Spectrum Construction & Development, based out of Roxbury Twp., New Jersey is the recipient of the 2016 Awards of Excellence presented by the Metropolitan Builders & Contractors Association of New Jersey in the Custom Single-Family Home Category ($1,000,000 - $2,000,000) The homeowners moved to Morris County, New Jersey to be closer to their grown children and their families. They found a mid-century style home on a beautiful tree-lined street less than a mile away from their children's homes. Although the location was ideal and the corner lot perfectly situated for the homeowners, it was in disrepair and did not offer them the space, design features and finishes they wanted. Spectrum Construction arranged for the original home to be deconstructed with any salvageable material sold to the public for reuse or re-purposing. The custom 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath home that Spectrum Construction designed and built in its place combines country charm with modern elegance. This new home incorporates many unique features including the “drive through” two-car garage that allows the homeowners access to the converging streets. The massive first-floor master bedroom suite consists of a marble surround fireplace, 2 sizeable walk-in-closets as well as his and her luxurious master bathrooms. Two home offices provide the homeowners with ample room to take care of business. An elevator was installed to enable the homeowners and aging guests to easily and safely access the second floor. Abundant storage areas throughout the home, including the cavernous full basement, offer plenty of space to stow extra belongings. The second story was designed with the homeowners’ grandchildren in mind. The additional bedrooms, playroom and upstairs den make room for both daytime visits and overnight stays. Space for entertaining adult guests was also considered. The first floor includes a spacious great room with floor to ceiling stone fireplace which opens to a covered, screened-in back porch with a second stone fireplace. The stylish kitchen, containing two counter seating areas and an eat-in nook, along with the formal dining room give the homeowners plenty of room to accommodate large gatherings.

Exterior: architectural character, curb appeal and integration of the project into its setting Interior: creative and innovative use of space including architectural detail and form Functionality of floor plan Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health) Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices By design, this laneway residence is an intelligently-planned, small-scale replication of the main, single-family house. Natural-stone façades, mullioned windows, and aggregate sidewalks/paths honour homes heritage as a family farm. Cedar hedges provide separation between main home’s backyard and laneway’s private patio for relaxing or al fresco dining/barbecuing. A non-compromise space for anyone who loves outdoor dining/entertaining. Main-floor offers flexible living space for diverse range of lifestyles. Residents enjoy an upper-level master-suite plus a lower-level flex-space (guest bedroom, home-office, artist studio) off the main living area. The best of all worlds in a compact/affordable space. Kitchen features full-sized range and refrigerator. Undermount sink (with window above) create unanticipated, much-appreciated natural light penetration. Sliding door provides access to mechanical room without compromising cooking-space in compact kitchen. Great-room is a comfortable, cozy, flexible space. Lots of room for a dining-room table as well. Feels like a single-family home just in a more compact, easy care format. Bathroom with compact shower on main floor: easily accessible for overnight guests or roommates. Upper-floor master-suite includes private east-facing balcony--perfect for morning coffee!--and urban savvy ensuite with dramatic, green-glass subway-tile shower/soaker-tub surround (with window above). Full-size laundry tucked into upper-floor vaulted laundry supports residents' active lifestyle. Engineered, white-oak hardwood flooring throughout. Built to PassiveHaus standards (certification pending), high-level environmental-savvy features include state-of-the-art Lifebreath HRV (removes bacteria from interior air), radiant in-floor heating, and on-demand, tankless hot-water.

