Blue Collar Eats - SemSem Mediterrian

This episode of Blue Collar Eats, we headed over to SemSem Mediterrian located at 6905 159th St, Tinley Park, IL 60477. This place has only been open for around 5 years, but is “packed with centuries of Mediterrian culture” says Kevin. We were joined by the owner Omar to try some of the delicious food he offers at his restaurant.

“Everything you see is made fresh. Everything from the hummus, falafel, to the salad, to the sauces,” says Omar. He takes pride in knowing his ingredients are always fresh and everything is always prepared the day of, nothing is stored and served. “The bread, we get it daily from my other restaurant that has a bakery in it.”

Kevin interviewed a gentleman named LaForce. “I’m a big fan of the bowls. It’s a good healthy spot to eat, and I’m always on the go, so I try to eat healthy.” He topped off the interview with, “Whatever your palette is telling you, just go for it. It’s delicious.”

As they sat down to eat, Omar explained everything they had laid out in front of them to try. The food they decided to try was the steak shawarma, steak shawarma pita, chicken shawarma wrap, chicken over rice, steak shawarma bowl and a vegetarian plate. Omar explained that they use 11 different spices for their chicken, and let it marinate for 24 hours. As for the steak, they use 7 different spices.

“This is my personal favorite, the steak wrap” says Kevin. He took a big bite and said “Mm! Very good.”

Omar previously finished med school, but he has so much passion for food he decided to leave the medical profession and open SemSem Mediterrian.

“I’m proud of this.. I have so much pride in making this food. Everyone loves it.” says Omar.

Whenever you’re in the area, be sure to check out SemSem Mediterrian, you won’t regret it. It’s full of healthy, delicious mediterrian food that is full of flavor and protein.

Be sure to check out our Blue Collar Eats episode of SemSem Mediterrian on Kevin Szabo Jr Plumbing’s Facebook page, under the tab Blue Collar Eats.

5 Reasons to Try Foodscaping Your Lawn

For many Americans tired of driving to the grocery store for their weekly produce, foodscaping is becoming an increasingly attractive alternative. Instead of a yard full of grass, foodscaping is a landscaping technique that covers all usable space with an arrangement of plants that can be eaten.

If you own a home, there’s a good chance you have some form of landscaping in your yard, whether it’s shady trees or blooming flowers. But combining your landscaping with foodscapes could provide a visually appealing yard that also produces meals – and will help you cut back on your gas and grocery bills. Without further ado, here are four reasons to give it a go.

1. Fresh produce without a trip to the store.

Foodscaping offers an ultra-convenient alternative to going to the grocery store to buy produce. Instead, fresh produce is just steps from your kitchen. Foodscaping also gives you control over the quality of the food you eat. You’ll have organic, pesticide-free food at your fingertips every day!

2. Reduce your carbon footprint.

Speaking of cutting out trips to the grocery store, foodscaping can help you cut back on your carbon footprint! Fewer trips to the store mean you can avoid the carbon emissions from your car, as well as the emissions from shipping produce across the country to the supermarket. Most of the fruits and veggies at the grocery store travel hundreds of miles in inefficient refrigerated trucks that are environmentally taxing.

3. Cut down on your gas and grocery bills.

Reducing the number of trips you take in your car means you’ll save money on gas. However, foodscaping can also help you save on your grocery bills. The upfront cost is roughly equivalent to landscaping with trees, shrubs, and sod. But over time, edible plants can pay for themselves. The fresh fruits and vegetables harvested from your yard year after year can save you a bundle on groceries. Some have claimed to save more than $1,000 a year by dedicating some yard space to food.

4. Save time and energy with low-maintenance plants.

It may seem like an edible yard is a huge time commitment, but it doesn’t have to be. If you choose hearty plants that are native to your area, they will grow easily with little effort on your part.

• In hot climates, such as Texas, look for plants that require little water. Beans, spinach, tomatoes, cabbage and broccoli do well in drought-like conditions.

• In humid conditions, such as those found in Florida or Hawaii, try your hand at tropical fruits such as pineapple, bananas and mangos.

