Handyman Life

May 5, 2021 in Chicago

Cabinet repair from water damage

Cabinet repair caused by water damage is common as sinks and drains are the main source of water from inside a house. We were called to a condo building by the association to to do some drywall repair and cabinet repair.

The situation was water damage. The issue was a burst waste line in the wall. The location was behind the kitchen sink of the ground level floor. The cabinet above the sink was removed as to make way to find the break in a multi unit drain line and add an access panel and valve behind the sink cabinet wall for future access and cleaning. what we found was needed is cabinet repair from water damage

Water Damage

A big project gets bigger.

We came in to patch the wall with some drywall repair and Mount cabinet above, which was the easy part.

When we begin to investigate we found the project was much bigger. water damage to the cabinet and wall behind the cabinet showed signs of mold. This condo association has used us for several handyman projects, so when we told them what was needed they approved the cabinet repair from water damage work immediately

Drywall Repair

We cut away all moldy and damaged drywall and secured new sheets with hot mud and then a mold resistant primer. The damage to the base of the cabinets was severe and warped as well as the back and drywall behind. Initially the solution was to cut out the base and back of the cabinet, replace the drywall behind the cabinet. Then to replace the drywall and build a new base and back for the cabinet..

Cabinet repair

We went with a Slightly thicker 3/4″ cabinet finish plywood. Since the floor was warped we built a base frame out of 2×4 and 2×6 sanding out notches for it to sit level over the small area of damaged wood. The drywall was all removed, cleaned, and aired out before new sheets were added and then mudded up and primed with a mold killing primer just to be safe. Previously holes were left which rank air could be felt and smelt blowing in, which were cleaned and properly sealed of with great stuff expanding foam and drywall mud. It was very tricky getting everything to level out and line up and patient was the key to the base frame. After that it was smooth sailing cutting out our premeasured dimensions to replicate the previous 2. One at 2 feet and.one at 3 feet width.

We were delicately able to not break the granite countertop pulling back and filling the seam with black epoxy kit for granite. And a silicone adhesive to affix it and the previous backsplash. The sink was being held by 2x4s before so we added undermount sink clips and reattached the previous plumbing and dishwasher. Overall a solid repair to mitigate the damage done without having to fully replace all cabinets. when its time for kitchen cabinet repair from water damage , let us know.

April 24, 2019 in Chicago, Home Improvements, Idea Corner, Interior Doors

Custom Barn Door Installation

One of my favorite clients was updating her rental property in the west Pilsen neighborhood – close tot he Lagunitas brewery and the Cinsespace industrial park. She requested I make and install a barn door for her. This custom barn door fabrication project was one of my favorite pieces.

I used 2×6 pine so the door would be light weight. Using a claw hammer, an angle grinder and some wood stain, I weathered the boards and assembled them as pictured above.

I used a splotchy staining technique and 2 different colored stains to bring out some character in the wood. I found a basic sliding door hardware set up on amazon and the result was great.

If you are thinking about a custom barn door fabrication project, please let me know. I really enjoy hearing about custom project ideas.

April 23, 2019 in cabinet refinishing, Chicago, Home Improvements, Painting

Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing

We recently finished a kitchen cabinet refinishing project in Chicago’s thriving west Loop neighborhood. Our Client was selling the unit and wanted to update the aesthetic to facilitate quick sale.

The Process for kitchen Cabinet cabinet refinishing can take 2-4 weeks depending on the number of doors and drawer fronts. First we remove all door and drawer fronts – these will be refinished in our work shop.

When the doors have been refinished, We return to the home and paint the cabinet boxes in place. the process takes about 3 days. Special care is taken to mask off all areas surrounding the painted surfaces to protect the home.

Get a Free Estimate

Email photos of your kitchen or bathroom vanity for a free quote
info@chicagohandyman.net

January 29, 2019 in Chicago, Home Improvements, Idea Corner

Preparing for a winter storm

With a record Low temperature approaching Chicago, It is a good Idea to prepare your home to increase comfort and reduce energy costs. the biggest culprit is Heat Loss – places your home is letting warm air escape, or cold exterior air enter. Here are a few key areas a home owner can address on their own.

Doors – If you can see daylight, you have heat loss. Run your hand along the cracks of your Sliding doors and entry doors. I you can feel cold air – you have heat loss. Quick fix – Tape. Duct tape or packing tape will instantly reduce your heat loss and save on your electric bill.
Windows – Be sure to close storm windows. According to EnergyStar.gov, replacing single-pane windows with ENERGY STAR qualified storm windows can save you up to $465 a year on energy bills. Closing curtains and blinds will also create a barriere between you and the cold. Plastic on your windows is also a great way increase your comfort and reduce your energy bills
Bath and Kitchen Exhaust fans – Most kitchen and bath exhaust fans vent to the exterior of your home. Exhaust fans can remove 30% of your homes heat in One hour according to some estimates. If your vent does not include a damper – your vent could be pulling heat out of your home even when it is not running.

Chicago Handyman can provide home energy audits if you are ready to increase the comfort of your home and decrease your energy consumption. Bundle up out there!

April 1, 2015 in Chicago, Home Improvements, Idea Corner

No Foolin’: Improve Indoor Air Quality With These Simple Terrariums

With spring finally finding its way to Chicago, many people are excited to tend to their fall planted seedlings start to sprout. They pull out their garden gloves and tools, ready for another spring of planting, pulling weeds and pruning. But what about those doomed to apartments? No greenery or garden patches for miles. Well, this project takes old glass jars and creates green terrariums to not only add pretty plants to a home but also vastly improve indoor air quality.

First locate a jar. This should be a clear, empty glass jar, nothing too large. If there’s none available in the home, jars can be picked up from any local secondhand store.

Then decide on the plants. They should be tiny plants that fit comfortably into the jar. For the greatest success, put succulents with succulents, ferns with ferns, etc. Buy the proper soil for each type of plant. This soil, activated charcoal and some rocks will be on the bottom for a false drainage layer.

Start cleaning the inside and outside of the container, removing any residue. Following this step, fill the bottom of the container with rocks or pebbles. Depending on the size of the jar, the depth of rocks should range from 1/2″ to 2.” Cover the rocks with the activated charcoal and then fill the jar with enough soil to so each plant will have enough room for the plant’s roots.

Finally, plant your plants, gently breaking the soil ball until reaching the roots. Dig into the soil with a spoon to create holes to place the plants in and then compact the soil around the plant.

Just as with any other plant, make sure to maintain the plant by watering it regulary with just a shot of water.

Breathe in the fresh air of the home with these new terrariums!

For a more complete guide, check out Inhabitat’s step-by-step directions.