Master Bedroom Before Picture

The Dad’s Handyman Service Team is really proud of a project that we just completed in Roscoe Village. Our client already had a beautiful condo, but wanted to personalize his master bedroom. More than just a unique paint selection was needed to give our client the custom look he was striving for.

The work in his master bedroom consisted of the following – New engineered real oak hardwood flooring installation, installation of custom designer panels on the walls, crown molding throughout bedroom and bathroom, creation of a transom above the entrance of the master bedroom to allow a flow of southern sunlight down the main hallway of his home, and finally a complete 3 color paint job.

Pappy from the Dad's Handyman Service Team carefully sketching a layout for the custom designer panels.

First off, we started with demo of old carpeting and then started to sketch a layout for the designer panels. Once the sketch was complete, we started panel construction and install. Once the designer panel portion of the project was getting close to completion, it was a good time to create our opening for the transom above the main entrance to the room. The first coats of paint were next on the agenda, and finally we installed the real oak flooring. Once the flooring was installed, we finished the master bedroom project by a final coat of paint and installing the custom fabricated piece of glass for the transom. Notice the great color selection (bold, navy blue) – kudos to our client for having a great eye for design! I think he also made a nice selection on the oak flooring, notice the deep color that responds well to the wall colors.

Designer Panels Almost Complete

The progression of the project was steady and efficient because of a good strategy in place before the project start date. We had our materials lined up with reliable vendors, and with the exception of one small delay on the flooring, we were very happy with the course that was taken.

Besides the enjoyment the current owner will receive from this investment, I am sure it has added value to his home and because of that, this project will be a model for people looking to upgrade their master bedrooms for years to come.

Questions on remodeling your master bedroom or any other remodeling project? Email me at sean@calldads.com -Sean Buino, Chicago’s Neighborhood Handyman.

Finished Designer Panels

If you are not sure if your dryer vent needs cleaning, the best way to tell is if your dryer is taking longer to dry your clothes. A dryer with a clogged vent can take almost twice as long to dry clothes.

The cleaning process is straight forward. It usually takes about 2-3 hours to complete, and that will include a complete inspection of the existing vent system and vent system connections.

If you have any questions about dryer vent cleaning, or any other home improvement matter, email me at sean@calldads.com

-Sean Buino, Chicago’s Neighborhood Handyman

The Dad’s Handyman Service Team has been busy renovating a bathroom in one of Chicago’s great high rise buildings. Luckily, we were working with a great client, who had some really great design ideas to make her bathroom stand out. She decided to use a 12″ x 12″ glass horizontal tile installed vertically and offset in the classic Noce limestone tile tub surround. Check out the photo and see for yourself, I think she had a great idea, and we were able to execute!

We were able to move away from the wood baseboard and install a semi custom baseboard made of the stone floor tile. It’s a rather simple upgrade that holds up better than wood in a high moisture area and looks much more elegant than the wood, as well.

Our client bought a vanity from IKEA for this project, and although it takes some effort to assemble, it has a clean modern look that went well with the glass accent tile and works well with the rest of her apartment. I also like the pull out drawers on the vanity.

With elevator schedules and parking challenges, working in a high rise can be challenging, but it also can be fun working in the middle of Chicago’s Gold Coast. What helped make this job run smoothly was a great client, professional building management, and a detailed construction schedule.

Have questions on bathroom remodeling, or any other home improvement matter? Email me at sean@calldads.com.

-Sean Buino, Chicago’s Neighborhood Handyman

Glass cabinet doors can be so fun if you have cool looking coffee mugs!

Mini Renovation #2 – Glass Cabinet Doors

Do you have cool dishes and want to show them off? Want to give your kitchen cabinets a new look without ditching the whole set in the alley? Try installing glass in a few of your cabinet door frames. This mini renovation can be done in about one day, and will bring a clean, bright impact to a mundane kitchen. In most kitchens, you should be able to add glass to between 4 and 6 doors for under $1,000, and that’s why it’s one of my favorite mini renovations.

