Recently I travelled down to the village of Prestwood in the Chiltern Hills of southern Buckinghamshire, to work on a Victorian tiled porch and hallway. Victorian tiles are commonly found in the entrance areas of older houses and unfortunately in this case the tiles had become heavily ingrained with dirt over time, and had suffered from additional paint and plaster spillages. The result was an unsightly mess; my client was considering covering the floor with lino after several unsuccessful attempts at cleaning it. I was called upon to provide a professional clean and seal, restoring these great Victorian tiles back to looking their best again. On my first day at the house, I mixed up a solution of 50 per cent Tile Doctor Pro-Clean, a high alkaline cleaner, and NanoTech HBU (formerly known as Ultra Clean), which is a cleaning product that contains nano-sized abrasive particles that penetrate deep into the stone to lift ingrained dirt to the surface. This solution was worked into the tiles using abrasive scrubbing pads fitted to one of my commercial rotary machines. The cleaning process left over a slurry of residue which I rinsed away with clean water and extracted with a wet vacuum. I was still left with the issue of stubborn paint spillages, so I applied a layer of Tile Doctor Remove & Go, a stripper with cleaning properties which is very effective at breaking down paint and adhesive stains. Once the paint spillages had been dealt with I gave the area another rinse with clean water. I then left the house, allowing the floor enough time to dry overnight. Upon my return the day I set about sealing the newly cleaned Victorian tiles. Before starting the sealing process I inspected the floor to check for any dampness, knowing that any excess moisture could potentially damage the performance of the sealer. When I was satisfied that the tiles were fully dried, I applied Tile Doctor Seal & Go, a sealer which offers durable surface protection, along with an aesthetically pleasing, low-sheen finish which brings out the colour in the stone. This product can be used to seal internal, porous surfaces including Victorian, Slate, textured Quarry and Sandstone tiles. The process made an amazing difference to the floor as you can see from the photographs; additionally the restoration of such an original feature adds a lot of value and looks so much better than lino! Colin Ford South Buckinghamshire Tile Doctor

This oceanfront property in Oak Island, NC required extensive structural repairs after long-term moisture intrusion caused significant deterioration to wall framing, sheathing, and structural components. RGR Construction and Roofing, LLC exposed damaged areas, removed compromised materials, and is rebuilding the exterior wall system to restore structural integrity and meet coastal wind and uplift requirements. The elevated deck structure and ocean-facing wall required careful coordination to ensure proper load support, sheathing continuity, and weatherproofing. This project highlights the importance of proper construction practices in coastal environments where moisture, salt air, and storms accelerate structural wear.

Our client approached us while he was in the process of purchasing his ½ lot detached unit in Hermosa Beach. He was drawn to a design / build approach because although he has great design taste, as a busy professional he didn’t have the time or energy to manage every detail involved in a home remodel. The property had been used as a rental unit and was in need of TLC. By bringing us onto the project during the purchase we were able to help assess the true condition of the home. Built in 1976, the 894 sq. ft. home had extensive termite and dry rot damage from years of neglect. The project required us to reframe the home from the inside out. To design a space that your client will love you really need to spend time getting to know them. Our client enjoys entertaining small groups. He has a custom turntable and considers himself a mixologist. We opened up the space, space-planning for his custom turntable, to make it ideal for entertaining. The wood floor is reclaimed wood from manufacturing facilities. The reframing work also allowed us to make the roof a deck with an ocean view. The home is now a blend of the latest design trends and vintage elements and our client couldn’t be happier! View the 'before' and 'after' images of this project at: http://www.houzz.com/discussions/4189186/bachelors-whole-house-remodel-in-hermosa-beach-ca-part-1 http://www.houzz.com/discussions/4203075/m=23/bachelors-whole-house-remodel-in-hermosa-beach-ca-part-2 http://www.houzz.com/discussions/4216693/m=23/bachelors-whole-house-remodel-in-hermosa-beach-ca-part-3 Features: subway tile, reclaimed wood floors, quartz countertops, bamboo wood cabinetry, Ebony finish cabinets in kitchen

Our roof and gutter de-icing products are built to protect properties from the damage caused by ice dam formations. EasyHeat™ electric heating cables economically and efficiently reduce ice formation along roof edges, in gutters, drains and downspouts by providing a path for meltwater to flow off the roof. We offer the highest quality cables and controls for virtually every roof and gutter de-icing application to protect your home and business.

