This vacation home was created for an avid saltwater fisherman and his family. As a coastal property, care was taken to capture breezes and views, encouraging inhabitants to slow down and soak in the ambiance. At the same time, the building is designed to withstand storms and the corrosive effects of salt air. Awareness of natural elements, including being kind to other inhabitants of the property, is evident in selections like turtle friendly exterior specialty LED lighting. Careful compositions of color, material, opacity, and transparency create an exterior that is disciplined but playful. The building is layered in planes that accentuate shadow, forming a graceful backdrop to the palm trees, pool, and ocean beyond. The local coral stone used on the exterior is also seen inside, thus reinforcing a sense of place. Pops of saturated color balance the soothing palette of materials, art, and furnishings, never distracting from the breathtaking setting. High light from clerestories washes across interior surfaces and opens up views to the sky. The luminous volumes are easy-going and simple, but contain a few surprises. In the primary bath, the architect and client created a unique pattern of custom handmade tile.

Effective residential construction project management is crucial in today’s fast-moving building industry. It means overseeing every step of building a home, from planning to finishing, to ensure projects are completed time, within budget, and with high quality. Unlike commercial projects, residential projects require special attention to meet homeowners' unique needs and wishes, requiring a customized approach from the beginning to the end. In 2025, the construction sector will use advanced technologies like AI and integrated project delivery (IPD) to streamline processes and improve stakeholder collaboration. However, project managers face significant challenges, including managing risks, maintaining quality control, and ensuring effective communication among team members. A WIP Report (Work-in-Progress Report) is a key tool that helps track a project's budget, progress, and resource use. It provides clear insights, making managing costs easier, avoiding delays, and making informed decisions. By adopting best practices and using modern construction management tools, project managers can overcome these challenges and deliver successful residential construction projects that meet client expectations and contribute to a sustainable future. This article provides a brief overview of residential construction project management, highlights its importance, and touches on the challenges faced by project managers while incorporating the latest trends and technologies in the field. Types of Residential Construction Management Here are the different types of Residential Construction Management: Single-Family Homes: These are standalone houses built for individual families. Managing these projects involves overseeing construction from planning to completion, ensuring that the home meets the owner's preferences and budget. Multi-Family Housing: This includes apartments, condominiums, and townhouses. Projects of this type require managing multiple units, often with shared facilities, and ensuring compliance with local building codes. Custom Home Building: This involves constructing homes tailored to specific client needs. Close collaboration with architects and designers is required to ensure the house reflects the owner's personality and preferences. Home Renovation and Remodeling: These projects focus on updating or expanding existing homes. They often involve working with subcontractors for specialized tasks like electrical or plumbing work. Components of Residential Construction Project Management Managing a residential construction project requires carefully coordinating people, materials, and timelines. A well-structured approach ensures efficiency, cost control, and high-quality results. Roles and Responsibilities A project manager plays a vital role in residential construction. They oversee every step from planning to completion and ensure the project stays on schedule, within budget, and meets quality standards. Project Manager’s Role in Home Construction The project manager is responsible for organizing tasks, managing resources, and solving problems that arise during construction. They coordinate between different teams, track progress, and ensure safety regulations are followed. Collaboration with Contractors, Architects, and Stakeholders Successful residential construction requires teamwork. Project managers work closely with architects to bring designs to new heights, coordinate with contractors to manage labor and materials, and keep stakeholders (such as homeowners and investors) informed about project updates. Client Communication and Expectations Management Clear communication with clients is essential. The project manager keeps homeowners updated on timelines, changes, and challenges. Setting realistic expectations and providing regular updates, they help avoid misunderstandings and keep the project running smoothly. Project Scope & Planning Practical project planning sets the foundation for a successful residential construction project. It ensures clear goals, minimizes risks, and keeps the project on track. Defining Project Objectives and Deliverables: Clearly outlining what needs to be done and what the final result should look like is essential. This involves setting specific, measurable goals that align with the homeowner's vision and budget. Managing Homeowner Expectations and Scope Creep: Homeowners often have changing needs or ideas. Effective project managers must manage these expectations to prevent "scope creep," which can delay projects and increase costs. This involves open communication and setting clear boundaries. Ensuring Compliance with Zoning Laws and Permits: Before construction begins, it's crucial to ensure that all necessary permits are obtained and that the project complies with local zoning laws. This step avoids costly fines and delays, ensuring the project moves forward smoothly. Budgeting & Cost Control