Exterior: architectural character, curb appeal and integration of the project into its setting Interior: creative and innovative use of space including architectural detail and form Functionality of floor plan Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health) Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices By design, this laneway residence is an intelligently-planned, small-scale replication of the main, single-family house. Natural-stone façades, mullioned windows, and aggregate sidewalks/paths honour homes heritage as a family farm. Cedar hedges provide separation between main home’s backyard and laneway’s private patio for relaxing or al fresco dining/barbecuing. A non-compromise space for anyone who loves outdoor dining/entertaining. Main-floor offers flexible living space for diverse range of lifestyles. Residents enjoy an upper-level master-suite plus a lower-level flex-space (guest bedroom, home-office, artist studio) off the main living area. The best of all worlds in a compact/affordable space. Kitchen features full-sized range and refrigerator. Undermount sink (with window above) create unanticipated, much-appreciated natural light penetration. Sliding door provides access to mechanical room without compromising cooking-space in compact kitchen. Great-room is a comfortable, cozy, flexible space. Lots of room for a dining-room table as well. Feels like a single-family home just in a more compact, easy care format. Bathroom with compact shower on main floor: easily accessible for overnight guests or roommates. Upper-floor master-suite includes private east-facing balcony--perfect for morning coffee!--and urban savvy ensuite with dramatic, green-glass subway-tile shower/soaker-tub surround (with window above). Full-size laundry tucked into upper-floor vaulted laundry supports residents' active lifestyle. Engineered, white-oak hardwood flooring throughout. Built to PassiveHaus standards (certification pending), high-level environmental-savvy features include state-of-the-art Lifebreath HRV (removes bacteria from interior air), radiant in-floor heating, and on-demand, tankless hot-water.

Exterior: architectural character, curb appeal and integration of the project into its setting Interior: creative and innovative use of space including architectural detail and form Functionality of floor plan Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health) Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices By design, this laneway residence is an intelligently-planned, small-scale replication of the main, single-family house. Natural-stone façades, mullioned windows, and aggregate sidewalks/paths honour homes heritage as a family farm. Cedar hedges provide separation between main home’s backyard and laneway’s private patio for relaxing or al fresco dining/barbecuing. A non-compromise space for anyone who loves outdoor dining/entertaining. Main-floor offers flexible living space for diverse range of lifestyles. Residents enjoy an upper-level master-suite plus a lower-level flex-space (guest bedroom, home-office, artist studio) off the main living area. The best of all worlds in a compact/affordable space. Kitchen features full-sized range and refrigerator. Undermount sink (with window above) create unanticipated, much-appreciated natural light penetration. Sliding door provides access to mechanical room without compromising cooking-space in compact kitchen. Great-room is a comfortable, cozy, flexible space. Lots of room for a dining-room table as well. Feels like a single-family home just in a more compact, easy care format. Bathroom with compact shower on main floor: easily accessible for overnight guests or roommates. Upper-floor master-suite includes private east-facing balcony--perfect for morning coffee!--and urban savvy ensuite with dramatic, green-glass subway-tile shower/soaker-tub surround (with window above). Full-size laundry tucked into upper-floor vaulted laundry supports residents' active lifestyle. Engineered, white-oak hardwood flooring throughout. Built to PassiveHaus standards (certification pending), high-level environmental-savvy features include state-of-the-art Lifebreath HRV (removes bacteria from interior air), radiant in-floor heating, and on-demand, tankless hot-water.

Exterior: architectural character, curb appeal and integration of the project into its setting Interior: creative and innovative use of space including architectural detail and form Functionality of floor plan Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health) Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices By design, this laneway residence is an intelligently-planned, small-scale replication of the main, single-family house. Natural-stone façades, mullioned windows, and aggregate sidewalks/paths honour homes heritage as a family farm. Cedar hedges provide separation between main home’s backyard and laneway’s private patio for relaxing or al fresco dining/barbecuing. A non-compromise space for anyone who loves outdoor dining/entertaining. Main-floor offers flexible living space for diverse range of lifestyles. Residents enjoy an upper-level master-suite plus a lower-level flex-space (guest bedroom, home-office, artist studio) off the main living area. The best of all worlds in a compact/affordable space. Kitchen features full-sized range and refrigerator. Undermount sink (with window above) create unanticipated, much-appreciated natural light penetration. Sliding door provides access to mechanical room without compromising cooking-space in compact kitchen. Great-room is a comfortable, cozy, flexible space. Lots of room for a dining-room table as well. Feels like a single-family home just in a more compact, easy care format. Bathroom with compact shower on main floor: easily accessible for overnight guests or roommates. Upper-floor master-suite includes private east-facing balcony--perfect for morning coffee!--and urban savvy ensuite with dramatic, green-glass subway-tile shower/soaker-tub surround (with window above). Full-size laundry tucked into upper-floor vaulted laundry supports residents' active lifestyle. Engineered, white-oak hardwood flooring throughout. Built to PassiveHaus standards (certification pending), high-level environmental-savvy features include state-of-the-art Lifebreath HRV (removes bacteria from interior air), radiant in-floor heating, and on-demand, tankless hot-water.