• For colder climates without frost, plant blueberries, strawberries, melons and rhubarb that will add color to your yard. Plenty of tree varieties do well in this type of climate as well, so you can enjoy fresh cherries, plums, olives and almonds.

• In the extreme cold, you’ll want to grow hardy plants that can withstand the cold. Broccoli, cabbage, carrots, peas, radishes and chard do well in cold climates. There are also many berries, nuts and fruits that can survive the bitter cold.

5. Find a creative outlet.

Especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many have turned to gardening as a creative outlet while they are working from home. Foodscaping can help you avoid extra trips to the grocery store, and you may find maintaining your yard can become a calming and enjoyable hobby rather than a chore.

Jenna Careri is a writer covering the environment and energy industry. She is a Massachusetts native and graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and French.

Types of Shower Seals That Perfectly Airtight Your Shower Enclosure To Stop Water Leak

Shower enclosures are an amazing part of the bathroom. They are generally strong and reliable but you can face several problems with them. One of the main concerns is that the shower seals leak causing water leakage in the bathroom. This disturbing fault requires quick maintenance for getting rid of the issue.

In this blog, we will share some ideas to keep your shower enclosure airtight by installing shower seals that offer protection from water leaks. Keep reading to know all the tricks.

What Are Shower Seals?

As the name implies, shower seals prevent water from leaking out of the shower area. They are easy to fit and ensure a clean bathroom free from water spills and mess. They can be used in a horizontal or vertical setting for framed or unframed glass.

Benefits of Using Shower Seals

Here are some benefits of using airtight shower seals for the shower cubicle:

• Prevents water from coming out

It waterproofs the gaps between the shower panels, shower trays, and other stuff. This prevents accidents and slipping in the bathroom.

• Keeps the steam inside

Another benefit of using a shower seal is that it traps the steam inside the cubicle. So, you don’t have to worry about the steam escaping from the shower unit.

• Reduces moisture damage

If you have wooden flooring or paneling in the bathroom, using airtight shower seals can save them from getting damaged. The bathroom also remains free from mold and other moisture problems.

They come in different sizes to suit the shower enclosure and can be altered to the required size if needed. You should always check the thickness of the shower glass whenever you have to choose shower seals. Then, choose a shower seal shape according to the type of the shower cabin.

The common shapes of shower seals are as follows:

• Straight seal

It is suited for square and rectangular cabins

• Curved seal

You can get a curved seal if you have to use it in a semicircular cabin.

Materials Available

About the materials, shower seals are available in plastic, rubber, and silicon variations. Another popular type is the magnetic shower seal. Use it in cabin doors as it creates a tight grip with the base while restricting water to flow out from the enclosure.

Types of Shower Seals That Stop a Water Leak

Three types of shower seals restrict water from leaking out of the shower cabin are as follows:

Bottom Sweep Seal

You can get your hands on the following products:

• Shower door bottom Sweep Dual Durometer PVC Seal And Wipe

This transparent Sweep Dual Durometer PVC Seal and Wipe is a versatile product as it can be used as a bottom wipe. The other way is to place it on the bottom horizontal-part of the door and it acts as a perfect sealant. It is available in three sizes:

• 3/8”

• ¼”

• ½”

Features

• Easy to install

• Two-way use

• Length: 95”

  Bottom Rail With Clear Wipe

This One-piece bottom rail attaches to the bottom of the door to provide an effective seal. It has a single piece sweep option, so the vinyl seal hanging down from the sweep ensures that water stays inside the shower enclosure. The best part is that it is a low-price product according to its features and functionality.

It is available for two sizes of glass thickness:

• 3/8”

• ½”

Features

• Available at a cheap price

• Durable and functional

• Length: 95”

  Soft Fin 'H' Wipe

This Multi-Purpose 'H' Wipe comes with soft and flexible twin legs that can be snapped on the sides or bottom of the door. As the legs are very soft, this product allows you to close the door quietly as compared to the hard plastic shower seals. Other than this, you can also resize the legs to suit the size of the shower door.

Features:

• Available for 3/8” thick glass.