Proper budgeting is essential for keeping residential construction projects financially viable. Effective cost management prevents overspending and ensures profitability. Accurate Cost Estimation for Residential Projects A precise cost estimate considers labor, materials, permits, and unexpected expenses. Using historical data and Sage 300 CRE for financial management improves accuracy and helps set realistic budgets. Budget Allocation and Tracking Allocating funds efficiently ensures that each phase of the project receives the necessary resources. Tracking expenses through Construction & Financial Dashboards allows for real-time monitoring and early detection of budget deviations. Preventing Budget Overruns Uncontrolled costs can derail a project. Regular financial reviews, automated alerts for overspending, and contingency planning help keep expenses in check and prevent financial strain. Scheduling & Timeline Management Timely project completion is crucial in residential construction. Effective scheduling minimizes delays and ensures a smooth workflow. Creating Detailed Project Schedules A structured schedule outlines all tasks, deadlines, and dependencies. Breaking down the project into phases, planning, execution, and finishing, helps maintain order and clarity. Preventing Delays & Meeting Deadlines Delays can result from labor shortages, weather conditions, or supply chain issues. To avoid problems, it’s good to check for risks ahead of time, add extra time to schedules, and keep everyone on the same page. Using Gantt Charts and Critical Path Methods CPM for Construction helps identify critical activities that directly impact project completion, while Gantt charts provide a visual timeline of tasks. Both tools optimize scheduling and improve efficiency. Residential Construction Project Management Phases Managing a residential construction project effectively requires a structured approach through various phases. Each phase plays a critical role in ensuring the project's success, from initial planning to completion. Pre-Construction Phase The pre-construction phase sets the foundation for a smooth and efficient building process. Proper planning at this stage helps prevent costly changes and delays later. Site Analysis & Approvals: A thorough site analysis assesses soil conditions, topography, and environmental factors. Feasibility studies evaluate project viability, including costs and regulatory compliance. Obtaining zoning approvals, permits, and other legal clearances is crucial before breaking ground. Selecting Materials and Procurement Strategies: Choosing the right materials impacts durability, sustainability, and cost efficiency. A well-planned procurement strategy, including bulk purchasing and reliable supplier partnerships, ensures timely delivery and cost savings. Using Sage 300 CRE for procurement management helps streamline material sourcing and financial planning. Construction Phase The construction phase transforms plans into reality. Effective coordination and strict quality control ensure a successful build. Resource Allocation and Workflow Coordination: Efficiently managing labor, equipment, and materials is key to maintaining progress. Using CPM for Construction, project managers can allocate resources strategically, prevent bottlenecks, and optimize workflows for timely completion. Project Closeout & Handover The final phase of residential construction project management is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition from construction to occupancy. Proper closeout procedures guarantee quality, client satisfaction, and long-term project success. Final Inspections and Quality Assurance: Before finishing the project, a final inspection checks that everything meets safety rules and quality standards. Any problems need to be fixed quickly. Using Procore helps make inspections and tracking issues easier, ensuring a high-quality final product. Client Walkthrough and Support: A final check helps homeowners see the finished work, ask questions, and make sure it meets their expectations. This is also a chance to explain important home features and maintenance tips. Good communication here builds trust and strengthens relationships. Warranty Management and Feedback: Efficient warranty management ensures clients get quick help for any issues after construction. A clear process for tracking requests and keeping in touch with homeowners boosts satisfaction. Collecting feedback helps improve future projects. Using S-Curve Forecasting tracks performance trends and refines management strategies. Software for Residential Construction Project Management The integration of technology in residential construction project management has revolutionized the way projects are planned, executed, and monitored. Digital tools streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve communication, making them essential for modern construction firms. Importance of Digital Tools Investing in digital tools is crucial for construction firms as it transforms the industry by enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration across the entire project lifecycle. They also improve project management by streamlining processes, automating tasks, and facilitating real-time stakeholder communication. Top Construction Management Software for Residential Projects Several software solutions are available for managing residential construction projects: Procore: Known for its comprehensive project management features, including document management and collaboration tools. Sage 300 CRE: Offers robust accounting and financial management capabilities, ideal for large-scale construction projects. Buildertrend: Specializes in residential construction, providing tools for project scheduling, budgeting, and client communication. CoConstruct: Focuses on custom home building and remodeling, offering features for estimating, scheduling, and project management. WIP Reports: Useful for tracking work-in-progress and managing project finances effectively. Features Comparison and Best Use Cases: Procore: Best for large projects requiring extensive collaboration