House for Sale: Before and After Photos
We were hired to: paint laundry room/remove mold/repair bathroom walls/remodel front room/repair & refinish hardwood floors in 4 rooms. Our client has a “House for Sale in Skokie!”
Home Remodeling
Is Wallpapering a Basement Bath a BAD Idea?
"What's That Smell"
We found a watercolor mural beneath wallpaper in a home we are helping to prepare for sale in Skokie. It’s actually quite nice even though someone defaced it.
Wallpaper Removal
How can you keep these guys out of your home?
Basement flooding
Cost-effective Solutions by Ask Lon!
A good customer called asking if I could find and repair a leak in her basement. During our conversation I’d realized that I’ve been addressing the needs of basement walls and floors for over forty years.
So I’ve pulled together a comprehensive list of questions and answers deigned to provide simple cost-effective waterproofing solutions. And by the way…I charge around $250.00 to repair a typical interior wall crack.
Question: How and why is water suddenly entering my basement?
Answer: Let’s start by examining the home’s exterior.
It is important to determine the exterior source of basement leaks and eliminate them. Sometimes discovery can be a bit bizarre too, here’s a true story. We learned that a customer’s (3rd floor condo) interior walls were getting wet because brick and mortar were loosed by a construction project a block away. Iron beams were being pounded into the ground during construction of a new strip mall. The condo association was able to have the entire facade redone and the interior walls repaired, paid for by the mall developer!
Question: What do we do about with the water in the basement?
Answer: In my lifetime, entire industries have been born to address this concern. Waterproofing, sump pumps and interior subterranean water canals have exploded onto the screen. Systems costing thousands of dollars that even the ancient Egyptian’s would be envious of, have produced impressive marketing campaign’s designed to help us “sleep better at night”.
But these millionaires don’t answer the basic question “how do I keep water out of my home?” Perhaps it’s because…it costs much less to keep water out than it does – to pump it out!
So, once you have determined the reason you suddenly have water in the basement let’s move on to methods of keeping water out, and then crack repair.
Question: “Lon, what is a French Drain and how can it help keep water out of the basement?”
Answer: A French drain uses a narrow ditch filled with gravel, sand or stones to funnel water into a drainage pipe underneath. The pipe is generally made from PVC and has small perforations to allow the water to seep in.
The French drain is named after its inventor, Henry French, a native of Concord, Massachusetts. Since 1859, French drains are used as a simple way to drain water from one area to another. While there have been minor refinements over the years, the basic principles remain the same even today.
Some common uses of French drains include diverting water from behind a retaining wall, redirecting ground water run-off to a garden irrigation system and protecting a home’s foundation from water damage.
Ask Lon installs French drains approximately 10 inches deep by 15 inches wide around the perimeter to direct excess water away from your home. Consider the savings – no sump pump, no battery backup to worry about and no daily electric usage, talk about a Green Solution!
Question: How do we repair a crack in the wall?
Answer: There are basically three options that make sense with each being marketed under countless brand names and they are:
Once again, the industry is ripe with manufactures, retailers and installers trying to make a buck so read the directions thoroughly as you can void a warrantee in a heartbeat. Ask Lon has researched countless brands and tested about a dozen products to date and here are my findings:
Hydraulic Cement: when properly applied can last for up to 10 years or more and is inexpensive.
Polyurethane Foam Injection: when properly applied can last for the life of the home. However, the external use of open cell foam is highly discouraged and only closed cell foam is recommended should the crack extend to the outside of your home.
Epoxy: When properly installed, epoxy is the logical and cost-effective solution.
Question: Can I fix the basement crack myself?
Answer: Yes and no. I cannot recommend this to the novice or even the weekend warrior for several reasons. You only get one shot at doing this correctly, once the epoxy hits the wall it better be right! There are some specialized tools which will produce the desired result which you might never need again. The success and longevity of this project begins and ends with “site preparation” which has taken years to prefect.
And of the utmost importance if the crack is more than ¼ inch in diameter it could be a structural issue which needs to be addressed by a professional before you repair the crack.
So give me a call to schedule a free estimate, and I hope you found this information useful.
Sincerely,
Lon Thomas Owner Ask Lon! 847-636-0771 info@asklon.com www.asklon.com
Basement crack repaired!
Ask Lon’s! / Fall Checklist!
Residential Homes & Condo Associations
Replace batteries in smoke/ fire and carbon monoxide detectors.
Heating and Cooling: (Check the literature that came with your furnace – can’t find it? We can help!)
Inspect the chimney to be certain it is clear of nests and debris. Clean A/C condenser and cover unit. Vacuum around furnace and be certain nothing flammable has been placed near heating system. Replace air filter, check room for proper ventilation and move air duct vent to “winter” position. Test the thermostat to assure the heating system ignites and shuts down properly.
Humidifier:
Some forced air systems have built-in humidifiers which need to be cleaned prior to use and the water supply turned on then tested for leaks. Failure to maintain the unit invites mechanical failure and corrosion of the air ducts. Worse yet, poorly maintained systems can provide an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria and mold. Even those standalone humidifiers must be cleaned and inspected.
Plumbing:
Drain garden hose & close exterior water supply. Are all exterior stairwell drains clear and working properly?
Roof:
Check for leaks. Check for damaged, loose, or missing shingles. Check vents and louvers for birds, nests, squirrels, and insects. Inspect flashing around roof stacks, vents, and skylights for leaks.
