LNT_Spring Resource Directory_031123

APPLIANCES

Grassers Plumbing & Heating Inc.

404 W. Main St.

McNabb, IL 61335

815-882-2111

grassersappliances.com

Maze Lumber

1100 Water St. Peru, IL 61354

815-223-1742

www.mazelumber.com

R.P. Lumber

2758 Columbus St. Ottawa, IL 61350

815- 431-0711

600 8th St.

Mendota, IL 61342

815- 539-1088

1315 N Main St.

Princeton, IL 61356

815- 875-1141

220 5th St.

Lacon, IL 61540

309- 246-2485

2515 N Bloomington St.

Streator, IL 61364

815- 673-2822

www.rplumber.com

CABINETS

Builders Choice Inc.

2215 Chartres St. La Salle, IL 61301

(815) 223-6438

www.builderschoiceil.com

Maze Lumber

1100 Water St.

Peru, IL 61354

815-223-1742

www.mazelumber.com

The Cabinet Shoppe

116 2nd Street

Standard, IL 61363

815-339-4108

815-481-7664

CHAINSAWS

Smith’s Sales and Service

1604 Peoria St. Peru, IL 61354

815-223-0132

CONTRACTORS/ CONSTRUCTION

Judd Construction

Hennepin, IL 61327

(815)925-7333

Pinter General Contracting

418 W. Devlin St. Spring Valley, IL (815) 663-0201

www.pintergeneralcontract ing.com

Spelich General Contracting

835 Clark St. Oglesby, IL 61348

815-883-8681

815-488-9830

Asense of pride comes from a successful doit-yourself home improvement project. However, quite often inexperience and time constraints lead homeowners to turn to professional contractors to make sure jobs get done correctly and on time.

Allied Market Research reported in 2021 that the home improvement services market is predicted to reach $585.3 billion by 2030. The following are some reasons why renovation-minded homeowners benefit from the services of professionals.

• Tasks can be overwhelming: A home remodel is a large undertaking with many different steps. Contractors who have been around the block a time or two understand how to organize and manage time to get the job done. Plus, they’re devoting all of their attention and time toward the remodel when on the job. This differs from when a do-it-yourselfer tries to work on a remodel in

Why it pays to hire contractors for home renovations

between other responsibilities.

• Network of suppliers: A good general contractor will have a list of material suppliers he or she routinely uses. Often contractors become preferred sellers, which means they get a lower wholesale rate, and will often pass those savings on to the customer.

• Licensed and bonded protection: Licensed and bonded contractors not only have the skills for the job, they have insurance protection behind them. Therefore, if an injury occurs or the job goes awry, the homeowner will be protected from liability. A license means the contractor will have to uphold licensing standards, which could mean staying current on trade practices and skills.

• Expertise: Experienced contractors have done the work they have been hired to do many times, which means their skills are fine-tuned. Knowing the correct way to

do a job results in fewer errors (and thus fewer repairs), shorter time periods to get the work done, and potentially lower costs overall.

• Frees up time: Homeowners who hire out for remodels can utilize their time in other ways, such as on the job or spending time with family.

• Reduces stress: Putting the work in capable hands means homeowners do not have to

educate themselves about how to do the task, purchase tools, prevent injuries, and/ or deal with potentially negative outcomes. Certainly having extra people in the house can be challenging, but it may not equal the stress caused by tackling a job on one’s own.

There are many advantages to hiring contractors to renovate a home instead of taking the DIY route. TF233752

Maze Lumber

1100 Water St. Peru, IL 61354

FIREPLACES

Maze Lumber

1100 Water St. Peru, IL 61354

815-223-1742

www.mazelumber.com

FLOORING

Granville Floor & Wall Covering

Roto Rooter Sewer & Drain Cleaning

Peru, IL 61354

Electric

105 12th St. Mendota, IL 61342 (815) 538-5598

327 McCoy St. Granville, IL 61326

815-339-2345

granvillefloors.com

Johnsons Carpet Shoppe

1033 N. Main St. Princeton, IL 61356 815-875-3444

johnsonscarpetshoppe.com

Maze Lumber

1100 Water St. Peru, IL 61354 815-223-1742

www.mazelumber.com

2923 N 178th Rd. Utica, IL 61373 815-667-3667

FINANCIAL

First State Bank

Mendota 815-538-2265

McNabb 815-882-2146

Peru 815-224-4484

Ottawa 815-433-3727

Princeton 815-872-0002

LaMoille 815 638-2398

www.firststatebank.biz

Wyanet CarpetFlooring America

816 N. Main St. Princeton, IL 61356 815-879-0005

www.wyanetcarpetflooring America.com

FOOD

McDonald’s Spring Valley, Mendota and Princeton www.mcdonalds.com

Home renovations can improve a home in many different ways. Modifications to kitchens and bathrooms have long been popular projects, but are they the most popular renovations? According to data from Realm, which analyzed the top 10 most popular projects from roughly 2.8 million listings and permit filings in the United States in 2022, certain projects are more popular than others. Nationally, the most common home renovations include interior painting, exterior painting,