and document management. Sage 300 CRE: Ideal for firms needing robust financial management. Buildertrend: Suitable for residential builders focusing on client communication and project scheduling. CoConstruct: Perfect for custom home builders who need detailed estimating and scheduling tools. WIP Reports: Useful for firms needing to track project finances closely. How Software Improves Project Efficiency Construction management software significantly enhances project efficiency in several ways: Automating Accounting and Job Costing: Software like Sage 300 CRE automates financial tasks, reducing manual errors and improving budget tracking. Streamlining Document Management and Communication: Tools like Procore centralize documents and facilitate real-time communication among team members, reducing misunderstandings and delays. Mobile-Friendly Solutions for Real-Time Tracking: Mobile apps from platforms like Buildertrend allow for on-site access to project data, enabling real-time tracking and decision-making. These digital tools and software solutions are essential for modern residential construction project management, offering benefits such as improved efficiency, enhanced collaboration, and better financial control. Challenges in Residential Construction Project Management Residential construction projects face a variety of challenges that can impact their success. Here are some of the key issues project managers encounter: Managing Subcontractors and Labor Shortages One of the biggest challenges in residential construction is managing subcontractors and dealing with labor shortages. Subcontractors often have their own schedules and priorities, which can lead to delays if not coordinated properly. Additionally, labor shortages can slow down projects and increase costs due to the need for overtime or hiring temporary workers. Budget Overruns and Unexpected Costs Budget overruns are common in residential construction due to factors like material price fluctuations, unexpected site conditions, or changes in project scope. Effective budget management involves regularly monitoring expenses and having contingency plans for unexpected costs. Changing Construction and Eco Rules Construction and Eco Rules are always changing, so project managers need to keep up with the latest regulations. This involves following guidelines for saving energy, protecting the environment, and ensuring safety. Ignoring these rules can lead to fines, delays, or even stopping the project. Best Practices To ensure your residential construction projects run smoothly and successfully, follow these essential best practices: Setting Clear Project Goals and Milestones Clearly defining what you want to achieve is the first step to success. Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. This helps everyone involved understand what needs to be done and by when. For example, instead of saying "build a house," say "build a house with three bedrooms and two bathrooms within the next nine months." Stakeholder Collaboration Good communication is key to keeping everyone on the same page. Regular meetings with contractors, suppliers, and homeowners help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that everyone knows what's happening and what's next. This open dialogue also helps resolve issues quickly, preventing small problems from becoming big delays. Using Data-Driven Insights for Decision-Making Making decisions based on facts rather than guesses is crucial. Use data and analytics to understand project progress, identify potential issues early, and make informed decisions. For instance, if data shows that a particular material is consistently causing delays, you can plan ahead to avoid those delays in the future. Proactive Risk Management Strategies Things don't always go as planned, so being prepared is essential. Identify potential risks early and have a plan to manage them. This might include having backup suppliers, planning for weather conditions, or setting aside extra funds for unexpected expenses. Being proactive can prevent small issues from turning into major problems. Conclusion Effective residential construction project management requires careful planning, clear communication, and the right digital tools. From single-family homes to multi-family housing and custom projects, managing timelines, budgets, and quality is essential for success. By following best practices, using project management software, and staying ahead of industry trends, project managers can ensure smooth execution and client satisfaction despite challenges like labor shortages, budget overruns, and regulatory compliance; modern technology and strategic planning help mitigate risks. Construction firms can improve efficiency, enhance collaboration, and maintain financial control by adopting advanced tools like Procore, Sage 300 CRE, and Buildertrend. A well-managed project delivers a quality home and builds trust and long-term success in the industry. FAQs What is residential construction project management? It involves overseeing all aspects of building residential properties, from initial planning and design to construction and completion, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the desired quality standards. How can I prevent budget overruns in my construction project? Accurate cost estimation, continuous budget tracking, and having contingency plans for unexpected expenses are key strategies to prevent budget overruns. What are the main stages of a residential construction project? The primary stages include design, pre-construction, procurement, and construction. How does construction management software improve project efficiency? It streamlines processes like scheduling, budgeting, and communication, providing real-time data access and collaboration among stakeholders, which enhances overall project efficiency. How can I ensure my project complies with local building codes and regulations? Engage professionals familiar with local laws, obtain all necessary permits before starting, and conduct regular inspections to ensure adherence to building codes and regulations.

