Kathy’s Home & Garden Tips – Beginners Tool List

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If you are going to buy your first house, it’s good to invest in a basic tool set. This can really save you money by doing small jobs yourself. It’s also a great idea for a wedding or graduation gift. You can find tutorial videos on You Tube to show you how to do various tasks, including repairing holes in the wall or doing simple plumbing jobs, like replacing a faucet.

14-volt lithium battery power drill– Great for many tasks. They have interchangeable bits to do many jobs from drilling holes to putting together furniture. Watch for sales at Menards or Home Depot. Don’t go for the cheapest one. You want one with good power and battery life.

Levels– need two here. A 4-foot-long spirit level for big jobs like hanging shelves. A torpedo level works for smaller jobs like hanging pictures.

4-in-1 screwdriver– They come with large and small flat and Philips head bits.

Two adjustable crescent wrenches– a small 6-inch one for tight spaces and a larger 14-inch for better leverage.

Adjustable channel lock pliers– Useful for shower heads and other plumbing jobs. Lineman’s pliers good for cutting and twisting; wire and needle nosed pliers for finer jobs.

25-foot tape measure with a one inch blade. It extends and will stay stiff. Much easier when working alone.

16- ounce rip hammer– It should be easy to control while driving in large nails. Invest in a good one and it will last a lifetime.

Utility knife– useful for many tasks like scoring and cutting drywall. Vise grips make great clamps.

Several painting tools are handy to have around.

   1-inch putty knife for filling in holes

   21/2-inch angled paint brush

   9-inch paint roller frame with disposable covers

   5-in-1 painters tool

   6-inch drywall knife

   Paint tray with disposable liners

KATHY WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

What Can You Do About That Dated Popcorn Ceiling?

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Popcorn ceilings were pretty popular from the 1950s through to the 1980s because they were affordable and made finishing a ceiling easy. But these days, popcorn ceilings – which are typically sprayed-on stucco – are nothing more than an outdated eyesore.

Not only are they out of style, they’re also tough to keep clean and repair. If your home still has popcorn ceilings that you want to get rid of, you have a few options.

Scrape it Off

You can get that smooth ceiling finish by scraping all that stucco material off, which is the most common method of removal. It’s generally not recommended to go the DIY route with this method because it requires a lot of intensive work and leaves behind a huge mess.

Without proper technique, the finish may not be as smooth as you’d like it to be. If the popcorn ceiling has been painted over, the scraping process is generally much more challenging.

Once the ceiling has been exposed, it will usually need to be patched up and smoothed out to achieve a desirable effect. Another reason to enlist the services of a professional is because there’s a chance that your popcorn ceiling might contain asbestos if your home was built before the 1980s, so it’s best to use a professional in this case.

Considering how tough it typically is to scrape this material off and how long it takes to do so, you can expect to pay as much as $2 per square foot to have the pros do the job.

If you do decide to scrape it yourself, you’ll need to gather up a 4-inch drywall knife to do the scraping, some joint compound to smooth out any flaws, and a sander to create a seamless finish.

Cover it Up

If scraping the stucco off your ceiling proves to be a nearly impossible task (especially if it has been painted over), covering it up might be your better option. You’ll get a much smoother finish if the drywall is taped properly. Covering up with drywall is especially helpful if the material contains asbestos that could otherwise become airborne.

Ceiling-grade drywall is a popular material of choice in this case, which is simply laid right over the textured ceiling. It is then screwed into its framing then taped for a smooth finish.

Covering up your popcorn ceiling with drywall is a big job that involves a lot of time, heavy lifting, and mess to clean up. It’s certainly a job that a homeowner can do, but you can expect it to take a few days to complete.

Oftentimes, covering up an old popcorn ceiling can save you some money and hassle over the long haul. One of the benefits of covering it up is that you’re able to cut holes in the ceiling without having to deal with impossible repairs later on, which makes it a lot more convenient to install light fixtures, ceiling fans, cables, or electrical and plumbing lines.

For a standard 144-square-foot room (12 x 12 feet), the cost for all materials needed – including drywall, joint compound, and the rental of a drywall lift – will cost anywhere between $150 to $500.

