I want to take this opportunity to thank everybody who attended the third session of Homeowner University - the Home Depot Clinics - on Wednesday, October 9th. Nearly 20 people joined us for coffee, donuts and a lot of learning.
David Ocasio, Manager of the Home Depot located at 1919 N. Cicero in Chicago and Luis Rebolledo, Flooring Specialist/Design Consultant, were excellent in helping us all get a better understanding of how to go about doing things for ourselves.
As Luis mentioned, while none of us walked out of the workshops as experts in painting, tiling, or drywalling, our knowledge of what needs to be done to do a good job was greatly increased.
Homeowner University wraps up with a hands-on weatherization workshop on Wednesday, November 6: more information is below.
Also in this issue - information on Money Action Days from the Center for Economic Progress, fun (free!) things to do around town, and an Angie's List discount just for CCLT homeowners!
Again, thanks to all who attended. To those who could not, we've compiled some of the things we learned to share with you: read on!
Sincerely,
Teresa Lambarry
CCLT Outreach Director
Featured Article: Homeowner University Part III: The Home Depot Clinics!
Nearly 20 CCLT Homeowners and friends attended the Home Depot clinics on Wednesday October 9, at the Home Depot on Cicero and Armitage.
The Home Depot staff - led by Manager David Ocasio - (and even including an appearance from Homer, the Home Depot mascot!) was very welcoming: they brought coffee and donuts for us to snack on (many people had come straight from work!) and built work stations for each of the clinics so we could get hands-on experience about how to paint, drywall, and lay flooring and tile.
The night started with a very thorough explanation of how to give your painting job at home a professional look. One of the most important things to remember - which translates into all home improvement jobs - is that prepping and having the right tools for the job are a must.
We all learned a lot - here are some of the highlights!
Painting Tips:
Do not start painting at the doorway: work yourself towards the entrance instead. This way, by the time you get to the doorway - which is where your paint job typically gets the most publicity - you will be an expert!
Caulking - it will cost you more, but caulk with silicone expands and remains flexible in all seasons.
If you have to continue painting with the same color but are done for the day, instead of cleaning your roller or paint brush, wrap them tightly up in a plastic bag and put it in the fridge: the cold temperature will prevent the paint from drying.
If you do not buy one of the best (translation = most expensive!) paint rollers, before you use the roller, wrap it with a piece of painter's tape (as
demonstrated by Luis in the picture below) to remove lint from the roller and prevent it from
transferring to the surface you are working on.
If you are using painter's tape to help create clean, straight transitions between colors, never start painting at the tape. Roll or brush another area first, so that you don't have excess paint on your brush or roller when you are painting over the painters tape, which could cause it to bleed under the masking tape.
When painting brand new drywall, apply primer first. If you don't, the paint will be absorbed by the drywall and you may not get the look that you are aiming for.
The better the paint, the more likely it is to cover all surfaces with one coat of paint. In an example that we saw at Home Depot, David used Behr Premium Plus to paint over a wall that had existing dark red paint - and the red covered with one coat!
Make sure that when you are sanding, you turn off your fans and heating system in order to avoid dust particles from getting into your homes' circulation system.
Floor and Wall Tile:
Use a noise reduction/weatherizing matting
material before you lay down wood floor planks.
When installing a hardwood floor, stagger the planks so the floor is stronger and looks better. However, make sure to calculate this into the amount of wood you need to buy! (and also make sure you have the correct cutting tools on hand: some vinyl flooring can be scored and snapped using a straightedge and a utility knife: most other flooring requires a saw).
Floor tile adhesive should be applied about one inch from the edge of the tile.
The mortar that is used to adhere the tile to wall or floor should be applied using an up and down motion - strokes should not be applied in a way that prevents air from entering the channels and drying the mortar: if air can't get to the mortar at the center of the tile, it may never dry properly.
Drywall mud comes in 5, 20, 45 and 90 minutes dry time. Pick the right one for you (for a DIY-er- that will be 45 or 90 minutes!)
Porcelain tile is stronger than ceramic - so may be better for kitchen applications.
You can lay ceramic tile over vinyl if you use flex bond instead of mortar.
I was so engrossed in the floor tile and wall tile explanation that I totally missed David's explanation of the drywall portion of the clinics. Not to worry, David said they give free workshops every Saturday and will be glad to talk to you about the project you are trying to tackle so that it comes out right the first time.
Home Depot also offers installation services, renting of equipment, and much more.
As attested by the photos above, we all had a great time, and also left with a great toolkit. Thank you Home Depot!