This home was being prepared for sale on the market. Much of the home needed to be brought up to date with fresh painting and minor repairs. The painting work brought a wonderful fresh and beautifying effect. In the middle of winter, in a slow market, the home sold in 2 weeks!

This vacation home was created for an avid saltwater fisherman and his family. As a coastal property, care was taken to capture breezes and views, encouraging inhabitants to slow down and soak in the ambiance. At the same time, the building is designed to withstand storms and the corrosive effects of salt air. Awareness of natural elements, including being kind to other inhabitants of the property, is evident in selections like turtle friendly exterior specialty LED lighting. Careful compositions of color, material, opacity, and transparency create an exterior that is disciplined but playful. The building is layered in planes that accentuate shadow, forming a graceful backdrop to the palm trees, pool, and ocean beyond. The local coral stone used on the exterior is also seen inside, thus reinforcing a sense of place. Pops of saturated color balance the soothing palette of materials, art, and furnishings, never distracting from the breathtaking setting. High light from clerestories washes across interior surfaces and opens up views to the sky. The luminous volumes are easy-going and simple, but contain a few surprises. In the primary bath, the architect and client created a unique pattern of custom handmade tile.

Emily Andrews
Example of a farmhouse open concept living room design in Other with white walls, a standard fireplace and a plaster fireplace

There are many different borer insects around the world that come in many different sizes and colors. But one thing they all have in common is the danger they pose to trees. These insects tunnel their way deep into trees and feed on the heartwood. Symptoms of infestation differ depending on the type of borer insect, but you can usually tell by the holes left behind in the bark. You may also notice sap or sawdust gathered around the tree or even sudden discoloration of the leaves. If left untreated, borers can kill the tree. Five Star Tree Services has put together a simple guide that will help you identify infestations so they can be treated ASAP. 4 Common Borer Species We are going to go over four of the most common wood boring insects that attack a wide variety of tree species in a range of climates. Many native borer insects will seek out already sick trees or trees under stress as opposed to strong healthy ones. But, even healthy trees are susceptible to infestation, especially from non-native borers. Locust Borer This type or borer attacks black locust trees; other types of locust trees are not in danger. They can be found in any place that black locust trees grow. Symptoms of an LB infestation are mainly localized swollen areas on the trunk or branches. These areas will look like a full knot. Other common signs are broken branches, thinness along the crown, and holes in the bark accompanied by sawdust. If you happen to see any of these signs, give our team of arborists a call as soon as possible. These borers weaken branches so that they break, which poses an additional hazard to your property and family. Emerald Ash Borer This type of borer usually feeds on ash trees but can also be found in rare cases in other types. They are commonly found in over states in the US but can be found in any location where ash trees grow. Symptoms of an EAB infestation are easy to spot. In the early stages, trees will exhibit cracks along the main branches of the canopy. As the stages progress, these cracks will turn into slits and holes that look like a “D” on the bark. The canopy of the tree will also start to think as the tree progresses towards failure. As soon as you notice any of these signs, you should contact an arborist as soon as possible. Treatment is more effective when applied early on in an infestation. Bronze Birch Borer This species usually attacks grey birch, paper birch, and yellow birch trees. Though they mostly attack stressed or sick trees, but again even healthy birch trees can become infested. River birch thankfully is not susceptible to this particular borer. They are found in any place white bark birch trees grow. Common signs of BBB infestations are winding tunnels along the out layer of the tree bark. They look bumpy or wrinkled. In some cases, you may also notice “D” shaped holes along the bark or leaves they have lost their color. Another common symptom is thinning along the crown and top of the tree. If found early enough, our professional arborists can apply an insecticide treatment and save the tree. Longhorned Beetles This species attacks a wide assortment of trees but tends to only attack those which are under a high amount of stress. They are found all over the world and are not specific to any one area. Common signs that an LB infestation is present is sawdust under the tree, round holes, and discolored leaves. It is important to contact a specialist as soon as you notice any signs of infestation. Quick action is key to slowing and defeating these harmful insects. How We Can Help Infestations can destroy the health of your trees, but with quick action, most can be saved. Five Star Tree Services offers a range of tree care services in Toronto including diagnosis and treatment of borer infestations. Give us a call at (416) 990-3355 to find out more.

