Archive for the ‘Solutions’ Category

FHA 203(k) loans for rehab money with your home purchase!

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

The FHA 203 (k) loan allows the buyer to finance both purchase and cost of repairs/upgrades through a single mortgage. You need an experienced mortgage planner: Steve Bote, sbote@americanstreet.com knows the intricacies of the FHA 203(k) loan and ensures a smooth and enjoyable home buying experience.

http://www.americanstreetmortgage.com

click on FHA 203K- left side

“Is this mold a big deal?”

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

“Is this mold (in the basement of the house we are looking at) a big deal?” Short answer: need more data. The only way to tell for sure what’s going on is to cut at least 4 good-sized holes in the drywall (on all 4 sides of the house and any other indicated locations) to determine the source of the wetness problem. Without further information, NO DEAL!

Chicagold for gold leaf and reverse glass painting

Friday, February 5th, 2010

lopixtransom

They don’t have a website with lots of flash but the photos will show you what they’re capable of.

For building address numbers in entry transoms or sidelights- photo shows insulated transom painted with numerals on back side, before installation.   Original glass behind is protected and the gold paint is, too.

http://www.chicagoldsigns.com/index.html

Tanks or no tanks? (water heater choices)

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

In answer to Facebook question:  Tankless water heaters ARE more complicated to install- for one thing, the exhaust may need to be stainless steel. This article sums up the pros and cons:

http://www.finehomebuilding.com/how-to/articles/choosing-water-heaters-tank-and-tankless-options.aspx



EPA remodeling regulations go into effect April 2010

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a new Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting rule (RRP) last April. Under the rule,beginning in April 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. And yes, I have a GREAT contractor who is certified!

http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm

Universal Design for aging in place

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

Universal Design- for aging in place. No matter what your age, review these principles before any renovation. If you are a boomer, you need them NOW (for your parents) and for the future. Video gives overview; principles are listed.

http://www.aipathome.com/universaldesign/index.html#universal_design_principles


Spacelifting by Dina Petrakis, in Wicker Park blog

Sunday, January 10th, 2010

Read about one client’s experience at:

http://streetsofwicker.blogspot.com/2010/01/adventures-in-spacelifting.html

If not immediately available, search for “spacelifting”- in January 2010 archives.

You Tube video- Sam and Dina’s Planning and Management

Thursday, January 7th, 2010

Video about Sam Marts and Dina Petrakis working together, providing “experience and resources you can’t get anywhere else”.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BkwItH4uG4

ReGreen Guidelines for your remodeling project

Sunday, December 6th, 2009

ASID(Interior Designers) and Green Building Council’s ReGreen Guidelines.Lots of links, sketches, and insights for planning a GREEN remodel.

http://regreenprogram.org/docs/regreen_guidelines.pdf. More info at base site, below.

regreenprogram.org

Original Stair=Focal Point: Bungalow

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009

See Facebook Album (link below) for Bungalow Renovation- Stair

Gut-rehab of 1920’s single family with changes to baths and kitchen to update lifestyle, while maintaining or restoring gracious proportions and features.  Click on individual photos for details about the work done:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chicago-IL/Littlerock-Construction-Inc-Renovation-Coaching/93601209233?ref=ts#/album.php?aid=126631&id=93601209233&ref=mf