We hope to see you all November 6 for the final session of Homeowner University (keep reading for all the details)
Homeowner University IV:
Weatherization/Energy Efficiency Workshop
Wednesday, November 6, 2013, 6 - 7:30 pm
The final session of Homeowner University: a hands-on Weatherization/Energy Efficiency Workshop will be held on Wednesday, November 6 at City Hall (121 N. LaSalle, 10th Floor, Room 1003A) from 6 to 7:30 p.m. A light dinner will be provided from 6 - 6:30 for all who RSVP.
Weatherization kits will be provided to all who attend: We will also show you how to use the kits to make your homes more energy efficient and help to reduce your utility costs over the winter.
In order to get free kits for you, our homeowners!, CCLT Staff members will be volunteering with the Chicago Conservation Corps on Monday, October 28, 2013 at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (2430 North Cannon Drive) to help build weatherization kits. These kits will be distributed across the City. You are welcomed to come join: Dinner is provided, and it's a great time. The event runs from 6:00 p.m. to 9 p.m.: let us know if you want to attend and we will sign you up!
A formal invitation will be sent to each of you as we get closer to the date.
CCLT Homeowners learning how to apply caulking to seal windows at the 2012 workshop
Learning Opportunities from our Partners
On select Tuesdays -- Oct. 22 and Nov. 5 & 19, 2013 -- from 11 am to 7 pm, the Center for Economic Progress (CEP) will be hosting Money Action Days at their main office (567 W. Lake St., 2nd floor, Chicago). Eligible families have incomes less than $50,000 and individuals have incomes less than $25,000.
CEP's tax and financial experts will be on-hand to offer free tax and finacial services:
Help prepare taxes (current and prior years)
Review credit reports
Advise on complex tax situations
In addition, certified counselors will be available to provide information on the new Health Care Law.
The Chicago Center for Green Technology is the most comprehensive green design educational resource in the Midwest, it promotes and advances sustainable homes, workplaces and communities through their innovative offerings including seminars, guided tours and their Green Building Resource Center. In October they are hosting two workshops that I thought might interest you. Please click here to sign up.
Sustainable Holiday Décor Workshop
When: Saturday, October 19, 2013
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
445 N. Sacramento Blvd.
Speaker: Andrea Vollf LEED AP, VK Sustainable Concepts
The holidays are fast approaching and chances are you will be attending dinners and social functions that may require giving a small gift. Perhaps you will be hosting a dinner or party for which you will need to decorate or provide favors? Don't run out and spend money on store-bought decorations - make personalized and thoughtful gifts yourself! Registered interior designer Andrea Vollf will show you step-by-step how to create decorations and gifts using recycled materials such as cork, glass, plastic, fabric and wood. A handout will include an item list and directions on how to create each project shown during the presentation.
Sustainable Flooring Options
When: Saturday, November 09, 2013
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
445 N. Sacramento
Registration: F
Speaker: Andrea Vollf LEED AP, VK Sustainable Concepts
If you are starting a remodeling project, choosing a sustainable floor option can seem overwhelming! Do you want an engineered wood floor or solid wood? Is a cork floor okay to use in your bathroom? How sustainable is bamboo? Let licensed interior designer and LEED Accredited Professional Andrea Vollf give you an overview of the available options. She will discuss the environmental pro's and con's of each type of flooring, while addressing the proper application and use of each material.
CCLT Homeowner Tip:
Home Winterizing Checklist
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving Chicago and Northern Illinois is offering a checklist for homeowners to safely prepare their homes during the winter months and perhaps save a few dollars in the process.
According to the Energy Information Administration, home heating costs this winter are expected to rise by four-percent for homes relying on natural gas and eight-percent for homes heated by propane or electricity. Luckily, homeowners can fend off some of the rising energy costs by winterizing their home.
"High heating costs are a problem each winter for cash-strapped consumers making it especially important to winterize their homes," said Steve J. Bernas, president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. "It makes good economic sense because a small up-front investment can pay dividends for months by increasing the energy efficiency of a house and reducing overall heating costs."
The following is a BBB home winterizing checklist:
Caulking and Weather Stripping. To prevent air leaks, homeowners should inspect the caulking around windows and doors and check for cracking and peeling. In addition, ensure that doors and windows shut tightly and no cold air is coming in due to worn down weather stripping.
Ceiling fans. By reversing the direction of your ceiling fan so the blades turn clockwise, you push warm air down and force it around the room.