This small rough Chinese Slate floor in the kitchen of a house in the village of Cheadle near Stockport in Greater Manchester had not had any sealer put on it for many years and was very grubby (dishevelled as described by the customer) looking even after the customer had tried to clean it. Sealers do take a lot of punishment, especially in a high traffic area such as a small kitchen and will wear off over time and once this happens the floor will start to lose its appearance as dirt becomes ingrained in the stone and it can no longer be cleaned effectively. As we have to apply a liberal amount of water with this sort of work, the first step was to remove the Kicker boards at the bottom of the Kitchen units and silicone the Kitchen units that were fixed; this stops water seeping in and blowing the MDF allowing us to concentrate on cleaning the Slate without causing any damage. I started the cleaning process by applying a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean to get rid of the built up dirt and any remaining sealer, leaving it to soak into the Slate before scrubbing the floor with a black scrub pad fitted to buffing machine running at slow speed. Tile Doctor Pro-Clean is a strong alkaline cleaner/stripper that is safe to use on natural stone, we do have stronger products available if required but in this case a strong dilution of Pro-Clean was sufficient to tackle any remaining sealer. This process gave the Slate and grout lines a good deep clean and after rinsing the floor with water which was then extracted using a wet vacuum I repeated the process on stubborn areas until satisfied the floor was as clean and free of old sealer. Last stage of the cleaning process was to give the floor a final rinse and then get it as dry as possible using the wet vacuum to soak up the moisture. The floor was quite small so I was able to leave the floor to dry off over lunch time and then on my return managed to get it fully dry with a little heat from a heat gun. The customer wanted a mat finish so once dry I applied Tile Doctor Colour Grow sealer which impregnates into the pores of the natural stone protecting it from within and enhancing the natural colours of the Slate at the same time. For general cleaning of Sealed stone floors, we recommend the use of a PH Neutral Cleaner as anything with a strong PH will degrade the life of the sealer over time. Steve Keary Greater Manchester Tile Doctor

The pictures below are of a Riven Slate floor at a house in in the Leeds suburb of Horsforth which had been laid ten years prior. It’s probably difficult to appreciate from the images but the sealer on this floor was well worn through in the high traffic areas making it patchy in places. Without the protection of the sealer dirt was now ingrained in the pores of the stone leaving it looking dull. Riven slate is always tricky to clean thoroughly due to the rough surface and that combined with the ingrained dirt was making it very difficult to keep clean. The floor now needed to be stripped of old sealer and then resealed and although I can provide a price for this over the phone my preference is to visit the property and survey the floor. In the case the owner had sent me some photographs via email however they were not too clear and so I felt it would be best if I paid the customer a visit to ensure I could give them an accurate price. The floor was indeed overdue a clean and seal, as suspected dirt was ingrained into the areas where the seal had worn off. The house was home to a very busy family, so the area was subject to the significant traffic. I carried out a test clean on a small area and they were surprised by the results, when you live with a floor for so long you don’t notice the very slow decline in its appearance. They agreed to my quote and we arranged a time to return and carry the deep clean out. When I arrived, I started off by protecting the skirting and surrounding woodwork. Given the rough surface of the floor I first applied Tile Doctor Wax Away which is a very effective coatings remover that is designed for removing wax but works very well in these situations. The product was left to dwell for a round ten minutes so it could get to work breaking down the old sealer and then scrubbed in using a black scrubbing pad fitted to a rotary machine. This process removed most of the dirt and old sealer, but some stubborn patches remained. To treat these, I replaced the black pad with a coarse 200-grit burnishing pad and finally some handheld diamond burnishing blocks for the edges and corners where more intricate work was required, and the circular pads struggle to reach. I gave the floor a rinse, and extracted the soil with a wet vacuum, the floor was then left to dry off overnight. The next