Avoiding Hidden Dangers When Your Garage Door Is Your Primary Entrance

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Your home may have an inviting and even luxurious front entry, but how much is it used? For most families today, the garage door is not only the largest door in their home, but it is also the most used. For many, the only people who use the front door at all are strangers, delivery people, and those visiting the home for the first time, and everyone else comes into the home through the garage. When this is the case, you can keep everyone safe by following these tips:

Keep Garage Clutter to a Minimum

If your garage is the first thing your guests see when they enter your home, you not only want it to be presentable, you also want to keep them safe. Check walkways for potential slip, trip, and fall hazards. Also, consider decluttering and alternative storage solutions for seldom used items. Boxes piled excessively high can shift and fall on either your guests or their vehicles, causing damage and injury. Cabinets are an excellent option for storing items that need to be accessible, keeping them off of the floor and out of sight.

Safely Store Tools

Most tools are considered hazardous products. A ladder leaned up against the wall can fall. Yard tools are often sharp, and if they are not stored properly, they can cause severe damage. Hang ladders, lawn tools, and other equipment securely on the wall. Utilize a workbench and a pegboard wall for smaller devices.

Maintain a Safe Distance from the Garage Door

Garage doors weight several hundred pounds. Even with the installation of safety mechanisms, accidents can happen. Thousands of Americans visit emergency rooms every year for garage door related injuries. Let family members and guests know to stay well away from an opening or closing garage door.

Regularly Check Garage Door Sensors

These sensors are the “eyes” of the garage door which tell it when something is blocking its pathway. If the sensors are malfunctioning, the door will not stop if a car, a child, a pet, or a tool is in the way. These sensors should be aligned and placed four to six inches off the ground on either side of your garage door.

Leave Garage Door Repair to Professionals

Just like with a car, with regular care and maintenance, your garage door will have a long and healthy functional life. It can be difficult for the untrained eye to determine whether or not a garage door needs repairs. This complication comes mostly from the sheer volume of moving parts on these doors. Without proper maintenance, springs can break, bearings, hinges, and rollers can wear out, and cables can fray, all potentially resulting in severe injury.

If you believe your garage door needs maintenance, repair, or replacing, contact Blue Sky Builders, Inc. today. We have 39 years of experience in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. We are passionate about our work and will provide honest and dependable service. Let us answer your garage door questions today. Contact us at 630-852-8485. Please visit our gallery to look at some of our past projects.

Sources

http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-25605

https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/rooms-and-spaces/doors-and-windows/garage-door-safety

Hosting an Independence Day Celebration in Your Garage

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The Fourth of July is a day when we come together as a community to celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, which officially announced that the United States was its own country separate from Great Britain. As a federally recognized holiday, it is an ideal day off from work to enjoy the summer and celebrate our freedoms.

Independence Day is only a few days away, and many people’s celebration plans are well underway. Festivities take many forms, including parades, festivals, barbeques, and block parties. When planning for the holiday, your garage can offer a functional space for hosting your get-together.

Decorations

If you are going to host a themed party, it is essential to set the tone by utilizing a fair amount of decorations. Although you can celebrate the day without them, decorations show thoughtfulness and intention. A few classic options include:

Using patriotic tablecloths to cover the food and beverage tables.
Hanging banners that say “America” or “USA.”
Scattering flags around the area, in centerpieces, wreaths, plants, or lining the driveway.
Making your driveway a patio for a day by putting out tables, chairs, and umbrellas.
Splurging on red, white, and blue pillows for the patio furniture to provide added comfort for fireworks displays.

