Archive for the ‘Construction and contractors’ Category
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
Posted in Construction and contractors, Furnishings, Real estate and property values, Solutions, Wall treatments | No Comments »
Friday, February 19th, 2010
80% post-consumer material, this product is lighter (so less labor) and provides insulation. Structural layer, so it replaces plywood.
http://www.ebuild.com/articles/1133225.hwx
Posted in Construction and contractors, Green construction or finishes | No Comments »
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!
Posted in Construction and contractors, Solutions | No Comments »
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
Posted in Construction and contractors, Old house repairs or treatments, Solutions | No Comments »
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
Posted in Architecture and Design, Construction and contractors, Old house repairs or treatments, Solutions | No Comments »
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.
regreenprogram.org
Posted in Bathroom design, appliances, and fixtures, Construction and contractors, Green construction or finishes, Housekeeping and maintenance, Kitchen design, appliances, and fixtures, Kitchen design, appliances, and fixtures, Old house repairs or treatments, Real estate and property values, Solutions | No Comments »
Wednesday, November 18th, 2009
Community meeting last night- Wicker Park single family home needs ~100K repair to put brick over the wet concrete block, which requires flashings, moving windows to meet new elevation, new copings, etc. Buyer beware- concrete block is dicey!
Posted in Construction and contractors, Real estate and property values | No Comments »
Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009
Check out the local company that repairs and restores marble and granite- Sungloss Marble. Stone surfaces that are tired looking can look like new! Remember, reuse is green…
www.sungloss.com
Posted in Bathroom design, appliances, and fixtures, Construction and contractors, Floor finishes, Green construction or finishes, Housekeeping and maintenance, Kitchen design, appliances, and fixtures, Kitchen design, appliances, and fixtures, Real estate and property values, Solutions, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Monday, September 14th, 2009
Use a whole-house fan to reduce your carbon footprint- and save utility costs! At night, they pull cool outside air from open windows on lower floors, expelling warmer air. You need a lot of CFM’s for a whole house- try one from Grainger or other commercial source. If you don’t have attic accessibility, install in window of laundry or other room ON THE TOP FLOOR. Don’t forget to close windows during the day to keep the cool air in/hot air out. Enjoy…
Posted in Construction and contractors, Furnishings, Green construction or finishes, Housekeeping and maintenance, Old house repairs or treatments, Solutions, Wall treatments, Window treatments | No Comments »
