I understand, for long term BnH property, the best option is to replace the pipe.Any suggestions on what type (materials) of pipes are suitable for cold weather, like Chicago?

The good guys get up and out early.And the really good guys pick-up the material they need for tomorrow's work on their way home today.And the exceptional guys have the stuff delivered.

We use them as perimeter alarms at our construction sites near our equipment too for would-be thieves trying to walk off with materials or the big yellow iron. 

However, many circa-1900 midwest houses, as an example,  originally had painted, Southern yellow pine floors -- faux and decorative floor paint techniques were not at all uncommon in lieu of more expensive materials.

Daniel E.Welcome to BP.There are tons of materials/information at the Private Lending and Conventional Mortgage Advice section.Good luck

I'm guessing you're not shy when it comes to hitting the books, so you'll find loads of material to dig through in the Learn tab up top and spread throughout the forums.

Using big box and online for materials that alone should be around 25-30.

I base it more on number of bathrooms, square footage, attached vs detached, exterior material, type of roof, slab or raised foundation, size and make up of the yard/landscaping, etc.  

ext paint 1$/sqft int 1.30demo it yourselfLVP install and material 3$toilet 250 sink 500 tub 1000 dependinglights etc you figure that out at HDcabs ~ 150-200$per lin ftcounters just get granite 30$/sqftdont do window units just spend the 5k for central

Draws from 203K loans can take time , contractors have wages and material bills to pay ."