Created parking area using pavers and edging stone to replace outdated and damaged one. Installed a dry-riverbed drainage system to allow water to exit the property and to repair erosion issues, while still keeping a fresh and traditional look. Front yard was replaced with zoysia sod, and plantings in the front were replaced. Natural areas were dressed with pine straw to provide clean and fresh look

Taragano Design & Build completed this addition in Orinda, California, extending the front of an existing single story ranch. The original elevation ran flat across its whole length, which on a long low house leaves the entry with nothing to distinguish it. The addition breaks that line by projecting forward, and the entry now sits in the inside corner where the two volumes meet. That corner does the work a porch or portico would do on a different house, without adding anything applied. Roof pitch and eave height were matched to the original rather than raised. A taller addition would have read as newer construction grafted on. Holding the ridge below the existing line keeps the house reading as one building, which is the entire test on a front elevation. The bay window carries a stone base rather than running siding to grade. That detail is practical before it is decorative. Splash back from the walkway and planting beds is what eventually damages siding at the bottom course, and stone at the base ends that problem permanently on the most exposed face of the addition. Approach was reworked at the same time. The walkway swings across rather than running straight at the door, so the house is seen before it is entered. Licensed general contractor, CSLB #1143420. Diamond Certified.

This ground floor flat in the City of Oxford had been converted from a shop which as you can imagine, was quite complex. One significant element involved in the conversation was the restoration of an old Quarry tiled floor which ran through the main hallway and had for many years been covered in a commercial linoleum covering. When the linoleum covering was removed, the sheer amount of glue which had been used to affix it had completely ruined the appearance and condition of the Quarry tiles. There was also a lot of concrete in the bathroom, and our client was keen to have this removed in the hope that the tiles beneath were salvageable. My first task at the property was to deal with the adhesive. I covered the entire floor area with Tile Doctor Remove and Go and then covered it with a plastic sheet and leaving it to soak into the glue and break it down overnight. Remove and Go is powerful stripper with a long-dwell time, formulated to break down adhesives and paint stains, amongst other coatings. I returned the next day and, removing the plastic sheeting, I scrubbed the floor with a carbon brush attached to a rotary floor scrubber to remove the huge glue deposits. I worked in sections, rinsing each area of the floor with water after it had been scrubbed. Once I had finished the entire floor there was still some glue remaining, so I covered it again with a solution of Remove and Go combined with Tile Doctor HBU Nanotech, which utilises nano-sized particles to get underneath tough stains, dissolve them, and lift them out. I left this solution on the floor for about two hours to dwell and scrubbed it again. During the next day of work, I used a very coarse 100 grit diamond burnishing pad to manually grind away the remaining stubborn bits of glue. Paying attention to the bathroom, I used a 50-grit coarse milling pad followed up with a 100-grit diamond burnishing pad to do the same to the area of concrete. The next part of the process was to use Tile Doctor Grout Clean Up to acid wash the floor. This was successful in removing the last bits of cement and the remaining residue of the glue. To complete the cleaning process, I then rinsed the floor with plenty of water and vacuumed up any soiled solution. I opted to leave the floor alone for a couple of days to fully dry off so that it could be sealed upon my return. This is crucial as any moisture or damp issues can damage the performance of the sealer and expose the floor to further ingrained dirt and staining. To seal the floor, I used Tile Doctor Colour Grow. This is an impregnating sealer that also enhances the natural reddish shades in the Quarry. I applied two coats of the sealer, giving the floor the natural look matte finish the customer desired. The customer was very impressed with the results of this thorough restoration. She even left the following feedback: “I cannot recommend this service enough. The Oxford Tile Doctor (Barry) was a superstar: he cleaned up the tiles in my hallway, which were covered in a very thick layer of glue, and removed concrete from the tiles. They now look superb and I’m really happy with the outcome. Barry was always on time, considerate, and kept me up to date. The quote for the job was exactly right. I would not hesitate to recommend him.”