• Very soft twin legs allow quiet door operation

• Easy to install

• Used as bottom sweep or seal

1. Inline Seal

There is one product for the inline seal. You may get following types of such sealant

Polycarbonate H-Jamb 180-degree

The H shape Jamb is the perfect solution for 180 ° inline glass-to-glass doors. It can be attached to the side panel as well as the bottom rail.

Features

• 180 ° inline seal

• Made of hard polycarbonate

• Multifunctional seal

• Available for ½” and ¼” glass.

1. Multipurpose Sealant

At Fab Glass and Mirror, you can get the following product in this category:

Clear 'L' Angle Jamb Seal

This clear 'L' Angle Jamb Seal is best suited for hinge and strike jambs. It works as an excellent seal and can be fixed using the Hi-Bond Tape.

Features

• Economical product

• Gets adhered to walls or fixed panels

• Can be used for ½” or ¼” thick glass

Tips to keep Glass Shower Doors clean and maintained

When the shower leaks are sorted out, the next thing that needs your attention is cleaning the glass shower door. If the shower glass has finger marks and other stains, it looks unpleasant. On the other hand, clean and sparkling shower doors look nice and show your maintenance skills. Enhance your bathroom with bespoke frameless glass for a sleek, modern, and seamless look that maximizes light and space.

Here is one trusted product that works wonders for cleaning tough stains and stubborn soap scum.

• Sparkle Cleaner and Stain Remover

“Sparkle” cleaners offer you a spotless glass and work well on hard water stains. It is a great product for cleaning the shower glass as it wipes away soap scum in an instant.

How to use it?

Spray the sparkle cleaner on the glass surface and wipe it off with a squeegee or microfiber cloth. If there are hard stains, you might need to scrub them off until clean, and then you can wipe the glass.

• ShowerGuard

Fab Glass and Mirror offers ShowerGuard, which is a protective coating on the shower doors. The coating is applied during the manufacturing process, which ensures a long-lasting material

The efficient coating makes glass corrosion-proof and resistant to soap scum and stains. So, if you are looking for a perfect purchase that stays clean for years, ShowerGuard coated doors and enclosures are the right things for you.

The Final Saying! 

To sum it up, Shower seal are all the answers of water leakage from shower enclosures, we have shared some of the best shower seals to keep the showers airtight and stop the leakage of water. We hope you can now choose the right product according to your shower enclosure. Order soon from Fab Glass and Mirror and stay rid of messy bathrooms.

Guest Contributor: Muhammad Yasir

5 Important Tips to Help You Buy Your Dream Home in 2021

Most of us begin our adult lives in rented properties, due to the flexibility and the lack of attachments they offer. But after a while, we reach a point where long-term stability becomes our main concern, and we start dreaming of a property of our own that could help to ensure a secure future.

However, houses are generally among the most expensive purchases the average person will ever invest in, which is why it pays to get more familiar with the home-buying process before making this big, important step. To that end, here are some of the most essential tips that will help you buy your dream home this year:

Find your ideal home style

While your true dream home might be a modern penthouse or a luxurious mansion, you will be most satisfied with your choice if you consider your actual needs, and the type of home that will suit your lifestyle the most. For instance, an apartment in the heart of the city might be a great choice for singles or couples living fast-paced lifestyles, while a single-family home in the suburbs could be a great compromise between space and proximity to the city.

You might also want to think about any plans you have for the future. In case you wish to make your house feel like home by getting married and having children, for instance, investing in a larger property from the start could help to ease the difficulties of relocating in the future.

Get familiar with the area

Although aspects such as country or uptown living might be dealbreakers while househunting for you, keep in mind that the specific neighborhoods can significantly vary depending on the amenities they offer, the proximity to essential services, as well as the overall appeal of the area. For that reason, you should always thoroughly research the neighborhoods while scrolling through listings of your ideal homes.

When you find a listing that appeals to you, look at safety and crime rates in the area, search for amenities like schools and shops, or even look for conveniences such as gyms and restaurants with a quick Google search. Don’t forget to drive and walk around the neighborhood a couple of times either, to see whether you’ll be able to call this area your home in the future.

Shop for the best loan options

Once you’ve finally found a home and a neighborhood that appeal to you, the next step would be to think about a purchase. However, as you most likely won’t have enough funds to invest in a house at once, a home loan would be the most logical option.

