Category: Kitchen

Kitchen cabinets company Muswell Hill 2024

Excellent kitchen remodeling projects solutions Muswell Hill, London: Our ability to combine traditional, specialist joinery skills with state-of-the-art technology enables us to produce stylish, contemporary furniture to an exceptionally high standard. We are driven by a love of what we do and this can be seen in the quality of the work we create. Specialist bespoke furniture requires the highest production values. We believe in putting great care into every stage of the manufacturing process to ensure that everything fits seamlessly into place. Every process and technique involved at our workshop is carried out meticulously with focus and precision. Due to the bespoke nature of our work, we are constantly looking to incorporate different products and materials to create unique work. Translating this into reality can require creative thinking in the workshop and our team is highly adept at innovative problem solving. Find more information at kitchen remodeling Muswell Hill.

Slab backsplashes are sticking around. Whether it’s marble, quartz, or granite, the continuous, seamless look of these slabs gives kitchen spaces a clean, elevated aesthetic. And just because it looks luxurious doesn’t mean it’s necessarily more expensive. In some cases, it’s less labor to install than tile and grout. Another benefit: It’s easy to clean and care for. This trend puts the focus on cohesion, something many consumers are wanting. Microwaves, blenders, and toasters go behind a panel or a cabinet door. Integrated appliances have a clutter-free and clean look.

Under normal use, the sealant should last about a year before it needs to be reapplied, Bruno advises, “so long as you aren’t using harsh cleansers on your countertop.” You’ll know it’s time for more sealant when you no longer see water drops beading on the surface. Clean daily—with care. To ensure that the sealant remains effective, you should wipe down your countertop daily using a nonabrasive cloth or sponge and only a mild soap (such as dish detergent) and water. Clear up spilled food right away, before it can seep in and cause a stain or discoloration (that can happen overnight, even with sealant in place). And obviously, keep some good-sized cutting boards on hand for food prep so that staining substances won’t come in contact with the countertop. Coasters help, too—red wine and coffee-cup rings are common culprits.

Do you have what it takes to do a tiled shower? If you’re considering replacing your drop-in shower with a tiled version, you’re going to have to do your homework. With mudded tiled showers, the need to waterproof is real and it’s not always easy. There are a lot of steps involved, so research and preparation is key. Do you want to spend the money on a shower door? If you’re yearning for a fancy-schamncy glass shower door, but don’t have the budget at the moment or want to reallocate those funds for other important things, like a heated toilet seat, keep in mind that because glass shower doors are standard-sized, you can always add one later. Stick with a colorful shower curtain for a while while you save up for a shower door.

Isn’t it funny how history tends to repeat itself? Trends may become dated after some time, but they always make their way back to the beginning of the cycle eventually. That doesn’t necessarily mean they look the way they once did, though. The beauty of trends is in the way they help evolve our style, allowing us to question what we like and why (and have fun doing so). Going into 2024, these are the old-school kitchen trends that are making a major comeback—and how to incorporate them into your own kitchen, whether you’re on a budget or money is no object.

Anything likely to need expensive structural work is best avoided, or your budget will vanish surprisingly fast on hidden defects to drains and roof structures rather than fittings and finishes. Instead, try to find houses in shabby decorative condition which look ‘worse than they are’, just needing a decorative makeover and some updating to kitchens and bathrooms. Don’t wait to discover damp, rot, subsidence or other major structural defects until it is too late. Find out as much about a property as possible before you buy, or before you start any work. A building survey, undertaken by a Chartered Building Surveyor will provide information on the type of construction and materials used, and will give details of any defects found, their remedy and an indication of the likely cost. It is also worth commissioning a measured survey of the building, providing you with a detailed set of floorplans and elevations upon which to base your proposed design alterations.

We have the understanding and experience to produce kitchens that really work effectively on a day-to-day basis, as well as inspire aesthetically with their beauty and individual style. We always ensure that both elements go hand-in-hand throughout every stage of the process. Creativity and innovation are at the centre of all we do. Before we start the design process though, we carefully listen to your ideas, needs and preferences to really understand you and the kitchen you are looking for. See even more information at point5kitchens.co.uk.

