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Parker-Holsman Co.    1461 E. 57th Street    Chicago, IL 60637    773-493-2525 Your Neighborhood Realtor since 1931

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Parker-Holsman Co. was a charter member of the Institute for Real Estate Management in the 1930's. We continue to believe that it's our responsibility to educate our clients. We hope that you will find this information useful.

Index to articles:

• Winter wonderland... Not all it's cracked up to be
• Preparing for Winter
• It's Spring, and your board's fancy lightly turns...

Winter Wonderland... Not all it's cracked up to be (From The Primer, Winter 1997)
Most of us can appreciate the beauty of freshly-fallen snow, especially from within the confines of our warm, snug homes. Icicles, with sunlight glinting off them, can be lovely - and deadly. Dainty little icicles are not a problem, but the huge monster kind are. Often they form when eaves are backed up with debris or where there is a leak in a gutter. If you notice big icicles forming around your building, make sure the janitor or your Parker-Holsman manager is informed promptly. Until they are (carefully) removed, don't walk underneath them, and keep family members away from the area.

Most of the time, we can see icy patches and avoid them, but not always. Sometimes, ice can form and be invisible. Steps can be especially hazardous. Even if your steps appear clear, check carefully to be sure they aren't icy and always use the handrails. Inform your janitor or PH manager if your stairs or pathways are not free of ice.

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Preparing for Winter
It seems like only yesterday we were telling you how air conditioners could improve your Summer comfort! Now it's time to take them out and store them carefully until Summer rolls around again. Many associations and landlords require A/Cs to be removed after warm weather months because of heat loss they cause.

What else can you do to insure comfortable living? When you're sure Indian Summer is just a pleasant memory, you'll want to get ready for the winter winds by doing the following:

• Make sure all storm windows are snugly in place.
• Check your windows. Adding rope caulk around the perimeter can help seal out cold air. An acrylic latex caulk is another good alternative. Window insulation kits can also provide another layer of protection.
• Now is a good time to check your radiators. If they knock, they may need to be tipped (about 5 degrees) toward the steam valve. Make sure your radiators are completely open or closed; do not try to regulate the heat by partially closing or opening the steam valves. While in the completely open position, after the steam has entered your radiators, check to see if there are any leaks at the bottom of the radiators. Most radiator leaks can be corrected. If not corrected promptly, however, radiator leaks can cause serious damage to floors, carpets, and neighbors' ceilings. Please report any problems to your Parker-Holsman managing agent immediately.
• Find out what your building's heat standards are. The City of Chicago requires a temperature of 68 degrees from 8:30 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. in rental units and 63 degrees thereafter. If you live in a condo or co-op, the standards may be different. Your association wants to establish a heat standard that will provide comfort and still not break the budget; for most buildings the cost of gas is the largest single expense.

If you don't think your apartment is heated to the building's standard, buy an accurate thermometer and put it in the coldest room in your unit. Record the temperature at various times during the day, and on different days. Provide your management agent with the data you record.

Wood burning fireplaces can add warmth to a room. But don't forget to close the fireplace damper when not in use. Warm air escapes up the chimney if the damper is left open.

There may be times when strong winds and extreme cold will cause lower than desired temperatures even when our janitors are supplying maximum heat.

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It's Spring, and your Board's fancy lightly turns... (From The Primer, Spring 1996)
Just in case the easy winter has got your association board members napping, here's a reminder that Spring is a time for a good look around the premises - and some preventive maintenance. All residents can help in identifying problem areas and passing the word along to your board/janitor and/or property manager.

Here are areas to look at:

Hallway carpeting
Thoroughly clean after grime of Winter.

Interior paint
Look for chipping, flaking, bare areas.

Masonry
Inspect for open masonry joints.

Woodburning fireplaces
Sweep annually. Inspect for debris in the flue by using a mirror.

Roof
Inspect for cracks in the roof or flashings separated from the parapet walls.

Grounds
Prune dead branches, remove dead plants.

Sidewalks
Look for broken areas. Contact aldermanic office for application to city for repairs.

Windows
Arrange for professional cleaning. Check for damage to wood frames and sashes.

Basements
Check for any trash accumlation.

Back porches
Inspect for weak spots and flaking paint.

Your janitor is your front-line scout when it comes to ongoing maintenance needs. Get his input, along with that of your Parker-Holsman property manager, and help your board put together a plan for spring clean-up and repair. Consistent, ongoing upkeep will minimize the need for extensive and costly replacements down the line.

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