In that case, it might be a good idea to use an online home loan calculator, such as the efficient Rateseeker tool. This will allow you to easily compare different loan options, accurately calculate the monthly EMIs (principal amount plus interest rates) and plan your finances according to the most flexible and the most suitable home loan solution for your budget.

Invest in a good inspection

Regardless of what the home currently looks like, hiring a licensed home inspector is always the best course of action. While most newer homes will likely pass the necessary inspection, a good inspector will be able to tell you the correct state of everything from the roof and the foundation to the pipes and the energy efficiency.

Not only will this make house buying a breeze, but it will also help to prevent any unpleasant surprises and additional fixing costs in the future. However, make sure to hire an independent home inspector, instead of opting for the real estate agent's recommendation, for a more thorough and objective inspection.

Make an offer on your new home

Even though this step might come before the inspection in some instances, making an offer on your desired home is often the final, and arguably most important aspect. For this reason, it would be best to hire the expertise of a good real estate agent, as they are already familiar with the home-buying politics, and will be able to offer a fair first bid.

After the initial offer has been made, don’t think it necessarily has to be the final one. Negotiations will likely begin at this stage, and with an experienced agent, you will be able to meet somewhere in the middle, ultimately getting the fairest and the most suitable price for your new home.

While finding the ideal home might take some time and effort on your part, you can make your dream of being a homeowner a reality this year, by following the helpful advice mentioned above.

About the author: Mike Johnston is an avid blogging enthusiast and experienced freelance writer. He’s a regular contributor to the Smooth Decorator blog and numerous other online publications where he writes about real estate, construction, home improvement, and interior design.

Hot Water Repair: What Should You Know?

The hot water system has become a necessity today. You will find people using a different type of hot water systems like gas water heating system, electrical water heating systems and others. 

Hot water systems are basically water heating systems which mainly consists of a boiler placed in the centre of the system and is used to heat water to a temperature ranging from 140 degrees to 180-degree Fahrenheit respectively. The heated water then is circulated by pipes used as water circulation medium to some coil units like radiators based or located in different rooms. Uses of water pumps are more essential in circulating the water, unlike using pressure and gravitational force because pumps provide control and flexibility.

Regular use of a hot water system may sometimes result in malfunctioning of the system calling for the need for hot water repair service. Hence, you must find the best hot water repair service provider to get the best help possible. You can also check out Organized Work Tips to learn more about the reasons for shower water not being hot.

Tips Regarding Repair Of Hot Water Systems

Hot water repair should not be taken granted. There are some signs which indicate that there is a need for hot water repair:  

*Sound from the tank- problems may arise with the system if the tank starts making a popping sound. The sound usually resembles the sound that of boiling water which indicates that there is some problem.

* Fetid smell - Not only the sounds are heard if the system has some problems with it, but there can be some kind of unusual smell or bad smell just like rotten eggs can also add that the system may have some problems developed.

* Water leakage- You can also be seen from the hot water tank which indicates unusual behaviour of the system and needs Hot water repair.

*Water heating issue-  If there is some problem with the system, then the appliances and the faucets may not be able to produce hot water. The water fails to get the temperature needed even after changing the temperature settings several times. Also, you may notice that water from the hot water system appears can te rust-coloured.

Common hot water repair

Repairing the corrosion- 

A mismatch of materials usually causes corrosion. It might happen that the steel water heater has been connected to a copper connector and create an electrolysis problem which can corrode the metal. 

A temperature drop of water

There is a device known as a dip tube present in hot water, which provides the entry for cold water at the bottom. The dip tube if corroded, it breaks and will introduce cold water on top of the tank instead of the bottom. This causes the water not to be heated sufficiently before entering into the distributing pipes, resulting in cooler hot water and hence you must go for a hot water repair.

Electric heaters may stop working-

Electric heaters more often stop work due to common electrical problems like a blown fuse. Fuse can blow up due to short circuits or any other electrical problems a, and if the water heater is turned on for a long time, it may happen that some electrical issue may arise.