In addition to drywall, there are also other materials that you might choose to use to cover the ceiling, including wood panels or fiber tiles. You can then paint it in the color of your choice and even add some crown molding to achieve a contemporary look.

Create a New Design

You can always swap the prickly texture of your popcorn ceiling with a more contemporary and attractive coat of material. This option is rather easy to do and doesn’t necessarily require the assistance of a professional.

Before tackling this method, it’s important to ensure that the substrate is secure enough to be able to handle the added weight of the added product you’ll be skimming on top. This tactic involves adding drywall mud over the surface of the ceiling, applying joint compound, and lathering on a finish compound with a utility knife.

Replace it

Rather than scraping or covering up the popcorn ceiling, you could replace it altogether. This entails not just removing the sprayed-on stucco, but the drywall underneath it that it’s stuck to. This is definitely a job for the pros, and usually costs anywhere around $5 per square foot. However, this method typically guarantees a smooth finish.

The Bottom Line

Don’t let that tired old popcorn ceiling date your home. Whether you choose to do the job yourself or hire the pros to handle it for you, there are various things you can do to revamp your ceiling and give it a much more modern look.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Promises To Be A “SUPER” One!

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This Sunday brings us “Super Bowl LI,” and whether you’re a football fan or not, it’s hard not to get caught up in all the hype and hoopla!  But before then, there’s quite a “super” line-up for Saturday.

It’s time to get all gussied up in your best retro ski digs for this Saturday’s (10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.) Retro Ski Lodge Block Party.  This winter bar crawl starts at Hopsmith Tavern (15 W. Division St.) on the Near North Side and will traverse through the Gold Coast entertainment district to the following bars and restaurants:  Butch McGuire’s, Coconutz, The Original Mother’s, McFadden’s and The Hangge Uppe.  So be sure to don your ski goggles, fuzzy ear muffs, leg warmers, spandex and neon for a wild time!  After all, there’s nothing to do the next day except watch Super Bowl LI!!  BTW, watch out for Yeti sightings!!!

As mentioned in my previous blog, this year the Chinese culture celebrates the “Year of the Rooster,” with the following events –

The Chicago Chinese Cultural Institute will once again host the 1,800-year-old Chinese tradition at the Hing Kee Restaurant (2140 S. Archer Ave.) in Chinatown this Saturday (3:00 p.m.) with its 13th annual Dumpling Making Dinner.  Guests will learn the history and significance of the Chinese dumpling as well as how to prepare them along with storytelling, lots of surprises and fun!  Afterwards, guests will be served a full Chinese cuisine meal!!

Take part in a long-standing Argyle tradition as the Argyle Street Lunar New Year Parade kicks-off this Saturday (1:00 p.m.) from the Argyle Station (1118 W. Argyle St.) in the Uptown neighborhood in celebration of the new Lunar Year.  The parade starts off with a bang as firecrackers explode to ring in the Year of the Rooster followed by floats, marchers, dragon dancers, a colorful lion and more!

Head to Chinatown (Wentworth Ave. & Cermak Rd.) as it celebrates the 105th anniversary of the Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade this Sunday (1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.).  This parade features a traditional lion and dragon team, colorful & decorative floats, marching bands, fireworks and more!

Finally, Sunday brings us Super Bowl LI with the New England Patriots taking on the Atlanta Falcons in Houston for the most coveted trophy in the NFL.  So, needless to say, with Chicago being such a Big Fan of the Sports World, whether our Teams are represented or not, we celebrate!

One such celebration takes place this Sunday (5:00 p.m.) at King’s Bowl (1500 N. Clybourn Ave., #C102) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood with the Otis Wilson’s SUPER Big Game Celebration.  King’s Bowl and Otis Wilson, one of the 1985 Chicago Bears Super Bowl champions, will host the ultimate big game viewing party complete with bowling, celebrity bowlers that include Adrian Peterson, Dan Hampton, Lance Briggs & others, a celebrity bowlers Raffle, 50/50, delicious food and much more!

And, for a more complete list, click here – Super Bowl 51 Parties Across Chicago!

Are You Ready For A “SUPER” Weekend?

CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Bucktown and Wicker Park, River North, Lincoln Square, Portage Park

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Lincoln Park: Pizzeria Bebu is coming to the Lincoln Park neighborhood, opening today. Located at 1521 N. Fremont St., this cozy spot is offering crispy, thin-crust pizza. The pizzas are baked quickly, for just 3 1/2 minutes, in a gas-powered brick oven. Pies start at $16, with the most expensive at $19. Looking over the menu, the Proscuitto pizza caught my eye: panna, roasted garlic, proscuitto, fresh mozzarella, arugula and red onion. Half of their 10 beer tap selection will be dedicated to Off Color Brewing beers. Pizzeria Bebu is open Mondays through Fridays from 11 am to 10 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 10 pm.

Lakeview: Furious Spoon, a Chicago ramen chain, will be joining FireFin Poke Shop in Lakeview at 3200 N Halsted St. The two restaurants will share the space, bringing new flavors and late hours to the neighborhood. Furious Spoon will be able to seat up to 80 customers and is a counter-service style restaurant. A chain favorite is the aptly named Furious Ramen: tonkotsu broth, spicy miso, chasu pork belly, white pepper chicken, poached egg, marinated mushrooms, garlic relish, and fury sauce. They will also offer beer, sake, and cocktails. Check out their other locations in Wicker Park, Logan Square, and Revival Food Hall.

Bucktown and Wicker Park: Looking for your musical fix? Look no further than 1415 N. Ashland Ave. in Wicker Park. “High Fidelity: The Musical” is playing at a pop-up storefront theatre, renamed Refuge Records for the show’s run. Based on both the movie and book of the same title, the story follows Rob, a vintage record shop owner. It chronicles Rob’s re-telling of the top 5 breakups of his life. Performances are Thursday through Saturday at 8 pm, Sundays at 6 pm, and select Mondays at 8 pm. Find tickets here, at the Refuge Theatre website. The show closes on March 5, don’t miss it!

River North: If you’re in need of a new brunch spot, you’re in luck. Located at 217 W Huron St., Bar Lupo is an Italian Pub that also serves lunch dinner, and a late-night menu. Their brunch menu is small, but exciting, with offerings such as Lupo Potatoes Bolognese, complete with a fried egg and house-made ricotta. For a more traditional breakfast, try the Soft Scrambled Eggs, with lupo potatoes and bacon. Prices are very reasonable, starting at just $8.99. Brunch is served Saturdays and Sundays, from 11 am to 3 pm.

Lincoln Square: During the month of February, Chicago Public Library branches will be conducting events for Black History Month. On February 18 from 10-11 am, the Sulzer Regional Library will hold its first event, “The Magic of Water and Its Role in the Lives of African Descendants”. Acclaimed storyteller Mama Edie will lead the child-focused program. This same branch is hosting another event, “Transforming Lives One Garden at a Time” from 2-3 pm on February 25. Darius Jones, general manager of Garfield Produce, will speak of how agriculture transformed his life, as well as share gardening tips.

Portage Park: Many people were saddened to see Sally’s Waffle Shoppe close its doors at the end of 2016. The owner and his family are moving out of state, so he personally shopped for a suitable replacement. He decided on Cozy Corner Restaurant & Pancake House, which has three other locations in the Chicago area. Cozy Corner hopes to open at 5454 N. Harlem Ave in June.

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

How Real Estate Commissions Work

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Out of all the questions that clients have when it comes to real estate transactions, how commissions are paid is one of the most common. Who’s responsible for paying the commission? How much is it? When and how is it paid?

To better understand how real estate commissions work, let’s break it down.

How Real Estate Commissions Are Paid

Typically, it’s the seller who pays the real estate commissions for both the seller and buyer agents. The seller’s agent will charge a certain commission for the services being offered, which is typically represented as a percentage of the purchase price, but it can sometimes be a flat fee. This commission is then split between the seller and buyer agents.

The split doesn’t necessarily have to be right down the middle, however. For instance, if the seller agent charges the client a 5% commission, that rate can be split 50/50, 60/40, or any combination as specified in the listing agreement (the contract between a seller and the listing broker that lists all of the conditions of the listing). There is no set equation for how a commission is split; instead, it’s a negotiated piece of the puzzle that needs to be agreed upon by both parties before any services are extended.