Exterior: architectural character, curb appeal and integration of the project into its setting Interior: creative and innovative use of space including architectural detail and form Functionality of floor plan Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health) Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices By design, this laneway residence is an intelligently-planned, small-scale replication of the main, single-family house. Natural-stone façades, mullioned windows, and aggregate sidewalks/paths honour homes heritage as a family farm. Cedar hedges provide separation between main home’s backyard and laneway’s private patio for relaxing or al fresco dining/barbecuing. A non-compromise space for anyone who loves outdoor dining/entertaining. Main-floor offers flexible living space for diverse range of lifestyles. Residents enjoy an upper-level master-suite plus a lower-level flex-space (guest bedroom, home-office, artist studio) off the main living area. The best of all worlds in a compact/affordable space. Kitchen features full-sized range and refrigerator. Undermount sink (with window above) create unanticipated, much-appreciated natural light penetration. Sliding door provides access to mechanical room without compromising cooking-space in compact kitchen. Great-room is a comfortable, cozy, flexible space. Lots of room for a dining-room table as well. Feels like a single-family home just in a more compact, easy care format. Bathroom with compact shower on main floor: easily accessible for overnight guests or roommates. Upper-floor master-suite includes private east-facing balcony--perfect for morning coffee!--and urban savvy ensuite with dramatic, green-glass subway-tile shower/soaker-tub surround (with window above). Full-size laundry tucked into upper-floor vaulted laundry supports residents' active lifestyle. Engineered, white-oak hardwood flooring throughout. Built to PassiveHaus standards (certification pending), high-level environmental-savvy features include state-of-the-art Lifebreath HRV (removes bacteria from interior air), radiant in-floor heating, and on-demand, tankless hot-water.

Exterior: architectural character, curb appeal and integration of the project into its setting Interior: creative and innovative use of space including architectural detail and form Functionality of floor plan Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health) Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices By design, this laneway residence is an intelligently-planned, small-scale replication of the main, single-family house. Natural-stone façades, mullioned windows, and aggregate sidewalks/paths honour homes heritage as a family farm. Cedar hedges provide separation between main home’s backyard and laneway’s private patio for relaxing or al fresco dining/barbecuing. A non-compromise space for anyone who loves outdoor dining/entertaining. Main-floor offers flexible living space for diverse range of lifestyles. Residents enjoy an upper-level master-suite plus a lower-level flex-space (guest bedroom, home-office, artist studio) off the main living area. The best of all worlds in a compact/affordable space. Kitchen features full-sized range and refrigerator. Undermount sink (with window above) create unanticipated, much-appreciated natural light penetration. Sliding door provides access to mechanical room without compromising cooking-space in compact kitchen. Great-room is a comfortable, cozy, flexible space. Lots of room for a dining-room table as well. Feels like a single-family home just in a more compact, easy care format. Bathroom with compact shower on main floor: easily accessible for overnight guests or roommates. Upper-floor master-suite includes private east-facing balcony--perfect for morning coffee!--and urban savvy ensuite with dramatic, green-glass subway-tile shower/soaker-tub surround (with window above). Full-size laundry tucked into upper-floor vaulted laundry supports residents' active lifestyle. Engineered, white-oak hardwood flooring throughout. Built to PassiveHaus standards (certification pending), high-level environmental-savvy features include state-of-the-art Lifebreath HRV (removes bacteria from interior air), radiant in-floor heating, and on-demand, tankless hot-water.

