Are you thinking of doing a home improvement project this spring?

Do you plan on having work done on your home this spring?  It's only January, but believe it or not, now is the time to start thinking about it.  You should alway get more that one bid by a licensed and insured contractor.  It can take several weeks to get a completed bid depending on the scope of the project.  A bid on a small project will not take as long, however if you are moving plumbing, knocking out walls, etc... it could take a while to get a complete bid together.  If you need drawings by an architect or engineer expect to add time too.  The more sub-contractors involved the longer it will take. 

Once you select a contractor and sign a contract you may have to wait for permits which can take several weeks to a month depending on the village.  Then you also need to wait for supplies (cabinets, plumbing fixtures, tiles) to be ordered and delivered.  Not to mention that the contractor may have other jobs to finish before being able to devote their time to you. 

Depending on how motivated you are, it could take several months before you are ready to begin your home improvement project so start now!

Cyndi - www.redcarpetconstruction.com
847-533-5369

The Backsplash Difference

It seems that lately we've installed lots of kitchen backsplashes.  They add so much to any kitchen and really bring on the bling.  I like to call it the jewelry of the house.  There are so many different backsplash options for every budget; including stone, glass, stainless and ceramic tiles.  I have posted some of our recent favorites.  Go to our website to view more great pictures.

Cyndi - www.redcarpetconstruction.com

Surviving your renovation

Renovating your home can be a very stressful experience.  There will be noise and dust and most certainly the 'while we're at it' costs.  Here is a great article with tips for surviving your home improvement project.  http://www.letsrenovate.com/home-improvement-magazine/2011/08/03/7-ways-to-survive-a-home-renovation/

Cyndi - http://www.redcarpetconstruction.com/

2011 Most Valuable Products

Check out EcoHome Magazines list of 2011 Most Valuable Product Award Winners

http://www.ecohomemagazine.com/ecohometv.aspx?bcpid=78954702001&bclid=78979512001&bctid=1137713197001

The newest trends in kitchen sinks

Check out the following article from The Chicago Tribune to see the latest and greatest in kitchen sinks.  Sinks have come a long way and can now be ultra functional in many different styles and finishes.  http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/realestate/home/sns-home-kitchen-sink-updated-in-style,0,1120091.story

Cyndi - http://www.redcarpetconstruction.com/

Red Carpet Construction: Help for Basement Flooding

Red Carpet Construction: Help for Basement Flooding: "With all the recent rain and flooding in the Chicago area we thought we'd give you some helpful tips that may help prevent basement flooding..."

Help for Basement Flooding

With all the recent rain and flooding in the Chicago area we thought we'd give you some helpful tips that may help prevent basement flooding.

   1. Extend the gutter downspouts 10'from the start of the foundation.
   2. Use concrete epoxy to seal holes in basement walls.

   3. Frequently test sump pump(s) to make sure they're in proper working condition.

   4.  Install a battery backup for sump pump(s) - often heavy rain storms are accompanied by

        power outages.

 

Unfortunately even the best prevention is not 100% and your basement can still flood.  Check out this link from ehow with tips on how to clean up after a flood.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4526778_clean-flooded-basement.html

 

If you have any additional tips please respond to this post and let us know.

Cyndi -www.redcarpetconstruction.com