How commissions are split also depends on whether it’s a buyer’s versus a seller’s market. In a buyer’s market, the buyer agent may get the larger split as an incentive to bring a buyer to the table. On the other hand, the seller agent may get the larger split in a seller’s market. Once the transaction closes, real estate commissions are paid directly to the seller brokerage for the services provided on the purchase or sale of property.

Before we go any further, it’s helpful to distinguish between “agent” and “broker.” Real estate agents and brokers are both licensed in California, but agents are salespersons who work under a designated broker and are not allowed to be paid a commission directly by their clients. On the other hand, brokers are permitted to work independently and collect their portion of real estate commissions from any agents they hire.

All real estate commissions must be paid directly to a broker/brokerage once the transaction closes. The payment is then divided according the agreed-upon split between the buyer and seller agents, and the payments are distributed accordingly.

How Much Commission Needs to Be Paid on a Transaction?

The real estate commission that must be paid is calculated based on sales price of the property. If a 5% commission was agreed upon and the property in question sells for $500,000, for instance, then the party paying the commission (usually the seller) would be responsible for paying $25,000 ($500,000 x 5%). That amount would then be divided between the buyer and seller agents.

The amount that is paid is a negotiated item, but is usually anywhere between 2% to 6%. 

The Agent Doesn’t Keep the Entire Commission

After the seller has paid the specified commission percentage and is split according to the listing agreement, each agent will need to pay his or her associated brokerage a specific portion of that commission, known as a “commission split.” This amount can vary from one brokerage to another, and from one agent to another within the same brokerage. There really is no definitive amount, and is negotiated between the agent and the brokerage.

Common splits are often 60/40, whereby the agent keeps 60% of the commission and the brokerage keeps 40%. However, the split can also be 70/30, 80/20, or any other combination that the agent and broker agree to.

Using the previous example, if the buyer and seller agents’ portions of the 5% commission are split down the middle, that would leave them with $12,500 each. If the seller agent’s agreed-upon commission split is 60/40, that means $7,500 remains with the agent and the remaining $5,000 goes to the associated brokerage. If the buyer agent’s commission split with the brokerage is 70/30, $8,750 remains with the agent and $3,750 goes to the brokerage.

A Closed Transaction Must (Usually) Occur Before Commissions Are Paid

Generally speaking, commissions are paid out only upon settlement of a real estate transaction. However, there may be situations where a seller is still be obligated to pay the broker’s commission even if the transaction hasn’t closed.

If the brokerage has a willing buyer who has submitted an offer, the seller might still be on the hook to pay up if he or she refuses to sell to the buyer, has a title with issues that still need to be rectified, is guilty of fraud in regards to the transaction, or has mutually agreed to cancel the transaction with the buyer.

The Bottom Line

While there may be variations from one situation to another, the majority of real estate commissions are paid by the seller, which is then split between buyer and seller agents as well as the associated brokerages. The point is, commissions can vary, and is something that can be negotiated within reason. Be sure to discuss the commission with your agent so you are well aware of the costs associated with the transaction from the get-go.

Restaurant Review – Big Jones

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Ya’ll. YA’LL. If you can’t tell, I lived in Texas for almost 10 years. And my mama is from Louisiana. Which means I have a deep rooted, almost obsessive love for Southern food. So, you can imagine my happiness when I found Big Jones. Big Jones is a Southern restaurant, tucked in a cozy nook in the busy streets of Andersonville, at 5347 N Clark St. Their website header is “Inspired by the People, Places,  and History of The American South“.  In other words, my mecca. I made a reservation for Sunday brunch at 1 pm and I’m very glad I did; the restaurant was packed when I arrived. Although the space is small, they have efficiently used it and packed lots of tables inside. My meal began with complimentary beignets. The dough was fluffy and smothered in powdered sugar. My eyes are almost always bigger than my stomach, so I ordered the Salt and Pepper Biscuits as well. These were fantastic. The consistency was perfect and they were served with honey butter and a house-made five pepper jelly, both must haves. At this point, stuffed with bread and beignets, I strove to find something lighter for my entrée (tough at a true Southern restaurant like this). I ordered the Pozole at the recommendation of my server. This is a traditional Mexican dish, a stew with red chiles, hominy, pork, onions, and cabbage. The broth was smokey and spicy, absolutely delicious. It came with two poached eggs on top, perfect to mush into the stew and have with bites of pulled pork. While I was digesting, I peeked over their dinner and bar menus as well. The bar menu is extensive, including Southern punches, bourbons, and draft beers. Their fried chicken is a lauded item, only available at lunch and dinner. I know what I’ll be getting the next time I come in!