Pressure buildup-

One should always check their water heaters at every interval like once in every three months and look out for the signs that may indicate some problem. The problem may arise that the system has started to build up to dangerous pressures due to the malfunctioning of the valves present inside and result in overheating of the water which is dangerous and sometimes can have an explosion.

If you notice these problems, its time to seek the help of a professional hot water repair service provider.

Guest Contributor: Emma Smith

5 easy ways to plan for your home remodeling project

Especially if you have not completed the one before, starting a home renovation can be quite overwhelming. Your remodel will involve several details including the help from Alberta plumbing contractors can become quite daunting whatever the project might be.

 To help reduce your level of stress while keeping you on budget and on schedule, you can make use of these steps and tips for planning a home remodel to select how to order, prioritize and also build a detailed home project plan.

Check out the following 5 ideal home remodeling project that you can try out:

1. Build a complete home improvement project plan

Developing a plan with the designers, architects, civil engineers, even plumbing contractors should clearly states the goal for your renovation is the first step in remodeling project here including every designing inspiration and an outline of the word that requires to be completed here.

Investigate your local zoning regulations and permits at this point in planning for a home renovation. For your remodel, make sure that your neighborhood is zoned and find out if you require a permit or not. You will more likely need a permit if you are getting your project completed that will alter the structure of your home or the use of a room.

2. Set a Project Budget

Determining your financing and budget is the next step when you are planning for a home renovation. The costs for permits and building materials along with the labor costs, and the cost of decorations or cosmetic touches should also be included in your budget.

You need to use your home improvement project plan from step one to eliminate project elements that are a lower priority if your cost estimates do not fit in your budget. From multiple contractors you can request the cost estimates that can help you find the best option on the basis of your budget.

3. Hire Contractors

You will have to hire your team next in your home project planning. You need not select your contractors on the cost estimates alone. The following are the things that you should be considering while interviewing and selecting your contractors.

Years of experience:It can make them safer bet than the one who is new to the business with the help of a contractor who has been doing business for a very long period of time.

Contracting license:To obtain any needed certifications specific to their line of work, you need to ensure that your contractor has gone through all the steps.

Certificate of insurance:For the type of work they are performing, the contractors should have the worker’s compensation and liability insurance.

References: You need to call and request the references. To ensure that your contractor is not just good on paper, this will be a great way.

Payment schedule:The Better Business Bureau advises not to with the help of a reputable contractor who will not be asking you to pay upfront. Before the construction starts, it is important to discuss the terms of payments with them. It is better to spend a bit more time to get someone you are confortable working with in some of the cases here.

4. Build a Timeline

It is time to place together your timeline once you have your budget and team in place for your remodeling plan. If you are hoping to have it completed by a specific date, work backward from the date instead, you need to select the desired date. Determine the length of time every portion of the project that it will take as you sit down with your contractors. Discuss on  how long they will be taking and which project portions can be completed concurrently as you need to have the steps of remodel completed first.

Mark every step of the project with the use of a calendar. Including a few days' worth of wiggle room for unexpected issues, set a completion date. Ensure that the timeline is realistic and is within your budget as you confirm with your contractors or team members.

5. Pack Up and Get Ready for Home Renovation

It is time to make plans to avoid any room while it is under construction now that your home project planning is nearing to an end.

It depends on what work is being done whether or not you should live in your home during the construction times. It is to your kitchen that planning on having some major work done? Build a temporary place to remove all your dishes, minor appliances, cook, and eat and also to store some furniture. You might wish in moving out completely for a short-time if you are planning a whole home renovation.

Ask Your Contractor Plenty of Questions

You need not be afraid to quiz your contractor about every step of the process when you are planning on your home renovation.

The following are the factors on which you need to have professional opinion:

• Budget

• Schedule

• Other contractors

• Materials

Stick to your own plans as much as possible with all being said. Unless there is a good reason for it, do not allow your contractor to force a more expensive product or services. Validating your choices and preventing serious mistakes, let use their expertise.

Plan for Problems When Renovating

They all go awry even with the most detailed home remodeling plans. You should never wish in letting it down. By setting aside a piece of budget for the unforeseen costs and allotting a few extra days in your project timeline, be prepared for delays and issues. During the renovation and to help you stick to your plan in the end, this will prevent the stress and overspending.

