Handyman Life

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.

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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!

July 13, 2015 in Home Improvements, Idea Corner

Here’s Some Simple Home Improvement Projects Requiring None Of The Technical Expertise

Ready for a revelation? Well, Lifehacker has given one! Below is a graphic for those home renovators who relish in the look rather than the labor. Check out some simple home improvement ideas that have all the design and none of the sweat equity.

July 10, 2015 in Home Improvements, Idea Corner

Hide Any Ugly In The Home With A Hinged Canvas

Not every necessary utility in a home is cute to look at. Fire alarms? Thermostats? Security systems? Those clunky squares aren’t a good look.

Luckily, The Third Boob has a great idea to hide those unsightly objects, a hinged canvas of any painting or photo. In just a few steps, the walls will look great and these systems will be easily accessible.

Start by gathering these materials:

Chosen canvas
Two flat hinges
Screw driver

After picking out the perfect painting of a sunset or photo of the family, attach two flat hinges the top and bottom of one side of the canvas. Once attached to the canvas, secure the hinges to the wall. Make sure to screw the hinges tightly to ensure the safety of the system and stability of the canvas.