Bathroom countertops store Naples 2023 from countertopsandmore.org

Kitchen countertops store Fort Myers today from CountertopsAndMore: Visit us today and see for yourself why Countertops & More is the top choice for all your home renovation needs. We look forward to serving you and helping you transform your home into the space of your dreams. Granite is a beautiful, durable stone that adds worth to any property. It is impervious to heat, abrasions, and superior in quality to any man-made countertop surface. Granite is a great option for those looking for a luxurious, yet long-lasting material that will stand the test of time. See more information on bathroom countertops provider Fort Myers, Naples.

Natural stone kitchen counters make stunning additions to any home. Stone has a unique beauty that cannot be reproduced by other materials, which is why it remains such a popular surface after so many years. Many stones may be used on the counter, but two of the most common are granite and marble. Both stones are available in slabs that can be installed as counters, and they provide years of use. But, these two materials are very different from one another in the way they look and function in a busy kitchen environment. We outline their differences below so that you can make a more informed decision for your home.

The long term benefits of Natural Stones is unmatched when compared to other building materials. With relatively low long-term maintenance costs and longevity, natural stones are the most feasible choice. Owing to its durability and strength, the stones will last for years to come. Natural stones have personalities of their own, as each kind of stone and each slab is unique, so they lend themselves easily to creating a mood. Sophistication is inherent to all natural stones, as they elevate ordinary rooms to extraordinary with timeless appeal. Sophistication is not limited to one colour, texture, or finish. This material’s versatility enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home and is a sophisticated, timeless trend capable of transforming interior spaces to bring smiles and elevate your happiness.

Under normal use, the sealant should last about a year before it needs to be reapplied, Bruno advises, “so long as you aren’t using harsh cleansers on your countertop.” You’ll know it’s time for more sealant when you no longer see water drops beading on the surface. Clean daily—with care. To ensure that the sealant remains effective, you should wipe down your countertop daily using a nonabrasive cloth or sponge and only a mild soap (such as dish detergent) and water. Clear up spilled food right away, before it can seep in and cause a stain or discoloration (that can happen overnight, even with sealant in place). And obviously, keep some good-sized cutting boards on hand for food prep so that staining substances won’t come in contact with the countertop. Coasters help, too—red wine and coffee-cup rings are common culprits.

Bathroom countertops store Fort Myers, Naples today by countertopsandmore.org: Undertaking work yourself can allow you to control costs and quality, but don’t be over-ambitious and plan to do more work than you really have time – or the skill – to undertake successfully. You could end up slowing the whole project down and living in a building site for years, which can in turn lead to family conflicts and potentially to accidents. Bad DIY will also cost you dearly, slowing down the other trades, wasting materials, sometimes causing work to be done twice, and ultimately devaluing the property if it is not put right. You can get so tied up in DIY work that you lose focus on running the project and keeping up with decisions.

I love the look of light tile and dark grout, but when we built I had everything put in white on white. Staining the grout dark is a simple and easy way to mimic the modern, international look of classic subway tile. I’ve done this at our home, and loved the results. I had no idea that there were so many simple yet dramatic DIY bathroom upgrades besides the standard switching textiles and painting the walls. These do-it-yourself projects make a big impact by upgrading the fixtures, hardware, and whole landscape of the bathroom—you can even do all five in just one weekend! Find even more details on Countertops and More.

High quality kitchen and bath shops in Sterling

Top kitchen remodel in Fairfax? These give a lavish touch to your kitchen and are the most expensive compared to other types. For the high price, you get to fully personalize your cabinetry. There are endless design ideas that you can pick from to suit your taste. You can spend as little as $500 and as high as $1,200 for each linear foot for custom-made cabinets. Of course, if you are planning on calling in an expert, then this price increases. What aspects affect kitchen cabinet cost? There are several factors that will impact the cost of installing kitchen cabinets. Let’s look at the top factors below. Obviously, the bigger your kitchen the higher the cost of kitchen cabinets. This is because a bigger kitchen requires more cabinet units than a small one. The cost of a typical 10 inches×10 inches cabinetry ranges from $2,000 to $25,000. On the other hand, a 20 inches×20inches cabinet can cost from $2,500 to $29,000. See more details on kitchen cabinet cost.