Have questions about installing glass in your cabinet doors? Or any other home improvement project? Email me at sean@calldads.com – Sean Buino, Chicago’s Neighborhood Handyman

Chair rail installed in Lincoln Park

Mini Renovation #3 – Chair Rail Installation

Installing chair rail will make a designer quality impact in dining rooms, family rooms and kitchens. It’s a straight forward install in most homes, taking only a couple of days from start to finish. This project is not messy, and there are not going to be 6 trips to 6 different lumber yards choosing a profile because even a simple chair rail profile looks spectacular. Because of that, chair rail is one of our favorite mini renovations.

For questions on installing chair rail in your home, or any other home improvement project, email me at sean@calldads.com – Sean Buino, Chicago’s Neighborhood Handyman

Recessed Can In Roscoe Village Kitchen

Mini Renovation #4 – Recessed Can Lighting

All of the mini renovations that we are showcasing are under $1,000. And although you can take on a recessed can lighting project for under $1,000, a project like this can easily cost a lot more, so be careful if your budget is $1,000 or less. I like to use recessed cans in family rooms near fireplaces, bookcases or entertainment centers. Hallways and bathrooms are also areas of the home where you can add some accent recessed lighting. Try a low voltage halogen bulb for a crisp, clean light. A recessed can lighting project will take 2 or more days to complete, and expect some drywall repair and painting to do once the lighting portion of the project is complete. Because of the dramatic results, it’s one of my favorite mini renovations.

Questions on recessed can lighting or any other home improvement project? Email me at sean@calldads.com – Sean Buino, Chicago’s Neighborhood Handyman

Crown Molding In Lakeview

Mini Renovation #5 – Crown Molding Installation

You have finished floors, nice furniture and window treatments, but there is still something “missing” from the room. Crown molding brings a simple elegance to any room, and in most homes, you can install crown molding in a large master bedroom for about $1,000. It takes about 2 days to complete a crown molding project, and there are ways to add a unique touch with painting options. That’s why it’s one of my favorite mini renovations.

For questions on crown molding installation, or any other home improvement question, email me at sean@calldads.com – Sean Buino, Chicago’s Neighborhood Handyman

deck cleaning results can be very dramatic and rewarding if done correctly

Your deck is your outdoor family room, and it has to be maintained properly to ensure longevity. If your deck is left untreated, it may lead to severe cracking and splitting, or even rotting. At the most basic level, an annual cleaning and sealing is a great start to maintaining your deck for future use. The proper sealant for your deck will depend on what type of wood your deck is made with, so do your research before you choose. If you would like the professionals to take care of your deck, keep in mind the the Dad’s Handyman Service Team will be cleaning and sealing decks in Lakeview, Lincoln Park, and every other Chicago neighborhood from April 1st through the end of October, so book your appointment now for a free consulatation.

Questions on cleaning and sealing your deck? Or any other home improvement matter? Email me at sean@calldads.com

-Sean Buino, Chicago’s Neighborhood Handyman

Many people that are looking to replace exterior decking planks are looking to use some of the synthetic products that are out there on the market place right now. The most recognized brand name out there is Trex. Trex or similiar products can be a great alternative to treated lumber or cedar, and they do perform well under most conditions, but they are not “maintenance free” as some of the marketing may suggest.

Be sure to read the fine print to make sure that a synthetic decking product is right choic for your application, and that you fully understand the maintenance schedule.

Have questions about deck projects, or any other home improvement matter? Email me at sean@calldads.com

-Sean Buino, Chicago’s Neighborhood Handyman

Need a place to let your family express themselves? Want a message board for your family to check in with schudule information, school updates, and sports practice times? Let the Dad’s Handyman Service Team paint you a chalk board wall.

They are cool, fun, and the perfect way to have your family keep each other updated. The Dad’s Handyman Service Team can paint a chalk board in any room of the house, including kitchens, family rooms, play rooms, and bedrooms.

For any questions about painting chalk board walls, or any other home improvement matter, email me at sean@calldads.com.

Sean Buino, Chicago’s Neighborhood