The Home Geeks Podcast

In this Episode, Tim goes solo to answer some questions from followers. Included in this episode, Tim answers: 1) What is the Best Way for a Homeowner to Tell their AC Unit is starting to deteriorate? 2) What causes white powder on brickwork? 3) What are some maintenance items for your plumbing system? 4) How can you tell if a fuse is overused? 5) Can soffit vent and new gutters improve your homes value. Credits Music: www.bendsound.com

Charles Hutchinson , Esp. stopped by the podcast to talk about property taxes and what every homeowner can do to reduce them. Some of the topics we discussed were: 1) How is your property tax amount determined? 2) Where does your property tax money go to? 3) What is involved in the property tax appeal process? 4) How often should you appeal your taxes? Charles' Bio Charles Hutchinson has lived in Wilmette since 2011 with his wife, three children, and two dogs. He started his own practice, The Law Offices of Charles E. Hutchinson, immediately following his graduation from Chicago's John Marshall Law School and focuses his practice in the areas of Property Tax Appeals, Estate Planning, and Small Business Help.   Charles is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, Phi Delta Phi honorary Legal Society, the Chicago Estate Planning Council, and the Wilmette/Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce. He also serves as the Chairman of the Wilmette Historical Preservation Commission.  When Charles isn't in the office, you might find him coaching one of his children's soccer teams, baseball or softball teams.  Charles Contact Phone: 312-259-0672 Email: Charles@CharlesHutchinsonLaw.com Website: CharlesHutchinsonLaw.com Credit Music: www.bensound.com

Anthony Pizano, co-owner of Phoenix HVAC, stopped by to talk to Tim about Air Conditioning related topics. Among topics discussed were: 1) How does your typical split-unit AC unit work? 2) How do you properly maintain your AC unit to get the most life from it? 3) What are common issues that AC units face over their lifespan? 4) Some solution for easily retrofitting older homes to have Central AC. Anthony's Bio Anthony Pizano has been in the HVAC industry since 2005 and worked for a number of organizations over that time. He decided to venture into his own company in 2018 due to a deep need for seeing change in the industry. Leading with his concept of a 'Customer Focused Industry Based on Education' he, with the help of his business partner Bob McCarthy has built a huge following of very loyal customers which continues to grow through word of mouth.   Anthony keeps himself busy in work and out with a blended family of six children, hobbies of gardening and riding his motorcycle and the ever dreaded home improvement projects.  Running this family owned and operated business requires a lot more than just Anthony! His business partner Bob impacts the team by overseeing the Sales & Service side of things and Tony's sister Maggie runs the Office. Along with a team of 3 technicians on the road Phoenix is ready to tackle all of your HVAC needs! Phoenix HVAC's Contact Office Manager: Maggie Phone Number: 224-829-HVAC Email: phoenixhvac4822@gmail.com Website: https://phoenixhvac4822.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HereToRiseAboveTheRest/ Credits Music: www.bensound.com

Dylan McIntosh from Indoor Sciences stopped by the podcast to talk about Mold in homes with Tim. Some topics discussed were: What is mold and what makes it a health concern?Different types of mold and which are the most concerning?What causes mold to form in your home and how to prevent it?What are the different ways to test for mold and when you should call a professional? The Dylan Indoor Science Contact Email: dyaln@indoorscience.com   Phone: (773) 934-8068 Website: www.indoorscience.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indoorscience/ Credits Music: www.bensound.com

Will from Sewerviewer LLC stopped by the podcast to talk about why it is important to have a sewer inspection completed prior to purchasing any property. Some items that were discussed are: 1) What can be found during a sewer inspection. 2) What not to flush down your toilet. 3) How you can potentially have the City pay for your sewer repair (at least in Chicago) 4) When should you consider having your sewer scoped as a maintenance activity. If you are interested in connecting with Will and Sewerviewer you can do so via the following means: Phone: 773-298-1825 Email: sewerviewer@gmail.com Website: sewerviewer.com Credits Music: www.bensound.com

