Elena Colombo designs and constructs these amazing fire sources- fit for a museum or your wonderful home.
Archive for January, 2009
Fire Features and Fire Bowls by Colombo Construction
Friday, January 30th, 2009Youtube videos about remodeling from NARI
Wednesday, January 28th, 2009|
Remodeling on the Web: |
DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS - January 27, 2009 - The Greater Chicagoland Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARIGC) announces the placement of remodeling tips videos on youtube.com. Videos on “Starting Your Remodeling Project”, “Project Contracts”, “Scheduling Considerations”, “Financing Options” and “Consumer Responsibilities” all provide information for homeowners considering a remodeling project.
The videos can be accessed easily by visiting www.youtube.com and typing “NARIGC” in the search box. “Starting Your Remodeling Project” covers topics such as selecting the contractor, obtaining bids, what do to before interviewing any contractors, what constitutes a “qualified” contractor and some basic red flags to look for. This video features Don Van Cura, CR, CKBR, GCP, CLC, of Don Van Cura Construction, Chicago, Ill. The second video, “Project Contracts”, discusses what to look for in a contract to ensure there are minimal surprises down the line. It explains what should be in a contract so that homeowners can see what is involved in the project and, sometimes more importantly, what is not included in a project. This video features Mark Lewis, CR, CKBR, of Pro/Craft Remodeling, Lake Villa, Ill. Once homeowners are ready to sign a contract, “Scheduling Considerations” explains why a detailed schedule from the contractor is important and why project schedules may deviate from the original. It also describes payment schedules and how those should be set up. This video features Bob Lehner, CR, CKBR, Lehner Brunton Remodelers, Palatine, Ill. There are many “Financing Options” available for remodeling projects which can confuse homeowners. This video describes the major options and what advantages and disadvantages they present. This video features John Forssander, US Bank, Northern Illinois. Finally, homeowners have some work to do during the remodeling project as well. “Consumer Responsibilities” describes what that work entails and why it is important to the overall schedule of the project. The video also gives tips to homeowners for what to expect during the project. This video features Donna Dew, CR of Oak Tree Construcation, Schaumburg, Ill. All videos were produced by NARIGC. Whether your home needs a little work, or a lot, you can trust a member of NARI of Greater Chicagoland. Members of NARI of Greater Chicagoland are pledged to uphold the association’s strict Code of Ethics and are dedicated to the professionalism and integrity of the remodeling industry. Members have access to the latest information in the industry through publications, educational programs, seminars and conferences. |
Prefab architecture for lower cost homes
Sunday, January 25th, 2009I heard about Rocio Romero on NPR, http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=99250186 , or you can go straight to the source here: http://www.rocioromero.com/
This female architect is selling homes now, when not much is moving in residential construction. Why? Lower cost and green construction.
It’s an old story- controlling costs by making the wall panels in a factory, minimizing on-site assembly time. But these places look great, and are efficient.
“We work together with our customers to come up with creative green solutions that offer cleaner air as well as consume less energy, such as solar power, radiant heating, and swamp coolers. “
Contemporary, linear gas fireplace- vent free and efficient
Monday, January 19th, 2009They look like a flat screen TV, but when the gas is on, it’s a linear fire- 99.99% fuel efficient fireplace with a contemporary linear flame.
The Radium is curved and measures 35-¼″ wide by 27″ tall and only 7-½″ deep; the Scandium is flat and more horizontal, measuring 41-1/2″ wide by 21″ tall and 7″ deep.
All you need is a gas line, and they hang right on the wall. Think beyond the living room- could you add one to your master bedroom or bath? Kitchen?
http://www.lennoxhearthproducts.com/news/view_bulletin.asp?bid=449
TV in the bath just got easier, cleaner
Friday, January 16th, 2009Check out w.bluevisiontvmirror.com for options on getting rid of that set on the counter or brackets above the tub.
Looks like a mirror when the tv is off- and when it’s on, you’ve got the game… or whatever you’re watching, right where you’re looking anyway.
The Chicago resource for plumbing fixtures
Wednesday, January 7th, 2009The guys at J&D Whirlpool (www.jdwhirlpool.com) on Elston have everything you need in plumbing fixtures, from top of the line to quite moderate. Jeff is extremely informed about product lines and the technology behind the fixture, and will take care of all your needs, including cabinetry and tops. They really have the best service and best pricing in Chicago.
Trends that they are seeing:
Freestanding bathtubs- a traditional form but with contemporary lines, like Nouveau by Clearwater- see http://www.clearwater-america.com/Family.asp?FamilyID=3&Cat1ID=7. rt is round top, ft is flat top, so you can set a glass or bar of soap down.
or, Napoli (”the egg”) by Victoria & Albert http://www.vandabaths.com/usa/bath.php?b=napoli
…and, of course, the “green” products. Dual-flush toilets are now available from many different companies, something that was quite limited even 3 years ago. Talk to them for more info.
