Choosing the Perfect Bathtub for Your Bathroom

By Iona Carina of The Chicago Real Estate Blog

When you come home feeling tired after working hard all day, what’s more relaxing than soaking yourself in a warm tub and maybe creating a spa experience with some music and aromatherapy?

Many people say that the bathroom is one of the most relaxing rooms in the house because it is the only place where you can be on your own without thinking about all the worries in the world. This is the place to put your body and mind at ease.

For that reason, some people are willing to spend a lot to create a very comfortable and relaxing bathroom. Most of the budget for constructing or renovating a bathroom will go towards the bathtub. While a few people are happy with just a shower, most would prefer a nice cozy bathtub as well.

There are different types of bathtubs that are made from different materials and come in a variety of sizes and prices. If there is already a tub in your bathroom that you are not satisfied with, you might not need to throw it away and replace it with a new one, especially if you are on a tight budget. Instead, you can choose to refinish or install liners to make it look as good as new. You may want to consult with a contractor before deciding whether it is necessary to get a new tub or not.

Different types of bathtubs

When you are constructing a new house or if your old tub’s at the end of the line, there are several tub options you can choose. Remember, before picking a particular tub, don’t forget to measure your bathroom to make sure the tub fits and that the floor is strong enough to support its weight.

- Conventional bathtubs
This type of tub is generally cheaper than the others and is available from as low as $200 and as high as $5000. Aside from its price, the reason why people choose a conventional tub is because it is easy to maintain and usually very durable.

- Soaking tubs
People also call this type of tub Greek, Japanese or Asian tubs. Normally, this kind of tub is deeper than a conventional tub (around 26 to 34 inches deep) but also shorter (the length is usually only about 4 feet). There are some longer soaking tubs available that are similar in length to the conventional tubs but of course, they are more expensive than the regular ones. Typically, a soaking tub can cost between $1400 and $6000.

- Whirlpool
This is by far the most relaxing bathtub option because it uses water jets and air jets that ease your muscles, making a hard day at work simply melt away. Cheaper whirlpools are not too expensive and start out around $600. The more luxurious options will run you about $8000 and over.

- Walk-in bathtubs
This is a specially designed bathtub for people with limited mobility. It has a watertight door so you need to enter when it is empty and drain the tub completely before exiting. Because of its design and features, walk-in tubs are more expensive than almost any other type. Regular ones cost around $1000, while the walk-in tubs that have special spa features can cost as much as $10,000.

Choosing the design and the type of bathtub is totally up to you. However, consult with your bathtub manufacturer and contractor regarding the tub and the installation process to make sure you have your dream bathtub installed correctly without any difficulties.

Mother Earth is My Best Friend: Eco-friendly options for your home

By Iona Carina of The Chicago Real Estate Blog



With so many people growing more and more concerned about the environment, buying a new home these days now includes a mandatory discussion of the home’s “green elements.” As a result, many buildings in Chicago are now installing environmentally-friendly housing features. So if you find yourself with a growing conscience about your carbon footprint, here are some examples of technologies in buildings that help preserve the environment.

Solar Roof Panels

I can tell you from personal experience that solar panels are great in cutting electricity bills. Basically, panels on your roof store the heat from the sun and transform it into energy that can be used for electricity in your house. At around $700 a panel, they might seem expensive at first. But if you think about all the electricity bills you’ll save on in the future, solar panels are definitely worth it. Plus, no one can turn off the sun so you pretty much have the energy for as long as you stay under the solar roof panels.

Recycled Materials

Yes, you can build your house from recycled materials! And no, your house will never be like a huge trash container. There are companies who convert different materials like wood, paper, plastic, glass, steel and many others to beautiful cabinets, flooring materials, doors, etc for different parts of your house. As recycling those materials cuts energy consumption and saves us from the pollution, you’re really doing a favor to the mother earth.

LED

Light Emitting Diodes (or LED lights) are very energy efficient. While most light bulbs turn most of their energy into heat (that’s why you cant’t touch a light bulb when it’s on), LED lights only brightens your house. Another benefit from using LED lights is that they last much longer. They actually last up to 10 times longer than regular lights so you won’t have to change the bulbs as often anymore.

