preparing their homes for sale.
Steve Stateler, Owner of P.E.C. Services
The top three home improvements that Realtors recommended to home sellers, based on average cost and return on investment (ROI) to sellers, are:
1) Cleaning and De-cluttering– Average cost: $100-$200. Home Price increase: $1,500-$2,00. Return on investment: 872%. Agents recommending: 98%.
2) Home Staging–Average cost: $300-$400. Home Price Increase: $1,500-$2,000. Return on investment: 586%. Agents recommending: 98%.
3) Lighten & Brighten (Window Cleaning)– Average cost: $150-$200. Home Price increase: $1,000-$1,500. Return on investment, 572%. Agents recommending: 95%.
Steve Stateler, of P.E.C. Services, can help you show off your home with power washing, window cleaning and more. Contact him at (630) 386-1693.
Posted by Laura Nelson on May 10, 2010
While the sign on the exterior says Crystal House, under the tin ceiling inside is an eclectic collection of original artwork, primitive African art pieces, textured glass coasters, keepsake boxes and more. The ambiance of the relocated shop in Downers Grove is that of a mini art museum, says Chaz Nieponski, co-owner of Chazerly Designs, Inc., which is the parent company for the Crystal House art galleries.
Crystal sparkles in glassware, candle holders, frames, statues, keepsake boxes and custom designs. Items can be personalized with custom etching. Expert crystal repair services are also available.
Primitive African art from Cameroon, Nigeria, Chad, and other countries includes Punu masks and pygmy beds among the extensive collection.
Hand-crafted jewelry, original paintings and limited edition prints are featured in the galleries also.
Crystal House is at 5116 Main St., Downers Grove. Hours are Mon.-Fri., 10am-6pm; Thurs., 11am-8pm; Sat., 10am-3pm. To see more Crystal House merchandise, visit www.chazerlydesigns.com.
Posted by Laura Nelson on May 10, 2010
By Keith Druek, Owner,
Seabreeze West Remodeling
Francine and Marty have been living in their house for more than 10 years. With three children, a dog, and items accumulated through the years, they are running out of space. Their home has simply become too small for their family’s lifestyle.
They like their neighborhood with its proximity to shops, and they are reluctant to move and uproot their children from their friends and classmates. Francine and Marty realize that an addition to their existing home allows their family to stay in the neighborhood while solving their space needs.
Their home, like older homes, was built with a “boxed” look, and they’ve decided to “think outside the box”. They asked themselves two main questions: if we add on, how do we use the extra space? Though they have no plans to move or relocate, will they be able to recoup the cost of the addition when they sell it?
In conversations with colleagues, Marty learns that the cost of additions is generally recouped when a home is sold, especially when the remodel project is a finished basement, bedroom addition, kitchen expansion to provide more elbow room or extra cabinets, a pantry, and center island, or sunroom addition to provide a relaxing and cozy setting when entertaining, especially in the summertime.
With the second question answered, all that was left to decide was how to use the space.
Like Francine and Marty, each of us has aspects of our homes that we would like to change. Some of those changes may be necessitated by a leaking bathroom or worn flooring that needs to be replaced. Or perhaps the motivation is to eliminate cramping by adding storage via kitchen cabinets or adding a bedroom so that the kids have more space.
If that describes your situation, maybe now is the time for change while mortgage rates are still low and housing prices are starting to rise. So, don’t be afraid to venture into the remodeling world. Do your homework–start tearing out pictures from magazines, explore ideas and, most importantly, call a reputable builder to begin the process of creating the home for your family needs.
Remember, you are investing in your home–invest wisely and use a professional!
Seabreeze West Remodeling, Inc. is a design/build firm specializing in remodeling homes and businesses. If you are considering remodeling your home or adding an addition, call (630) 585-0123 for a complimentary consultation to learn how Seabreeze West Remodeling can design and build your home project within your budget.
Posted by Laura Nelson on February 7, 2010
If your church group, sports team or PTA has sold magazines, candy bars or wrapping paper, you may want to try something different. Many local businesses offer innovative programs which benefit the community as well as the organizations raising money. Your main contact is always accessible, and your participation adds revenue to a local business. Here are some novel ideas for your organization:
Indulge Cheesecakes, Bloomingdale
Debbie Zempel makes scrumptious cheesecakes, which she offers as fundraisers to both non-profit and for-profit organizations. Orders can be taken with a specific delivery date, or groups can raise funds by making in-store purchases, similar to the “Shop and Share” model. Programs are flexible. Contact Debbie Zempel at Indulge Cheesecakes, (630) 893-5714.
Entrée Kitchen, Carol Stream
Diane Beaulieu, owner, offers delicious meal solutions for busy people. Several programs with the meal preparation business are available. Groups can reserve an evening to prepare meals together, with meals going toward an individual in need. Meals can also be ordered and be delivered or picked up. Menu selections include a wide variety of choices. Contact Diane Beulieu at (630) 668-4450.
Deese, The Sycamore Boutique, Sycamore
Angela Nielsen makes fragrant shea butter soaps in delicate fragrances and hand-poured soy candles. Scrub soaps for gardeners are available too. Call Angela for more information at (815) 899-9977.
Action Screen Printing, Warrenville
Alan Arrighi has a new program ideal for youth sports teams. The Shirt and Simple program is an easy way to keep your fundraiser online, and eliminates chasing payments. Participants customize their orders online. Call Action Screen Printing at (630) 393-1990 or (800) 661-5892.
Dancing Lights, Glen Ellyn
Carol Swetka offers a huge assortment of hand-dipped candles, votives, and soy jars. 64 different scents are available. Holders can be included, either decorative or basic. Call Dancing Lights at (630) 790-4548.
Wheaton Bowl, Wheaton
Fundraisers can be scheduled for your group on Friday or Saturday evenings. Several “Candlelight Bowl” packages are offered, which include bowling and shoe rental. Buffet packages can also be included–delicious Pal Joey’s pizza, a hot assortment, or deli selections. Minimum 10 couples. For details, contact Bob Inzinga at (630) 668-4102.
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
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