Exterior: architectural character, curb appeal and integration of the project into its setting Interior: creative and innovative use of space including architectural detail and form Functionality of floor plan Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health) Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices By design, this laneway residence is an intelligently-planned, small-scale replication of the main, single-family house. Natural-stone façades, mullioned windows, and aggregate sidewalks/paths honour homes heritage as a family farm. Cedar hedges provide separation between main home’s backyard and laneway’s private patio for relaxing or al fresco dining/barbecuing. A non-compromise space for anyone who loves outdoor dining/entertaining. Main-floor offers flexible living space for diverse range of lifestyles. Residents enjoy an upper-level master-suite plus a lower-level flex-space (guest bedroom, home-office, artist studio) off the main living area. The best of all worlds in a compact/affordable space. Kitchen features full-sized range and refrigerator. Undermount sink (with window above) create unanticipated, much-appreciated natural light penetration. Sliding door provides access to mechanical room without compromising cooking-space in compact kitchen. Great-room is a comfortable, cozy, flexible space. Lots of room for a dining-room table as well. Feels like a single-family home just in a more compact, easy care format. Bathroom with compact shower on main floor: easily accessible for overnight guests or roommates. Upper-floor master-suite includes private east-facing balcony--perfect for morning coffee!--and urban savvy ensuite with dramatic, green-glass subway-tile shower/soaker-tub surround (with window above). Full-size laundry tucked into upper-floor vaulted laundry supports residents' active lifestyle. Engineered, white-oak hardwood flooring throughout. Built to PassiveHaus standards (certification pending), high-level environmental-savvy features include state-of-the-art Lifebreath HRV (removes bacteria from interior air), radiant in-floor heating, and on-demand, tankless hot-water.

Exterior: architectural character, curb appeal and integration of the project into its setting Interior: creative and innovative use of space including architectural detail and form Functionality of floor plan Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health) Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices By design, this laneway residence is an intelligently-planned, small-scale replication of the main, single-family house. Natural-stone façades, mullioned windows, and aggregate sidewalks/paths honour homes heritage as a family farm. Cedar hedges provide separation between main home’s backyard and laneway’s private patio for relaxing or al fresco dining/barbecuing. A non-compromise space for anyone who loves outdoor dining/entertaining. Main-floor offers flexible living space for diverse range of lifestyles. Residents enjoy an upper-level master-suite plus a lower-level flex-space (guest bedroom, home-office, artist studio) off the main living area. The best of all worlds in a compact/affordable space. Kitchen features full-sized range and refrigerator. Undermount sink (with window above) create unanticipated, much-appreciated natural light penetration. Sliding door provides access to mechanical room without compromising cooking-space in compact kitchen. Great-room is a comfortable, cozy, flexible space. Lots of room for a dining-room table as well. Feels like a single-family home just in a more compact, easy care format. Bathroom with compact shower on main floor: easily accessible for overnight guests or roommates. Upper-floor master-suite includes private east-facing balcony--perfect for morning coffee!--and urban savvy ensuite with dramatic, green-glass subway-tile shower/soaker-tub surround (with window above). Full-size laundry tucked into upper-floor vaulted laundry supports residents' active lifestyle. Engineered, white-oak hardwood flooring throughout. Built to PassiveHaus standards (certification pending), high-level environmental-savvy features include state-of-the-art Lifebreath HRV (removes bacteria from interior air), radiant in-floor heating, and on-demand, tankless hot-water.

Exterior: architectural character, curb appeal and integration of the project into its setting Interior: creative and innovative use of space including architectural detail and form Functionality of floor plan Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health) Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices By design, this laneway residence is an intelligently-planned, small-scale replication of the main, single-family house. Natural-stone façades, mullioned windows, and aggregate sidewalks/paths honour homes heritage as a family farm. Cedar hedges provide separation between main home’s backyard and laneway’s private patio for relaxing or al fresco dining/barbecuing. A non-compromise space for anyone who loves outdoor dining/entertaining. Main-floor offers flexible living space for diverse range of lifestyles. Residents enjoy an upper-level master-suite plus a lower-level flex-space (guest bedroom, home-office, artist studio) off the main living area. The best of all worlds in a compact/affordable space. Kitchen features full-sized range and refrigerator. Undermount sink (with window above) create unanticipated, much-appreciated natural light penetration. Sliding door provides access to mechanical room without compromising cooking-space in compact kitchen. Great-room is a comfortable, cozy, flexible space. Lots of room for a dining-room table as well. Feels like a single-family home just in a more compact, easy care format. Bathroom with compact shower on main floor: easily accessible for overnight guests or roommates. Upper-floor master-suite includes private east-facing balcony--perfect for morning coffee!--and urban savvy ensuite with dramatic, green-glass subway-tile shower/soaker-tub surround (with window above). Full-size laundry tucked into upper-floor vaulted laundry supports residents' active lifestyle. Engineered, white-oak hardwood flooring throughout. Built to PassiveHaus standards (certification pending), high-level environmental-savvy features include state-of-the-art Lifebreath HRV (removes bacteria from interior air), radiant in-floor heating, and on-demand, tankless hot-water.