day I returned, first the slate floor was checked for moisture using the moisture meter. Once I was happy it was within the correct parameters, I then sealed with four coats of Tile Doctor Seal and Go. This is a modern water-based blend of acrylic polymers that provides both a stain resistant surface seal and a durable low-sheen finish also being water based there’s no smell as it dries. The sealer really brought the stone to back to life and the lovely colours in the natural stones were now evident. The patchy appearance of the floor was gone, and the customer was happy. I discussed with them how they should maintain the floor and advised them to use Tile Doctor Neutral Tile Cleaner. This is pH neutral cleaner that won’t prematurely erode the new sealer like the stronger products you find in Supermarkets which are only for use on Vinyl and Ceramic floors. Nigel Stoker North West Yorkshire Tile Doctor

During an inspection for alteration work, this customer from Cheshunt discovered what appeared to be an original encaustic tiled floor under the hallway carpet. Keen to work out what it was, and have it restored, I was asked to pop round and look. I went over as requested to survey the hallway floor and confirm their suspicions. The carpet had been secured with gripper rods glued onto the floor and that came away easily enough. Underneath, the tiles had been covered with self-levelling cement which had to be carefully scraped away to reveal the tiles. I ran a test to see if the cement leveller could be easily removed and using a combination of a scraper with Tile Doctor Pro-Clean, I was able to confirm the tiled floor was indeed salvageable. The house was Edwardian, and the tiles had been laid in a classic black and white geometric pattern typical of the period so I suspect the floor was indeed original. I worked out a quote to restore the whole floor including the removal of the cement, deep cleaning and then sealing the tiles. Without removing all the cement, it would be difficult to price for replacing broken tiles, but I suspected there may be a few as its quite usual for a floor of this age. Keen to have the floor restored we were given the go-ahead and a date scheduled for the work to start. The first step was to remove all the carpet and gripper rod so we could see the full extent of the self-levelling screed. Once done it was a case of carefully chipping and scraping away to break up the cement until the tiled floor had been fully revealed. Its slow and detailed work but quite rewarding when the tiled floor is finally revealed. The tiles had survived well under the carpet and cement but as suspected a few repairs and replacement would be needed. With all the cement brushed away work moved onto cleaning which started with a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean applied to the floor and left to soak in for fifteen minutes the scrubbed in with a rotary machine fitted with a Black pad. A lot of soiling is generated from this which is rinsed off with water and extracted with a wet vacuum. The floor was then inspected and the process repeated where required. The next step was to treat the tiles to an acid wash using Tile Doctor Grout Clean-up. This is applied as before and has several benefits including dissolving the remaining cement residue and neutralising the pH of the floor after the use of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean which is a strong alkaline. The floor was then inspected and the broken tiles carefully removed so they could be replaced. This is delicate work as lifting a tile can sometimes upset its neighbour and before you know it the size of the work has tripled. Replacement tiles were then cut to fit the existing geometric pattern and secured into place with a rapid set adhesive and grouted in. Once the replacement tile and grout had set, the floor was given a light clean using Tile Doctor Neutral Tile Cleaner and then left to dry out overnight. The next day the tiles were sealed using a single coat of Tile Doctor Colour Grow and the followed up with give coats of Tile Doctor Seal & Go. Colour Grow is an impregnator that soaks into the pores of the tile protecting it from within and improving colour, where as Seal and Go adds a nice subtle sheen to the tiles. Both products are breathable which is an important feature with old floors that don’t have a damp proof membrane. For aftercare I recommended Neutral Tile Cleaner which is a gentle but effective tile cleaning product that won’t damage the sealer. Robert Voyce Hertfordshire TIle Doctor

