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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.


  1. 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.
  2. 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
  3. 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!

December 5, 2015 in Uncategorized

Why Go To The Bar When You Could Build Your Own?

Screen Shot 2015-02-04 at 12.18.17 AMGoing to the bar is expensive. Along with the $10 cover, it’s $20 for a couple of beers and the inevitable cab ride home. So why not pocket the $50 for a night out and instead pay less than $40 for an at-home bar to provide years of entertainment? By repurposing some old wood and purchasing only the building supplies, it is totally possible!

Besides the repurposed wood, these supplies are required:

  • Sheathing
  • Screws
  • Stain
  • Polytheurane
  • Saw

Start by framing the bar, using 16″ centers. Create the sides of the bar by attaching sheathing to the frame. Reddit user 7thsonwoodworking found those pieces at a gas station, but can also be found at a local building site or hardware store for free with just a couple “please and thank you”‘s.

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Use plywood for the surface of the bar and screw wooden boards to the surface for the 12″ overhang of the bar. These will also serve as the frame for the inlays. Screen Shot 2015-02-04 at 12.19.01 AM

In order to create a chevron badocams look with the inlays on the surface, measure and cut each board so each side matches up to make the arrow shape. Do this until reaching the middle where both sides meet up. Get creative for this section, 7thsonwoodworking decided on a geometric pentagon shape, but any shape to fill the space will do. Similarly, the fronts and sides should also possess these designs. Screen Shot 2015-02-04 at 12.19.18 AM

Stain the trim of the surface, front and sides until reaching the desired hue. Once stained, screw all the corners of the inlays in. This will be the longest step in the process. Attach the trim to the surface, sides and front. Finally add a layer of polytheurane to make the bar shiny, crisp and clean. Screen Shot 2015-02-04 at 12.19.31 AM

For the advanced class, build some shelving behind the bar to keep all needed liquor and garnishes nearby. This finished look will have people wanting to party in a basement for the first time since high school.

Be nice, and no matter how tempting, don’t charge a cover. Screen Shot 2015-02-04 at 12.19.47 AM

October 19, 2015 in Uncategorized

Handyman At Home: Top 5 Handyman Hacks Any Homeowner Can Achieve!

1. Salvaging A Broken Lamp

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Have a lovely lamp that simply won’t turn on? Follow this tutorial on rewiring a broken lamp & let there be light!

 

2. Replacing Screens Any Time Of The Year

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Whether summer is on the horizon or a pet scratched a hole in your screen, this step-by-step guide will ensure a quick, easy fix to all screen mishaps.

 

3. Hole In The Wall? Drywall Repair For Any Novice

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A party led to a hole in the wall? Refurbishing a fixer upper? This guide will save time and money for minor drywall repairs.

 

4. Un-Stick Even The Stickiest Of Doors

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No money to replace a new door? Check out this tutorial on adjusting a hinge knuckle.

 

5. Remove Paint Stains In 1 Minute

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The easiest hack of all, rubbing alcohol! Use this for any paint mishaps at home.

 

In need of a more serious repair? Give Chicago Handyman a call for a quote today!

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October 1, 2015 in Uncategorized

Redefining An Old Space For The New Year

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Final Product from dat_asthma

I hope you all having been having a lovely holiday season! I know I have. But after all the holiday celebrations and visits, you might have found a room or two that is just not suiting your needs. Or maybe you got uber jealous of a cool friend’s super updated place. So I’ve decided to post a great DIY room repurposing from Reddit user, dat_asthma. This DIY-er turned a bland guest bedroom into a combined bedroom/office space, and you can too!

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Before from dat_asthma

Initially, you will need to measure out the space in which you will put your frame for the elevated office area. Once you measure the area, cut your boards to size. Screw them together in the shape of your frame.

Then you need to attach simple brackets to the wall and short wooden supports to your desired height. Place the frame on the brackets and bolt it into the brick wall. Next you should add two square shaped supports to the front of the frame. Make sure to screw these square supports into the floor to sustain the weight of the office space.

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Completed frame by dat_asthma

 

For further support, add vertical beams for the floor board to sit on. For the retractable bed, install a simple bed frame on locked castor wheels underneath the office area. With all the supportive materials in place, it’s time to add the decorative features.

With the floor board and foot boards in, you can now start adding paneling. You will add handles for the pull-out bed and leave an area to add stairs. Paneling should be screwed to the front of both of these areas. Then add 20mm chipboard for the subfloor beneath the laminate you are about to install.

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Adding paneling to the frame by dat_asthma

Installing the laminate flooring is incredibly simple after attaching a plastic foam layer to the chipboard. After the laminate floor is installed, add trim to the office area and skirting to the bottom area. With the basics completed, you should paint a layer of wood primer and then several coats of white enamel paint.

Your last step is to fit the mattress into the pull out space. With that installed, you now have a convertible home office and bedroom that you and your guests will love.

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After from dat_asthma

July 27, 2015 in Uncategorized

The Most Important $12 Door Update To Do

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Doors are often ignored in a renovation. Countertops, walls, appliances, all of these updates are fair game. But think about all the time guests spend looking at the doors of a home. This $12 update will add glamour to any doorway.

And the process? Couldn’t be simpler. Purchase a 1/4″ piece of plywood. Then measure out the spaces needed between the panels. Once all the horizontal spaces are even, secure the plywood to the door with a nail gun. Repeat the steps on the other side.

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Once all the pieces are attached, sand down any rough edges present. Once all is smooth, install the door. This can be done before or after painting or staining the door.

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When the paint or stain has dried, this new door can completely transform the way a room looks. Try adding this paneling to all doors of a home for a consistent look.

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For a step-by-step guide, check out Jenna Sue Design!

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Once you’re done with the doors in your home, call Chicago Handyman and renovate the spaces within the doors!