Colored ceramics were a huge hit for bathrooms in the 1950s, especially in pink, mint, and baby blue. And plenty of homeowners put up with their pastel-hued bathrooms to avoid a pricey and complex remodel. But there’s a much easier and cheaper solution! Ceramic epoxy is simple to use and will refinish those older ceramics into sleek white sinks and counters. The transformation is simple, inexpensive, and really effective. Patterned cement and encaustic tile are so on-trend, but unless you’re starting with a new build or doing a full remodel, you probably won’t want to pull up all of your existing tile to replace it. Did you know you can get the same look with chalk paint and a stencil? I actually love my slate tile floors, but am considering trying this anyway!

When renovating a property it can sometimes be tempting to give heavily advertised ‘miracle cure’ treatments a try, lured by extraordinary claims such as ‘never paint again’, ‘seal leaks for good — instantly’ or ‘the ultimate solution to all roofing problems’. But some of these products can actually be very damaging when applied to older buildings. Spray-on renders and polyurethane foams can block crucial ventilation paths in walls and roofs, and despite claims to the contrary offer virtually zero insulation benefits. Instant damp sealants are rarely effective and can trap damp in walls. Basically, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Appearance: Both granite and marble are natural stones. In the case of slabs sold for countertops, there are many different minerals and stones sold as either granite or marble because they contain similar composition and characteristics. Commercial granite is an igneous or metamorphic stone that is mainly comprised of silica, feldspar, mica, and quartz. Stones labeled as granite usually have a tightly packed, granular appearance to their surface. They may have veins, flecks of color, or be solid. Granite comes in a wide range of colors from very light to very dark, and each slab has some degree of variation in color over its surface.

Look no further for the right company at the right time for cabinet resurfacing, and painting, all done at a fair price that we can all agree on, right here in your neighborhood around Virginia, Oklahoma. Now more than ever is a critical time to support small locally owned businesses, as well as improve upon our indoor places in the household, as we are more often having meals in our own kitchens instead of eating out, gathering our families and loved ones around the table. Whether it’s for the holidays, a new home, or just an exciting project to see come to life in front of your very eyes, choose kitchen remodel Virgina for all of your refinishing needs, plus all of the available combinations on hand, the potential for innovation is limitless! Find additional details on kitchen remodeling projects.

Top table decor online gift shop Australia today

Best homewares online gift store Australia right now? Discover our stunning range of handmade kitchenware and home décor products made especially for you. Each product is uniquely handcrafted by our skilled workers in Brisbane Queensland Australia. From chopping boards, cheese boards, grazing boards, and serving boards to furniture, our homeware products are made under expert supervision and with quality assurance. Our cutting boards ought to be a special addition to your kitchen. Find more information at kitchen decor online shopping in Australia.

Well that’s the bad news but the good news is that Camphor Laurel, because of its pungent chemical compounds is a very good timber to utilize for anything to do with food preparation because these compounds are anti-microbial and remain working in the timber for its lifetime. When tested against other surfaces such as glass or plastic and other woods, Camphor Laurel harbours minimal fungi and bacteria compared to plastic or glass and also scored better on these counts than other timbers.

The best thing about buying handmade homeware woodworking homeware is that it is completely unique, and it simply cannot be replicated by mass-manufacture. It is near on impossible even for a skilled potter to replicate exactly the same item. The Little Pot Company gives a great example of one of the variables that effect the final outcome of homeware woodworking: “Glazes on handmade boards, especially ones fired in open flames usually have a much more varied character. The mug can be different colours on different sides depending on how the flame has travelled around it in the kiln.” Glazes are temperamental, kiln temperatures vary, clay isn’t always the same mix – the variables are endless.