The pictures below detail the renovation of Ceramic Tiled Shower Cubicleat a property in Bolton Upon Dearne South Yorkshire. I was called in as the homeowners dreaded using the shower due to the state of the tiles, grout and cubicle in general. As you can see from the photograph the grout was filthy, the silicone was mouldy, and the shower frame was caked in mouldy dirt. Over the years there had been a build-up of hard water and staining from products which leave a residue. They had used everyday cleaning products, but these had not been able to touch the problem as it had been left for too long. I discussed with the clients how Tile Doctor could help, and how we would be able to deep clean the shower area and replace the mouldy silicone. I was confident we could get the renovate the cubicle and get it looking like new again. They were happy to accept my price and we arranged a time to complete the job. It would certainly be far cheaper than ripping out the shower cubicle and replacing with new. Bolton Upon Dearne is a small village in the very middle of South Yorkshire, it is almost the same distance away from the centres of Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster. It has a rich history of coal mining but like many pit villages it has suffered since the pit closures of the 80’s and 90’s. To start the shower was treated with Tile Doctor Oxy Gel, being a gel this product sticks well to the vertical surfaces giving it time to break down grease and grime, you’ll see from the picture just how much dirt was released. This was followed with a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Duo Clean which is great for restoring lighter coloured grout back to its original state as well as removing mould. After scrubbing the soiled water was easily drained away using the shower hose. The transformation was amazing, the area already looked so much more inviting! Next the old silicone that had gone mouldy was removed with a sharp knife, this is a slow work as you have avoid damaging the tile or the shower tray. Additionally, a clean and dry surface is required for the new silicone to adhere well. The tiles were Ceramic which are given a glazed surface during manufacture, so they don’t need a specialist sealant like natural stone. However, the surface of grout is cementous and attracts dirt easily so the whole shower wall was sealed using a can of Tile Doctor Wall and Grout Sealer. This gives a layer which will protect the tiles and grout and will ensure the tiles are easier to keep clean. For everyday cleaning I recommended they use Tile Doctor Aqua-Pro which is an effective, yet pH neutral tile and grout cleaner designed for everyday use in Bathrooms and Kitchens. The formula eliminates soap scum build-up and hard water deposits and its neutral formula won’t prematurely degrade the sealer. Used regularly this will prevent the build-up they had previously experienced and will keep the tiles looking good for some time to come. As you can imagine my client was very happy with the completed work. Matthew Lovett South Yorkshire Tile Doctor

Grout haze or grout smears as it is often called can be a huge problem when laying tiles. Grout haze is basically grout that has been left to dry on the surface of the tile after installation. It’s a common problem which is exacerbated by the use of quick drying products. Take for example this interesting Wood Effect Ceramic Tile installation at a house in Guildford following installation by a builder. I was a bit slow in following up on the initial enquiry as we had been very busy so by the time, I got in touch I was told they had employed someone else to carry out the work. I apologised for my late response and said to call me if he needed help in the future. Three days later I got a call so we arranged a visit so that I could carry out a test and quote a price. As it turns out the builder had returned and failed to remove the grout haze and so had a rival firm that seemed more interested in selling unnecessary sealer than fixing the problem. I was astonished to see what a state the builder had left his floor. Grout was all over the floor with footprints walked across thresholds and more. I could understand it if there was some grout was missed after installation but not to this level! I carried out a successful test and confirmed to the customer that there was absolutely no need to rip and replace his £2k floor. We agreed a date to resolve the problem and to say he was relieved was an understatement! The builders had used Mapei grout which contains polymers. Polymers offer better flexibility and adhesion, however in order to remove the grout haze we would first need to break down the polymers in the grout first and this is why the rival firm failed. With that in mind, my first action was to apply Tile Doctor Remove and Go to the floor and leave it to dwell for five to ten minutes. I then worked it into the tile using a scrubbing pad fitted to a