| | | | | freezing, icy sidewalks that make it treacherous for |
| "One of the traps homeowners fall into, particularly | | | | you and your holiday guests. |
| new ones, is they try to do everything at once and | | | | |
| don't prioritize projects," said Jeremy Vest, owner of | | | | DirectBuy Club offers home furnishings and |
| DirectBuy of DuPage County, the leading home | | | | merchandise in addition to items for home |
| improvement and home furnishing club with direct | | | | improvement projects to help all homeowners create |
| insider prices. "Part two of that is that less savvy | | | | their dream homes— at direct insider prices. |
| do-it-yourselfers might not know how to go about | | | | DirectBuy also employs product specialists and |
| prioritizing. That's why getting professional assistance is | | | | designers, so if you need some assistance in selecting |
| a pretty good idea." | | | | products or taking on a home improvement project, |
| | | | | you have seasoned professionals at your service. |
| Vest recommends hiring a home inspector in the fall to | | | | |
| get a professional assessment. While this may seem | | | | "I know it goes against the grain to spend money on a |
| rather odd if you're not buying or selling your home, | | | | home improvement project when there's not an |
| hiring a home inspector is one way to detect potential | | | | immediate need," said Vest. "By making these |
| large problems early, like a leaky roof for example, | | | | recommendations part of your fall routine, you can |
| before the weather turns and you have a very serious | | | | definitely prevent major problems down the road." |
| problem on your hands. | | | | |
| | | | | About DirectBuy Club |
| "A typical home inspection can run anywhere from | | | | Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of |
| $250 to $400, but if it is the difference between that | | | | thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, |
| and replacing an entire section of roof or water | | | | enabling them to buy directly from more than |
| damage in your home, it's kind of a no-brainer," said | | | | 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. |
| Vest. | | | | Buying direct makes members' hard-earned money |
| | | | | go much further, while having the selection and choice |
| Other fall preventative steps Vest recommends | | | | not available at any retail store. Access to confidential |
| include: | | | | prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps |
| | | | | make members' dream projects a reality. The |
| Furnace inspection and service – The first | | | | DirectBuy Clubs serving the greater Chicago area are |
| sub-freezing day is no time to find out you have a | | | | part of more than 150 locations throughout North |
| problem with your furnace. | | | | America. |
| Chimney maintenance – Again, the first day you | | | | |
| want to have a fire is not the time you want to | | | | Consumers interested in becoming members may |
| encounter a problem. Hire a chimney sweep to ensure | | | | obtain a Visitor's Pass to attend an Open House by |
| the chimney is clear of bird nests or other debris and | | | | visiting |
| that the cap is in place. | | | | |
| Window inspection – Be sure your windows are | | | | Locations of the DirectBuy clubs serving the greater |
| caulked and the seals between the windows are nice | | | | Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 |
| and tight. If you are unable to patch a leaky window, it | | | | North Avondale Ste. 110, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of |
| may be time to replace it. | | | | DuPage County, 1864 High Grove Lane Ste. 124, |
| Clean your gutters – Autumn leaves and pine | | | | Naperville, IL; DirectBuy of Northern Illinois, 3900 |
| needles can create quite a backup of water in your | | | | Washington Street, Gurnee, IL; and DirectBuy of Tinley |
| gutters. That can translate to potential water damage | | | | Park, 18400 S. 76th Avenue Ste. B, Tinley Park, IL. |
| to your house and, as the weather dips below | | | | |