Tip of The Week!
Safety Tip:
Never attempt to fasten your shoe laces when a kitten is on the prowl. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sL3IUtk1Wgc
Have a great week!
Entries Tagged as 'Chicago Handyman News'
Household Mold
Please take a moment to read this important article.
Sadly, we went into another home today which was ripe with mold; due to flooding. Below are portions of articles posted by the Mayo Clinic Staff and at allergyescape.com on the topic of mold.
Household Mold
“Mold grows best at room temperature, so your house is a perfect place for mold to thrive and mold related allergy to flourish! In your home and basement, a musty smell will let you know that mold has set-up house! Mold can grow on many things, including: tile, grout, wood, paint, plaster, and fabric.
Although molds often originate in basements because of the dampness, spores can spread through the rest of your home. Mold spores that are set adrift in your home will find an appropriate place to live and grow, like bathrooms and kitchens which contain adequate food and moisture. Places in your home that mold loves include: • closets • refrigerator drip trays • air conditioners • garbage pails • mattresses • foam rubber pillows • attics • carpets • upholstery”
Mold Symptoms – By Mayo Clinic staff
“Mold allergy causes the same signs and symptoms that occur in other types of upper respiratory allergies. Mold allergy symptoms can include:
Sneezing
Runny or stuffy nose
Cough and postnasal drip
Itchy eyes, nose and throat
Watery eyes
Sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinuses
Mold allergy symptoms vary from person to person, and range from mild to severe. You may have year-round symptoms or symptoms that flare up only during certain times of the year. You may notice symptoms when the weather is damp, or you’re in indoor or outdoor spaces that have high concentrations of mold.
If you have a mold allergy and asthma, your asthma symptoms may be triggered by exposure to mold spores. In some people, exposure to certain molds can cause a severe asthma attack. Signs and symptoms of asthma include:
Coughing
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
When to see a Doctor:
If you have a stuffy nose, sneezing, watery eyes or other bothersome symptoms for longer than two weeks, see your doctor.
Your doctor will consider your symptoms and may order tests to try to determine if you have allergies or whether your symptoms are caused by something else.
If you have asthma or your doctor suspects you have asthma, you may need to see a doctor who specializes in allergies (allergist). Asthma symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing.”
Please don’t attempt to clean mold without proper equipment and instruction.
Be careful!
Deck Design, Build, Repair or Clean
Is it time to build your dream deck or to care for the deck you have? If so, Ask Lon to provide a free deck estimate!
Example: Last year we helped the client design and build her dream deck and last week, we completed our annual inspection then cleaned and sealed it.
Call Lon today @ 847-636-0771 to schedule a free deck estimate.
Call Lon Now! @ 847-636-0771
How to Clean and Maintain Slate
Maintaining and cleaning a slate floor or counter is relatively easy as long as you keep it in good condition.
Slate is comprised of very fine granular metamorphic rock which forms naturally in layers and gives it its rich texture and interesting colors.
Due to its porous nature slate can stain if not maintained. To maintain slat a commercial sealer needs to be applied during installation and this sealant needs to be stripped away periodically then reapplied to keep the product looking great and permanently sealed.
Finally, plan on establishing some “House Rules” like, not wearing shoes, having small rugs around the stove, counter eating area and refrigerator to catch splatters and spills before they hit the floor. Use ¼ cup of white vinegar to a gallon of warm water to spot remove stains. Then clean the entire floor with plain warm water from a tightly wrung rage for weekly cleaning.
Obama Wants Rebates for Energy Savers
On Tuesday President Obama revealed details of a $6 billion program to boost home energy efficiency, create jobs and reduce energy bills. The Home Star program proposes rebates of $1,000 to $1,500 for simple upgrades up to a maximum of $3,000 per home. The program is pending congressional approval. More on the program here.
Fred and Bill Bondy Dinner Videos
Fred and Bill Bondy made a lasting impression on our professional and personal lives. So much so, that a group of former employees came together with family members to honor Bill and Fred.
Chicago Handyman Tip: Hiring the Best Handyman/Remodeler
Hiring the Best Handyman/Remodeler
Allow me to offer some time-honored advice when choosing a handyman service provider.