So the next time you’re looking at buying a chopping board why not consider a beautiful and functional Camphor board that has been made right here in Australia. It will reduce the number of potentially harmful bacteria present during food preparation and also help with the sustainability and on-going management of native timber stands in north-eastern NSW. Color can be highly variable depending on species and growing conditions; generally a light brown, frequently with shades of gray, red, or olive green. Occasionally contains darker streaks. Paler sapwood isn’t always clearly differentiated from the heartwood. Burls are also commonly seen, and are considered highly decorative.

Does Stonewood Collections offer custom products? Yes we do! Email us your requirements and one of our friendly staff will get in contact with you and provide you with the quote for your custom product. We aim to provide the best possible pricing for our customers through our affordable products. Read additional information at stonewoodcollections.com.au.

Kitchen remodeling services Canyon Country today

Premium kitchen remodel company Santa Clarita right now? Choose Randal G. Winter Construction, Inc. for full-service remodels by our team of creative professionals and expert contractors. The process of remodeling can be daunting for many homeowners. After all there are so many options and styles for so many elements- from counters and hard surfaces to cabinets and flooring. If interior design or decor choices aren’t your strong suit, our designers are here to help! Whether you want a modern, farmhouse, Tuscan-inspired, or other kitchen style we have the vision and expertise to help you get there. With over 40 years of experience, we’ve been able to simplify the remodeling process for clients to make it less stressful. Read extra info at kitchen remodel Canyon Country.

Every natural stone has its own level of required maintenance. Even among granites or marbles, there are variations. However, most granites are lower maintenance than most marbles. For granite, all stones except black should be sealed shortly after installation. A well-sealed stone will bead water on its surface. When the water stops beading, the stone must be resealed. In addition, always wipe up spills as soon as they are seen to prevent potential staining, and wash the stone with a PH-neutral cleanser to prevent etching or removal of the finish.

If you love the crisp look of white tiles but don’t want to settle for a neutral color, a fresh light blue, green, or gray is a perfect compromise. The room will still feel open and airy, but the colored tiles will draw the eye and tone down a potentially serious feel into something a little more friendly. Make sure to go with glass for a truly clean and contemporary feel.

Maintenance: Sealants are used on both granite and marble to prevent staining and etching. Marble requires sealing much more frequently i.e. twice a year (recommended by professionals) whereas for granite sealing once every two years is sufficient. The actual requirement for resealing depends on how heavily the surface was used and how regularly the stone’s cleaning was done.

A marble countertop in a kitchen where cooking happens won’t always look pristine, no matter how well you maintain it. But that’s part of the beauty of natural stone, says Bruno; over the years it acquires a patina that lends character, and many people consider that an asset. But there are still some things you can do to protect and preserve it. We asked Bruno for his advice on the best way to care for a marble countertop. Start with a good sealant. “Marble is one of the more porous stones, so you have to protect the surface by keeping it well sealed,” says Bruno. “When you buy the countertop, there’s no sealant on it. You could ask the installer to apply the sealant, but you can easily do it yourself once the countertop is in place.”

Renovating involves making countless decisions, from which improvements to make and the choice of fixtures and fittings, down to the route for new services such as plumbing, or how details should be finished off. Many of these decisions need to be made quickly if they are not to hold up work, and so you need to allow time for this, based on what will be the most practical and aesthetically pleasing solution. If you leave such decisions to builders, they will invariably do whatever is easiest and quickest for them, and this can look awful. The trouble is, once the work is done, you have to pay twice if you later want to make changes and the builders will hate you for it too. A good builder should warn you well in advance of the decisions that they need you to make. Listen to them, spend time on site visits, and keep up to speed.

Randal G. Winter Construction holds eight valid contractor’s licenses and we are citation free. While you are on the Contractor’s State Licensing Board website, you will be able to search for other contactors who are bidding on your project to help you make the most informed choice. You can feel confident knowing that you and your home are protected by our worker’s compensation and liability insurance. Just give us a call and we will send you all the documentation you need! Randal G. Winter Construction meets the Better Business accreditation standards and adheres to the eight BBB Standards for Trust. The Bureau gives us an A+ and you can feel good knowing that your contractor works maintain a good rating with the Better Business Bureau. Read more information at https://www.rgwinter.com/.

