Best Shops For The Home Inventor In Chicago
While many consider them quirky, if not crazy, home inventors are the futurists in our world. Taken with a new idea or way of doing an old thing, the home inventor uses his or her imagination to create just what no one realized was needed. The tools of their trade can be found in the offbeat, but also in the most practical of places – the lumber yard, hardware store, any place that sells basic components that can be transformed into something completely different. All of the best shops for the home inventor contain the raw materials that, when fueled by imagination, become the inventions of tomorrow.
American Science and Surplus
5316 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60630
(773) 763-0313
http://www.sciplus.com/stores
Those inventors with a scientific bent or who just might need supplies like electrical parts, optics, lab equipment, motors, pumps or blowers, can find it all at American Science and Surplus. This is an inventor's heaven, with new items arriving daily and a great section for kids (including arts and crafts supplies and science kits). Those with active imaginations need to bring plenty of cash when stopping by this shop.
Crafty Beaver Home Center
1522 W. Lawrence Ave.
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 271-2288
http://www.craftybeaver.com
This city-sized home improvement store has a wide selection of building and home supplies that can serve as the raw material for the next great Chicago invention. Here you can find plumbing supplies, tools, lumber, and all matter of goods and supplies germane to creating something for the home or yard.
Greenmaker Building Supply
2500 N. Pulaski Rd.
Chicago, IL 60639
(773) 384-7500
http://www.greendepot.com
One area that is ripe with potential is inventing green products. With heightened awareness of Earth's fragility and our role as stewards, the "greening" of many older products and processes is quite popular. For the home inventor, this supply shop offers all matter of environmentally friendly products at reasonable prices. Merchandise sold at Greenmaker's pass strict quality assurance standards for durability, health and performance, in addition to meeting conservation requirements. Friendly staff will help you find exactly what you need.
Home Owners Bargain Outlet
4052 W. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60651
(773) 645-1300
http://www.hoboonline.com
This is a great store not just for inventors, but anyone who needs a little imagination to match their small budget for home improvement projects. Affectionately known to Chicago residents as Hobo's, this clearance selection of merchandise means that inventors can finance their new project at bargain basement costs. While stock changes constantly, they consistently carry the same tools and supply types, if not always the same brand you saw on your last visit.
