Call it the Ikea-fication of America. It seems that more and more people are  getting interested in design, especially when it comes to their own home. In  decades past, household furniture and decorations didn't vary a whole lot.  Growin…

 More and more, developers and boards are opting to “go green” when embarking on new construction projects or updating an existing property.  Innovations and upgrades include solar roofs, energy efficient lighting and  appliances that use …

 Back in the day when most of us were little kids, playgrounds largely consisted  of swing-sets, teeter-totters, some monkey bars, and maybe a metal slide or  two, along with the requisite basketball hoops and tetherball set-up.    …

Q What are the rules on doing outside alterations to my townhome? I would like to  update some paint and trim but do I have to go before the board to get  approval? It won't be anything distracting or flamboyant but I am not sure if I  ca…

Q My building took on a major project, and residents were assessed a significant  amount, about $20,000. After two years, the project was completed and came in  under budget. The board is now grappling with what to do with the surplus fun…

 Whether you live in a towering high-rise or a sprawling suburban development,  landscaping not only helps a condo or HOA increase and retain property values,  but has a positive impact on residents themselves—beautiful, functional green s…

 One of the things that attracts people to a condo or HOA are the beautiful  grounds and lush landscaping that surrounds the property. Because of the  topography of the Chicagoland area, depending on where a home is located, water  could b…

 A pair of Asian carp made headlines last spring when they were found in the  Garfield Park Lagoon. Although officials from the Department of Natural  Resources think they were long-term residents, possibly remnants of a fisherman’s bait b…

 Chicagoland is not exactly known for year-round sunshine and palm trees. At  first glance, greenery, lawns and lawn care may seem to be non–issues for many city residents, but like most Americans, Chicagoans have a love  affair with lush …

Q I am the property manager for a medium sized condo association. There is an  owner who is several months behind on their assessment. We have followed the  standard protocol of the association of sending out notices and it is reached  th…