Furnace. Furnaces older than 15 years might be due for a replacement. For newer furnaces, make sure the filter is clean and the thermostat is working properly.
Heating ducts. Ducts should be cleaned once every two years. Homeowners should also consider adding insulation to any exposed ductwork in order to prevent losing heated air.
Emergency kit. When a winter storm strikes, an emergency kit should have all essential materials in one handy place. An emergency kit should include flashlights, candles and matches, a first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable food and a battery-powered radio. Create the same emergency kit for the car as well, including a couple blankets.
Smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detectors. Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and installing fresh batteries. Homeowners should consider replacing smoke alarms older than 10 years.
Gutters and ridge vents. Gutters should have been cleaned to prevent any clogs that would cause rainwater to back up and freeze, making the gutters expand and crack. The ridge vents need to be cleaned as well in order to help prevent stagnate air.
Windows. Window screens should be taken down and replaced with storm windows; they provide an extra layer of protection and keep the house warmer. Investing in a window insulator kit is an inexpensive option to keep out drafts as well.
For more advice you can trust and free referrals on home maintenance and saving money this winter, visit BBB online at www.bbb.org
As a private, non-profit organization, the purpose of the Better Business Bureau is to promote an ethical marketplace. BBBs help resolve buyer/seller complaints by means of conciliation, mediation and arbitration. BBBs also review advertising claims, online business practices and charitable organizations. BBBs develop and issue reports on businesses and nonprofit organizations and encourage people to check out a company or charity before making a purchase or donation.
Get Involved in Your Community
As the weather gets warmer, don't get stuck at home: take advantage of the fall weather and enjoy these activities around Chicago!
Film festival
October 10 - 24, 2013
The Chicago International Film Festival features more than 100 short & full-length films from 50 countries, free panel discussions, and opening night gala. Films show at the AMC River East 21, 322 East Illinois. Cost.
Chocolate festival
October 18 - 20, 2013
Vendors offer samples to taste plus creations to purchase at the Chicago Fine Chocolate and Dessert Show. It includes seminars, pastry demonstrations, and a beer and wine pavilion at Navy Pier. Cost.
Chicagoween
October 25 - 27, 2013
Enjoy spooky entertainment, hayrides, trick-or-treating, a costume contest, and a fall farmers' market during Chicagoween, when Daley Plaza becomes Franken Plaza. Free.
Clark Street Spooktacular
October 26, 2013
Clark Street Spooktacular has family friendly games, trick-or-treating, street magicians, jugglers, balloon artists, and a costume contest. Free.
Andersonville Dessert Crawl
October 27, 2013
A ticket gets you sweet treats at 20 local restaurants during Andersonville Dessert Crawl. Purchase your tickets here, and then pick up your Dessert Crawl 'passport' at pH Productions, 1515 W Berwyn St., starting any time after 12:00 noon the day of the event. Cost.
Community and Ward Information
CCLT homeowners live in the 2nd, 3rd, 26th, 27th, 28th, 35th, 46th, and 49th Wards. Click the links below for information regarding your Alderman, your Ward, and your Community, including links to City events in your Ward! If you are in a different Ward or do not know what Ward you are in, please give me a call or shoot me an email and I will let you know.
Click here to visit our calendar for information on Post Purchase CCLT homeowner classes and workshops sponsored by our partners that are available at no cost.
CCLT Homes for Sale
CCLT RESALE UNIT LARGE TOWNHOME $181,000
4 bedroom - 2.1 baths, located in Logan Square! Open floor plan with hardwood floors, washer and dryer in main level, maple kitchen cabinets, 9' ceilings, space on 2nd level for a sitting/office room, large unfinished basement.
Your total household income
must be equal or less than 80% AMI
1 person $41,250
2 persons $47,150
3 persons $53,050
4 persons $58,900
5 persons $63,650
6 persons $68,350
7 persons $73,050
8 persons $77,050
Must meet income requirements and have a bank pre-approval in order to view. Please call Nadia Stewart at 773. 909.6384 to make an appointment.
CCLT Homeowner Benefit: Angie's List Discount
At the Homeowner University 101, we talked a little bit about finding reasonably priced, reliable contractors. One tool to help you with that is by using crowd-ranking services like Yelp or Angie's List. Yelp is, of course, free! Angie's List charges an annual membership fee - but if you use the discount code "EASY" when signing up, Angie's List has agreed to give CCLT homeowners and friends (who join for a full year and who are first-time members) a 40% discount on the price of a one-year membership. Enjoy!
And remember...
You can visit us online for information on the CCLT.