Rocky Mountain Rustic European White Oak 9/16 x 9 ½ x 96" Rocky Mountain This wide plank hardwood floor is brushed, it has grain effects, distressed, damage edges, nail marks all done by hand. Specie: Rustic European White Oak Appearance: Color: Light Sand color Variation: Moderate Properties: Durability: Dense, strong, excellent resistance. Construction: T&G, 3 Ply Engineered floor. The use of Heveas or Rubber core makes this floor environmentally friendly. Finish: 8% UV acrylic urethane with scratch resistant. Sizes: 9/16 x 9 ½ x 96”, (85% of its board), with a 3.2mm wear layer. Warranty: 25 years limited warranty.

These Slate kitchen floor tiles at a property in Oxford were in good physical condition, but had become dull over time due to heavy usage, and upon close inspection the grout was stained. The customer contacted me as she was keen to get the tiles back to looking their best. This would require a thorough clean and the application of a fresh sealer. While Slate floor tiles are reputed to be hard wearing and damage resistant – and are therefore a popular choice for high traffic areas like kitchens – this does not exclude them from needing regular maintenance. To begin, I mixed a strong solution of Tile Doctor Pro Clean and water. Pro-Clean is a versatile cleaner that when used in a weak dilution can be used as a regular cleaner for most types of natural stone floor, including more sensitive stones such as Limestone and Marble. The cleaning was then spread across the surface area of the floor, and left it to dwell for ten minutes to allow the solution to seep into the pores of the stone and lift the ingrained dirt to the surface. Pro-Clean in a strong dilution also functions as a stripping product, meaning it works to strip away any old and ineffectual sealer. I then scrubbed the solution into the floor using a stiff scrubbing brush, paying particular attention to the grout in order to break down the visible staining. The tiles and grout lines came up really well during the cleaning process – this became clear once I had rinsed the floor and removed the residue using a wet vacuum. With the customer eager to have the job completed quickly, I installed portable room dryers and utilised a heat gun to dry the floor, allowing me to seal it on the same day. Once I had ensured the floor was completely dry, I commenced the sealing process by firstly applying a coat of Tile Doctor Stone Oil, a product which is designed to bring out all of the natural dark shades in the Slate. When this was dry, I applied a single coat of Tile Doctor Colour Grow. This is an impregnating sealer, meaning that it soaks into pores of the stone to provide durable protection from within against ingrained dirt and stains. Colour Grow also enhances the natural colours in the stone even further. The customer was amazed by just how big a difference could be made to the tiles in the space of just a day. Although the tiles were generally in very good nick, my main task was to be liven them up – judging by the before and after photos, I think this was achieved. And, now that they have been treated to a fresh seal, the tiles will be prevented from quickly becoming dull again. Barry Woodward Oxfordshire Tile Doctor

Our clients were looking to build an income property for use as a short term rental in their backyard. In order to keep maximize the available space on a limited footprint, we designed the ADU around a spiral staircase leading up to the loft bedroom. The vaulted ceiling gives the small space a much larger appearance. To provide privacy for both the renters and the homeowners, the ADU was set apart from the house with its own private entrance. The design of the ADU was done with local Pacific Northwest aesthetics in mind, including green exterior paint and a mixture of woodgrain and metal fixtures for the interior. Durability was a major concern for the homeowners. In order to minimize potential damages from renters, we selected quartz countertops and waterproof flooring. We also used a high-quality interior paint that will stand the test of time and clean easily. The end result of this project was exactly what the client was hoping for, and the rental consistently receives 5-star reviews on Airbnb.

