RECENT BLOG POSTS
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One of the things that I look for when inspecting flat roofs is evidence of ponding. "Ponding" is a word we use to describe the phenomena of water that remains on the roof 48 hours after it has rained. Roofs should shed water quickly. The longer water stays up there, the greater a chance it has...
11/13/2013
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What are the essential elements of a bedroom? Sometimes, rooms are used for sleeping when they really shouldn't be. The extreme cases are pretty easy to spot-- I was astonished a few years back to find a 900 square foot cellar that was occupied by several families. This warren of "bedrooms" was c...
11/12/2013
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We're in the middle of a beautiful autumn here in Chicago. Our first serious cold snap started moving in today, with a bit of snow and freezing rain. There are still plenty of leaves on the trees, but in another week or two they'll be gone. Which means it will be time to clean the gutters. Why sh...
11/11/2013
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A unique characteristic of our times is the idolatry of multitasking. Ten years ago, it would be incredible to see someone reading a newspaper while driving. But today, we see folks reading their mail, texting and driving all the time. Oh, I know YOU don't do it. But lots of people do! There i...
11/09/2013
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Being trapped can spell your doom. As children, we would play with trapping people and being trapped. I remember being carried in a picnic blanket by my uncle Dave, a makeshift sack with me inside, swinging in an arc as he strode across a field one Summer long ago. We often think of a house as so...
11/07/2013
This is something I came across a couple months ago that I've been wanting to share. It's a project that brings together many of my passions: Art, Community, Public Spaces, Creativity, Performance, Creative Re-Use, and Craftsmanship. It's also a great example of what can happen when we use our cr...
11/06/2013
Rogers Park, Chicago: Free Shredding, Flu Shots, Insurance Assistance Big weekend coming up if you're in Rogers Park! On Saturday, November 9, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, Alderman Joe Moore's 49th Ward Service Office will be offering free flu shots, free document shredding, and free assistance with...
11/05/2013
Stay informed in the event of a power outage! If you live in Northern Illinois, there's a good chance that you're a ComEd customer. Their service area is defined by Iroquois county to the south (roughly Interstate 80), and the Indiana, Wisconsin, and Iowa state borders. Approximately 70% of the ...
11/04/2013
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I have a confession to make. I've been in the inspection business for over seven years now. Before that I worked in scenic construction, technical theater, education, residential remodeling, and residential maintenance. I've welded theatrical set pieces, pulled wire, built cabinets, and even wor...
11/03/2013
If you're selling your home, there will probably come a time when it will be inspected. In most cases, a home inspection is a routine part of journey to the closing table. Follow these quick tips from a seasoned pro to help make your home inspection as easy and hassle-free as possible. 1. Make su...
11/02/2013