Homeowners who are trying to cut costs frequently attempt to handle their home renovation projects on their own. While that might work just fine for simpler tasks, it might go horribly wrong for more challenging ones. DIYers need to be skilled with these tasks as well as knowledgeable about construction codes.

In addition to potentially costing you more in the long run, breaking these codes could put your family in danger. Here are a few of the most frequent code infractions committed by DIY house renovators.

Not Getting a Building Permit

One of the biggest and most common mistakes homeowners make when renovating their homes is failure to apply for a permit. Why? Well, they cost money, and they require a trip to city hall. Many homeowners simply want to bypass these little annoyances. They think, who’s going to know?

Sure, there’s a good chance that no one will find out that you worked without a permit. However, if you ever sell in the future, you’ll probably be asked if you got one when you remodeled. If not, it could affect the salability of your home.

You might be asked to fix any issues (that will cost you extra cash) before buyers are willing to put in an offer on your home. And if the buyers finds out about the lack of permit after they move into your home without being notified up front, you could be slapped with a lawsuit.

Besides that, a permit is important because it’ll help ensure that any improvements you make on your home are safe. Permits also help you remain compliant with the most up-to-date regulations like energy-saving measures.

Do yourself a favor and check with your local building authority to find out if a permit is needed for the job you plan on doing in your home.

Not Venting Bathroom Fans to the Outside

If you’re planning on renovating your bathroom – or adding a new one – adding a vent fan is a must, considering all the moisture that can quickly and easily build up in these small spaces. Although, a lot of homeowners fall short by venting directly into the attic, and stopping there.

If you don’t vent the fan all the way to the outside of the home, all you’re doing is transferring the moisture from your bathroom into the attic, causing rot and mold to develop. To avoid this ugly scenario, you’ll need to vent the air to the outdoors via a vent pipe that’s 4 inches in diameter.

Adding a Basement Apartment Without Necessary Egress Windows

Whether the in-laws are moving in, your kids want their own space, or you want to rent out the basement for extra income, revamping the basement into a self-sufficient quarters is a great idea. How you finish it, is what’s important.

Creating a basement apartment isn’t just about throwing up a couple of walls, adding a bathroom and kitchen, and finishing the flooring. There’s also the issue of egress windows that must be addressed.

According to code, any room that’s considered a bedroom needs to have an egress window that’s a minimum of 20 inches wide by 24 inches high. The opening needs to be at least 5.7 square feet so that it’s large enough to allow an adult to climb out of should a fire or other emergency occur where it’s impossible to escape from any other exit.

Not only that, but you’ll need to take steps to make sure that water isn’t able to seep into the basement through the window, which is why you’ll need a water well on the outside of the window.

Without an adequate egress window, you can’t call the room a bedroom, which could throw a wrench into your plans to market your home as one with a “separate basement apartment.”

Placing Smoke Alarms in the Wrong Places

Just about every homeowner understands how critical it is to have smoke alarms installed in the home. But did you know that there are exact spots that they need to be placed in according to code?

That’s right. You can’t just randomly plop a smoke alarm wherever you feel like. Considering their lifesaving roles, smoke alarms need to be given enough space, and should be placed far enough away from air ducts so they’re not affected by any circulating air. If not, they might not be triggered in time should a fire ensue.

Smoke alarms also need to be placed on each floor of the home; and in newer homes, they must be hard-wired with a back-up battery.

Insufficient Electrical Work

Electrical wiring that’s not installed properly can really pose a hazard. That’s why you might be better off calling in a licensed electrician to do the job for you if you haven’t got a ton of experience in this department.

One of the more common wiring mistakes is not using the correct size circuits. According to code, 15-amp circuits are needed for light fixtures, and 20-amp circuits are needed for receptacles.

Splicing wires without the presence of a junction box is another common faux pas. You can’t just splice wires together with some wire nuts and electrical tape – every wire connection needs to be inside a proper junction box, which should be visible and accessible.

The lack of ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) is another no-no. GFCIs are necessary for any circuit that serves a space where there’s water, like the bathroom, kitchen and laundry room.

Code violations typically happen when homeowners are trying to save a buck. While this might be OK for smaller jobs, tasks that are much bigger and in-depth definitely need to follow proper code regulations. If not, you could wind up spending a lot more down the road to rectify the scenario if things go awry.

There’s a month left in summer, and Chicago’s neighborhoods are taking full advantage of the longer days and nights to celebrate Summer in the City! 

Nights on Broadway, Part 1...On Friday, August 19, restaurants on and off Broadway in the Edgewater neighborhood are gathering together for Bands on Broadwayfrom 6pm-9pm, filling their patios with music and great food! Stroll up and down Broadway to hear everything from Jazz and Blues to Latin to good ‘ ol rock n roll! Fifteen restaurants and twenty bands will light up the streets of Edgewater with their performances. For a complete lineup, click here. 