Food and Beverages

No celebration is successful without plenty to eat and drink. Make sure to have something for everyone invited, and check for allergies before spending your time and money on something no one can enjoy. A barbeque on the grill is a traditional favorite. Consider these ideas:

  • Fresh fruit trays for a refreshing appetizer
  • Red, white, and blue decorated cookies, cakes, or other dessert options
  • Both vegan and non-vegan entrees
  • Non-perishable snack foods for everyone to enjoy throughout the day

Games and Activities

If you are hosting a party that will last several hours, consider providing entertainment. The conversation may be comfortable between friends; however, many guests enjoy having a game or activity to participate in together. If you have a pool, letting your guests bring a bathing suit and towel is a great option to keep everyone cooled off and occupied while waiting for food to be cooked or fireworks to begin. Other options include:

  • Karaoke
  • Yard games such as horseshoes, corn hole, or backyard twister
  • A patriotic scavenger hunt

Fireworks

For the Fourth, fireworks are always a crowd favorite. However, be sure to practice safety by keeping fireworks outside and away from trees, carports, and other coverings. Also, it is still a good rule of thumb to double check with your local municipalities to find out if there are any restrictions on the size, type, or volume level of fireworks. In many cities, the festivities must end by a specific time to avoid fines.

Clean Up Your Space

For many, a garage doubles as a storage unit, without the need to pay monthly fees. However, if your space is overflowing with stored items, there may be no possibility of hosting your gathering in the garage in its current condition. Maximizing your storage space is a great way to control clutter, enabling you to utilize your garage in other ways. Let us help you create storage for all of your needs, ensuring that you can host a memorable celebration this year.

Blue Sky Builders, Inc. has over 39 years of experience building custom garages and providing unique storage solutions in Chicago and DuPage County. Contact us today at 630-852-8485 to find out how we can help you. Please visit our gallery to look at some of our past projects.

Sources:

http://seattlerefined.com/the-home/how-to-host-the-best-fourth-of-july-backyard-celebration

Simple Vehicle Maintenance Tasks You Can Perform in Your Garage

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For many families, a vehicle purchase is a significant financial investment, second only to the family home. Car loans typically last five to seven years; yet, if neglected, the vehicle will not last the entire duration of the payments. Today’s cars have a significant amount of technology onboard, making it more difficult to make repairs without specialized equipment. However, there are some basic maintenance tasks you can perform that will keep your car running efficiently, well past paying the last car note. Here are some simple things you can take care of from your garage or your driveway:

Change the Windshield Wiper Blades

A driver must be able to see what is in front of them to operate their vehicle safely in all weather conditions. Clear visibility becomes even more critical during hazardous driving conditions. Wiper blades wear out quickly and need to be replaced every six months to a year, although usage and weather exposure can shorten their lifespan. Check your blades periodically for cracks or tears. Watch for indications of wear, such as streaking, skipping, or a harsh, squeaking sound. Replacements are easily installed. However, most auto parts stores will change them free of charge when you purchase the wipers.

Change the Air Filter

A clogged air filter puts excess strain on your vehicle’s engine, which can reduce its life expectancy. A dirty filter also reduces fuel efficiency and impairs acceleration. How often you should replace your filter depends on both the make of your car and your air quality outside. Most car manufacturers suggest a new filter somewhere between every 15,000 to 45,000 miles. A quick look under the hood will tell you if it is time, too. The switch takes under ten minutes, but you can always have it taken care of at your next oil change.

Wash and Wax Your Vehicle

Although it may seem to be more cosmetic than anything, washing and waxing your vehicle can prolong its life. Your car picks up a significant amount of dirt and grime from the road. Over time, salt, bird droppings, and bugs deteriorate the paint. Once the paint thins, the sheet metal underneath becomes exposed to the elements, which provides the perfect conditions for rust to form. Rust spreads quickly and can wear holes in the body or even cause parts of the frame to snap. It is best to wash your car every two to four weeks. Storing your vehicle in your garage will protect your car from the elements, as well.

Contact Blue Sky Builders, Inc.

Do you have space to park your car in your garage? If not, Blue Sky Builders, Inc. has over 39 years of experience building ideal garages and providing unique storage solutions in Chicago and DuPage County. We know how important your investments are, and we will help you create a solution to make them last. Contact us today at 630-852-8485 to find out how we can help you get the most use of your space. If you would like to see some examples of our garages, check out our gallery.