Our client approached us while he was in the process of purchasing his ½ lot detached unit in Hermosa Beach. He was drawn to a design / build approach because although he has great design taste, as a busy professional he didn’t have the time or energy to manage every detail involved in a home remodel. The property had been used as a rental unit and was in need of TLC. By bringing us onto the project during the purchase we were able to help assess the true condition of the home. Built in 1976, the 894 sq. ft. home had extensive termite and dry rot damage from years of neglect. The project required us to reframe the home from the inside out. To design a space that your client will love you really need to spend time getting to know them. Our client enjoys entertaining small groups. He has a custom turntable and considers himself a mixologist. We opened up the space, space-planning for his custom turntable, to make it ideal for entertaining. The wood floor is reclaimed wood from manufacturing facilities. The reframing work also allowed us to make the roof a deck with an ocean view. The home is now a blend of the latest design trends and vintage elements and our client couldn’t be happier! View the 'before' and 'after' images of this project at: http://www.houzz.com/discussions/4189186/bachelors-whole-house-remodel-in-hermosa-beach-ca-part-1 http://www.houzz.com/discussions/4203075/m=23/bachelors-whole-house-remodel-in-hermosa-beach-ca-part-2 http://www.houzz.com/discussions/4216693/m=23/bachelors-whole-house-remodel-in-hermosa-beach-ca-part-3 Features: subway tile, reclaimed wood floors, quartz countertops, bamboo wood cabinetry, Ebony finish cabinets in kitchen

Elevate Your Chicago High-Rise: Expert Painting and Drywall Repair Looking for a professional painter near me in downtown Chicago? From the sleek glass towers of the Loop and Lakeshore East to the historic loft conversions in the West Loop, our team delivers premium craftsmanship tailored to the heart of the city. This recent project in a luxury downtown condo highlights our expertise in blending modern aesthetics with the structural demands of urban living. We specialize in high-end finishes, utilizing premium Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams coatings specifically selected for Chicago’s unique interior environments. Whether it's refreshing a contemporary penthouse or performing seamless drywall repair in a River North flat, we ensure a flawless finish every time. OUR PROCESS: PRECISION IN THE HEART OF CHICAGO 1. Expert Drywall Repair & Prep Living in downtown Chicago means dealing with building vibrations and settling. Our thorough surface inspection often reveals hairline cracks or settling gaps. As a leading Chicago painting contractor, we perform expert drywall repair, patching, and sanding to ensure a perfectly smooth "Level 5" finish before a drop of paint even touches the wall. 2. Specialized Priming High-rise walls often feature various textures or previous high-gloss finishes. We apply specialized, low-VOC primers to ensure maximum adhesion and color vibrance while keeping your indoor air quality clean—a must for city dwellers. 3. Professional Paint Application Using a combination of precision brushwork and specialized rollers, we apply multiple coats to achieve rich, even depth. Our techniques are designed to highlight the architectural lines of modern Chicago floor plans. 4. Meticulous Final Review The "Windy City" standard means no mess left behind. Our team performs a rigorous final inspection and deep cleanup, ensuring your downtown home is move-in ready the moment we finish. WHY CHICAGO DOWNTOWN HOMES REQUIRE SPECIALISTS Urban painting presents specific challenges that suburban contractors might miss: Building Regulations: We navigate strict HOA rules, freight elevator bookings, and insurance requirements (COIs) common in Loop high-rises. Climate Control: Managing humidity and temperature fluctuations in glass-walled units to ensure proper paint curing. Drywall Integrity: Addressing cracks caused by the natural swaying and settling of Chicago’s tallest buildings. Pro Tip: When hiring a Chicago painter, always verify they carry the high-limit liability insurance required by downtown property management companies. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q: Why choose a painter near me for downtown Chicago? A: Local contractors are familiar with the logistical hurdles of the Loop and Gold Coast, including parking, building access, and specific structural challenges of high-rise units. Q: Can you handle drywall repair and painting in one project? A: Yes! As a full-service painting contractor, we handle everything from water damage repair and settling cracks to the final decorative coat, providing a seamless experience. Q: Are your paints safe for small condo spaces? A: Absolutely. We prioritize low-VOC and Zero-VOC premium paints that are odorless and safe for high-density living environments. Q: How do I get an estimate for my downtown unit? A: We offer flexible scheduling for on-site consultations throughout the West Loop, Streeterville, and the South Loop. Ready to transform your urban space? See more of our work and request a free estimate at windypainters.com. Windy City Painters | Chicago’s Premier Painting & Drywall Specialists

