New Concrete? Use no salt this year!

January 13th, 2012

Did you get new concrete walks, patio or stairs this year?  Salt will ruin the surface if used before complete curing, which takes a whole year!  Use sand instead of salt for the first winter, and keep that smooth surface!  And remember to have a no-shoes policy this year too, because tracked-in sand will harm your floors.

Wicker Park/ Bucktown Chamber website now live!

January 6th, 2012

A great resource for all: shopping, eating/drinking, architecture, and art itineraries, deals, events,  and general cool stuff!

www.wickerparkbucktown.com

Yes, of course Littlerock is in there:

www.wickerparkbucktown.com/business-listings/littlerock-construction-inc

Take the plunge!

January 3rd, 2012

Got a call from a client in a quandry- whether to go with the color she “wanted, but was afraid of” or the one that looked “safe”. The things we want ARE scary, but paint is a perfect place to make a plunge- it’s easy to change! This is a metaphor for the client’s life- and perhaps yours- taking the safe path with no joy. Take a small risk in your home decor- practice the action- and you may be able move beyond- to choices holding you back in your personal life!

Thank you note from a client

December 8th, 2011

Got this note yesterday: “Enclosed please find payment + along with it my thanks. I would never have even dreamt of this project, much less attempted this without all your guidance + support. Looking forward to more!” I LOVE my work!

Georgian Luxury Bath

December 1st, 2011

I’m really proud of this Georgian bath- luxurious yet understated, it fits into the home beautifully and satisfies all the owner’s wishes:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150406651289234.363028.93601209233&type=1

Crazy easy way to save $ on heat this winter…

November 17th, 2011

CRAZY easy way to save $ on heat this winter? Take 5-10 minutes and make sure all your windows are closed AND locked! Double hung windows often drop the top sash- not enough to notice, just enough to leak heat constantly; casements and awning windows are NOT closed all the way unless you close the locks. Locking all windows allows weatherstrip to do its job- and you save the dough!

How to: Size HVAC systems for efficiency.

November 15th, 2011

This article might be a little too “wonky” for some, but proper sizing really is the key to efficiency!

<a href=”http://www.ebuild.com/articles/articleId.1763478/artnum.1.hwx”>

Glass Block is now energy efficient!

November 11th, 2011

Thermal Glass Block

Thermal Glass Block


Glass block has always been a big problem solver- security, privacy, noise…but never has it been energy efficient, because the temperature outside transfers directly to the inside surface. Now, glass block is available with a thermal break- so the thermal transfer doesn’t occur- and even Low-E! They cost more, but this product offers comfort and energy cost savings along with all the other stuff GB is good for!

Closet lighting- right on the clothes

November 10th, 2011


This closet bar delivers light right where you need it, on the clothes. LED light strip illuminates from the underside of the closet rod!

http://www.efficient-tec.com/PDFs/S3_catalog%202010/S3_Stainless%20Steel%20Systems_novelties.pdf

Bungalow Rehab

June 16th, 2010

This series shows the structural changes to the bungalow. Removing the dark enclosed porch from the 50’s brings light in; closing the original door into kitchen permits more efficient cabinetry and counters; pass-thru window from kitchen to dining room opens up the space for contemporary living.

http://www.facebook.com/LittlerockConstruction?ref=ts#!/album.php?aid=131017&id=93601209233&ref=mf