finishing a basement, installing or replacing windows, and bathroom remodeling. Houzz polls have unveiled that renovating kitchens and bathrooms, new windows and porches, balcony and deck projects are among the most popular. According to the Canadian lifestyle resource Icy Canada, which culled various data points and sources, window and door upgrades, kitchen and bath remodels and deck projects are the most popular renovations in Canada. TF233748

Ashley Outlet 1651 38th St. Peru, IL 61354 (779) 201-5631

Meyers Furniture 1901 N State Highway 251 Mendota, IL 61342 (815) 539-6263

www.meyersfurniture.com GENERATORS

Kettman Heating & Plumbing, Inc. 107 E Harrison St. Granville, IL 61326 815-339-6124

kettmanheating.com

HARDWARE

Debo Ace Hardware 1713 4th St. Peru, IL 61354 815-223-0461

www.acehardware.com/ store-details/12081

HEATING & COOLING

Energy Specialists

224 N. Main St. Toluca, IL 61369 800-782-7491

Grassers Plumbing & Heating Inc.

404 W. Main St. McNabb, IL 61335 815-882-2111

grassersplumbingheating.com

Kettman Heating & Plumbing, Inc.

107 E Harrison St. Granville, IL 61326

815-339-6124

kettmanheating.com

Triple Service, Inc. 801 Monroe St. Mendota, IL 61342 (815) 539-3828

HOME IMPROVEMENT/ REMODELING

Habitat for Humanity

ReStore 1011 Shooting Park Rd. Peru, IL 61354 (815) 434-2041

Mark Lucas Builders 2704 5th St. Peru, IL 61354

815-223-4805

R.P. Lumber

2758 Columbus St. Ottawa, IL 61350

815- 431-0711

600 8th St. Mendota, IL 61342

815- 539-1088

1315 N Main St. Princeton, IL 61356

815- 875-1141

220 5th St. Lacon, IL 61540

309- 246-2485

2515 N Bloomington St. Streator, IL 61364

815- 673-2822

www.rplumber.com

Illinois’ longest operating lumberyard continues to thrive along Peru’s historic riverfront. Maze Lumber has been providing top quality building materials to Illinois Valley contractors and homeowners for 175 years, still owned by the founding fathers (Maze).

Located in a 15,000-square foot showroom and o ce, we o er building materials for the modern home as well as a full line of the traditional lumber items used in home building, commercial construction, and industrial applications.

Our experienced sales sta takes pride in their ability to provide knowledgeable assistance along with prompt delivery at reasonable prices.

www.mazelumber.com

SITK Kitchen & Bath

1619 N. Main St. Princeton, IL 61356 815-879-0604

somekitchen.com

LANDSCAPING

MATERIAL & SUPPLIES

Maze Lumber

1100 Water St. Peru, IL 61354 815-223-1742

www.mazelumber.com

Pavers and More

3115 IL. Rt. 23 Ottawa, IL 61350 815-431-1108

www.paversandmore.net

LAWN MOWER

SALES & REPAIR

Smith’s Sales and Service

1604 Peoria St. Peru, IL 61354 815-223-0132

LOANS

Eureka Savings Bank

LaSalle 815-223-0700

Mendota 815-539-5656

Oglesby 815-883-3354

Peru 815-223-9400

Wenona 815-853-4333

eurekasavings.com

Financial Plus Credit Union

2813 Plaza Dr. Peru, IL 61354 815-223-6602

www.financialplus.org

1905 13th Ave. Mendota IL 815- 539-3444

www.financialplus.org

Hometown National Bank

LaSalle, Peru, Joliet 815-220-2288

myhtnb.com

LUMBER YARD

Maze Lumber

1100 Water St. Peru, IL 61354 815-223-1742

www.mazelumber.com

MATTRESSES

Ashley Outlet 1651 38th St. Peru, IL 61354 (779) 201-5631

OVERHEAD DOORS

Overhead Door Company of the Illinois Valley 617 Shooting Park Rd. Peru, IL 61354 (815) 223-8471

www.overheaddoorillinoisva lley.com

PAINT

Debo Ace Hardware 1713 4th St. Peru, IL 61354 815-223-0461

www.acehardware.com/ store-details/12081

Popular trends in home exteriors

Certain homes have an undeniable wow factor. That instant appeal tends to be noticeable the moment visitors pull up to the curb, and it might be a byproduct of homeowners’ willingness to embrace the latest exterior design trends.