Inspiration for an exterior home remodel in Dallas

The owner of this historic and landmarked town-home renovation in Hudson Square, originally built in 1826, hired Gallery Kitchen and Bath to fully gut-renovate this 3-unit row-home. The scope of work included a full-scale renovation of the owners unit, including the renovation of the kitchen, one 4-piece master ensuite bathroom, one 3-piece bathroom with a walk-in steam shower, and a beautiful powder room. Additional work in the owners unit also included flooring, electrical upgrade, major plumbing work, new HVAC system, restoration of a fireplace, installation of a fully integrated smart home system and landmarked approved windows. CELLAR RENOVATION IN NYC LANDMARKED TOWN-HOME Rounding out the owners unit we renovated the cellar, which was converted into an entertainment space and featured a custom glass curtain wall, along with a custom staircase with an exposed brick wall. During the demolition phase of the cellar, our team discovered 56 wine jugs filled with wine from the prohibition era, leading us to name this project the prohibition house. For the two tenant units, Gallery Kitchen and Bath undertook the renovation of 2 kitchens, 4 bathrooms, new hardwood flooring throughout, along with detailed carpentry work in the entire home. WHY GALLERY KITCHEN AND BATH After interviewing multiple contractors, our client decided on Gallery Kitchen and Bath primarily because of our turnkey design, selection, and build process. In a renovation of this magnitude it is crucial to have a centralized full service contractor under one roof to handle all of the aspects and simultaneous moving parts of the project. Decentralizing the entire process by having multiple unaffiliated vendors handle various parts of the process can easily become chaotic, time consuming, and costly. Because Gallery Kitchen and Bath undertook the entire process, from the design of the entire space to the selection and procurement of all finishes and fixtures, down to the procurement of all permits and LPC filings, it made a seemingly chaotic project a’lot more manageable. PHASE 1: DESIGN, SELECTION, PROCUREMENT Our client wanted the renovation to incorporate a fully modern design into his Hudson Square town-house. Being that this is a landmarked property, the exterior facade had to be restored and kept with the original aesthetic, the interior of the home however was a whole different story. In keeping up with the modern aesthetic, our designers went to work to design a custom kitchen that included fully custom flat panel base cabinets in a white high gloss finish and an absolute matte black appliance/pantry wall. The kitchen design also included a white quartz countertop and backsplash with a waterfall edge island. To bring warmth to the modern kitchen, our designers incorporated a rifted and quartered select oak wood floor in a herringbone pattern, and custom blended stain with matte polyurethane finish. For continuity, the wood floor was also extended throughout the entire owners unit. In the ensuite bathroom we created a “wet area” which houses a standalone soaking tub as well as a beautiful rainfall shower, completely leveled with the rest of the floor in the bathroom. Some highlights within this space include a tiled square drain, large niche cutouts with a carrera marble accents. Once again, to bring warmth to this modern bathroom, our designers incorporated a floating rustic oak vanity and carrera marble mosaic floor tile. Last on the list on the owners unit floor was the cellar, which our client wanted to utilize as an entertainment space for his friends and family. During the design phase, we incorporated an open concept layout, wedding the indoor and outdoor space with a custom glass curtain wall. The design also included custom walnut built-ins that serve as a custom wet bar and storage piece. With the design approved and selections made our office liaisons moved to procure all of the material selections and finishes. PHASE 2: DEMO Because this home is almost two centuries old, we had to take extra precaution during the interior demolition phase of the project. One specific area that we had to pay special attention to was the existing brick. Over time the mortar in old brick homes deteriorates and turns into dust – for this reason it was extremely important that a thorough and ongoing inspection of the exteriors and interior walls took place during the demolition of the space. After 14 30-yard debris containers and 56 wine filled jugs from the prohibition era later , the demolition of this historic Hudson Square town-home came to an end. If you are wondering whether we tried the wine? After notifying the owner we agreed to open one of the jugs and try them together – nothing but vinegar. PHASE 3: BUILD One of the challenges in a renovation project of this scope is nailing down the logistics and delivery of fixtures and finish material. Adding to this challenge was a narrow entry door that required us to use a boom truck in order to deliver some of the larger materials on site. To ensure a succinct time schedule, we boomed all of the materials through the 3rd floor for the entire project and worked our renovation work from top floor to cellar. This technique also insured that any unexpected water issues during the renovation process would not damage a finished floor. With all roughing and framing complete, the Gallery KBNY team proceeded to execute on the design plan. THE REVEAL From what was once a dilapidated town-home with nothing but potential, to a glamorous and luxurious modern interior space – the prohibition house was complete. Ready to speak with us about your renovation project? Contact us to schedule your free consultation and let Gallery KBNY show you why our all-inclusive approach to your renovation is the smartest way to renovating in NYC.