Dance, Dance, Dance!…The City of Chicago’s 25^th Anniversary SummerDance Seriesbrings people of all ages and skill levels together in Grant Park’s Spirit of Music Garden, 601 S. Michigan Avenue, on an open-air dance floor for an evening of live music and dancing. Come for free lessons from a pro dancer or simply sit back and enjoy the music. On Thursday, August 18, from 6pm–9pm it’s Country & Western with Jeffrey Cannon & Meg Kindelin (Country Two-Step, Waltz, Polka), and at 7pm Wild Earp & The Free For Alls take the stage. On Friday, August 19, 6pm–9pm, salsa starts with the Latin Rhythms, followed at 7pm by Afinca’o. Saturday, August 20, 6pm–9pm, it’s ‘A Dance Party for Every Body!’ with Desueño Dance and MOMENTA Dance Company, followed by Calculated Discomfort.  For more information, click here. 

Up, Up and Away…Look, up in sky…is it a bird? Is it a plane? It’s the 63^rd Annual Chicago Air and Water Show! Bring a blanketand binoculars to North Avenue Beach for the best view onSaturday, August 20 through Sunday, August 21, from 10am-2pm, Fullerton to Oak Street. Besides dizzying, amazing performances from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights, the U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight and U.S. Navy Legacy Flights will be presented in the same show, incorporating a “Missing Man” dedication to Chicagoan Rudy Malnati Jr. For more information, click here. 

Ribs and Music… In Northcenter, just north of Wrigleyville, the 22^nd Annual Ribfest Chicagoprovides a memorable weekend of lively music, family fun and satisfied appetites from Friday, August 19 to Sunday, August 21. Enjoy the sweet smells of BBQ filling the streets of Lincoln, Damen and Irving Park Road, as Chicagoland restaurant BBQ masters  compete for the title of ‘Best Ribs’ and ‘People’s Choice.’ While ribs reign supreme, Ribfest Chicago is also a nationally recognized indie music festival, hosting two stages that feature  original music from top local and national acts.’Kids Square’ allows children to slide, climb, jump, ride, dance and enjoy live entertainment all weekend long. For music lineups, fest hours, and more information, click here.

Nights on Broadway, Part 2…  The Broadway-boundDevil Wears Prada, The Musical ends its Chicago run this Sunday, August 21, at the James M. Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph Street. Based on the hit film and featuring an all-star creative team led by Elton John and Anna D. Shapiro, with lyrics by singer-songwriter Shaina Taub, the musical follows the story of aspiring journalist Andy Sachs, whose foray into the world of high fashion brings her under the tutelage of Miranda Priestly, the grand dame (editor) of Runway Magazine. Andy is pushed to the edge, forced to choose between her career and her own happiness. What will she choose? For tickets, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Back as far as the early 20^th century Doctors were contemplating and studying our diets’ effect on, as they referred to it then, malaise and melancholia. 

Unfortunately, at that time they referred to the microbiome as toxic. Now we know that our guts host a diverse colony of bacteria called the “microbiome”. But they were right about one thing: what we eat affects how we feel, not just physically but equally important, mentally!

Researchers are still figuring out the exact gut-brain connection, but they do know people who eat a plant heavy diet have more diverse gut bacteria and these bacteria make various chemicals that influence our mood. Fiber ferments in the gut and creates short-chain fatty acids.These regulate the immune system and influence gene expression in the brain and elsewhere throughout the body. Eating healthy fats increases production of proteins called neurotrophins that act as fertilizer to produce new brain cells. So, the connection between diet and mental health is certainly important.

Studies are showing the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is associated with reduced depression in adolescent girls, which is encouraging as half of all mental illnesses start in the teen years. The DASH diet emphasizes whole grains, fruits and vegetables. It contains lean protein, healthy fats and is low sodium. Check out dashdiet.org for more information.

Of course, no diet is a cure for mental illness. But food can be considered medicine along with other therapies. So don’t underestimate how it could help with your physical and mental health!

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

Even though preparations are taking place for another new school year, there’s still many summer events left to enjoy what’s left of your summer holiday! Here’s what the second weekend of August has planned for you and yours!!

It’s the 93^rd edition of the world’s largest and oldest African American parade celebrating Chicago’s youth just before another school year begins and is the second largest parade in the United States next to the Rose Bowl. The Bud Billiken Parade will once again begin in the Bronzeville neighborhood at 39^th Street and Martin Luther King Drive concluding at 55^th Street this Saturday from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. This year’s parade features colorful floats, bands, drill teams, and dance teams as well as this year’s grand marshal, the R&B singer and CPS alum Jeremih!  Afterwards, there will be a family-friendly festival that will include vendors, face painting, Zumba in the Park, and more!! This parade has inspired generations nationwide and continues to do so even today.

