Handyman Chicago - Kitchen and Bathroom Remodel Blogs & More

July 15, 2015 in Uncategorized

Make This Winter A Little Easier with Dark Sky

Well, it’s official. Chicago winter is here. And the cruel prankster that it is, it waited until after January 1st to give us any snow. However, Dark Sky may have just made your life- or at least your daily commute a little easier.

Dark Sky is a crazy accurate weather app that gives you exact details about the weather you’re about to step into. Available for iPhone and iPad, this weather app brings you local and global weather in an accessible yet beautiful display. Not only that, but it puts the weather in the simple terms you’re looking for.

Want to know exactly how many minutes until it starts snowing? Done.

Need a detailed breakdown of the upcoming weekend forecast for your mini vacation? Coming up with just a few taps on your screen.

Not looking to get a blow dry courtesy of the wind? Simply access the wind direction and speed in your area.

While Dark Sky may cost $3.99, it is definitely worth it. Skip one Starbucks run in favor of saving yourself

July 14, 2015 in Tech Toybox

Never Let Another Houseplant Die With Parrot’s Flower Power H2O

Don’t want to pay for a house sitter just so your plants won’t go dry? Don’t want your creepy neighbor in your house? Well, Parrot’s Flower Power H2O makes this possible without sacrificing any greenery.

The Flower Power is an easy device to keep every plant healthy. Just stick the device in the soil and it will sense how much or little water the plant needs. Then it delivers the exact amount. Sound simple? That’s because it is.

So say goodbye to watering and hello to Flower Power.

July 13, 2015 in Uncategorized

Frugal Friday: A $10 Kitchen Remodel!

In the past, Idea Corner has shown you a Half-Bathroom Facelift and Half-Kitchen Facelift, but what about a $10 kitchen remodel? It’s now possible, thanks to Jennifer Collins!

This project will take no more than a day and add elegance on a bargain budget.

IMG_1204-450x450 Here’s a low down on the supplies:

Peel & Stick Vinyl Flooring
Utility Knife
Ruler

Start by prepping the kitchen counters and backsplash area. Clean all surfaces and make sure to remove all outlet covers.

Begin peeling and sticking the vinyl flooring to the backsplash area. Depending on the look desired, cut down the slabs for shorter planks or leave them at the pre-cut length.

If left at the pre-cut length, there will still be some cutting with the utility knife involved. Measure the length and width of all outlet covers and moldings. Using these measurements, cut out the areas so outlets and moldings are accessible.

This vinyl backsplash will not only look expensive, but is easy to clean, waterproof and can be painted at any time to change the color.

So follow these easy steps and soon a basic kitchen will have a whole new life.

Want a more dramatic kitchen remodel? Give Chicago Handyman a call today for an affordable kitchen upgrade!

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.