Big Jones is open Mondays through Thursday from 11 am-9 pm, Fridays from 11 am-10 pm, Saturdays from 9 am- 10 pm, and Sundays from 9 am-9 pm. They happily accept reservations, either by phone at 773-275-5725 or here, on their website. Big Jones is participating in Chicago Restaurant Week, from now until February 9. They will also have a special Mardi Gras menu, running all day from February 10 to March 2.

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Kathy’s Home & Garden Tips – A Taste of Mexico for the Big Game

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Here are three easy dips for Super Bowl Sunday. They are simple and so delicious. You can make them as spicy or as mild as you wish, but I guarantee they will be crowd pleasers.

Hot Bean Dip: warm and delicious! Mix together one 8oz package softened cream cheese and  one cup sour cream. Add two 16oz cans refried beans, ¼ cup chopped green onions, half an 8oz package each of shredded cheddar and Monterey jack cheeses (reserve the other half), and pepper sauce to taste. Transfer to a glass 8X12 inch baking dish, smoothing to an even layer. Top with remaining shredded cheeses. Bake at 350 degrees till cheese is slightly brown, about 20-30 minutes. Serve with authentic tortilla chips or baguette slices.

Seven Layer Taco Dip: Layer 1 pound cooked ground beef mixed with taco seasonings. I like McCormick low sodium as the regular mixes are very salty. Follow with one 15oz can refried beans warmed in the microwave. The rest of the ingredients should be room temperature. They are: 12oz shredded cheddar, ½ jar chunky salsa (your choice of heat level), two small tomatoes seeded and diced, one 15oz can pitted black olives, sliced and one cup shredded lettuce. Put ½ cup sour cream in a Ziploc bag, snip off the corner and swirl over the top. Serve with tortilla chips.

Classic Guacamole: everyone’s favorite! For the basic recipe start with 3 ripe avocadoes. Mash to the preferred consistency, chunky or smooth. Add 1 small tomato seeded and diced, along with 1 small diced red onion. Season with garlic powder and tabasco to taste. If you are fond of cilantro, add a handful of diced leaves. Personally, I can’t stand the stuff.

A word on tortilla chips. I prefer the authentic chips you find in the Mexican aisles. They are thicker and stand up better to these thick dips. I also go with unsalted varieties. The salted ones are so very salty they overpower the dips’ taste.

Have a great Super Bowl!

KATHY WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Why Are Tax Returns Important For Your Mortgage Application?

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All those tax returns that you’ve been filing over the years could one day prove to be very important documents if you ever decide to buy a home in the future. While they might just be gathering dust in your filing cabinets, at some point you might need to submit your tax returns to your lender in order to provide proof of your taxable income.

Some lenders might not request such documentation, but you want to ensure that you’re prepared to hand over this paperwork just in case, and not just the first page or two. Today, lenders often require entire tax returns and all schedules that come with it. That gives the lender the opportunity to assess your entire income position.

Essentially, your lender is interested in looking at your full tax returns for the last two or three years in order to see if your income is sufficient to sustain a mortgage, as well as to identify if there is any sign of loan fraud.

W-2 Wage Earners

If you are employed and receive a W-2 form from your employer, the IRS will get a copy of this every year which details how much you earned in that year and how much taxes were held back from your paycheck. Your lender will want to know if your income can be verified and if it’s consistent and sustainable.

There’s a chance that your lender may not ask for your tax returns if you’re a W-2 employee, but it’s important to be prepared just in case. However, if you are collecting pension income or social security income, you will likely have to come up with the last two years of tax returns to submit to your lender.

If you deduct any unreimbursed business expenses on your tax return – such as union dues, mileage for work travel, or mobile phones needed for business purposes – your lender will probably subtract this amount from the income you can use to qualify for a home loan. These expenses will then be deducted from your annual salary, which is the actual income that your lender will use towards your home loan qualification.