Attic:
Examine internally and externally for holes or leaks along the roofline. Make certain that attic insulation doesn’t cover ventilation vents in the eaves. Keeping them clear helps prevent winter ice dams. Remove or add as insulation necessary. Check for evidence of birds, squirrels, raccoons, etc. Check for proper ventilation.
Windows & Doors:
Check condition of caulk, glazing and weather stripping around windows and doors. Clean out window and screen door weep wells. Lower storms and test window locks. Make sure the basement window wells are high enough to prevent ground water from flowing into them and that the bottoms are cleared of leaves and that dirt or gravel is at least 12 inches below the window sill. When was the last time you loosened the soil within them to improve drainage?
Garage Doors:
Adjust to eliminate openings where critters gain entry and lubricate wheels and opener. Good time to replace remote batteries too!
Exterior walls:
Check for cracks, openings and deteriorating bricks and mortar. Check for loose or damaged siding. Check painted surfaces for flaking.
Landscaping:
Remove tree limbs, branches, or debris that can attract insects. Be certain ground around your home drops away ½ inch per-foot as you move away from the house.
Gutters and Downspouts:
Remove debris and check for leaks, misalignment, or damage. Are those downspout extensions in place and secure?
Would you like us to handel these details?
Dial 847-636-0771 for a free evaluation.
Ask Lon! 847-636-0771 info@asklon.com www.asklon.comSadly, requests for door and lock replacements due to break-ins have reached an all-time high. For example, we work with Rite Lock and Safe in Skokie and have experienced a 3 fold increase in the last 6 months alone!
Basically Burglars fall into two categories: skilled professionals, often with tools, who check out a neighborhood before deciding which homes to target; and opportunistic thieves, who may simply kick doors until they find one that gives way. The right lock can deter the pro and defeat the opportunist.
Nearly two-thirds of all burglaries involve forced entry, and they succeed partly because of flimsy door locks, mounting hardware, and improperly installed door frames. A pro can spot a cheap lock which is why The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) strongly recommends using locks Rated 1. These locks are typically commercial grade quality or higher.
But even poorly performing locks can be significantly strengthened by replacing the strike (the metal plate that’s mounted on the door jamb and into which the lock’s bolt slides) with a box strike. You may not have to buy a new lock at all; a box strike should add significant protection to your present lock and other strengthening systems exist to support your doorframe providing improved kick-in resistance.
Another inexpensive way to enhance your current door lock is to replace short mounting screws with 3-inch ones. Screws of that length will penetrate the thin door jamb to reach the studs, providing more resistance to impact. Be certain that these screws are secured into the 2 x 4 rough framing which supports and secures the door frame.
Bottom-line, be proactive about home security! Add outdoor lighting, know your neighbors, always deadbolt doors even when you are only going out for a walk, and never leave notes pinned to the door; it’s a notice that you are not home.
We would be happy to take your call and walk you through the door security process or schedule a free home inspection.
Sincerely,
Lon Thomas Owner/Operator Ask Lon! Inc (847)636-0771 www.asklon.comPlease 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!
At last a topic of discussion where my passion for drumming intersects with our business. From garage bands to performing at nightclubs or recording studios, controlling and managing the sounds serves many purposes. Here we are going to briefly introduce you to the differences between sound reduction and soundproofing within the home or workplace.
How sound travels:
My 7th grade science teacher (Mr. Glure) might be thrilled that I still recall his tuning fork demonstration which proved, in simple terms, that sound is a vibration which can be transmitted through a solid, liquid or gas. Sound travels in waves such as amplitude, frequency, period, speed and wavelength and moves quickly through solids due to their density. Walls, floor and ceilings are comprised of tightly compressed atoms which are well suited to quickly transmit sound.
Sound reduction is in fact a method to modify an existing space to minimize the amount of noise between floors, ceilings or walls. Drywall is an excellent and inexpensive material yet it is also an excellent conduit for vibration.
Luckily there are special insulations and state of the art sheet rock products on the market today that when properly installed can significantly reduce sound. These and other high-tech materials are financially within reach of most homeowners and when compared to the benefit of a good night sleep – they are a great return on investment.
Soundproofing is another animal all together. Currently homes and businesses aren’t constructed to address Little Johnny riding his bike across the hardwood floors upstairs, a neighbor blasting their 300 watt Bose speakers or that machine noise emanating from the warehouse.
To soundproof these conditions, you are looking at the complete demolition of your existing space to add double wall construction combined with the latest in soundproofing technology working in concert to absorb vibrations and unwanted sound.
The sad truth is that during home remodeling or new construction projects it would cost about 3 to 5% more to address sound issues throughout a home or business. So yes it’s possible to install hidden soundproofing into your existing space but it’s going to cost you much more than if you make the decision at the time of original construction.
Your quest for peace and quiet can be addressed in greater detail @ 1-847-636-0771, so call for a free estimate!
We completed two bathroom remodels this week. Take a look at the before and after photos below and let us know what you think of our work . Call Lon @ 847-636-0771 today for a free estimate.
We removed wall paper, toilet and flooring to create this simple yet tasteful update.
Below: Last week (at another residence) we also installed glass shower tiles to transform this space. Up next – flooring, toilet, vanity, sink, faucet and lighting!
Please let us know what you think of our handiwork @ info@asklon.com or 847-636-0771
Typically those high traffic areas need professional attention every 6 to 12 months (depending upon usage) so give me a call @ 1-847-636-0771 to schedule a free estimate.