The South Loop’s most hip and cool art fest returns this Saturday and Sunday (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) with the Printer’s Row Art Fest on Dearborn Street from Harrison to Polk Streets as it celebrates its 4^th year.  Welcoming over 100 juried artists from near and far, you’ll see incredible art from painters, street artists, up-cycling artists, jewelers, photographers, and more at all price points!  Also, on hand will be lots of live music along with local restaurants, cafes and bars offering a multitude of eating and drinking options!!  Admission is free and there is nearby parking as well as a convenient parking garage one block away on Harrison.

Are you ready for a blast from the past?  Look no further than the 25^th annual Retro on Roscoe festival in the Roscoe Village neighborhood at 2000 W. Roscoe Street this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m. – 10 p.m.). Three stages of live music will play oldies and throwbacks along with popular hits.  The beautiful tree-lined streets will set the scene for artisans, antique vendors, and merchants. Local top restaurants will serve up much desired summer treats, and the family area will offer prime inflatables, crafts, balloon artists, face painting, and more!  Plus, there’s an Antique Car Show featuring over 50 antique, classic and muscle cars all weekend long!!

Access Contemporary Music is proud to present the 7^th annual Thirsty Ears Festival this Saturday (2 p.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (2 p.m. – 9 p.m.) at 1758 W. Wilson Avenue in the Ravenswood neighborhood. It’s Chicago’s only classical music street festival featuring 17 stellar ensembles and soloists performing music from Beethoven to Shostakovich to Reich and everything in between! There’s also craft beer from Dovetail, vendor booths, food trucks, and kid-friendly activities all weekend long. Oh, and the first 100 people to arrive early each day will receive a swanky swag bag!!

Of course, I saved the best for last!  It’s Dog Days this Saturday (11 a.m.- 4 p.m.) at Gallagher Way (3635 N. Clark St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood.  Round up your four-legged family member(s) and kick off the day with Dog Yoga from 11 a.m. – 11:45 p.m. Then stick around to get treats from local dog-friendly vendors, have some drinks, enjoy some lawn games for the humans, and a showing of “Best in Show” for the dogs!  Also, Alive Rescue will be on-site as well collecting supplies for dogs and cats in need!!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

The month of August brings a rare opportunity annually—water temperatures are high, Lake Michigan sparkles blue. The sunsets are pink and orange, just in time for dinner on the lake. What’s better than taking in the evening sunset over the Lake while dining at an outdoor table nearby?

One such restaurant is The Waterfront Café,  open seasonally and housed in a landmark coach house and attached to an historic mansion in the center of Edgewater’s lush Berger Park. The dining and performance venue is open to all, as the restaurant goes to great pains to explain that they serve “all ages, sizes, colors, genders, beliefs, religions, orientations and cultures.”

Start your meal with a shareable like Pesto Hummus, served with your choice of naan flatbread or tortilla chips, or Shrimp Ceviche, cured in citrus and served with tortilla chips. Move on to a delicious summer salad, served chilled with arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and your choice of naan flatbread or tortilla chips. 

Try a Roasted Sweet Corn Salad, with roasted sweet corn, orzo pasta, and diced vegetables, or for the vegetarian in you, a Sweet & Spicy Tofu Salad, with non-GMO soybean tofu, sriracha, sweet chili, garlic, ginger, and gluten-free soy sauce. Another favorite is the Tropical Tuna Salad, with albacore tuna, pineapple, cranberry, macadamia nuts & avocado aioli.

Their Waterfront Rolls are served with small batched kettle chips. Gluten-free bread substitution is an additional $2. Try their Beef, Bacon & Bourbon Sandwich with sliced beef, bacon, cheddar cheese, and bourbon bbq sauce on a brioche bun. Or, a Blackened Cajun Shrimp Roll, which pairs chilled grilled shrimp with avocado aioli on a New England grilled buttered bun. Brown Butter Crab Roll has chilled crab meat with lemon caper aioli on a New England grilled buttered bun.

‘Whippersnappers’ get their choice of a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich or a non-Chicago style Bagel Dog, with ketchup and mustard. Both are served with potato chips.

One five-star Google reviewer wrote, “Awesome place to grab a bite! The food was good but the seating and environment were unreal. The restaurant has done a fabulous job of integrating into the park in a way that makes it feel like it has always belong there and doesn’t disrupt local access. The entire café is on the water, close enough hear the waves but far enough to avoid any sand. The seating is casual and comfortable. The food is overall good. We got two salads and a shrimp roll in all. The tuna salad was great and comes with either chips or naan (was very filling), and the corn salad was similarly tasty and filling. All in all, great place. I will be back!”

The Waterfront Café is located at 6219 N. Sheridan Road. Their hours are Mondays,  5pm-9pm (closed for lunch) and Tuesdays- Sundays, noon to 9pm. Reservations are not accepted at any time. For more information, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago