SearchChicago :: Homes ::

Rain gardens are pretty and ecological

BY SUSAN RANDSTROM - Special to the Sun-Times — Thu, 2 Jul 2009 04:00 CST

Gardeners who want to create their own rain garden should aim to "keep it simple and just do what makes sense for your own particular needs." Plus, playing with water is always fun!

Nothing fast about home sales in Orland Park

BY GUY TRIDGELL - Daily Southtown — Wed, 1 Jul 2009 04:00 CST

For Gary Fast, the goodbye has been a long one. In April he put a "for sale" sign in front of his home of 15 years in Orland Park. It's a beautiful home and he expected a buyer to show up fairly soon. Instead he has joined a large club of homeowners whose properties are sitting unsold.

Home prices may be stabilizing

J.W. ELPHINSTONE - Associated Press — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 04:00 CST

There is a clear trend home prices declines are moderating � another sign the beleaguered housing market is stabilizing, according to data released Tuesday.

How one neighborhood got a sidewalk

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 04:00 CST

A few months ago, my old neighborhood got its first sidewalk. Years after I tried and failed to get walks for that neighborhood, I wanted to shout hallelujah.

Two districts await city landmark nods

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 04:00 CST

A treasure trove of vintage houses are part of a pair of new proposed Chicago Landmark districts: the proposed Lincoln Avenue Row House District on the North Side and the Giles-Calumet District on the South Side.

Avoid moving day scams

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 04:00 CST

This summer, thousands of Chicago area residents are bravely turning over all of their worldly possessions to a moving company.

Simple instructions for instant hot water

BY ED DEL GRANDE - Scripps Howard News Service — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 04:00 CST

After a recent column on recirculated hot water systems, Ed was flooded with requests for more information on exactly how they can work without doing major work on the existing plumbing system. Here is his attempt to simplify how a basic residential re-circulating hot-water kit can work in your home:

They're back! Carpet squares and shag

BY ROSEMARY SADEZ FRIEDMANN - Scripps Howard News Service — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 04:00 CST

Carpet and pad prices have steadily increased about 12 times in 24 months. Rubber and foam pads still require petroleum for their creation. But, even with the increase in price, carpet is still a less expensive floor covering than almost any other installed flooring.

Mirrors brighten corners, show off collections

BY MARY CAROL GARRITY - Scripps Howard News Service — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 04:00 CST

Call on the power of mirrors to add sparkle to your home.

Guy deserves some man-space; here's how to get it

BY CANDICE OLSON - Scripps Howard News Service — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 04:00 CST

Neil was feeling a little outnumbered by the five women in his household. There was just a little too much pink. He needed a space of his own, a place to do manly things.