Finding Balance Between Your Laundry Area and Garage Space

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Whether you enjoy or detest washing the laundry, the simple fact is that it is a necessity. Clothes need cleaning at a seemingly unstoppable rate. One of the biggest complaints is not about the frequency of the chore, however, but instead about the location of the laundry space. Laundry areas have no set sizing standards, which frequently results in their exclusion from original floor plans. Many builders add in the washer and dryer connections as an afterthought. The most common “out-of-the-way” location is the garage. Laundry is troublesome enough, let alone in the dimly lit and non-climate controlled environment meant for vehicle parking. Here are a few tips for managing a laundry area in your garage:

Declutter and Clean

Many families opt to use their garage space for extra storage. Some items commonly found in this storage space are yard tools, fitness equipment, out-of-season holiday decorations, spare furniture, and those mystery boxes that never got unpacked during the last move. These items are great hiding spots for rodents, reptiles, and insects, all of which are unwelcome surprises while doing laundry. If you spend a couple of weekends reducing clutter and deep cleaning your garage, you will be surprised at how much more appealing the area can become.

Organize Your Space

Since this area is not always planned out in advance, you may need to become a little more creative with your organization solutions for the given space. When everything is tidy and arranged, the garage and laundry areas will be clearly divided, allowing both spaces to function appropriately. Consider these organizational tools:

  • Overhead cabinets
  • Folding tables
  • Utility shelving
  • Clothes racks
  • Rolling carts
  • Laundry sorters

Make it Personal

Add personal touches to your laundry space to make it more welcoming. Consider painting the area a color you find appealing or relaxing. Decorate the windows with curtains. Make sure you have a shelf with an outlet for your cell phone, enabling you to watch a show, listen to music, or tune in to a podcast. Add a rug. Hang a bulletin board or decorative wall art. Bring part of the theme from inside your home into the garage.

Consider the Climate

No one wants to spend any length of time in a garage if the space is extremely hot or cold, and this makes doing chores much less appealing. Try controlling the temperature in your laundry space with these methods:

  • A space heater
  • A garage fan
  • A heating and cooling window unit
  • Garage door and window insulation

Contact Blue Sky Builders, Inc.

Making decisions about home improvements can be challenging, but Blue Sky Builders, Inc. is here to help. We understand that you have worked hard to make your home top quality and that you want your house to reflect your lifestyle. If you have questions about how to make your garage space accommodate your needs, please contact us at 630-852-8485. If you would like to see some examples of our garages, check out our gallery.

Keep Unwanted Insects Out of Your Garage with These Tips

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In the summer months, insects seek the shade, warmth, and food sources generously offered by your house. Garages, in particular, provide plenty of protective hiding spots for these pests to make a home. Prevent unwanted guests such as flies, mosquitoes, ants, and wasps using these tips:

Flies

Flies are annoying, and they can carry various diseases that can make you very sick. There are several variations of flies, and each is attracted to different substances. Common house flies are attracted to decaying organic materials such as feces or rotten meat, while fruit flies seek out substances with a high amount of sugar, such as fruit, soda, and alcohol. If you remove their food source, such as by keeping your garbage cans away from your garage, the flies will find somewhere else to live. Additionally, flies also do not like air movement. Avoid stagnant air by installing a fan; not only will this help you stay more comfortable, but the wind will also deter flies.

Mosquitos

These flying insects are arguably the most dangerous critters on earth due to the high risk of diseases transmitted via mosquito bites. You may remember the most recent mosquito-borne illness to plague the world: the Zika virus. Protect yourself and your family by keeping these dangerous bugs out of your garage. Aside from lathering up with mosquito repellant, try these tips:

  • Keep standing water away from your garage.
  • Grow mosquito repelling plants.
  • Install a garage door screen.
  • Use a mosquito repelling lantern.

Ants

The best way to keep ants out of your home is to keep them out of your garage and even your yard. Start outside your home by removing debris and dead brush from against the house, which can give ants channels of access to the home via cracks and windows. Additionally, ants are also attracted to moisture, so avoiding standing water will help diminish their presence. Other tips include:

  • Keep your garage clean and orderly.
  • Use ant bait around baseboards and corners.
  • Fill holes and cracks.
  • Do not store open food in the garage, including pet food.