Kitchen remodel company Canyon Country today

Top rated kitchen remodel services Valencia, CA right now? You’ve been dreaming of that big remodel and now is the time to make it happen. Finding the right contractor will go a long way in maintaining your peace of mind and making sure the remodel is completed within your budget. There are many tasks to oversee and Randal G. Winter Construction, Inc. will help you get the job done. From start to finish, you can feel confident that our experienced and professional staff are here for you and any concerns you may have throughout the process. Our priority is to ensure that you are proud of the results and we do everything in our power to get your project completed as efficiently as possible. Read more info at Santa Clarita kitchen remodel.

For this reason, it is always recommended that you visit a stone yard and select the stone you want in person. Showroom samples of either marble or granite will not provide a true representation of what the stone will look like. Marble and granite counters are fabricated and installed in the same way. A template is made of your counter, and this template is transferred to the slab you want for your kitchen. The slab is cut to match the template and given a finished edge and any cutouts. The slab is transported to your home, and a silicone adhesive is applied to the perimeter of the cabinets. The slab is then lowered into place. Some thinner marble slabs may need to have a plywood 1 substrate installed on the cabinets first to strengthen them, but any 1¼-inch (3-cm) slab can be installed directly on the cabinets.

So you’ve caught the DIY bug and are feeling inspired by the new year to tackle your own bathroom remodel—congratulations! You’ve got this under control and can be confident that you’re making the right decision in remodeling your bathroom to add extra value to your home. Plus, if you’re doing this on a budget you’re adding even more value to your pocket by cutting down on the expenses of renovation by doing most of the work yourself. You clever homeowner, you. But before you get started, there are some questions you’ll want to consider that can make everyone’s life much easier. And when you’re done and enjoying the peace and quiet of your brand-new (well, kind of) bathroom, you’ll be glad you did.

Applications: The durable quality of granite makes it appropriate for kitchen countertops and hallways where there is high foot activity while marble is more apt for areas where there is less traffic like bathrooms. Marble gives a bright unique look and is suitable for surfaces that are used less frequently. Cost: Granite and marble both are to be installed by professionals as the slabs are really heavy. The approximate cost for both marble and granite is $50 to $100 however high end granite is cheaper than its counterpart marble. The actual price however depends on the quality of the stone, complexity of the job and the style of the tiles.

Remove stains and etching: When cleaning with mild soap and water doesn’t work, or on areas that are “etched,” you’ll need to take more aggressive action. Step up to a cleanser such as Soft Scrub or even Ajax with bleach, applied with an abrasive sponge. That will remove the sealant and allow you to scrub down to the stain. “When you’re done, you’ll find that the area you’ve worked on looks brighter than the rest of your counter,” says Bruno. “So then you need to go on to clean the rest of the counter the same way. Then rinse it thoroughly and let it dry completely—maybe even for a couple of days. Once it’s dry, pour the penetrating sealant all over the surface and spread it around with a soft cloth.”

If you’re buying an old building, check whether it’s listed, as this will severely limit the changes you can make, plus as a new owner you’re legally liable for rectifying any past illegal works, often at huge expense. Generally, unless you have a bottomless budget, avoid: properties built to a substandard quality, such as some cheaper Victorian terraces built without firebreak party walls in lofts and with worryingly thin single brick rear additions (which cause problems with mortgage lenders), those that have suffered botched alterations such as chimney breasts and internal walls illegally removed without Building Regulations’ consent.

Randal G. Winter founded Randal G Winter Construction in 1980 and has spent over 35 years in the construction industry as a Licensed General Contractor. He holds licenses in eight different trades including: Concrete, Drywall, Electrical, Landscaping, Painting, Plumbing, Tile and Asbestos. Sean Himes began his journey with Randal G. Winter Construction, Inc. in 2009 and after three years left to garner additional experience in the construction industry. He returned to Randal G. Winter Construction as Project Manager in February 2016. Sean’s responsibilities include coordinating and running all aspects of a project, which includes Randal G. Winter Construction Employees and Subcontractors. Read even more info on https://www.rgwinter.com/.