Guidelines:
- Develop a Project Specification Plan* – define the project requirements in detail. Create a budget which covers demolition, materials, labor and/or a timeline.
- Permits – when applicable, check with the city or village to determine if a permit is necessary. If so, discuss this with each company to determine who’s responsible for pulling the permit.
- Estimates – send the project specifications along with photos showing the current condition of your project area to three service companies.
- References – ask for photos and/or detailed information specific to your project as well as a current reference list. You can also check with the BBB.
- Insurance – ask for proof of insurance to be certain it is current and that it covers the work you’re requesting.
- Contract – ensure the contract spells out exactly what is to be accomplished, what specific materials are to be used, the timeline and any warranty.
Also be sure that each company asked relevant question’s, gave you a Free Estimate and provided the most comfortable and honest assessment of what it’s going to take to achieve a successful working relationship. After all, this is your project and it’s your vision which must be realized.
Creating a Good Project Specification Plan:
Let’s use a bathroom remodel as a sample project. Start by taking several photos of your current bathroom, you will share them later. On a piece of paper, draw the room as it is and add the measurement of each wall and the width of doors and windows as well as the placement of the toilet, sink and bath/shower stall. Don’t worry about it looking perfect; simply scratch it out and set it aside.
Design Ideas: If a friend has a bath you like, ask for photos. You should also go to the Design Magazines for new ideas. When you see something you like write down the manufacturer’s name and model numbers to share with us.
The design process is fun and something I truly enjoy. Here are a few of my favorite bathroom manufacturer links and if you want more, please give me a call:
http://trendsideas.com/?region=4
http://www.americanstandard-us.com/
http://www.jadousa.com/inspirationgallery/?d=1
http://www.porcher-us.com/inspiration-gallery/
Now grab another piece of paper and rough out the placement of products as you would like them in your new bath. Are you getting rid of that old cast iron tub and installing a walk-in shower? Will the shower also have a seat or will the space become a whirlpool tub? Will the floor be tile and if so, do you have a sample picture or measurement to share? Are we closing up that window and installing an exhaust fan? What about lighting?
Perhaps this seems a bit daunting but the point here is to keep it simple by understanding the installation process. Every contractor simply wants to know what your vision for the space is and if you have a budget for the project.
Here comes the obligatory sales pitch!
Yes! Ask Lon can assist with any project you desire and even help (as we have here) with the “homework” but the more time you spend researching the needs of your project, the more you will understand its scope.
Harvard University Says Open Your Wallets to Home Improvement
Well, not exactly, but I got your attention, right? According to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA), released earlier this week by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, homeowner improvement spending is likely to reach a cyclical bottom in Q4 2009 and steadily increase through 2010. That’s right, none other than Harvard University says to pick up the phone and call us to plan your 2010 remodeling activity!
What else are you going to do in 7 degree weather?
Click for full size image:
Ask Lon! Launches New Chicago Handyman Website
For Immediate Release
Ask Lon! Launches New Chicago Handyman Website
Company unveils new web 2.0 website to anchor its 2010 marketing plans
MORTON GROVE, IL (January 12, 2009) – Chicago handyman services company Ask Lon! recently launched a new online destination that showcases the company’s services, client testimonials and Chicago handyman blog. The new site, located at www.asklon.com, is powered by the popular Wordpress content management system and features the latest SEO and web analytics plugins to enhance online client prospecting and marketing.
“The new website is an exciting addition to our brand, and we are looking forward to utilizing it as the cornerstone of our new online marketing efforts” says Lon Thomas, Owner/Operator of Ask Lon!.
The new site features sections for client testimonials, which are increasingly important marketing tools in the handyman trade, and includes areas about the company’s service offerings, including residential handyman services and commercial handyman services. Also included are Web 2.0 initiatives, such as a Chicago handyman blog and links to the company’s profiles on the popular social networking sites Facebook and Twitter.
Future website additions in the coming months will include ways for clients to pay for services directly through the website, and other new enhancements. The company has set out to make its web presence the premier Chicago handyman website
About Ask Lon!:
Ask Lon! provides Chicago handyman services that include residential and commercial installations, remodeling and repairs. The company is fully insured and specializes in small to mid-sized projects.
For more information contact:
Lon Thomas
President
Ask Lon!
1-847-636-0771
info@asklon.com
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