Spectrum Construction & Development, based out of Roxbury Twp., New Jersey is the recipient of the 2016 Awards of Excellence presented by the Metropolitan Builders & Contractors Association of New Jersey in the Custom Single-Family Home Category ($1,000,000 - $2,000,000) The homeowners moved to Morris County, New Jersey to be closer to their grown children and their families. They found a mid-century style home on a beautiful tree-lined street less than a mile away from their children's homes. Although the location was ideal and the corner lot perfectly situated for the homeowners, it was in disrepair and did not offer them the space, design features and finishes they wanted. Spectrum Construction arranged for the original home to be deconstructed with any salvageable material sold to the public for reuse or re-purposing. The custom 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath home that Spectrum Construction designed and built in its place combines country charm with modern elegance. This new home incorporates many unique features including the “drive through” two-car garage that allows the homeowners access to the converging streets. The massive first-floor master bedroom suite consists of a marble surround fireplace, 2 sizeable walk-in-closets as well as his and her luxurious master bathrooms. Two home offices provide the homeowners with ample room to take care of business. An elevator was installed to enable the homeowners and aging guests to easily and safely access the second floor. Abundant storage areas throughout the home, including the cavernous full basement, offer plenty of space to stow extra belongings. The second story was designed with the homeowners’ grandchildren in mind. The additional bedrooms, playroom and upstairs den make room for both daytime visits and overnight stays. Space for entertaining adult guests was also considered. The first floor includes a spacious great room with floor to ceiling stone fireplace which opens to a covered, screened-in back porch with a second stone fireplace. The stylish kitchen, containing two counter seating areas and an eat-in nook, along with the formal dining room give the homeowners plenty of room to accommodate large gatherings.

Exterior: architectural character, curb appeal and integration of the project into its setting Interior: creative and innovative use of space including architectural detail and form Functionality of floor plan Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health) Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices By design, this laneway residence is an intelligently-planned, small-scale replication of the main, single-family house. Natural-stone façades, mullioned windows, and aggregate sidewalks/paths honour homes heritage as a family farm. Cedar hedges provide separation between main home’s backyard and laneway’s private patio for relaxing or al fresco dining/barbecuing. A non-compromise space for anyone who loves outdoor dining/entertaining. Main-floor offers flexible living space for diverse range of lifestyles. Residents enjoy an upper-level master-suite plus a lower-level flex-space (guest bedroom, home-office, artist studio) off the main living area. The best of all worlds in a compact/affordable space. Kitchen features full-sized range and refrigerator. Undermount sink (with window above) create unanticipated, much-appreciated natural light penetration. Sliding door provides access to mechanical room without compromising cooking-space in compact kitchen. Great-room is a comfortable, cozy, flexible space. Lots of room for a dining-room table as well. Feels like a single-family home just in a more compact, easy care format. Bathroom with compact shower on main floor: easily accessible for overnight guests or roommates. Upper-floor master-suite includes private east-facing balcony--perfect for morning coffee!--and urban savvy ensuite with dramatic, green-glass subway-tile shower/soaker-tub surround (with window above). Full-size laundry tucked into upper-floor vaulted laundry supports residents' active lifestyle. Engineered, white-oak hardwood flooring throughout. Built to PassiveHaus standards (certification pending), high-level environmental-savvy features include state-of-the-art Lifebreath HRV (removes bacteria from interior air), radiant in-floor heating, and on-demand, tankless hot-water.