Kitchen remodeling services Canyon Country, CA

Best kitchen remodel services Canyon Country? Choose Randal G. Winter Construction, Inc. for full-service remodels by our team of creative professionals and expert contractors. The process of remodeling can be daunting for many homeowners. After all there are so many options and styles for so many elements- from counters and hard surfaces to cabinets and flooring. If interior design or decor choices aren’t your strong suit, our designers are here to help! Whether you want a modern, farmhouse, Tuscan-inspired, or other kitchen style we have the vision and expertise to help you get there. With over 40 years of experience, we’ve been able to simplify the remodeling process for clients to make it less stressful. Discover even more information at kitchen remodel Valencia.

The durability of the stone you choose is dictated by its makeup. Most marbles are made of calcite, which is a very soft and porous mineral. This means that marble will be more likely to absorb stains and to etch or lose its finish over time. Having a honed, or matte finish, for your marble counter can help disguise some of the etching. However, not all marble is made primarily of calcite. Green marble, made of serpentine, does not etch as easily, but it can spall or flake with prolonged contact with water. Quartzites that are labeled as marble, like Thassos or Azul Celeste, are extremely durable and much harder than some granites.

Mosaic tiles rose to popularity a few years ago and are still going strong. However, the mixed square tiles that make for a sort of pixel-y look are less popular nowadays. Rectangular tiles that create more of a subtle, streaked look are more in style. If you want to try something a little more avant-garde, experiment with going vertical rather than horizontal.

Reactivity to Acidic substance: Both natural stones have a porous structure but the metamorphic attributes of marble makes it more porous and therefore marble is easily stained from spills especially from liquids that are acidic in nature like fruit juices and wines. On the other hand, granite is much more resilient towards stains as long as an effective sealant is maintained on the surface liquid spills will not permeate into the surface.

Remove stains and etching: When cleaning with mild soap and water doesn’t work, or on areas that are “etched,” you’ll need to take more aggressive action. Step up to a cleanser such as Soft Scrub or even Ajax with bleach, applied with an abrasive sponge. That will remove the sealant and allow you to scrub down to the stain. “When you’re done, you’ll find that the area you’ve worked on looks brighter than the rest of your counter,” says Bruno. “So then you need to go on to clean the rest of the counter the same way. Then rinse it thoroughly and let it dry completely—maybe even for a couple of days. Once it’s dry, pour the penetrating sealant all over the surface and spread it around with a soft cloth.”

Renovation can turn into a nightmare if your builders or subcontractors fail to do a good job. Always be suspicious of an estimate or quote that is considerably cheaper than all the others, or someone who is available for work immediately. Ask for references, and speak to their previous clients. The golden rule when refurbishing older buildings with solid walls is to use traditional materials that are compatible with the way they were originally built, i.e. lime-based mortars, renders and plasters, rather than anything containing modern cement. Old buildings with shallow foundations are affected by seasonal ground movement and because cement is very brittle it tends to develop small cracks. This allows rain to penetrate, which then can’t escape. Modern paints applied to walls can also cause trouble by blocking natural evaporation.

Randal G. Winter construction is a member of the International Code Council, “the largest building and safety code organization dedicated to protecting the property, health and safety of people worldwide.” You don’t have to worry about any setbacks durign your construction project knowing that Randy, a certified building inspector, is working to make sure your project adheres to standard code practices. We are also a proud member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association, representing “the finest professionals in the Kitchen and bath industry”. Members of NKBA adhere to the highest standards of practice in the kitchen and bath industry. Find extra information on https://www.rgwinter.com/.