Self-Employed

If you’re self-employed, you will absolutely need to hand in your tax returns. These documents are really the only way for your lender to verify your income over the last few years to assess how much you make after all costs to operate your business have been paid, and whether that income is enough to show that you are financially capable of making good on your monthly mortgage payments.

Your tax returns will show what your actual net income is after you’ve paid your taxes. If you inflate your business expenses or under-report your income, you could be sabotaging your ability to get approved for a mortgage. You won’t be able to modify your previous tax returns to help you qualify, either.

Dividends or Interest From Investments

If you own any investments, such as mutual funds or stocks that pay your dividends or earn you interest, your lender will want to now how much you earn from them and if this income is regular and steady. A one-time income collection is not likely to be counted towards a mortgage approval.

Commissions

If you’re in some type of sales position, you will likely collect commissions based on your performance. Any commissions that you earn will be analyzed by your lender to see if this additional income is steady. If you didn’t report your commissions to the IRS, this money will probably not be counted towards your income, and therefore won’t be used to assess your ability to pay your mortgage.

Business Losses

If you or your spouse run a business, any losses will need to be recorded when you file your taxes at the end of the year.

Rental Income

If you own an income property that you regularly collect rent from, this amount will need to be specified on your tax return. However, if you bought the property in the current calendar year, the rent you collect needs to be documented on back-to-back monthly bank statements. If you don’t enter any rent collected on your tax returns, you can’t claim that as income when trying to qualify for a mortgage.

Capital Gains

When you sell an income property, you’ll be subject to paying taxes on your capital gains, which is the profit you make from the sale of the property. However, it’s not uncommon for capital gains to be counted towards your income because it’s not exactly a viable and continuous type of income, which is essentially what your lender will want to see before a loan is extended to you.

The Bottom Line

Any document that your lender can get a hold of that provides a complete picture of your actual income will likely be asked for. Be prepared to hand in your tax returns from the last two or three years, especially of you are self-employed or are collecting some form of income aside from your regular paychecks.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – No Hibernating for Chicagoans!

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As we close out the last weekend of January 2017, there’s no denying that it’s still winter in Chicago as the cold temps return.  But, that doesn’t mean Chicagoans are going to hibernate either!

Calling all White Sox fans!  It’s time again for SoxFest as this annual get-together returns to the Hilton Chicago (720 S. Michigan Ave.) in the Printer’s Row neighborhood this Saturday and Sunday.  Here’s your opportunity to meet the players and coaches, and nab some autographs, before they head off to spring training, as well as mingle with other Sox fans. You can also attend the many seminars, including: Your White Sox (Rick Hahn & Rick Renteria), the Kids Only Press Conference, Speaking Frankly with Frank Thomas, Heating Up:  Carlos Gaytan & Rick Renteria Cook Off and others!  Your White Sox Greats scheduled to appear are Harold Baines, Carlton Fisk, Bo Jackson, Eric Soderholm, Frank Thomas and Willie Harris.  Who says you can’t have summer in the winter!!

Getting back to winter, the F3 Lake Half Marathon is taking place this Saturday at Soldier Field (1410 S. Museum Campus Dr.) in the South Loop. Runners will brave the cold at this lakefront half marathon and 5K.  All participants will receive a soft-tech, high-quality long-sleeve ¼ zip, hot chocolate and other warming goodies provided by the sponsors.  The half marathon finishers will also receive the 2017 edition finishers medal.  Afterwards, head on over to Kroll’s (closest bar to Soldier Field over the 18th St. Bridge) for the after party where your first beer is free!  Spectators and friends are also welcome to join you in the United Club for pre-race events and at the post-race party!!

Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.), in the Streeterville neighborhood, will be hosting the following events for your weekend pleasure –

The 2017 Chicago Ale Fest takes place on Saturday with two sessions (12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.) in the Aon Grand Ballroom.  This fest features more than 150 American Craft Beers along with Chicago’s favorite food trucks and a DJ spinning an all-vinyl playlist!  It’s one of the most anticipated winter beer events in Chicago!!