Wasps, Hornets, and Bees

Perhaps you are allergic, or you simply do not want to endure a sting; either way, you want to keep these insects out of your living space. Your garage provides the perfect environment for wasps, hornets, and bees. Again, removing food and water sources from garbage cans, clogged gutters, and bird baths will force them to find other sources elsewhere. Try these tricks, too:

  • Maintain home structure by making repairs to cracks.
  • Use wasp decoys.
  • Set up traps.

Contact Blue Sky Builders, Inc.

We hope these tips and tricks help you to achieve a pest-free garage. If you are looking to improve your garage, Blue Sky Builders, Inc. offers free garage estimates upon request. Contact us or call us at 630-852-8485. To see the types of garages we have built, please view our garage gallery.

Sources:

https://www.verywellhealth.com/are-flies-dirty-1124119

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/mosquitos-the-most-dangerous-animal-on-earth-021216

How Your Garage Door Enhances Your Home’s Curb Appeal

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When preparing to sell a home, the amount of curb appeal the property has is one of the top focal points that add to the home’s value. Curb appeal is the realty term given to the attractiveness of the exterior of a house, as well as its surroundings. If a home is pleasing to the eye when a prospective buyer pulls into the driveway, it is said to have high curb appeal, which can significantly increase the value of the home. In fact, this factor makes up 70% of the home buying decision, according to many realtors. Some elements cannot be altered, like the house being located directly across from a gas station. However, homeowners can make simple modifications to make potential buyers notice. One of the quickest changes that can add long-lasting value to a home is to upgrade the garage door.

How to Improve Your Garage Door

The vast majority of suburban homes have a garage door on the same side as the front door, both of which face the street. Given the fact that garage doors are significantly larger than entryways, the garage frequently sets the tone for the appearance of your home. A high-quality door can give your home an instant upgrade, attracting serious buyers. To get away from the standard box garage door and add dimension and visual appeal that makes your home stand out, consider these upgrades:

  • Window panes
  • Vertical lines
  • Horizontal relief patterns
  • Barn-door-style cross beams

Color Options

A door can be a deal breaker just as quickly as it can be a selling point. When designing your garage, be sure to choose a color that works well with the rest of the color palette of the home. Although standing out is a bonus, selecting an abrasive color may cause your home to sit on the market unsold. If your home has brick, siding, or other prominent textures, consider painting the garage door a solid color using lighter hues found throughout the rest of the exterior. Your entrance need not match, either. In fact, many designers insist that they do not match and that the entryway be brighter, thereby drawing more of the street view attention. However, a consistent look between the two adds balance and creates a welcoming appearance.

Ask a Garage Professional

Whether you are selling your home or are just upgrading your home’s visual appeal, a garage door is essential to creating a great first impression. Blue Sky Builders, Inc. has 39 years of experience helping Chicago and DuPage County residents achieve the perfect look to make their house stand apart in a competitive housing market. Contact us at 630-852-8485 to begin creating your unique look today.

Tips to Create a Summer-Ready Garage

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Summer is officially here. The sun is up, and the temperature is rising, luring everyone out of their homes, a welcome change after being cooped up all winter long. The kids will soon be out of school and searching for some fun in the sun to keep the summer boredom at bay. The temperature is also ideal for plant growth, which means that bugs are beginning to make their way back into our lives. All of these summertime activities often lead to a rise in garage usage. Between the bikes, yard tools, and pesticides, this space can become dangerously crowded if mismanaged. Here are a few solutions to keep using your garage efficiently, even in its busiest months.

Bikes, Scooters, and Sports Gear

Bikes and scooters are cumbersome and take up valuable storage space, especially if they are not in constant usage. Consider getting your wheels off of the ground by hanging them on a designated rack mounted on usable wall space or the ceiling.

Sports seasons rotate throughout the year, often leaving the off-season equipment laying in the most inopportune location. A well-placed overhead garage loft can serve a multitude of purposes. Rather than hiding unused gear in the attic where it will likely be forgotten altogether, stash it in a storage bin using a loft, keeping it is easily accessible should someone want to brush up on their skills in the off-season.