Chicago Realtor and my personal friend Adele Lang stopped by the podcast to talk about the emotional rollercoaster that is the home buying process. Adele is as good as any realtor I know at this and uses her degree in psychology to help her clients navigates the many ups and downs that come with homeownership. Some items we discussed: 1) When do you know you are ready to buy a home? 2) How not to get too high when searching for properties. 3) Wading the emotional lows of the inspection period. 4) Preparing for the unexpected during the closing day and beyond. Adele's Bio Adele Lang is a Chicago Realtor and Cofounder of the Two Door Group at Compass. Having served over 100 clients during the purchase and sale of their properties, she knows a thing or two about the emotional rollercoaster that awaits both buyers and sellers. Although she is a Realtor in profession, she is a nurturer and educator at heart with a background in Physchology. She takes her role as your steadfast support through every phase of the moving process very seriously. She provides whole process support from as early as the financial planning and preparation for a home purchase, all the way to moving day.   Adele's Contact Info Phone: 312-953-8327 Email: adele.lang@twodoorgroup.com Website: www.twodoorgroup.com Credits Music: www.bensound.com

Frank Gonzalez, a licensed architect and the founder of US Building Efficiency Solutions, Inc. and US Construction Efficiency Solutions, Inc, stopped by to talk to Tim about leakage through exterior walls.  Some of the topics discussed were: 1) What is the issue with Split Face Brick and is there a way to properly seal it?  Frank wrote and awesome blog article on this subject that you can see using this link. 2) Why you should not paint most brick surfaces, especially if they are retaining water. 3) What is efflorescence and why should you be concerned about it. 4) How to make sure your windows and doors are properly caulked (Also discussed a tip on how to make your caulk not peel off)  Frank's Contact Info Phone #:630-842-5551 Email:frank@us-bes.com Website: www.us-bes.com  Frank's Bio Frank V. Gonzalez is a seasoned architect and construction manager for a variety of building’s types, with over 30 years of experience. He grew up in Miami, Florida and began working as draftsman at a local architectural firm while attending the architectural program in Miami Dade Community College. He received an AA degree and transferred to the University of Houston, Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design, 5- year Bachelor program, where he received his Bachelor of Architecture. After graduation Frank headed to New York City and began his career as a preservation architect. He worked on hundreds of historical buildings, landmarks and contributing historical structures throughout Manhattan, from the Financial District to the Upper East Side. It is there where he met his wife and started their family.  With opportunities in Chicago calling, they relocated to the Emerald City in 2003. In Chicago Frank has restored landmark buildings, such as the Louis Sullivan building on Michigan Avenue, the Gage Restaurant, Holabird & Root building, and many more. Frank not only restores buildings but is regularly called upon for forensic investigation into structural failures, on variety building types.  Recently Frank embarked in another profession, opening a construction company. Through his Design-Build shop, he is able to offer clients the end to end services from architecture to construction.  He is the founder of US Building Efficiency Solutions, Inc. and US Construction Efficiency Solutions, Inc. He is a licensed architect in Illinois, New York, and Florida. In Illinois he is a licensed General Roofing Contractor, Home Inspector, and in Chicago a licensed General Contractor.  He is member of American Institute of Architecture, Association of Licensed Architects, Green Global Professional, and a commissioner of the Hinsdale Preservation Commission.  Credits Music: https://www.bensound.com

Anthony Giangrossi, President and Owner of Dynamic Colors, Inc, stopped by the podcast to talk to Tim about exterior coatings. Some of the topics they discussed were: 1) What are the ideal conditions for applying exterior coatings to difference surfaces 2) Why preparation is key to ensure coatings last longer 3) Reading the manufacturers instructions and verifying you picked the right coating 4) What considerations go into painting different surface types (metal, wood, concrete, etc) If you want more information on Anthony and Dynamic Colors, Inc, see below for his Bio, contact info, and social media links: Anthony's Bio •Anthony Giangrossi - residences in Evanston since 2005. Married for 12 years with two boys (10, 7). •Owner/President of Dynamic Colors, Inc. Painting and Restoration •19 years in business. •Founded 2001•Main office: Evanston •Service areas: North side of Chicago and Northshore.•Services provided: Coating (painting/staining) of all substrates interior and exterior including: hardwood, cedar, brick, concrete, stucco, limestone, metals, aluminum, vinyl. Plaster/drywall water and fire damage restoration. Interior trim restoration (paint removal and stain). Carpentry. •EPA lead safe certified company.•Angie’s List - Super Service Award recipient for 11 consecutive years (2008-2019).•BBB - Complaint Free Award for 12 consecutive years (2007-2019).•HOUZZ - Best of HOUZZ in Customer Service for 5 consecutive years (2016-2020).•Chicago Magazine 2010 Best of House Painter of the year. •Why started the business: Was an accountant for five years, didn’t like my career path so contact a childhood buddy (Tim Sheehan) regarding starting a business which happened to be a painting company as he has some field experience to teach me. For 14 years worked everyday in the field along with running all aspects (accounting, payroll, hiring, training, sales, estimating, etc) of the company. May 2015 stepped out of the field to focus on the company primarily.   Contact Info  Email: ag@dynamiccolorsinc.com Phone: (224) 296-2224 Website: https://www.dynamiccolorsinc.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DynamicColorsInc/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dynamiccolorsinc/  Credits Music: https://www.bensound.com  