Complete Structural Projects First

You need to ensure that you are prioritizing any structural projects first when you are planning for a home renovation. You need to be sure to complete those before spending money on general cosmetic changes if your roof, foundation or electrical system needs improvements.

Plan Ahead for Waste Removal

To think about waste removal, do not wait till your contractor is piling concrete in your driveways. Make sure that you discuss the plans with your contractor before getting rid of debris in your budget. To find the waste removal solution, you need to decide on who is responsible for the construction debris and where it will be located during the planning process.

Guest Contributor: Matthew Hiles

How to Select the Right Hot Water System?

During the winter, a hot water system is an essential appliance. You need one to not only live comfortably but to avoid getting sick. Bathing with cold water during the winters can get you sick. Moreover, if you have kids and elderly people at your place, you need to provide them with hot water services. The right hot water services give you the best benefits of keeping your rooms warm during winter and you can also get clean and fresh hot water for all your kitchen and bathroom-related needs.  Don’t worry! Here are a few factors.

Factors that you need to look at while purchasing a hot water system:

• Price: The price of the hot water system is important as it should not be too extravagant. You need to set up a budget before you decide to buy one. Apart from the buying cost, you need to keep in mind the maintenance and repair costs. Choosing heaters that do not have insulated tanks can cost more when repairs in the long run.

• The Flow Of The Water: The second thing that you need to keep in mind before getting an appliance for hot water services is water flow. While some water heating system has storage tanks where water gets heated and stored, some heaters heat water as it passes through it. You can choose from an interconnected vein of pipes that take hot water to different parts of the bathroom and kitchen, and for hydronic heating systems, you can plan for pipeline connectivity accordingly.

• The Type Of System: You need to decide on the type of water heater system to get hot water services. There are various types of appliances that cater to different needs. No one appliance is perfect for all purposes. There are two options for any electric water heater – the instant one with a storage tank. Another kind of water heating system is a gas water heating system. Environmentalists favor it as thermal emission is pretty low on this one. Solar water heating systems and heat pumps are also reliable sources of getting hot water services.

• Size: The size of the water heating system is crucial. You should buy a water heating system that is big enough for you and your family. The size of the water heating system is also an important factor when you live alone. You should be able to select the appropriate size of the appliance to not spend a huge amount of money. If there is a boiler or tank system, then depending on its size, you can gauge how much hot water it can hold.

• Energy Efficiency: If you want to save money in the long run, you have to check the appliance you want to buy to get hot water services. Energy efficiency is checked to save money as well as look for optimum level of power consumption. Some of the best water heating systems in the market get high ratings in the energy efficiency domain. More power consumption does not mean better productivity. Each of these water heating systems has a different energy efficiency factor.

Now that you are aware of the different aspects that you have to look into before purchasing a hot water system, start searching right now! Not only will it be able to provide you with hot water services but it will save you a lot of money in the long run! There are hot water inspection services that are available, and you can hire them if you suddenly notice any hissing sound, or if the systems stop working or the hot water quality turns out to be bad. Overall it is one of the finest home investments that you can make during winter. 

Guest Contributor: David Fenton

Avoid These Top Mistakes When Building Your Own Home

Building your own home gives you the chance to bring your dreams to life. You can choose your ideal location and design a house that offers you every amenity you’d always hoped to find. With a custom home build, you can control every outlet placement and cabinetry set placed on the property — which is a lot to manage. Most homeowners have limited construction and real estate knowledge which can lead them to make costly errors.

Keep reading to discover 6 top mistakes you should avoid when building your own home.

1. Making Assumptions

People often stick to what they know, and that can lead them to make costly assumptions. For example, if they want to customize their home design, they might believe the only option is to choose a stick-built home. In reality, many modular homes are also customizable and could save buyers time and money. Unfortunately, because people forget to research the process, they miss opportunities that could have better suited their needs.

2. Forgetting to Budget Not Setting

Budgeting helps to turn an idea from a dream into reality. If you know how much it costs to build a house, then you can begin saving and searching for lenders. People think about the major expenses and forget about the relevant soft costs. It’s crucial that homeowners factor in every step of the process to know what they can afford.