Yard Equipment

Having a yard enables you to individualize and enhance the value of your home. However, with the land comes a great deal of maintenance and upkeep, which requires easy access to helpful (albeit unsightly and possibly dangerous) yard tools. Keep these potential hazards safely hidden with a vertical storage hutch.

With the yards and weeds growing rapidly, you will want to keep your lawnmower handy but out of the way. Giving it a structure to itself is an excellent option if you have the yard space available. Otherwise, most push mowers can be folded to roll into a cabinet under a workbench.

Pesticides and Weedkillers

These chemicals are essential to surviving the summer with a well-maintained yard. Unfortunately, these are serious hazards for children and pets alike, and they require proper storage. Pesticides should be stored separate from other hazardous materials, as well as fire hazards. A locking cabinet is ideal to keep dangerous substances out of curious hands.

Get More Storage

A garage is a functional space with a variety of uses. Keep your area useful and safe with optimum storage methods, such as cabinets, hutches, and lofts. Blue Sky Builders, Inc. has over 39 years of experience building ideal garages and providing unique storage solutions in Chicago and DuPage County. Contact us today at 630-852-8485 to find out how we can help you get the most use of your space.

Protecting Your Garage During Thunderstorm Season

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As the weather improves after a cold winter, many homeowners are preparing to get the most out of their homes in the spring and summer months. However, the warmer weather brings with it another issue that people should be prepared for: thunderstorms. The heavy rain and hail, strong winds, and lightning that come with these storms can cause damage to a garage, so if you are considering making garage renovations, you should take steps to make sure your garage is protected against severe weather.

Storm-Resistant Garage Doors

The large openings of garage doors make them especially susceptible to the strong winds that can occur during thunderstorms. Since these doors are often lightweight, and they can have limited structural support, they are prone to storm damage.

If you are considering replacing your garage door, you will want to make sure to choose a door that meets local building codes, ensuring that it will stand up to severe weather. It may also be a good idea to invest in a reinforcement system that includes end stiles which brace the door’s edges, as well as strong mounting brackets and tracks.

Even if you are not planning to replace your garage door, you may want to consider using a retrofit kit to strengthen your garage door. These kits use braces connected to the garage walls and floor, providing additional protection against wind. A retrofit kit typically costs between $150 and $500.

Protecting Against Rain and Hail

The heavy precipitation that occurs during thunderstorms can damage a garage’s roof, leading to leaks and water damage. If you are considering replacing your roof, you may want to invest in wind-resistant or hail-resistant shingles, ensuring that your roof will be able to stand up to severe weather.

In addition to ensuring that your roof provides you with the protection you need, you can take additional steps to prevent water damage. Be sure to clean out your gutters and downspouts to keep water from building up on the roof, and remove debris from around the home to keep water from damaging your foundation.

Protecting Against Lightning

The strong electrical surges that occur during lightning strikes can damage a home’s systems. Be sure to use surge protectors for appliances in your garage, or unplug appliances during a storm.

A garage can also be physically damaged during a storm if nearby trees are struck by lightning, causing them to fall. Homeowners can avoid this type of damage by removing dead trees or overhanging branches near their garage.

Contact Blue Sky Builders, Inc.

By taking the right precautions, you can prevent damage to your garage during thunderstorms. At Blue Sky Builders, Inc., we have more than 39 years of experience providing custom garage solutions to people in the Chicago and DuPage County area, and we can help you make sure your garage will stand up to severe weather. Contact us today by calling 630-852-8485.

Blue Sky Builders, Inc. Earns 2017 BBB Complaint Free Award

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Blue Sky Builders, Inc. (BSB) is happy to announce earning the 2017 Better Business Bureau (BBB) Complaint Free Award. To achieve this award, our Downers Grove garage building company was required to receive zero complaints in 2017. This marks the 6th year that Blue Sky Builders, Inc. has won this award and is a reflection of the work and customer service that Blue Sky Builders, Inc. prides itself on since 1979. BBB has also accredited Blue Sky Builders, Inc. with an A+ rating which deems that BSB has excelled in the factors that the Better Business Bureau considers most important to customers.

