We presented a bid to refinish eight decks for a condo association and were informed that someone offered to do it for 40% less than us. I reworked the numbers and felt that our price was reasonable. As a cost saving measure The Condo Association selects the lower bidder. Conclusion: the decks need to be redone; the contractor splashed stain/sealer onto the roof, metal flashings, gutter, AC unit, door threshold(s), painted wood trim and recently painted metal railing. Stain/Sealer cannot be removed from a rubber roof, and it will cost the association far more than our original estimate to complete the remaining repairs. BTW, lowest bidder did not have insurance.
We have field tested a nice outdoor cleaning product. It removes dirt, mildew, algae and fungus stains on a range of outdoor surfaces, including wood and composite decks, fences, concrete, masonry, brick, stucco, outdoor furniture, roofs, siding and some fabrics such as awnings and vinyl plastics. It is an effective, oxygen powered cleaner concentrate that is biodegradable and gentler than chlorine bleach-based formulas.
It’s not inexpensive, when compared to more traditional products, and still requires a lot of elbow grease, the proper scrub brushes and a professional grade power washer for decks and fencing but it is less harmful to pets, shrubs and trees.
We have learned several things to improve its performance and we recommend you follow the manufactures instructions on the back of the bottle before you give Thompson’s® WaterSeal® Oxy Foaming Action Exterior Multi-Surface Cleaner a try. Or have Ask Lon! Remodeling and Handyman Services do the cleaning for you just like this Condo Associations has…Next up – the fence!
Last year we remodeled the Hainke Family’s 1st floor bathroom. They called us back to remodel the 2nd floor bathroom.
Project Specifications: Install new shower drain, sub-floor, leak resistant shower system and shower base, custom tile pattern , grout, reposition and install sink base, water feed lines, sink drain, reposition and install light, plaster, prime and paint bathroom.
Want a FREE estimate? Call now – 847-636-0771 or email us @ info@asklon.com
Over the last few years, seems that people are staying longer in their existing homes. Even the rate of home entertaining and stay at home vacations has dramatically increased. Makes us wonder why then, do so many people wait to make home improvements until they are ready to sell? Whether you’re planning to stay or prepping to sell – please take a moment to view our latest “before & after” video and discount offer. Please give me a call to schedule a Free Estimate and thank you for your continued support.
Ask Lon! Remodeling, Repair and Handyman Services
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Lon Thomas
Owner/Operator
Ask Lon!
5632 Church Street
Morton Grove, IL 60053
(847)636-0771
www.asklon.com
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!”
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.
Being burglarized is a terrible experience. I know because it has happened to me. So, I’ve shot a video showing how to install an inexpensive door security up-grade to help lessen the likelihood of it happening again. Additionally, in the past 3 weeks I have been contacted by 3 different customers (one of them even had ADT Security) about break-ins.
In security this philosophy applies: “If you and a friend are being chased by a bear you only need to outrun your friend.” So let’s make your home visibly more challenging to break into.
Pervasiveness:
85% of all break-ins are through a door
It takes 10 seconds for a burglar to kick-in a door
An experienced burglar is gone in less than 12 minutes
Policeresponse time to a typical home alarm is often greater than 10 minutes
38 percent of assaults and 60 percent of rapes occur during home invasions
One in five homes undergoes a home invasion or break-in
There are more than 8,000 home invasions every day in North America
In 48 percent of home invasions, victims sustain physical injuries
Victims age 60 or older make up 17 percent of home invasion victims
Thankfully, added protection does not cost a fortune!
Actually nothing can be done to assure that the professional burglar will be kept out of your home but the good news is that most thieves are not well equipped and therefore look for the quick and easy targets. When they see a solid properly installed lock and door system, and kick one of these door frame supports, they generally move on to a door without them.
It costs approximately 3 times more to repair a door then it does to install improved door security.
Ask Lon combines different systems to make life more challenging for the professional burglar and to help outwit the beginner. Call me now @ 847-636-0771 to inquire about scheduling a free estimate.
Posted on
December 28th, 2010
by admin Filed Under: Uncategorized
Amongst the wonderful gifts received this season was a $5.00 bill attached to directions to the Cuneo Mansion in Vernon Hills, Illinois to see the Winter Wonderland lightshow.
Last night we entered the 1000 acre estate and enjoyed several hundred holiday scenes outlined in moving lights; it is an amazing display. An endless stream of storybook characters, hundreds to trees tastefully decorated, and a 3 story replica of the North Pole complete with Santa’s sleigh and reindeer made for an enjoyable car tour of the estate.
If you have children, grandchildren or are a kid at heart; don’t miss it!
“I am thrilled with not only the quality of work Lon provided but with his response to my many questions. His rates beat all other offers and working with him was easy and pleasant.” Carrie, – Wrigleyville
“Lon, the basement is beautiful, it's finished, and we love the space. Finishing the window couldn't compare to the value of every dollar poured into our deck! I love that space! :-) - Seema, - Morton Grove
“Lon, do you realize how far ahead of the competition you are? Based on your performance you really need to raise your rates.”- Bill – Lincoln Park