The second pitfall experienced with budgeting is that people forget to stick to the limits they’ve set before the build began. When they look at cabinets and countertops, expensive upgrades catch their attention, and they justify their purchasing items outside of their price range. This common mistake creates a snowball effect and can push property builders to spend thousands over their initial estimate. In the end, they’ll need to either pay the difference or cut costs somewhere else on the property. 

3. Missing Essential Permits

Once you’ve purchased your piece of land, it’s tempting to jump into the construction phase as quickly as possible. However, new construction requires written authorization before the building begins. The local municipality must approve the work permits to ensure that the construction will follow zoning and safety regulations.

Typically contractors take care of this step on the homeowner’s behalf, but if you don’t have a contractor or project manager, the responsibility falls to you. Even if you have a contractor, it’s in your best interest to verify that they’ve obtained all of the necessary permits.

4. Hiring the First Contractor You Find

When someone is making an expensive purchase, it pays to shop around to look for the best deals. This doesn’t mean always choosing the cheapest laborer, but it does imply doing your research before hiring a builder. If you meet with several contractors and receive bids, you have a chance to evaluate which option is the best. If you hire the first person you meet with, you’ll never know if you chose the most experienced and cost-effective contractor.

5. Ignoring Your Instincts

Sometimes homeowners have a nagging feeling but ignore it because they don’t want to complicate the process or question the builder or designer. However, it’s important to remember that they’re spending a lot of money to build the house of a lifetime. If they know the current layout won’t fit their lifestyle, it’s crucial that they speak up immediately.

Guest Contributor: Rose Morrison

Ignoring your instincts can leave you feeling upset about the final product. As the client, it’s your job to make decisions, so you should never let a contractor or designer pressure you into making a choice you don’t genuinely want.

6. Not Planning for Project Complications

In life, things rarely go according to plan. Project timelines are estimates that can quickly go awry from weather complications or material delays. Many first-time homebuilders forget to budget for potential delays and difficulties. To best prepare, homeowners should strike a balance between being understanding and setting high expectations.

It’s possible to reduce a lot of confusion by establishing project milestones and communicating frequently. When in doubt, you should always refer back to your contract and make amendments as needed.

It’s a Learning Process

Building your own home is a new experience for most people. Avoiding these six mistakes will help keep your project moving smoothly, but some complications will still arise. Remember that it’s a learning process, and to reach a positive outcome, you need to keep focused on your goals.

Blue Collar Eats - Kup A Joe Cafe

On this episode of Blue Collar Eats, we headed to downtown Frankfort to try out Kup A Joe Cafe. Boy, was this place fantastic! Located at 41 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort, IL 60423, this place will blow you away. Our “Favorite Hungry Plumber,” Kevin, was accompanied by the lovely Julianna, also referred to Coach Jay, who is a personal trainer at The Train Station in Tinley Park.

Good thing they were hungry, because they had lots of food to dig into. There was avocado toast, a club sandwich, A BBQ Bacon Burger, Mickey Mouse pancake, and pancakes with strawberry drizzle, strawberries and M&M’s.

Coach Jay said she comes here a lot, “I live about 10 minutes away from this place, and it’s kind of a local favorite!” She then went on to explain how the owner gives back to the community on Thanksgiving by inviting his regular customers and they bring non-perishables for the local food pantries in exchange for a free meal. Who doesn’t like giving back to the community and receiving a free meal?

Coach Jay stays on the healthier side of the restaurant, her meal consisted of avocado toast with cashews, tomatoes, and sesame seeds. She took a bite and praised how good it was, just like she knew it would be!

Kevin went ahead and tried one of the lunch meals first, and pointed out the hash browns. Coach Jay and Kevin both agreed the hash browns were crispy and perfect, not soggy.

Although Coach Jay didn’t order any coffee, she took a minute to point out the list of their coffee selections. “They have a sugar free caramel if you want to stay healthy!” She said she’s a tea junkie, and mentioned the chocolate coconut tea. “It’s like free calories!”

Our Hungry Plumber got a ham and cheese club sandwich, and on the side is homemade seasoned chips. The chips were phenomenal and crunchy, just like a chip should be. Kevin put a thumbs up after taking one bite into the club sandwich, it was that good!

