Archive for February, 2010

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

Posted in Construction and contractors, Furnishings, Real estate and property values, Solutions, Wall treatments | No Comments »

Illinois Appliance incentive program

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

Info on incentives for HVAC and appliances for Illinois- this may be the time to upgrade.

http://www.ildceo.net/dceo/Bureaus/Energy_Recycling/Energy+Star+Rebates/

Posted in Green construction or finishes, Kitchen design, appliances, and fixtures, Kitchen design, appliances, and fixtures | No Comments »

Styrofoam sheathing to replace plywood- add insulation, reduce labor

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 »

Winter Newsletter- A Little News from Littlerock

Friday, February 19th, 2010

The Newsletter returns- please click below.   A winter special on Spacelifting runs thru March.

http://campaign.constantcontact.com/render?v=001uhMSa17EQAesRJr_-Y1myDtZU0g1A00iEsoL4Mj2MjvT1I4KLWiAXdirfFS89RJNzWnorLvyDlZhOfnKuOK_3kqdxApToyLlS7HO6fOWpcvjAD842-fAdnMoGQjswxE3mwsXbQRcEMg%3D

To be added to the mailing list, please contact us.

Posted in Architecture and Design | No Comments »

“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!

Posted in Construction and contractors, Solutions | No Comments »

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

Posted in Custom for less, Old house repairs or treatments, Solutions | No Comments »

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



Posted in Green construction or finishes, Solutions | No Comments »

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

Posted in Construction and contractors, Old house repairs or treatments, Solutions | No Comments »