Spectrum Construction & Development, based out of Roxbury Twp., New Jersey is the recipient of the 2016 Awards of Excellence presented by the Metropolitan Builders & Contractors Association of New Jersey in the Custom Single-Family Home Category ($1,000,000 - $2,000,000) The homeowners moved to Morris County, New Jersey to be closer to their grown children and their families. They found a mid-century style home on a beautiful tree-lined street less than a mile away from their children's homes. Although the location was ideal and the corner lot perfectly situated for the homeowners, it was in disrepair and did not offer them the space, design features and finishes they wanted. Spectrum Construction arranged for the original home to be deconstructed with any salvageable material sold to the public for reuse or re-purposing. The custom 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath home that Spectrum Construction designed and built in its place combines country charm with modern elegance. This new home incorporates many unique features including the “drive through” two-car garage that allows the homeowners access to the converging streets. The massive first-floor master bedroom suite consists of a marble surround fireplace, 2 sizeable walk-in-closets as well as his and her luxurious master bathrooms. Two home offices provide the homeowners with ample room to take care of business. An elevator was installed to enable the homeowners and aging guests to easily and safely access the second floor. Abundant storage areas throughout the home, including the cavernous full basement, offer plenty of space to stow extra belongings. The second story was designed with the homeowners’ grandchildren in mind. The additional bedrooms, playroom and upstairs den make room for both daytime visits and overnight stays. Space for entertaining adult guests was also considered. The first floor includes a spacious great room with floor to ceiling stone fireplace which opens to a covered, screened-in back porch with a second stone fireplace. The stylish kitchen, containing two counter seating areas and an eat-in nook, along with the formal dining room give the homeowners plenty of room to accommodate large gatherings.

Spectrum Construction & Development, based out of Roxbury Twp., New Jersey is the recipient of the 2016 Awards of Excellence presented by the Metropolitan Builders & Contractors Association of New Jersey in the Custom Single-Family Home Category ($1,000,000 - $2,000,000) The homeowners moved to Morris County, New Jersey to be closer to their grown children and their families. They found a mid-century style home on a beautiful tree-lined street less than a mile away from their children's homes. Although the location was ideal and the corner lot perfectly situated for the homeowners, it was in disrepair and did not offer them the space, design features and finishes they wanted. Spectrum Construction arranged for the original home to be deconstructed with any salvageable material sold to the public for reuse or re-purposing. The custom 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath home that Spectrum Construction designed and built in its place combines country charm with modern elegance. This new home incorporates many unique features including the “drive through” two-car garage that allows the homeowners access to the converging streets. The massive first-floor master bedroom suite consists of a marble surround fireplace, 2 sizeable walk-in-closets as well as his and her luxurious master bathrooms. Two home offices provide the homeowners with ample room to take care of business. An elevator was installed to enable the homeowners and aging guests to easily and safely access the second floor. Abundant storage areas throughout the home, including the cavernous full basement, offer plenty of space to stow extra belongings. The second story was designed with the homeowners’ grandchildren in mind. The additional bedrooms, playroom and upstairs den make room for both daytime visits and overnight stays. Space for entertaining adult guests was also considered. The first floor includes a spacious great room with floor to ceiling stone fireplace which opens to a covered, screened-in back porch with a second stone fireplace. The stylish kitchen, containing two counter seating areas and an eat-in nook, along with the formal dining room give the homeowners plenty of room to accommodate large gatherings.

The colourful and diverse geometric patterns of a Victorian tiled floor can give a property a regal, elegant and timeless feel, making it a popular choice even in the 21st century. However, as time passes without regular care and maintenance, Victorian tiles can quickly lose their colour and appear deadened by the buildup of dirt and dust over several months (and sometimes years). This property owner in Hebden a very small village in North Yorkshire of less than 300 people, had this common problem. Her Victorian tiled hallway had not been adequately maintained and was now more difficult to keep clean than ever. To add to the problem, most of the tiles along the edges were either broken, cracked, or filled with holes, probably I suspect from the installation of carpet grippers at some point in the past. At this point, the property owner turned to Tile Doctor to see what could be done. Before beginning a deep clean of the entire length of the hallway, it was first necessary to source and install replacement tiles for those that had been broken and damaged. I also relaid any that were loose. When finished, I left the tiles to set and returned the next day to start the clean. My choice of cleaner in this situation was Tile Doctor Pro Clean, which was scrubbed into the floor with a special pad fitted to a rotary machine to break down ingrained dirt and stains. Pro Clean does this very effectively on all types of tile, including natural stone and of course Victorian tiles. The floor was then rinsed with water and the soiled cleaning solution extracted from the floor using a vet vacuum. Stubborn areas were re-treated with more Pro Clean, and when I was satisfied with the condition of the tiles the floor was given a final but thorough rinse to remove any trace of cleaning product. The floor was then left to dry completely overnight to ensure all excess moisture had disappeared, leaving it fresh to be sealed. I returned in the morning for a third day of work to seal the Victorian tiles with four coats of Tile Doctor Seal and Go, a topical sealer which provides a rich satin finish to really add depth to the colours in the tile while protecting it against dirt and stains. The customer was delighted with the restoration and couldn’t quite believe the huge improvement in the appearance of the tiles, especially in regards to the enhancement in the different colours. Another satisfied customer! Nigel Stoker North West Yorkshire Tile Doctor