Angelica Garcilazo, an insurance agent with State Farm, stopped by the podcast to talk to Tim about what proper coverage means for homeowners in Chicago and surrounding suburbs.  In this episode we discuss: 1) What goes into ensuring your home is adequately insured? 2) What is Gap coverage and why you may what it? 3) The difference between a sewer backup and your basement flooding, and are you covered for both? 4) Under what circumstances you should call your insurance agent. Angelica's Bio Angelica Garcilazo has over 7 years of experience in the insurance industry and owns her own State Farm Agency. Her mission is to provide a customer experience that provides a high level of care rooted in respect and integrity to assure that everything is done in the best interest of the client. Angelica's Agency works thoroughly with their customers and prospects to address their questions and concerns with the upmost attention to ensure customer satisfaction.  Angelica has a dedicated team that is there to provide assistance to all of her clients any time they need it. When Angelica is not being an Agent she is a wife to a wonderful husband and a 3 year beautiful little girl. During her spare time Angelica likes to be in the outdoors with her family, doing recreational things such as riding bikes, hiking, and hanging out on the beach. J Angelica's Contact Information Personal Email: angelica@angelicagarcilazo.com Phone: 773-565-4763 Website: https://www.angelicagarcilazo.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Angelica-Garcilazo-State-Farm-Insurance-and-Financial-Services-2570407186325400/ Credits Music: https://www.bensound.com

The Sultan of Sweat himself, Pete Horvath (Owner of Move-tastic) stopped by to talk to Tim about the art of moving and how to make your life a lot easier when moving.  We got into a wide array of topics including packing, saying goodbye to old junk, what not to do the day of the move, and how to handle all the unpacking at the end of the move.  For more information on Pete and his company, see his bio and contact information below. Pete's Bio  Pete Horvath is the owner of Move-tastic! Moving Company.  Move-tastic! started in 2006 when he bought a house in Logan Square and was given a pickup truck by his Dad.  The combination of liking a good workout and being too stupid to say know spawned the business and it's been growing ever since.  Today they have 15 trucks and 60 employees and provide moving, packing services and storage to the Chicagoland area.  Pete runs the company with his wife a.k.a. "the boss" and lives in Avondale with their three little girls.  Pete and Move-tastic Contact Personal Email: pete@move-tastic.com Booking Email: info@move-tastic.com Office Phone: 773.715.3227 Website: https://www.move-tastic.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/movetastic/ Instagram: instagram.com/move_tastic/?hl=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/movetastic Credits Music: https://www.bensound.com

