Posts Tagged 'Chicago'

Options for finishing interior walls

We are getting close to finishing a large home addition. The walls and ceiling are sheet rock, but we would like to have some sort of finish that is different than the standard orange peel texture. Any ideas on a good looking sheet rock finish?

Insulation Drywall and More Drywall


Does painting doors while hanging yield poor results?

We are replacing our interior doors with new solid core doors. We have had several people out but no one seems to be able to do it all (either carpenters can do plain carpentry and hang, but don't paint, or painting companies who don't do the carpentry). Everyone has said that painting should happen after the doors are hung. We are concerned that this will produce a streaky, drippy result and get paint on the hinges. Should we instead insist that someone remove the doors to paint, or paint before they are even hung in the first place? Also, our trim is painted with latex paint, but all have recommended oil-based paint for the doors. Can you provide thoughts on what to do for best results?

Does an electric wall oven require exterior venting?

Hello, I am wondering if an electric wall oven requires venting to the outside. I have a client that refuses to replace their current old ovens because the new ones don't have exterior ventilation, and I am trying to find information about whether this is really required or not. I assume it isn't since most new models don't have this feature, but I don't have any explanation as to why not!

Basement Remodeling for Chicago Split-Level

Our split level frame home has a family room, bathroom, and double-car garage on the lower level. We'd like to bump the garage out into the driveway 10 feet and build a modest guest bedroom and closet across the back. We'd make a composite wood deck on top of the framed garage expansion. What's a rough budget?

Chicago, Illinois Basement Remodeling for Handicap Access

Our wheelchair-bound teen begs us to do a basement remodeling creating a computer and TV room. An elevator seems the most efficient idea, if added on a ground floor exterior wall. Can we excavate 8' down, break through the cement basement wall, and add an elevator? The ground has deep earth. What should we budget?

Extending a Wall But Having Issues With Rafter

Extending a wall and got up into my attic to make sure I have a rafter to nail to and the rafter is 4 inches over from where I want to extend my new wall. Not sure what the existing wall header is nailed to. Should i just toenail some 2X4 up there to nail the top of my frame to?

How can you tell how many coats of paint were put on a wall?

I hired a painter to prime and paint 2 coats throughout an office building. He swears he painted a second coat but there seems to be no difference between what I saw after the first coat and now. How can I tell if he really did put a second coat of paint on the walls?

Kitchen Remodeling Tasks for the Home Handyperson

I'm a fairly proficient woodworker and general do-it-yourselfer. What single kitchen remodeling task--new laminate flooring, countertops, refacing, windows, etc.--that I can do myself might save the most money so I can spend more on hired help?

How much will it cost to do a small walk-in bedroom closet?

The closet is about 11ft long and 6ft wide. I like t have custom shelves, drawers and area for hanging. Looking for the least expensive option and ideas.

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Window Replacement

Vinyl Siding Replacement

Kitchen Remodeling