ATJ's Home Improvement | News and Alerts

What is Covered by Your Winter Storm Insurance?

It seems that meteorologists are not sure what impact El Nino phenomenon may have on Chicago’s winter in 2016. Some are saying that we may see a slightly warmer than usual winter; others are warning that El Nino is not the only force at play and it can mean that cold-air outbreaks and snow storms will likely occur at times this winter.

Attic Ventilation Do’s and Don’ts

Attic ventilation is a confusing subject to most homeowners residing in the suburbs of Chicago. Some, especially those with newer roofing systems that use advanced insulation materials, tend to think that their attics are fine and they don’t need to take any extra measures to keep their attic sufficiently ventilated.

Aluminum Siding Dents and Scratches—DIY Fix

Vinyl siding is still dominating the U.S. market, but aluminum siding has been gaining some popularity. Market share for the plastic building material dropped from 39 percent in 2003 to 27 percent in 2013, according to Freedonia Group Inc.

5 Tools That Will Make Snow Removal in Chicago a Breeze

In this blog, we’ve been talking about unavoidably approaching winter for quite a while now. We’re not trying to be Team Debbie Downer here, but this is Chicago. And when the snow hits the ground, you better be prepared. This time we’ve assembled a list of tools that will help you deal with snow and ice without—literally—breaking your back (or the bank).

7 Clever Ways to Save on Your Home Heating Bill

No one likes paying high electric and gas bills. At the same time, living in Chicago means you have to keep yourself warm in winter. An extra blanket or two is a great way of staying warm while turning your thermostat down, but during the day walking around wrapped up in blankets is not an option (at least for most of us).

20 Tools That Every Handyman (or Handywoman) Should Have

While bigger projects should always be left to professionals, it doesn’t mean that an average homeowner is not capable of doing small repairs on their own. In fact, working on small projects and performing basic maintenance of your property will not only make things last longer, but will provide a much needed stress relief and a sense of satisfaction.