Entries Tagged as 'chicago handyman services'

Basement Remodeling Video

Mrs. Olson said: ” Lon, I have been completely pleased with the work you did on my home.  It is too bad all the renovations were to sell the home because it would have been nice to enjoy the work you did.  Not only was the work done to my specifications, but your recommendations and improvements on my plans were excellent, your work was thorough, you were clean, and respected my home.  I will definitely recommend you to my friends and neighbors. Thanks again for all of your help.”

Before Video: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teNDWmYX3rM

After Video: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yg1gzPN5p18

Thanks for the nice note and for choosing Ask Lon.  Also, special thanks to Linda Stromberg @
CENTURY 21 Marino Real Estate, Inc. for her assistance throughout this process.

Remodeling, Repair and Handyman Services

Lon and Pam’s Dream Home

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

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Door Repair and Door Security Up-Grades

Do you want to feed this family?

 Door Repair and Security Up-Grades by Ask Lon!

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
  • Police response 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.

Sincerely,

Lon Thomas
Owner
Ask Lon!
847-636-0771
Info@asklon.com

Tip of the Week! Naughty verses Nice?

Not a recyciling center

 Question: “Lon, which is better for the enviroment artifical or a real cut tree?”

Answer: “Nauty verses Nice” The nice option is to consider a living potted tree to be transplaned on your property or dontated to the local parks department for spring planting. But if that’s not feasible… Real cut trees are considered a carbon-nutral purchase for several reasons:

  • For every real Christmas tree harvested, up to three seedlings are planted and last year 60 million trees were planted by farmers
  • 500,000 acres of production Christmas trees provide the daily oxygen requirements of 18 people
  • Real trees are recyclable – a critical step, please don’t’ throw them in the garbage!

Roughly 80% of artificial trees are produced in Asia. Made of non-biodegradable materials which eventually find their way to American landfills where they remain for centuries. When you factor in the energy consumption, pollution discharged, packaging and shipping; well it’s simply not worth it for generations to come.

Real trees are a renewable resource when delivered to a recycling center. Below is a list of local recycling centers where your tree may become:

  • Chipping material used as mulch or to sustain hiking trails
  • Stabilization of shorelines or new fish habitat
  • Cook County uses recycled Christmas trees to rebuild housing structures for natural wildlife that have been destroyed through urban development.

Below is a list of Recycling Centers in Chicago or check your village community web site for local drop-off locations. Drop trees off anytime “Just throw your tree on the pile,” they advised.

Chicago Christmas tree Recycling Sites: Bessemer Park 8930 S. Muskegon Ave. / Clark Park 3400 N. Rockwell / Forestry Site 900 E. 103rd St. / Garfield Park 100 N. Central Park Ave. / Grant Park 900 S. Columbus / Humboldt Park Boathouse 1369 N. Sacramento / Jackson Park 6300 S. Cornell / Kennedy Park 11320 S. Western / Kelvyn Park 4438 W. Wrightwood / Lake Meadows Park 3117 S. Rhodes / Lincoln Park Cannon Dr. at Fullerton Ave.(Parking lot east of Cannon Dr.) / Margate Park 4921 N. Marine Dr. / Marquette Park 6700 S. Kedzie / McKinley Park 2210 W. Pershing Rd. / Mt. Greenwood Park 3721 W. 111th St. / North Park Village 5801 N. Pulaski Rd. / Norwood Park 5801 N. Natoma / Portage Park 4100 N. Long / Riis Park 6100 W. Fullerton / Rowan Park 11546 S. Avenue L / Sheridan Park 910 S. Aberdeen St. / Warren Park 6601 N. Western Ave. / Wentworth Park 5625 S. Mobile

Ask Lon! the Handyman
847-636-0771

Home Fall Checklist

 

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.com

Handyman – Tip of the Week!

Have a Nice Weekend!
 
 

Bathroom Remodel – Chicago

A friend suggested I share photos of a recent bathroom remodel.  The only regret is not taking a photo before the demolition… Enjoy!

Removed an old cast iron bathtub and dated fixtures to create a walk-in tiled shower and overall beautiful new bathroom.

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.

“Do It Yourself Dryer Vent Cleaning”

Each year, around this time, I’m reminded of the time my parents home caught fire becase of a dirty dryer vent. It’s true, and had it not been for Aunt Betty, who just happened to be visiting, the entire house would have been lost.

The fire department arrived to extinguish the blaze, and thankfully no one was hurt. Still, the washer, dryer and everything within 30 sq ft. were completely engulfed in flame.

The event remains surreal, “these things only happen to other people”, yet this entire episode could have been avoided by replacing and/or diligent cleaning the dryer vent hose.*

The fix was simple; dad replaced it with rigid metal pipe. We learned later that no matter what material is used, it’s recommended that the duct be cleaned (at minimum) annually!!

We’ve shot this video to show you how simple it is to do yourself. Obviously, call me if you need to replace the flexible plastic duct with a safer rigid material; or should you want us to clean it for you.

Finally, don’t leave your home with the dryer running and never sleep with it on.

Be safe,

Lon

* Note: The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that 15,000 clothes dryer fires occur annually. These fires account for an average of 10 deaths, 310 injuries, and more than $84.4 million in property damage.

Telltale signs of a potential problem:

  • Clothes are taking longer than normal to dry
  • Portions of clothing are still damp after a typical cycle
  • You can see lint accumulation around the dryer door gasket
  • Lint buildup is also visible inside the machine when the lint screen is removed


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.

I\’ll Never Forget The Time…

666-0981 Bio 10\’s

An Angel is Watching

The Bondy Tree

Charlie\’s File Cabinet