This fantastic Victorian tiled hallway floor in Oxford was in good physical condition for its age; however like any sealed floor the sealer had worn down with use and with dirt becoming trapped in the pores of the tile it was now becoming difficult to clean effectively and had become dull and un-inviting. It was now due a really good deep clean and re-seal. Oxford as I’m sure your aware has a rich history and is home to one of the world’s best universities, so not surprisingly many houses here have interesting floors such as this one. Upon my arrival at the house, my first task was to protect the skirting boards, as well as the wooden floors leading into the other rooms. I then mixed a solution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean, a versatile, high alkaline cleaner combined 50:50 with Tile Doctor NanoTech HBU, a particularly strong cleaner that utilises nano-sized particles to penetrate into areas of the stone that standard products simply cannot reach. I applied the solution to the surface and allowed it to soak for thirty minutes, allowing it to get to work on the ingrained dirt so it could be easily removed. Following this, I agitated the solution with a soft brush attached to a rotary scrubbing machine. I then applied more solution and left it for a further thirty minutes, before scrubbing this into the tiles using a black pad fitted to the rotary machine. After the clean had been completed, I rinsed the entire floor multiple times and vacuumed up the resulting slurry using a wet-vac machine. I left the floor overnight, allowing the surface enough time to dry and returned then next day to seal the floor, checking first to ensure the tiles had dried. To seal the floor I used several coatings of Tile Doctor Seal & Go. Seal & Go which is a water-based, topical sealer that is suitable for use on unsealed, porous surfaces such as Victorian tile, textured Quarry, Slate, and Sandstone; being water based you don’t get the smell so it’s much more pleasant to work with. As you can see from the before and after photos, the result was an aesthetically pleasing and – most importantly – clean, Victorian tiled floor. Needless to say, my client was extremely pleased with my work. Barry Woodward Oxfordshire Tile Doctor

This black and red Victorian tiled hallway at a property in Newport, the third largest city in Wales, had a timeless charm about it, and a classic diamond pattern. Unfortunately, the tiles had lost their colour, leaving them looking dull and lifeless. It was clear to me, upon further inspection, that the existing sealer had failed, allowing dirt to become trapped in the pores of tile. This can be a very difficult problem to rectify without the right professional assistance; everyday household cleaners are rarely suitable for sealed floors and acidic cleaners can actually male the problem worse. The tiles needed a deep clean with strong products, followed by a fresh, robust surface seal to prevent dirt from becoming trapped again in the future. I started cleaning the tiles with a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro Clean, worked in to the stone as per usual by using a rotary machine fitted with a black scrubbing pad. Pro Clean is a reliable alkaline cleaner that works well on most kinds of natural stone, and while I could see it made a difference here, it was clear something stronger was required to remove what was left of the old sealer. To remove this, I applied a dilution of Tile Doctor Remove and Go, which is a dedicated stripper that is safe to use on tile and stone for the purposes of breaking down old sealers, waxes, paints, and adhesives, and this proved effective in getting rid of all the old sealer. Once the cleaning was complete, I rinsed the floor thoroughly to remove any trace of chemicals left over from the cleaning products, before leaving it to dry overnight. I came back to the property the next day and, after checking the floor was completely dry, I proceeded to seal the floor using eight coats of Tile Doctor Seal and Go. This types of sealer is known as ‘topical’, which means that it builds up a solid layer of protection on the surface of the tile. Topical sealers tend to be more suitable to Victorian and Quarry tiles as they typically require a lot of sealer due to their porosity and these types of sealer are less costly. Seal and Go also adds a nice aesthetically pleasing low sheen finish. As you can see from the second photo, this did wonders to the tiles and really brought this classic Victorian pattern back to life. Another satisfied client for the Monmouthshire Tile Doctor. Paul Wales Monmouthshire Tile Doctor