Trends come and go, but recognition of the current fashions can help homeowners create that highly sought-after wow factor. The following are some recent trends in home exteriors that have helped homeowners set their properties apart.

WOOD

Natural wood has undeniable appeal, and it hasn’t only found newfound devotion among home interior decorators. Natural wood garage doors create a sense of warmth and can set a home apart from others with steel doors, which tend to be the most popular garage door material. In addition to the garage door, natural wood entry doors and

wood decks are popular ways to impart this classical, warm look to a home’s exterior.

PAINTED BRICK

Like natural wood, brick is a traditional material that’s both sturdy and classical. But homeowners can add character to brick with a coat of paint, which has become a popular trend in recent years. Light tones tend to be most popular when painting bricks. The experts at Better Homes & Gardens note that this

could prove a long-term commitment if homeowners so desire, as a properly painted brick exterior could last as long as 20 years.

HARDSCAPING

Hardscaping isn’t a new trend, but it has been trending in recent years. Hardscaping is an umbrella term that includes everything from outdoor living rooms to incorporating natural stone into a landscape. Outdoor living rooms are one hardscaping

trend that has become increasingly popular of late. These spaces serve as an extension of indoor living spaces. The home improvement experts at HGTV note that recently homeowners have looked to create covered outdoor rooms that can be enjoyed more frequently than patios or decks that are not protected from the elements.

OUTDOOR LIGHTING

It makes sense that individuals looking to spend more time enjoying their properties outdoors would want more lighting outside. Ambient outdoor lighting can be utilized throughout a property. Such lighting can light up walkways and driveways and be used to light up landscaping features like trees and gardens.

Home design trends tend to be fickle. But recognition of the current trends in exterior home design can set homes apart and turn properties into awe-inspiring places to enjoy the great outdoors. TF234820

IL 61335 815-882-2111

grassersplumbingheating.com

Kettman Heating & Plumbing, Inc.

107 E Harrison St. Granville, IL 61326 815-339-6124

kettmanheating.com

Maze Lumber

1100 Water St. Peru, IL 61354 815-223-1742

www.mazelumber.com

Passini Plumbing 116 S. 2nd St. Standard, IL 61363 (815) 339-4108

RENTAL EQUIPMENT

Rental Pros 2

1150 38th St. Peru,IL61354

(815) 224-2800

United Rentals

2901 Peoria St. Peru, IL 61354 (815) 223-7962

www.unitedrentals.com

ROOFING

Maze Lumber

1100 Water St. Peru, IL 61354

815-223-1742

www.mazelumber.com

Northern Illinois Seamless Roofing

705 Illinois Ave Mendota, IL 61342

(815) 539-5142

www.northernillinoisseam

lessroofing.com

Pinter General Contracting

418 W. Devlin St. Spring Valley, IL (815) 663-0201

www.pintergeneralcontract ing.com

R.P. Lumber

2758 Columbus St. Ottawa, IL 61350

815- 431-0711

600 8th St. Mendota, IL 61342

815- 539-1088

1315 N Main St. Princeton, IL 61356

815- 875-1141

220 5th St. Lacon, IL 61540

309- 246-2485

2515 N Bloomington St. Streator, IL 61364

815- 673-2822

www.rplumber.com

STONE

PRODUCTS

Maze Lumber

1100 Water St. Peru, IL 61354

815-223-1742

www.mazelumber.com

Think you can't a ord to remodel?

Check out these options to finance home improvements

Renovating a home is a great way to impart personality indoors and out. Improvements can make spaces more livable and address safety issues. Home renovations often take residents’ lifestyles into account, and changes can be customized to accommodate a growing family or an empty nest.

