Resources: Chapter 22

LOCAL LINKS

American Institute of Architects: Chicago
Provides information on architects and the field of architecture. Also offers a searchable database of architects.

ASID: Illinois
The Illinois Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers.

Chicago Department of Consumer Services (DCS)
Protects consumers and business owners from unfair marketplace practices, and provides information on residential landlords.

Chicago Department of Housing
Offers programs to assist area residents with the purchase and renovation of residential property.

Chicago Department of Zoning (DOZ)
Responsible for maintaining and enforcing Chicago's zoning codes and ordinances, which govern land use in Chicago.

Chicago Home Safety Partnership
The Department of Housing and the Chicago Fire Department can offer free Home Safety Evaluations for Chicago homeowners who want to improve the fire safety in their homes.

City of Chicago Department of Buildings (DOB)
Responsible for the enforcement of the Chicago Building Code.

Community Investment Corporation
Nonprofit mortgage lender that provides financing to buy and rehab multifamily apartment buildings. With funds from the City of Chicago, CIC can provide aid of up to $10,000 per unit.

Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP)
Provides grants to help low-income homeowners make emergency home repairs. Offers assistance to address dangerous, hazardous or life-threatening conditions in single-family properties.

Historic Chicago Bungalow Initiative
Benefits for Bungalow buyers and owners.

Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago, Inc.
Provides mortgage loans for single-family homes and residential properties with up to four flats.

Neighborhood Lending Services
Provides a combination of loans and grants for rehabilitation projects in owner-occupied, 1-4 unit structures. Loans cover the costs of rehab and offer the option to refinance.

NATIONAL LINKS

American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)
Offers a product and resource directory.

Bob Villa's Homeowners' Resource
Offers a how-to library, in addition to many other resources for home improvement project do-it-yourselfers.

Furniture.com
Provides the room planner feature, an on-line layout and design system.

HGTV.com
The on-line companion to the HGTV (Home and Garden Television) cable network. Offers an extensive collection of articles, information, and resources for designing space, as well as many do-it-yourself projects.

Illinois Division of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
Offers an online license verification search for accountants and other professionals.

National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)
Organization of professionals who work in the remodeling industry. Website offers a database of members and professionals, articles, and information about rehabbing.

This Old House
The on-line companion to the This Old House television series. Offers general housing tips, remodeling and energy-related topics.