Criteria to Receive an A+ Better Business Bureau Rating

  • Have no complaints filed with BBB against the business.
  • Be a business that does not raise marketplace concerns or is believed to operate in violation of the law.
  • Have reliable information about the length of time in business.
  • Provide complete information about products and services offered, as well as business ownership.
  • Provide accurate information about the business.
  • Honor the commitments of the business to BBB.
  • Have no licensing or government actions known to BBB.
  • Have no advertising issues known to BBB, including misuse of the BBB name or marks.

A business with high ratings can become a BBB accredited business, and these ratings greatly affect consumers’ opinions about the trustworthiness of the business.

The Importance of Hiring a Licensed Garage Contractor for Your Project

Blue Sky Builders, Inc. takes pride in encouraging DuPage County area clients to hire licensed garage contractors to assist them with their projects. A licensed garage contractor’s credibility is more legitimate than that of an unlicensed contractor. The license that the garage contractor obtains protects both the homeowner and contractor from anything that could go wrong in the garage project.

Even though a licensed contractor may charge a higher price for a project, he is likely to be more trustworthy than an unlicensed contractor. A licensed contractor has gone through extensive training, ensuring that they will be able to meet the needs of a homeowner during their garage project.

Contact Blue Sky Builders, Inc. Today

When you hire a licensed contractor from Blue Sky Builders, Inc., you can rest assured that we will follow the correct building codes and provide you with protection from liability while using high-quality materials and working to meet your needs. We have more than 39 years of experience helping out our DuPage County area clients with their dream garage projects, and we are happy to answer any of your garage questions. To get started on your garage project, please contact us at 630-852-8485 today. To check out some of our work, please visit our gallery.

Improving Your Home’s Appeal With Garage Door Windows

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There are many ways for homeowners to use their garage, ranging from simply having a place to park cars, to creating a great spot to socialize, to a wide variety of other different ideas. In the Chicago and DuPage County area, the weather is warming up for the spring, and many people may be considering how to improve their garage’s atmosphere by using garage door windows to bring in more light. By adding these types of windows to a garage door, a homeowner can improve their home’s appearance and make it more inviting.

Types of Garage Door Windows

Decorative garage door windows are a great way to enhance the design of a garage. These windows can brighten the interior of the garage, complement the rest of the décor of the home, and provide personal privacy through the use of opaque glass. Decorative windows can be added to an existing garage door, or a homeowner may wish to replace their garage door with one that includes windows that match the style of the rest of their home.

Garage door windows are typically made with safety glass that has been toughened, along with secure frames surrounding the windows and trim inserts that can be customized to match the garage door. In addition to providing more natural light in the garage, these windows can greatly enhance a home’s curb appeal.

Glass upgrades can be used to enhance the look, feel, and strength of garage door windows. Some of these upgrades include tempered glass, clear lexan, solar bronze glass, and insulated glass. The benefit of using tempered glass is that safety will be enhanced with a material that will keep the glass from splintering if the window is broken. Clear lexan is a flexible alternative that is durable and shatter resistant. Solar bronze glass will protect the garage from ultraviolet rays. Insulated glass helps conserve the most amount of energy in the home, making it a great solution for homes in Illinois which experience cold winters.

Call Blue Sky Builders, Inc.

If you are considering adding decorative windows to your garage door, Blue Sky Builders, Inc. can answer your questions and help you choose and install the windows that provide the best appeal and functionality for your garage. For over 39 years, we have helped our DuPage County area clients create custom garage solutions that fit their needs. For more information on garage windows, garage doors, and other improvements to your garage, please contact us at 630-852-8485 today. To view some of the great custom garages that we have created, please visit our gallery.

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Located in Downers Grove, the skilled garage building professionals at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. work with clients throughout the Chicago suburbs, including the counties of DuPage, Cook, Will, Kane, and Lake County. View our garages in Aurora, Batavia, Berwyn, Brookfield, Burr Ridge, Clarendon Hills, Darien, Elmhurst, Elmwood Park, Evanston, Forest Park, Glen Ellyn, Hinsdale, La Grange, Lockport, Lombard, North Riverside, Oak Park, River Forest, Riverside, Schiller Park, Villa Park, Western Springs, Westmont, Wheaton, and Woodridge.

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