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

This little hinge has changed my life

For those of you who include slamming of the kitchen cabinet doors as part of your “cooking style”, no need to read this post, I don’t want to cramp your inner Bobby Flay.

If you are loooking for a nice upgrade on your new kitchen cabinets, that will make your kitchen a tad more peaceful, go with a soft close hinge on all of your cabinet doors. It’s a value packed upgrade considering the soft close hinge will abolish the sound of slamming cabinet doors from your life (at least in your house) and it will also lengthen the life of the cabinet by taking stress off of the doors and the cabinet box. The cost of this upgrade is pretty minor as well, running about $25 per cabinet last time I checked.

Questions about kitchen remodeling, or any other home improvement matter? Email me at sean@calldads.com.

-Sean Buino, Chicago’s Neighborhood Handyman