Premium kitchen remodeling contractors Canyon Country, CA 2022

Excellent kitchen remodel company Santa Clarita today? Choose Randal G. Winter Construction, Inc. for full-service remodels by our team of creative professionals and expert contractors. The process of remodeling can be daunting for many homeowners. After all there are so many options and styles for so many elements- from counters and hard surfaces to cabinets and flooring. If interior design or decor choices aren’t your strong suit, our designers are here to help! Whether you want a modern, farmhouse, Tuscan-inspired, or other kitchen style we have the vision and expertise to help you get there. With over 40 years of experience, we’ve been able to simplify the remodeling process for clients to make it less stressful. See even more information on kitchen remodel Canyon Country.

Because marble slabs are usually smaller than granite slabs, you may need more pieces to complete a full kitchen if using marble. Granite counters range in cost from $40 to $75 a square foot on average. More exotic stones, such as stones colored blue, may range in cost as high as $500 a square foot. For a 30-square-foot counter, the average material cost is around $1,000 to $1,500. Fabrication and labor add around $330 to the cost of the stone, a sink cutout adds another $100, and edging adds about $10 a linear foot on average. This makes the 30-square-foot granite counter cost between $3,000 and $3,500 installed. Fabrication, installation, cutout, and edging costs for marble are around the same cost. Material costs for marble are higher, starting at around $60 a square foot and going as high as $100. This makes the material costs for a marble counter of the same size between $1,800 and $3,000 making the total range $3,800 to $5,000 on average.

So you’ve caught the DIY bug and are feeling inspired by the new year to tackle your own bathroom remodel—congratulations! You’ve got this under control and can be confident that you’re making the right decision in remodeling your bathroom to add extra value to your home. Plus, if you’re doing this on a budget you’re adding even more value to your pocket by cutting down on the expenses of renovation by doing most of the work yourself. You clever homeowner, you. But before you get started, there are some questions you’ll want to consider that can make everyone’s life much easier. And when you’re done and enjoying the peace and quiet of your brand-new (well, kind of) bathroom, you’ll be glad you did.

Among all natural stone marble is the most elegant and luxurious stone. It is also highly versatile as it can be used in flooring, ornamental furnishings, fireplace and bathrooms. Just like any other natural stone marble comes in a variety of colors ranging from milky white to red and black which is the result of impurities present in the stone’s structure. The impurities are in bands which increase the elegance of the stone. However, since marble is made of calcite crystals which is a salt of calcium, marble is prone to staining especially from liquids which are acidic in nature due to which it is usually not recommended to install marble for exposed places like commercial kitchens.

Under normal use, the sealant should last about a year before it needs to be reapplied, Bruno advises, “so long as you aren’t using harsh cleansers on your countertop.” You’ll know it’s time for more sealant when you no longer see water drops beading on the surface. Clean daily—with care. To ensure that the sealant remains effective, you should wipe down your countertop daily using a nonabrasive cloth or sponge and only a mild soap (such as dish detergent) and water. Clear up spilled food right away, before it can seep in and cause a stain or discoloration (that can happen overnight, even with sealant in place). And obviously, keep some good-sized cutting boards on hand for food prep so that staining substances won’t come in contact with the countertop. Coasters help, too—red wine and coffee-cup rings are common culprits.

Removing original period windows and exterior doors can destroy a period property’s character, and its value, unless they are sympathetically replaced. Authentic replicas are expensive, so always consider repair as a first option. Cheaper, off-the shelf joinery is rarely appropriate and is unlikely to fit the original openings and so will look wrong. If the original external joinery has already been removed, research neighbouring properties or books to find appropriate styles. Avoid modern hybrid products, such as front doors with built-in fanlights. Try and observe the techniques and materials used in the building’s original construction and try and repair, or replace, on a like-for-like basis. Internally, try and preserve original doors, floorboards, fireplaces and plaster mouldings if they are still intact.

Randal G. Winter construction is a member of the International Code Council, “the largest building and safety code organization dedicated to protecting the property, health and safety of people worldwide.” You don’t have to worry about any setbacks durign your construction project knowing that Randy, a certified building inspector, is working to make sure your project adheres to standard code practices. We are also a proud member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association, representing “the finest professionals in the Kitchen and bath industry”. Members of NKBA adhere to the highest standards of practice in the kitchen and bath industry. See additional info at https://www.rgwinter.com/.