No matter the job, home improvements tend to be costly. According to the financial resource SoFi, on average, the cost to renovate or remodel a whole house runs between $10 and $60 per square foot. Certain rooms demand a higher cost, with a kitchen or bathroom remodel costing around $100 to $250 per square foot due to electrical and plumbing needs. Figuring out how to pay for the improvement project is as essential to the planning process as picking out materials and contractors.

The following are some financial considerations and financing options for homeowners looking to renovate their properties.

• Consider if the investment is worth it. Remodeling magazine routinely assesses common improvements and how much homeowners can expect to recoup on the investment in its annual “Cost v. Value” report. In 2022, a homeowner spending $4,000 on a garage door replacement recouped 93.3 percent of the investment, whereas adding a midrange bathroom at $63,000 would only offer a 51.8 percent return. Homeowners must decide if they want to go forward with the project if they’re likely to get just a $33,000 return when they choose to sell the home later on.

• Re nance the home mortgage. Homeowners can use a cash-out mortgage refinance

as a way to access thousands of dollars for a remodel. This taps into a home’s equity. Keep in mind that the mortgage will then be a new mortgage at the current interest rate and an outstanding balance higher than what was the current one. Typically 20 percent equity in the home is needed to refinance.

• Take out a personal loan. For those who do not want to refinance, a personal loan or home improvement loan can be good for midsized projects, according to American Express. Personal loans for home renovations typically require no collateral and one’s credit score determines the interest rate.

• Utilize a home equity line of credit. A HELOC is a form of revolving credit, like a credit card. Homeowners borrow against the credit line granted with the home being the col-

lateral. As a person pays down what is owed, he or she can borrow more. This is a good idea for recurring or long-term home improvements.

• Try a home equity loan. Home equity loans use the home as collateral like a HELOC. The home equity loan is an installment loan for a fixed amount on a fixed monthly schedule for a set term. These are sometimes called second mortgages.

• No- or low-interest credit card. Smaller projects can be financed using credit cards. Many will offer introductory rates with no interest for a few months. This is generally only preferable if a person can pay off the balance before interest is charged.

These are the primary ways to finance home improvement projects when costs exceed available cash on hand.

TF233754

Signs of electrical problems in a home

Homeowners know that all sorts of issues can affect a home. Issues can run the gamut from the merely annoying to the unsafe. Electrical issues fall into the latter category, posing a significant safety hazard if left unchecked.

According to the home safety experts at UL (formerly known as Underwriters Laboratories), learning to recognize warning signs of electrical wiring issues can greatly lower the risk of house fires. House fires pose a significant threat, as the Electrical Safety Foundation International notes that electrical malfunctions cause more than 50,000 house fires each year. UL indicates that the majority of those house fires can be prevented, and learning to recognize signs of a electrical problems in a home is a key component of home fire prevention.

• Dimming or ickering lights: The UL notes that light fixtures do not typically draw a substantial amount of power,

so dimming or flickering lights is not often indicative of an issue with a fixture. Dimming or flickering lights could indicate that the circuit the lights are on is overburdened, most likely by large appliances sharing the circuit with the lights. If dimming and flickering lights are a problem, homeowners can speak to an electrician about moving the fixtures to another circuit or installing a new line specifically for major appliances.

• Odors: Odor emanating from an outlet, fuse box or breaker panel should be reported to an electrician immediately. The odor, which some homeowners indicate smells like fish, could be a result of an overheated circuit. Odor coming from an outlet, fuse box or breaker panel could indicate a significant electrical issue, so homeowners should not hesitate to report this problem to an electrician. Odors can sometimes travel through HVAC systems as

well, so homeowners should take note and call an electrician even if their outlets do not smell.

• Hot outlets/switch plates: Outlets and/or switch plates that are hot to the touch are another indicator of an electrical issue. UL notes that outlets that become hot even when nothing is plugged into them could be wired incorrectly. In such instances, an electrician will need to fix the issue, and in the meantime it may be best for homeowners to flip the breaker or remove the fuse for the outlet.

• Frequently blown fuses or tripped breakers: According to UL, circuit breakers and fuses have a built-in fail-safe that is designed to prevent overloading. Sometimes a tripped breaker is a result of an aging appliance. One way to detect that is to plug in the product to more than one outlet in the house. If each breaker trips, then the appliance is likely to blame. However, if using

the same outlet continues to trip the breaker regardless of what’s plugged into it, then the circuit requires the attention of an electrician.

Electrical issues increase the risk for home fires. Fortunately, such issues are generally preventable and often easily remedied by a qualified electrician. TF225966