If you know Kevin, you know he loves his cappuccinos. Any place he can get it from, he will. He tried the peppermint cappuccino, “oh yeah,” he said, “I’ll DEFINITELY be coming back!” He said it was one of the best he’s ever tried.

Kup A Joe does offer alcoholic beverages to those of age, and Coach Jay and Kevin tried them out. Coach Jay called it a “beautiful bloody" and pointed out there was bacon, olives, and cheese with the drink. “Everyone loves a Sunday bloody!” Kevin got the honors of trying it out, “I’m really impressed now,” he says, “this place has it all!” Coach Jay tried the “Moscow Mule” and agreed, hers was very impressive!

The overall review of Kup A Joe came down to this:

“My overall review of this place is outstanding. The coffee, so tasty, every different coffee they had. all the different types of soups they had. I was surprised with the variety,” says Kevin

“The main reason I like coming here, they have so many healthy options, if you are trying to stay in a calorie or macro, you really can.” Coach Jay recommends this place if you are gluten insensitive, they have options!

Photo Source: Yelp.com

Top Causes of Air Conditioner Problems and How to Prevent Them

Statistics show that the majority of US homes have an air conditioning system. These appliances need regular maintenance to ensure they run properly.

Timely replacement of air filters and regular clean-up of outdoor and indoor units should prevent more severe problems. However, some users still encounter issues that are beyond what they can fix on their own.

Here are the top causes of AC problems and the preventive measures to take.

Fan problems

An AC unit has two fans—one on the evaporator coil and the other on the AC’s condenser.

The former directs air onto the coil to cool it, and the latter directs air onto the condenser to blow the accumulated heat out. Both fans can malfunction for several reasons. In some cases, the fan’s motor may break. But the problems usually arise from worn-out drive belts, insufficient lubrication, or accumulation of dirt and debris.

A lot of users don’t feel comfortable with changing drive belts or fan motors. Even if it’s just dirt and debris, it would be best to have an expert clean the fan and fix the issue. The best preventive measures include regular clean-ups.

It’s also advisable to check the fans for strange noises from time to time, as these are among the first signs of malfunction.

Outdoor and indoor leaks

When owners spot leaks around the indoor unit, it’s usually an indicator that maintenance was needed months ago. One of the reasons for these leaks could be the accumulation of fungi and algae. These build up in the drains and cause a blockage. Consequently, the water starts going back through the pipe and onto the walls.

However, with outdoor leaks, the root cause might be more complicated. For example, puddles around the outdoor unit may suggest subpar AC installation or poor sealing. It could also be the air filter or the condensate pan.

Proper installation and maintenance are the best prevention, but it also pays to understand how to repair indoor leaks. Outdoor leaks often require professional attention.

With an indoor leak, pouring about 6oz of white vinegar into the drain should do the trick. The vinegar’s acidity should kill algae and fungi and clear the blockage. 

It’s vital to know where the drain pipe is, so it’s best to check the user manual for its exact location.

Freon leaks

Freon is a non-flammable stable gas that does the cooling within an AC system. In other words, it’s the AC’s refrigerant.

Even though freon has low toxicity, leaks may harm the surrounding environment, so it’s essential to address them as soon as possible.

There are several ways to spot a leak, and the DIY method is using bubble soap. Other methods include dye, nitrogen, and electronic leak detection. However, these are usually employed by professionals.

Depending on the type and the severity of a leak, topping-up the freon and performing minor patching may help. While doing this, it’s vital to recharge the AC with the right amount of freon; otherwise, the unit will underperform.

On the other hand, some refrigerant leaks point to a major fault in the AC’s pipes. If this is the case, an AC becomes significantly less efficient or doesn’t work at all. The solution is to change the pipes and recharge the refrigerant afterward.

Cool breeze around the house

In various US regions, it’s tough to live without an AC in the summer season. Due to this, consider testing your AC unit about a month before the season starts to gauge if it needs attention.

To that end, cleaning or replacing the AC filter is a must because the accumulated dirt can impair the unit’s performance, even if everything else is functional.

Guest Contributor: Richa Khandelwal