Real Chicago jobs
Real jobs on Chicago homes. Each homeowner knew something wasn't right and called us. We inspected it, explained what we found in plain words, and fixed it.
Skylight
Des Plaines, IL
Water came in during a heavy storm. The homeowner told us a previous contractor had tuck-pointed the chimney and cracked the skylight without telling her.
The cracked skylight let storm water in. We took pictures and showed her exactly what we found.
We replaced the damaged skylight with a new one and showed her the finished work.
Gutters
Lake View, Chicago
The HOA president asked us to inspect the drainage system after a PVC pipe broke during the winter.
The broken pipe let gutter water run toward the inside of the basement wall instead of away from the building, which can push into the foundation and turn into a much bigger problem.
We re-routed the gutter drainage to the outside of the building so water runs down and away from the foundation instead of behind the basement wall.
Gutters
Oak Lawn, IL
The homeowner called because water was seeping into her basement, so we came out to inspect the gutters.
The gutters were old and too short for the roof, and there were not enough downspouts, so water spilled and ran down against the foundation.
We installed new gutters, rerouted the runs, and added extra downspouts with ground extensions to take the water away from the foundation.
Gutters
Lincolnwood, IL
The homeowner said water dripped behind the gutter when it rained, and the gutters were pulling away from the fascia.
We inspected the fascia and found the gutter apron was missing. We took pictures, showed the homeowner what we found, explained what it needed, and fixed it.
We installed the missing gutter apron behind the gutter and secured the gutter back to the fascia so water runs into the gutter instead of behind it.
Chimney
Jefferson Park, Chicago
Water came into the basement where the hot water tank connects to the chimney, but only during heavy rain.
We were called to install a chimney cap, but noticed bricks were missing from the back of the chimney. We ran a water test and found the issue.
Replaced the missing brick and tuck-pointed the chimney. No more water leaking because of the chimney.
Chimney
Oak Park, IL
The previous homeowner had stopped using the fire pit. He called us to inspect the chimney.
We found a tree, leaves and branches growing inside the flue, and the liner needed replacing.
We brought the team and installed a new chimney liner, finished before winter so he can use the fire pit again.
Gutters
Evanston, IL
The gutters kept clogging. The homeowner is older and can no longer climb ladders to clean them.
We inspected the house and the gutters and gave him a quote. He said our price was fair and had us do the work.
We installed gutter guards along the whole run so leaves stay out and he does not have to get up on a ladder to clean them.
City code
Chicago
The homeowner decided to remodel the siding. When we inspected, we found the old siding contained lead, which has to be removed following proper procedures.
The house sits less than two feet from the neighboring home. Chicago code requires a fire-resistance-rated sheet on that wall to protect both properties.
We informed the homeowner, followed the proper lead-safe procedures, and installed the fire-rated sheathing the city requires before the new siding goes on — so the job meets Chicago code.
Torch-down roof
Chicago
High winds in Chicago lifted the torch-down roof. The homeowner called after getting three quotes, and every contractor said the roof needed to be replaced.
We inspected the roof and showed what each option would cost, how long each one would last, and what the warranty covers.
The homeowner chose to repair it. We sealed the lifted sections and the seams, so the roof keeps working instead of being replaced.
Shingle roof
Logan Square, Chicago
The homeowner had many small repairs over the years and called us to look at the roof.
We inspected the house and checked the attic. The plywood underneath was rotted.
The homeowner chose to cover it under insurance. We helped: we took good photos and checked the policy first so everything was covered before the carrier could deny it. That saved the homeowner money.
Shingle roof
Norridge, IL
The homeowner had a few leaks and thought it was the chimney flashing. Another contractor had already tried to fix it.
We inspected the house and checked the attic. A small leak had rotted the plywood decking (OSB). From the outside the roof looked fine, but inside it was bad.
We gave the options: repair that patch or replace the whole roof. The roof was at the end of its life, so the homeowner chose a full replacement.
Shingle roof
Skokie, IL
The roof was leaking. Shingles near the ridge were loose, mismatched and missing, leaving the underlayment exposed.
Several earlier patches used the wrong color and a few rows had lifted or blown off.
We replaced the damaged and mismatched shingles with color-matched shingles and sealed the area to stop the leak.
Shingle roof
Chicago
Water was coming into the house, but nobody could tell where it was getting in.
We opened up the inside, then ran water on the roof one section at a time until the leak showed up. It was coming in at bad flashing.
Replacing the flashing and repairing the wood and drywall it damaged.
Shingle roof
Chicago
The roof line was sagging in the middle.
The rafters, the wood beams that hold up the roof, had given out.
Building a new roof frame, then new roof boards and new shingles.
City code
Chicago
The homeowner got a citation from the City of Chicago because the roof didn't meet code.
We went over the violation and the roof to see exactly what had to be fixed.
Bringing the roof up to code so the violation can be cleared.
Shingle roof
Chicago
A large, worn-out shingle roof.
The shingles had reached the end of their life, and repairs wouldn't last.
Tearing off the old roof and installing a complete new shingle roof.
Skylight
Chicago
A broken skylight letting water into the room below.
The skylight was broken, so rain could get in around it.
Fixing the skylight and the flashing around it so it seals tight.
Chimney
Chicago
The chimney had no cap on top.
With no cap, rain falls straight into the chimney and can travel down to any floor, even the basement.
Installing a new chimney cap.
Flat roof
Chicago
A flat roof that needed protection from sun and weather.
The roof surface was worn from years of sun and weather.
Applying a rubber silver coating that reflects the sun and seals the surface.
Gutters
Chicago
The gutters were overflowing and leaking at the seams.
The gutters were pitched wrong, so water sat in them instead of draining, and the connections were leaking.
Re-pitching the gutters, sealing every connection and installing leaf guards.
Gutters
Chicago
Water from the gutters wasn't going where it should on an apartment and condo building.
The water was draining too close to the building.
Rerouting the gutters and downspouts to carry water away from the building.
We'll find the cause and show you photos.