rotary machine. After washing the soil away with warm water and extracting with a wet vacuum I applied Tile Doctor Grout Clean-up to treat the grout. Grout Clean-up is an acid-based product that breaks down the grout so it can be rinsed away and extracted as before. Afterwards I rinsed the floor with warm water and extracted again to remove any trace of product and neutralise the floor. After removing as much moisture as possible with the wet vacuum I speed dried the tiles with a blower. Ceramic tiles won’t accept a sealer so once the floor had dried the job was finished and it took less than a day. The customer was over the moon with the difference. While his floor was in such a state, he has been unable to bring in new furniture as the serious possibility of removing the tiles was hanging over him. Relieved that the problem was now resolved he kindly left the following review: “I had a floor that had just been laid with very heavy grout haze. I had already had advice from two other professional floor cleaners who had advised me that the floor was irreparable and would need to be pulled up. As soon as I spoke with Rupert, it was clear he was extremely knowledgeable. He asked questions none of the other companies had. By understanding the specific nature of the problem, he was able to solve it by first removing the grout polymers and then applying an acid wash. The floor came up brilliantly. Rupert was the only person I spoke to that could fix this, everyone else told me I needed to replace my floor! Superbly knowledgeable, professional and did an excellent job. Don’t bother speaking to anyone else, just call Rupert! “ Rupert Mcleod West Surrey Tile Doctor

This vacation home was created for an avid saltwater fisherman and his family. As a coastal property, care was taken to capture breezes and views, encouraging inhabitants to slow down and soak in the ambiance. At the same time, the building is designed to withstand storms and the corrosive effects of salt air. Awareness of natural elements, including being kind to other inhabitants of the property, is evident in selections like turtle friendly exterior specialty LED lighting. Careful compositions of color, material, opacity, and transparency create an exterior that is disciplined but playful. The building is layered in planes that accentuate shadow, forming a graceful backdrop to the palm trees, pool, and ocean beyond. The local coral stone used on the exterior is also seen inside, thus reinforcing a sense of place. Pops of saturated color balance the soothing palette of materials, art, and furnishings, never distracting from the breathtaking setting. High light from clerestories washes across interior surfaces and opens up views to the sky. The luminous volumes are easy-going and simple, but contain a few surprises. In the primary bath, the architect and client created a unique pattern of custom handmade tile.

We JUST finished our kitchen and need to decorate and redo the floors. (The lighting in my photos also is a bit of a disservice.) But I wanted to thank the amazing people that helped -- truly all professional artisans who took great care with the project. It was seamless start to finish. Helder Torquato Assumpcao of Ipê Decking and Remodel in Everett did the install and some custom pieces. Dave Brushett of Central New England Soapstone the countertops. The cabinets are Semihandmade Doors/IKEA.

This vacation home was created for an avid saltwater fisherman and his family. As a coastal property, care was taken to capture breezes and views, encouraging inhabitants to slow down and soak in the ambiance. At the same time, the building is designed to withstand storms and the corrosive effects of salt air. Awareness of natural elements, including being kind to other inhabitants of the property, is evident in selections like turtle friendly exterior specialty LED lighting. Careful compositions of color, material, opacity, and transparency create an exterior that is disciplined but playful. The building is layered in planes that accentuate shadow, forming a graceful backdrop to the palm trees, pool, and ocean beyond. The local coral stone used on the exterior is also seen inside, thus reinforcing a sense of place. Pops of saturated color balance the soothing palette of materials, art, and furnishings, never distracting from the breathtaking setting. High light from clerestories washes across interior surfaces and opens up views to the sky. The luminous volumes are easy-going and simple, but contain a few surprises. In the primary bath, the architect and client created a unique pattern of custom handmade tile.

Petr Krejci
Inspiration for a transitional beige tile bathroom remodel in London with a vessel sink, open cabinets and a wall-mount toilet