Handyman – Tip of the Week!
Have a Nice Weekend!
Entries Tagged as 'chicago handyman services'
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.
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.
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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