The Ideal Home Show Chicago takes place on Saturday (10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.) and Sunday (10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) featuring the latest in products, tips & deals on remodeling, home improvement, design and spring outdoor projects.  The marketplace will feature over 150 local and regional vendors offering the latest in cabinetry, solar power, windows and more!  Or, attend demonstrations by special guests such as WGN Radio’s “Mr. Fix It” host Lou Manfredini.  And the best part is, it’s all under one roof!!

Finally, I know you all have been waiting for this one – Donut Fest Chicago 2017 returns to the Chop Shop (2033 W. North Ave.) in the Wicker Park neighborhood this Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  There will be three sessions:  the VIP session (8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.) and two General sessions (10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. & 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.) where you’ll be able to taste the delicious entries from some of Chicago’s best donut makers!  You will also receive 3 coffee tickets, a take-home goodie bag and VIPs will also receive a limited-edition Donut Fest mug.  It’s a celebration of love for fried, sugary dough!!

No Hibernating Allowed!

Why You Need to Check Your Home For Radon, the Silent Killer

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Just about every homeowner knows the danger of carbon monoxide and how it can build up in the home without offering any signs of its presence. It’s colorless and odorless, and can be deadly. That’s why it’s necessary to have carbon monoxide detectors installed in a home in order to help detect its presence and take action to eradicate it.

But another “silent killer” that doesn’t always get the same amount of exposure is radon. Yet it can also be present in the home without homeowners knowing it’s there because it is also odorless, tasteless, and colorless, and can pose a deadly threat to all occupants of a home.

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What is Radon?

Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the decay of uranium that’s naturally present in just about every type of soil and rock. Since it is a gas, radon can easily travel up to the air from the ground, and can even enter the home through cracks in the foundation where it then gets trapped and becomes concentrated.

While some areas in California are more susceptible to radon compared to others, it can still be present in both old and new homes alike, regardless of the particular region. Unless it’s tested for, it is impossible to know if your home is filled with radon or not.

Health Risks Associated With Radon

The reason why radon is so dangerous is because prolonged exposure to elevated levels of the gas can lead to an increased risk of developing lung cancer. While not everyone who is exposed to radon will develop lung cancer, it certainly increases the risk. According to the U.S. EPA and National Cancer Institute, the number of yearly lung cancer deaths among Americans that are associated with radon exposure is between 7,000 and 30,000.

On average, the concentration of radon in homes across the country is approximately 1.3 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Exposure to radon concentrations over 4 pCi/L is considered dangerous. Testing the indoor air is the only way to know if the radon is at a potentially lethal level. The good news is that testing for this gas is easy and affordable. It’s recommended that actions be taken if the radon level in a home measures 4 pCi/L or more.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recommends that all homes should be tested for radon, regardless of the area, just to be safe.

Testing For Radon

If you’re buying a home, you can have your home inspector conduct the test during the inspection. Otherwise, you can either hire a professional radon test service, or do it yourself using a radon testing kit that is available at home improvement stores. After the allotted time has passed, the detector will then need to be sent to a lab to be analyzed.

It may be necessary to test in all levels of your home if you have a forced air HVAC system, as this gas can travel more liberally throughout the home. As such, you may find the same radon levels on each level.

All windows and doors need to be kept closed (except for general use of exterior doors to enter and exit your home) for at least 12 hours before the test is done and during the actual testing process. If you don’t typically use your air exchanger, keep it turned off during the test. Your HAVC systems can operate as usual.

The detector is placed away from sources of moving air, and shouldn’t be used during windy or wet weather, as this can produce inaccurate results.

The Next Steps

If the level of radon in your home is far less than 4 pCi/L, great. However, if it’s approaching 4 pCi/L or has even exceeded that level, it’s time to take action. There are radon mitigation systems that can help rectify the situation in your home.

One method of reducing the level of radon in your home is through active soil depressurization, which gathers up the radon that is under your home before it’s able to get in. This system sucks out the gas from underneath and then releases it outside, far from any openings to your home.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re buying, selling, renovating, or are just planning to stay put, you should have your home tested for radon. Even if the average data in the area you live in shows low levels of radon, don’t take a chance. Radon levels can be different from one house to another, even on the same street. It’s a quick and inexpensive test, and might even save your life and that of your family.