L2C46, now you're talkin', SAILBOATS, etc. is one of the great things Chicago has to offer (SOME of the year, lol!). I adore the Shedd Aquarium, especially the architecture and the marine mammal exhibit/show. The whole thing is a replica of the Pacific NW habitat, very cool. And I love the other three museums, the Art Institute and the Museum of Natural History and Science and Industry. Best I've ever been to and I've been to all the NYC ones and Berlin and LA and Philly's museums. Check out Indiana Dunes while the weather is still nice, and the historic farmstead there. It's probably a good hour from you, but well worth the trip. I lived outside of Chicago for the majority of my life, (In MI, but Chicago was THE place to go) and I have a close friend living in Evanston. My people were from the south side, that's where they emigrated to from Russia, but later moved to Skokie when they got prosperous. As for clothes, the key is LAYERS! I'm partial to the good stuff, it wears well, like gortex and other waterproof coatings for windbreakers (always with a hood because you never know!). Then wool for sweaters and coats, along with down and polartec or thinsulate. Mix and match. Silk and cotton for the longjohns, at least on the inside. There are nice boots but they are pricey, but you will not regret it. I have a nice wool lined leather pair, a heavy duty thigh high pair, and a pair with rubber bottoms for slush and mud season. Don't skimp on the soles, and you want SEWN uppers to the soles, will not come unglued with all the wetness. IMHO, a good set of foot gear is the most important winter survival and ENJOYMENT accessory. If my feet aren't happy the rest of me isn't happy! And a good hood. To heck with hat hair, I want to be comfortable! My friends call me Nanook of the North! But I can go outside and enjoy myself ANY TIME! The secret is to accept it, EMBRACE it!

justalurker.. wow. I came here hoping to find the best solution for my familes water needs. Yes.. the "how" with the backing of the "why". You seem very passionate about water conditioning and I appreciate that. I never said anything insulting and only asked for help. I would hope you would. As for insinuating my GC abilities.. you should find out what I do and what my abilities are. Most of my work is commercial work in and around the City of Chicago. Every job i've done relies on Lake Michigan water and most people find it acceptable from the tap. The only water conditioning done has been on restaurants we've built. This is usually a contract with the client and EcoLab(there are others, but they are the biggest). They supply water conditioning, cleaning agents, sanitizing, etc.. on a contractual basis with the client.. post GC work. So to answer your question, I've NEVER told anyone to just go buy a "Sears Softener". I also grew up in Chicago and suburbs and never had well water. We moved far away as possible to raise our kids. Hence this being our first home with well water and my lack of experience. So again, if would be all eyes open to the screen if you'd help me out. Or ears if you'd like to call me and discuss? Up to you.. thanks!

Here is what I obtained from our village website. They only provided "tips". I have included my comments to some items. More detail would have been helpful: Tips on Home Remodeling Getting Started The Village of xxxx allows homeowners to act as contractor for their own home remodeling projects. It must be noted, however, that a permit is required for all projects in which an addition or alteration will be done at the property. (comments: I can understand additions, difficult to define "alteration" e.g. cabinets replacement, carpet replacement with hardwood flooring, or replacing existing vanity and tub, or replacing existing fluorescent light with regular light.. etcare these "alteration"? or alteration of the structure of the home?.. this is a grey area dont understand this.. this can be interpreted different ways unless there is a definite definition for this) Additionally, projects that require the alteration of the roofline of the existing structure must have drawings sealed by a (STATE) licensed architect or structural engineer. Lastly, check the covenants for your subdivision before proceeding with any work; individual subdivision covenants may have special requirements and restrictions. Obtaining a Permit Although many people consider obtaining a permit to be a burden, it does have a critical role in any construction project. Having a permit entitles each homeowner: · Provides inspectors to answer questions. · Offers some security from contractor fraud. (some security? What does this mean? With permit contractor fraud did happen. With "zero" security from the village) · Allows inspectors an opportunity to verify that the contractor is working in a professional manner.(does this mean that the inspectors verify the quality of work and also the behavior of the contractors? Define what does it mean by "verify that the contractor is working in a professional manner" again.. this can be interpreted differently by inspectors according to their likeness unless there is a definite definition) Tips on Hiring a Contractor · Insist on a written contract. Obtain a written contract and make sure you understand the terms. Include a time frame for the completion of the project, but do not rush. Include terms of a payment plan and agree as to who will handle additional unforeseen expenses. · Make secure payments. It is not unusual for a contractor to require some money up front before construction starts. Make certain, however, that payments do not get ahead of work that has been completed. Never pay the full cost of the job up front. If a contractor insists on full payment up front, look for a different person. · Conduct interviews with potential contractors. Remember the contractor is working for you. Be certain that you are comfortable working with this person. Additionally, talk with friends and neighbors: people who have had experiences with contractors (good or bad) are always willing to share their knowledge. · Check with the Better Business Bureau. Checking with the Better Business Bureau will give you an opportunity to assess a potential contractors work history. · Verify the handling of inspections. Come to an agreement as to who will handle the permit and inspection process. If the contractor is scheduling the inspections, ask for copies of the results and keep them with the permit. · Make sure the contractor has insurance. Without insurance you may be liable if a worker is hurt in your home. The Village of XX does have an ordinance requiring all contractors working within the village to be licensed and bonded. · Ask for at least 3 references. Make sure that the sources had work done that was similar to your proposed project. · Get at least 3 bids. Check material pricing with that of your local building supply store to see if the price quoted is fair. · Establish a reasonable timeframe. If the contractor states the project will take 8 weeks, do not insist on 6 weeks; doing so might affect the quality of work. Revised

Thank you all!!!! If you have any additional ideas, please feel free to let me know. As of this evening, I spoke with an Architect who provided a lot of wonderful guidance. He's also willing to answer any questions I may have along the way. Honest and nice guy. At this time, I'm working on attaining my house plans (completed the form), locating an excellent roofer (2 referrals) and I have received a referral for a skilled carpenter who has a significant amount of experience building decks. I am really entertaining the idea of the tile decking (see pic). Let me know your thoughts! I like the Brazilian IPE color; I think it complements the brick color on my home. Of course, if you think another color may be a bit more attractive, please don't hesitate to drop a reply.