Got a noisy cricket keeping you up at night? The Sun-Times says before you go to bed leave a few damp washcloths around your sinks and on the floor near where you think he’s hiding, and you’ll your univited guest sleeping there in the morning.
Lofts in landmark buildings in the South Loop, Priner’s Row, the Historic Michigan Boulevard District, and the University Center will be on display Sunday as part of the South Loop Neighbors Loft Walk. The self-guided tours are open from noon to 5 PM. Tickets are $20, $15 in advance and $10 for students and seniors. For more information, go to southloopneighbors.org.
With some homeowners facing an increase in heating bills of almost $400 this year, a new, more efficient furnace may provide some relief. While a new furnace can cost anywhere from $2000-7000, people planning to stay in their home long-term should consider upgrading. A furnace that is 15% more efficient can save about $315 per year, almost offsetting even the largest jumps in energy costs.
The receding floodwaters in New Orleans have revealed more problems for those whose homes weren’t destroyed: mold. But your home doesn’t have to be flooded to develop a mold problem. Even the smallest amount of moisture can allow mold spores to take hold. CNN/Money offers five tips for combating mold:
A couple who planned to convert a 76-year old schoolhouse in Hoffman Estates into a residence has run out of patience. The village had awarded them the schoolhouse under the condition that they preserve its exterior, but they blame bureaucracy and red tape for holding up the project. No renovations were ever started, and the couple is now moving to New Hampshire to take a new job.
Chicago city officials have admitted that thousands of people overpaid their portion of the 50/50 Sidewalk improvement program, in which the city and resident were supposed to split the cost of sidewalk repairs. Senior citizens were supposed to get an even larger break from the city and pay just 25% of the costs. But records show that 96% of seniors and disabled people paid more than that. The city has no plans for refunding the money, but has issued a statement about the 50/50 program in general.
Sun-Times architecture critic Kevin Nance takes a look at the new Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago, located in Glenview. The museum’s angular, playful, and modern exterior stands out amidst a conformist planned urban development, defying the rest of the area’s artificial New Urbanism.
Faced with the challenge of basically rebuilding a city from scratch, New Orleans city planners must decide how to do it. Do they try to create a contrived postcard image of the nostalgic Big Easy before Katrina, or build fast, putting up conformist buildings that run the risk of becoming this century’s housing projects?
Despite the growing popularity of exotic mortgages that allow borrowers to pay little if any principal on their homes before they move on to a bigger home two years later, a surprising 38% of owners say they have paid down more than 50 percent of their mortgages.
Especially when planning a home office. People who plan to work from home need a space separated from their living area to minimize distraction.
Another list of tips for selling your home, including picking the right listing agent and knowing how to qualify buyers.
A laundry list of strategies for selling, buying, or financing your home that can help you save on taxes. Did you know that you can use a home equity line of credit, which has tax deductible interest, to pay off other non-deductible loans for your car or tuition?
Homeowners with a taste for the cutting edge are creating “smart homes” with computerized climate controls, lighting, security systems, and networked appliances.
People’s Energy predicts that heating costs will be 40 to 50 percent higher this winter than last. Landlords and tenants alike are scrambling to find ways to manage.
We move our clocks back on October 30, and this is also a good time to check your smoke detector batteries.
