Protecting your most valuable investment

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When you choose a contractor for any remodeling project, make sure you ask a few questions before signing a contract. As with many things, the cheapest price is often NOT the best value. 

  1. Who will be performing the work?  Often times the person who designs and quotes won't be performing the actual work.  Make sure your contractor only uses professional, insured craftsmen on each project. 
  2. How will you protect the area(s) of my home not under construction?  Construction can be messy - you want to make sure your contractor respects the surrounding rooms and protects your flooring, walls, etc.  A top-notch contractor will thoroughly cover areas with plastic sheeting and other protective materials before beginning work. 
  3. Ask for references and talk to them! 
  4. Find out the warranty on the workmanship.  Make sure all warranty information is in writing on your contract. 

Hot colors for 2016 and beyond

Want to change your home without spending a lot of money?  Color is the way to go!  So, what are the hot colors for 2017 and beyond?  Read on for a complete rundown!

  • Magaritaville Rules!  Give your house a tropical feel with accent walls in mango, yellow or. green.  Accessorize with animal print pictures and throws.  Instant vacation. 
  • Get your Om on - to create an atmosphere of spirituality and self improvement,Valspar experts recommend palettes of soft blue, peach, russet and warm stone gray. 
  • Purple Rain (and Walls) - Benjamin Moore designers say that 2017 will be the year of "Allusive and enigmatic" walls.  Feauring rich royal amethyst fading into soft lilac grey or lustrurous coal, this is the year of shadow and dark but gorgeous, 

 

 

 

 

 

Taking care of your new ceramic tile floors

Tile floors increase the value of your home, but what about those people who have no intentions of selling?  What is the advantage of tile for them?   The reason is two fold.  First,  tile is one of the easiest flooring types to care for and second, tile is long lasting.   According to a recent study conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the average life expectancy of a ceramic tile floor is 75 to 100 years!

Pet owners will especially love durable and easy clean tile. Unlike hardwood floors, which are easily scratched, tile can take the pitter patter of little paws with no problem.

While our craftsmen will leave you with instructions on caring for your floor, below are some quick tips to keep your tile looking great for years to come.

  1. Debris such as dirt can be abrasive to your flooring.  Regular vacuuming and/or sweeping with a dust mop will prevent surface scratching.
  2. Once a month or so, do a deeper cleaning with a damp mop and cleaning solution.  Always avoid cleaning solutions that are ammonia or bleach based.  Abrasive cleaners are also a no-no.
  3. If you spill something on your floor, it is advisable to immediately wipe the effected areas with a damp sponge. 
  4. Your tile floors will never need to be refinished, resurfaced or reglazed.  If you have a broken grouted joint or tile, the repair can be completed very quickly and inexpensively.