In this episode, Matt Douglas, a Partner at the law firm Zelechowski & Douglas, Ltd joined Tim to talk about the intricacies of buying a condo from a legal standpoint and how the process can be more complicated than buying a single family home or even a multi-unit building.  In this episode we discussed:   What are you actually buying when you purchase a condo?What is the Homeowner’s Association (HOA) and what is there purpose?Can you negotiate on HOA items that were found during an inspection?What are reserve funds and special assessments?   If you wish to learn more about Matt or wish to contract his services, please see his bio and contact information below.  Thanks for tuning in!   Matt’s Bio   Matt Douglas has been practicing law in Illinois since 2011. Originally from South Florida, Matt moved to Chicago in 2008 to attend the Chicago-Kent College of Law. During law school, he concentrated on criminal defense, appearing in court on numerous criminal trials as a Faculty Fellow at Chicago-Kent’s in-house law offices and also as a law clerk with the Cook County Public Defender. As a practicing attorney, Matt tried numerous felony and misdemeanor cases, and also represented homeowners facing mortgage foreclosure. In 2014, he joined his current firm, focusing primarily on commercial litigation and real estate transactions. After discovering that guiding clients through the often-confusing procedure of real estate deals better suited his values and skill set, Matt has focused on residential and commercial real estate law, and has taken dozens of deals from negotiations through closing. He has been a partner with the firm Zelechowski & Douglas, Ltd. since 2018 and continues to work to expand a growing real estate practice.   Matt’s Contact Email: MDouglas@zelechowskiltd.com Phone: 312-609-0022 Website: http://www.zelechowskiltd.com/   Credits Music: https://www.bensound.com

 In this episode, Stephen Tinney owner of Creative Home Maintenance joined Tim to discuss why having a good go-to handyman is a must for every homeowner. Some of the topics discussed were:   What makes a good handyman?What kind of Electical and Plumbing jobs should a good handyman be able to do?What are some jobs that most people don’t think of a handyman for that the can do?When you should call a specialist to handle a job?   If you wish to learn more about Stephen or wish to contract his services, please see his bio and contact information below. Thanks for tuning in!  Stephen’s Bio Stephen Tinney is a creative entrepreneur who has launched a successful handyman repair and remodeling business. Starting at a young age he learned many trade skills from his father, and then later in life put himself through college by using these skills and created his own company, Creative Home Maintenance. Stephen specializes in finding creative ways to solve problems that both homeowners and businesses owners face on a day to day basis. Some may even call him a "House Doctor" because of his ability to fix things that are broken and improve the quality of life inside your home. Stephen's Contact Email: tinneybusiness@gmail.com Phone: 440.865-8605 Website: https://www.tacklemytodolist.com/   Credits Music: https://www.bensound.com        

  In this episode, Jorge Caceras a realtor with Compass joined Tim to discuss his transition from the California market to Chicago and what he has taken with him to give him an advantage in selling properties in Illinois. The topics discuss were:   What should be disclosed as part of a property sale?Why is it a competitive advantage to over-disclose?What type of pre-listing inspections should be considered?Why Home Buyer’s will pay more for security?   If you wish to learn more about Jorge or wish to contract his services, please see his bio and contact information below. Thanks for tuning in!   Jorge’s Bio   Jorge Caceras is a Licensed Real Estate Broker with 14+ years of real estate expertise. As a top producer in one of toughest markets in the country, he can provide a wealth of knowledge to his clients in Chicago. Jorge is licensed in California and Illinois. He is an award winning broker who is excited to provide a different perspective to the Chicago Real Estate Market. Jorge specializes in multiple types of real estate including single family, multi-unit, condos and REO/Bank owned properties. Jorge has great experience with Estates, Probate and Trusts, especially those with multiple beneficiaries. As a Realtor with a proven track record, his knowledge extends across multiple markets.    Jorge's Contact Info Email: jorge.caceres@compass.com  Phone: 415.254.7781 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jcaceres_chicago/   Credits Music: https://www.bensound.com        

In this episode, Jordan Thomas from Indoor Science stops by to talk about one of his areas of expertise, Asbestos. We covered a wide range of asbestos topics to help you better understand what the true safety concerns with the material are. The items we got into are:   What is asbestos and why is it dangerous?When was asbestos utilized in construction materialsThe types of construction materials asbestos was used in.The different types of asbestos tests that can be performed.What to do if you do have asbestos in your home.   To supplement some of the topics we discussed in this podcast here are some pictures of different asbestos materials. Additionally, you can read Jordan’s Blog Post on asbestos inspection here https://indoorscience.com/blog/should-i-have-an-asbestos-inspection-during-a-real-estate-transaction/  :    If you wish to learn more about Jordan and Indoor Science or wish to contract his services, please see their bio and contact information below. Thanks for tuning in!   Jordan’s Bio   Jordan Thomas is a Project Manager that performs indoor air quality assessments with a specialty in asbestos and lead. Mr. Thomas holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Earth Science from DePauw University. Jordan is an ACAC Council-Certified Indoor Environmentalist (CIE), Licensed Lead and Asbestos Inspector, Licensed Air Sampling Professional, and HAZWOPER certified. He also holds an asbestos microscopist certificate from the McCrone Research Institute. Prior to working at Indoor Science, Jordan worked as an Industrial Hygienist at Environmental Analysis, Inc and as an Asbestos/Lead Analyst at Metro Technology Laboratory.   The Jordan and Indoor Science Contact Email: jordan@indoorscience.com   Phone: (773) 934-8068 Website: www.indoorscience.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indoorscience/   Credits Music: https://www.bensound.com  