Heated Flooring

No more thick socks in the house! Wouldn’t that be nice? With a normal heater, you can lose the heat from any passages in the house. But heated flooring keeps the heat from escaping. In addition to the environmental benefits, it will definitely create a really comfortable winter in your house.

There are also many other sustainable housing features and materials that you can use to create an environmentally friendly house. So the next time you search for new homes in Chicago, you might want to consider some eco-friendly options.

Smart Budgeting For A New House In Chicago

By Iona Carina of The Chicago Real Estate Blog

Maybe you’re walking around the town and see the signs new condominiums and new homes for sale in Chicago. Then you start thinking, it might be the time to make a transition from renting to owning your own property. The Chicago real estate industry keeps growing every time so it should be a good investment move to own a condo or a house.

You need to keep in mind, though, that there are expenses that you need to be ready with after you make a decision to buy a property. Calculate your budget carefully and thoughtfully beforehand so your new home can be a real comfort for you instead of a burden.

Monthly Mortgage Payment
There are expenses that surprise people who convert from renting to owning but monthly mortgage payment is not much different from monthly rental. Depending on your plan, some payment might be cheaper than renting. Preparing your budget for this is a must.

Insurance
Your condo or house needs to have insurance to protect your property from unwanted events like fire, flood, theft, etc. Of course, let’s hope that won’t happen to your house. But in case it happens, you can at least get some compensation from your valuable possessions. Also, to avoid any of those things, you can install adequate security system in your house. There are some insurance plans with a combination of house and auto insurance. It might save you some bucks.

Property Taxes
You need to check the Illinois state law in order to find out how much you will be taxed for your house or condo in Chicago. The amount depends on the value of your property so this is something to think about before signing the papers.

Homeowner’s Association Fees
These are the fees that many people tend to overlook. You will be charged with these fees if you neighborhood belong to a homeowner’s association or if you live in a condominium. The fees are generally used for the condo’s area upkeep like the water and sewage, clubhouse access, lawn and garden, swimming pool and other common areas.

Yes, it sounds like a lot but don’t be scared by the sound of expenses. Buying a real estate property gives you an ownership title which is a great investment for the future. As long as you carefully estimate your budget, then you’re on the right track.

Things to Consider Before Building Your Wine Cellar

So you’ve decided you’d like to add a wine cellar to your home. Before I can sit down and come up with the perfect plan for your wine room, I need to get to know a little more about you and your wine storage needs.

1. What is your intention for this space?

Wine rooms are typically intended as a means for storage and/or entertainment. How do you plan to use this space? Are you a connoisseur or a winemaker? If so you are more likely to need to maximize you bottle capacity. Or maybe a showcase quality entertainment space is something you would value. Knowing how you plan to use the space will help us determine what type of layout and what type of racking would work best for you.

2. What is your budget?

Just like any project, a construction budget can vary greatly dependant on the finishes you desire. A wine cellar can be designed with a variety of options from wood species and racking techniques to lighting options and custom cellar doors. By knowing your budgetary constraints from the beginning we can accommodate your needs to better fit you, from modest to extravagant.

3. What are you planning to store?

How do you buy your wine? Do you buy it by the case or the individual bottle? Will you need storage for Magnums? How about case storage? Would you want a display row to showcase your favorite labels? Bin and case storage allows for a larger quantity of bottles to be stored in your wine cellar while individual bottle racking allows for better airflow.

At Blank & Baker Construction Management, we are here to satisfy your needs. Listening to you and understanding those needs is how we begin to exceed your expectations.

Contact us today and tell us about your construction needs.

Welcome to Our New Blog

Welcome to Blank & Baker Construction Management's new blog. This is a place where clients and prospective clients can learn about what's happening in our organization, see projects we are working on as they progress, receive advice for future construction projects, and get tips for properly maintaining your home.

If you have any questions about a construction project on Chicago's North Shore or suggestions for topics you would like to see discussed on this blog, please contact Chad Blankenbaker at info@blankandbaker.com. For additional information about our firm, visit our website.