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Posts Tagged ‘tile’

Dealing With Water In Basement Remodeling

by admin, 2:47 PM on March 22nd, 2012, Comments Off

Basement remodeling adds significant space to a house.  Homeowners need to keep certain basement-specific requirements in mind, however.  Water is a big challenge in many homes.  Humidity and leaks are two common sources of water damage in basements.

Humidity

Humidity can be difficult to notice, but can cause long-term damage from mold and stagnant wetness in walls and flooring materials.  Before we begin a basement remodeling project, we check for humidity.   You can check for condensation by hanging a mirror in the basement–if the mirror fogs up after a few hours, condensation is present in the basement.  Fans and humidifiers can help to reduce the impact of humidity.

Leak Prevention

Controlling surface water and waterproofing basements are important parts of any basement remodel. The yard around the foundation should slope downhill away from the house.  This will prevent many of the conditions that lead to leaky basements and water damage to the foundation.  It’s also possible to coat the interior of the foundation walls with a mix of concrete paint that blends with the masonry of the foundation walls.

Floors

Remodeled basements often see heavy foot traffic.  If your basement is prone to water leaks, we can use materials that can withstand heavy use as well as excessive water.  Tile can be one durable, water-resistant flooring material option.

Talk to our design team today.  We can help you determine what water challenges your basement might face and the kinds of things we can do to prevent and minimize the impact of water on your new basement.

The Dirt on Mudrooms

by admin, 4:16 PM on November 2nd, 2011, Comments Off

Very few people start a home remodeling project with a mudroom at the heart of the plan.  Expanded kitchen?  Absolutely!  Cozy family room?  You bet!  Mudroom?  Not as much!  But most homes could really use a mudroom.  They bring order to the most frequently used entry to the home.

The location of the mudroom will determine how it is finished. By the back door, where mostly family members trek in from the yard, take a simple, utilitarian approach.  If it’s off the kitchen, consider using components of the same cabinetry and counters. This will make both spaces seem larger. Inside the front door, it needs to be welcoming for company.

Regardless of the design style, there are a few key principles that should be considered in any mudroom design.

Size

A key decision in the mudroom design process is the size of the room.  Will you also be doing laundry here?  Will all the hockey gear be stored here?  Will you wash the dog here?  The more “work” being done in the space, the bigger the mudroom should be.

Flooring

Because it will get a lot of heavy traffic, the floor should be durable.  Ceramic or unfinished stone tile make a great selection.  Choosing a dark color for the floor will help keep the floor looking clean longer.

Seating

A comfortable, sturdy place to sit while pulling off shoes or inline skates is important. Benches and stools are more stable than chairs. A built-in bench or window seat, hinged at the top, can help reduce clutter.

Storage

Storage needs vary depending on the users as well.  Kids need quick and easy access.  Child-height coat hooks and open cubby-holes help kids stay organized.  Each family member needs a place of their own – Dad’s cell phone and Mom’s briefcase should be up and out of the way of little ones’ coats and backpacks.

Clothing can require a range of seasonal storage solutions as well. Bulky winter gear takes up lots more room than summer clothes, a factor to remember when estimating wall space. Without a place of their own, shoes tend to end up everywhere. Designate a waterproof area for them.

No matter what size addition you are planning, our design team can help create a practical entry into your home.  And our in-house millwork shop can create practical, attractive built-in storage for your mudroom.  Consider a mudroom in your addition.  It’ll be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.

Caring for Stone and Tile Countertops

by admin, 3:33 PM on September 8th, 2011, Comments Off

Stone and tile kitchen and bath countertops will last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. Different surfaces require different cleaning approaches.  Here are a few tips for both everyday and heavy-duty cleaning of your stone or tile countertops.

Note: Always check labels on the cleaning product you are thinking of using and test an inconspicuous area first to see what effects, if any, your cleaning process will have.  Both stone and tile can be damaged by poor choices in cleaning products.

Stone:

Immediately wipe up spills!  Some more porous stone products can stain if spills are not removed quickly.

Use pH balanced cleaners and soap for daily cleaning. Mild dishwashing liquid can work well on stone surfaces.  Avoid acidic cleaners that can etch or remove polished surfaces on marble, travertine and sandstone.

Wipe surfaces with a dry towel to remove streaks.

On honed (smooth but not polished) or slate (rough) finish stones, a good scrubbing is required more often.  The texture of the product holds dirt and food particles more securely to the surface.

Tile:

Immediately wipe up spills. Tile grout can stain quickly.

Prior to deep cleaning tile grout, wipe the tiles and grout with a rag to remove any surface debris or moisture.

Spray grout cleaner or all-purpose cleaner with bleach on the grout. Allow the cleaner to sit for several minutes. Then scrub the grout with a grout brush or very stiff scrub brush.

For stubborn stains, apply a solution of ¼-cup bleach and 1 quart warm water. Allow the solution to sit for 10 minutes, and then scrub with a grout brush.  Be sure to open your windows for ventilation.

After the grout has been successfully cleaned, use a spray bottle full of warm water to rinse off any lingering traces of your cleaning solution. Dry with a washcloth or paper towel. Be as thorough as possible – remaining moisture can lead to mold and/or mildew.

Regular care can keep your countertops looking great for years.  With the right cleaners, regular cleaning can be easy and gentle on your kitchen and bathroom surfaces.