In this episode, Jeremy and Bekah Miller from The Miller’s House Painting stop by to talk about common mistakes most DIY painters make and some tips on getting the best painting results efficiently. Some topics that are addressed:   Common exterior painting mistakesCommon interior painting mistakesCommon dry wall repair mistakesSelecting the right paint for the jobHow investing in the proper tools will save you time and frustration.   If you wish to learn more about The Millers or wish to contract their services, please see their bio and contact information below. Thanks for tuning in!   The Millers Bio   The Millers House Painting is owned and operated by Jeremy and Bekah Miller. Together the couple provide professional painting services to those in need.   With more than 10 years experience The Millers can help transform your home into that fresh, clean pallet ready for new homes and old. There motto is “it’s never too late to paint.”   The Millers Contact Email: jeremy.david.miller@gmail.com Phone: 312-931-7535   Credits Music: https://www.bensound.com

In this episode, Josh Hayden from Blueleaf Lending to talk about Equity and how it can be utilized to your advantage. Some of the topics we get into are; 1) What is Equity and how do you calculate it? 2) What is the difference between Refinancing and taking a Home Equity Line of Credit? 3) What should determine which one you use to tap into your Equity? 4) What can you use a Cash Out Refinance For? If you wish to learn more about Josh Hayden of Blueleaf Lending or just follow him on social media, please see his bio and contact information below. Thanks for tuning in! Josh Hayden Bio Since joining the mortgage industry in 2012, Josh has helped over 1,000 families make their dream home a reality. He got his start working behind the scenes in mortgage operations, which allowed him to develop a deep knowledge of loan regulations and processes. Now in lending, his background gives Josh an unmatched ability to provide top-notch service and ensure a smooth process to get you in your new home. Josh is licensed to lend in all 50 states, and with access to multiple investors and “out of the box” loan options, he works to structure a loan customized for your scenario. Whether you’re buying your very first home or condo, moving to a bigger house, or searching for your next investment property, he can find the right fit. His motto of always doing the right thing, every time, no matter what, means you’ll get sound mortgage advice and transparent communication. Although Josh calls Chicago home, he’s a native of Wisconsin and proud Midwesterner. Outside of the office you’ll find him running along Chicago’s lakeshore path or at the gym, in his workshop, or spending time with his wife Shelly. He’s also a proud pet parent to two adopted felines, Louie and Milo. Josh Hayden Contact and Handles Email: jhayden@blueleaflending.com Phone: 608.695.1880 Facebook : Hayden Mortgage Instagram: @HaydenMortgage LinkedIn: Josh Hayden Credits Music: https://www.bensound.com

Edwin Moreno is the Owner of Winmore Insurance Solutions a Chicago based company with a special focus in commercial insurance. In this episode, Edwin and I discuss how to make sure when you are hiring a contractor that they have the proper insurance coverage. We get into topics such as: The difference between General and Professional Liability policies.Workman’s Compensation and why is it important.What bonding really is and when it could be needed.Other insurances based off the type of work that you may require from your contractor.How to ensure that the certificate of insurance you receive is valid and applicable for the work to be performed. If you wish to learn more about Edwin Moreno and Winmore Insurance Solutions or just follow him on social media, please see his contact information below. Thanks for tuning in!   Edwin Moreno Contact and Handles Email: emoreno@winmoreinsurance.com Phone: 773.917.6688 Personal Facebook: Edwin Moreno Business Facebook : Winmore Insurance Personal Instagram: Business Instagram: Winmore Insurance   Credits Music: https://www.bensound.com