As homeowners, we need to be prepared for repairs. Often, we can manage the little things by ourselves. However, there are specific projects that only professionals should handle.

Surviving the Big Freeze 2019 (1-7-2019)       No time for philosophizing, opinionating or joking around. This is serious. Chicago and a large part of the Midwest will experience freezing low temperatures in the coming days not seen in several years. Here are some tips that may make getting through the next week a lot easier.These tips […]

Written by Jeff Kida from DDS Design Services, LLcWhat’s the matter Bunky? Did the last project take a bad turn and now the client hates your guts? Nowyou’re worried about getting lit up on the internet? Or, the contractor you hired to remodel the kitchen isturning your dreams into a nightmare? My question for contractors, […]

What should be included in your plans? BlueprintsNo matter how much we preach the benefit of a well written contract, many people still make the mistake of signing one that doesn’t clearly call out what they are getting. Once the project starts and a dispute arises, most people will turn to the architect for guidance. […]

Improving Toilet Replacement Have you ever replaced a toilet? Well let us tell you, it is messy. What seals the toilet to the floor is usually a wax toilet gasket that is gooey and gross! It is especially gross after being sealed to the floor after years and years and you probably have a leaky […]

Basement floor drain clogged? You may want to get some of the toys out first.These balls and toys were packed into the floor drain with a lot of dirt and debris. When it came time to work as a drain, there was a total blockage. We poured water into the drain until it was full. […]

If you have smelly water or the water is blue, this may help. Info is from A.O Smith. TECHNICAL BULLETIN BULLETIN 14 ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE SYMPTOMS   “Crackling”, “gurgling”, or “popping” noises from new water heaters (installed less than six months). CAUSE             In a few isolated parts of the United States where the water supply has a […]

We talked a lot about flooding issues, ejector pumps and sump pumps. Here is an over view of some of those issues. Don’t walk into a flooded basement without checking to make sure the water is not electrified. If the power is on, pull the electric meter or turn off the power in some way […]