Structural rebuild of stair systems using treated framing and upgraded fasteners
Coastal exterior home idea in Miami

Your front door is your best defender. It protects you, your family, and your most valuable personal belongings from theft and damage. Furthermore, VDom Doors insulate your home from extreme weather conditions, as well as unwanted animals, insects, and dust from entering. This technology makes it possible to protect the front door from condensation and ice formation. A thermal break is a layer of material with low thermal conductivity. For the correct operation of the door, it must be located between the outer and inner sides of the leaf and the frame, thereby excluding the contact of the metal parts with each other. This technology prevents the door from freezing, preserving its properties and impeccable appearance for many years. The two-tone painting ofthe door leaf and the frame makes it possible to select colours separately for interior and exterior decoration, which gives the door a complete look and makes it possible to create a harmonious image in the interior and exterior. All models of this collection are made with a frame made of aluminum. The external framework and internal power framework of the frame do not touch in any way, because they are interconnected by a polyamide insert (thermal break) 18 mm thick, which guarantees maximum thermal insulation performance. The door leaf ofthis series is made of two sheets of metal 1 mm thick. A reliable two-layer design with a thermal insulation layer and expanded polystyrene filling guarantees reliability. durability, and the best indicators of heat and noise insulation of the door. Model - 6777 Cynex Color - Grey Door thickness - 3 1/4" Frame thickness - 4" Metal frame 4" thick - dimensions of the door with frame is 38" x 82". Metal threshold.Plate-type, primary lock for armoured type of steel doors, locked by 3 key turns To maintain the warranty, a canopy is required over the door.

Our team on-site restoring exterior safety and function
Inspiration for a coastal exterior home remodel in Miami

In this project, we revitalized the home's exterior with a fresh coat of paint while also addressing necessary wood repairs. The exterior paint provides a durable, weather-resistant finish that enhances curb appeal, while the wood repairs ensured the structure’s longevity and beauty. Our team carefully restored the damaged wood, seamlessly blending it with the newly painted surfaces for a cohesive and polished look.

Limescale deposits are a big problem in many parts of the UK where hard water is common. To remove it you need to use a strong acidic cleaner however what to do if you have limescale deposits on Limestone? As many may already know, Limestone is an expensive, high-quality stone that like a lot of natural stone is acid sensitive and can be damaged with the application of acid-based products. You can use acids on Limestone however if your careful and I demonstrated this recently at a property in this village of Everdon near Daventry in Northamptonshire. My customer had a fantastic black Limestone tiled shower cubicle that had been absolutely ruined by white limescale staining and it had reached the point where the situation simply couldn’t be resolved with standard cleaning products. As the staining was so severe, I opted to use Tile Doctor Acid Gel to clean the tiles. This is a blend of phosphoric and hydrochloric acids in gel form and is the best product for cleaning vertical services, since water based products just run off and don’t have time to work on the staining. Working in small areas, I carefully scrubbed the product into the stone and then rinsed it off with plain water. This process was repeated across the whole cubicle, reducing the stains significantly in the process. Next, I used a handheld polishing machine fitted with 6” diamond encrusted burnishing pads, along with some water for lubrication, to polish and deep clean the stone, removing any stubborn stains remaining on the tiles. I left the cubicle to dry completely overnight. Upon my return the next day, I proceeded to seal the tiles using two coats of Tile Doctor Colour Grow sealer. This sealer is impregnating, meaning it fils the pores of stone to protect against ingrained dirt and staining. As well as providing stone protection, Colour Grow also enhances the natural colour in the stone – in this case, the deep black shades in the Limestone. Having finished the job, I gave the very happy customer some advice on keeping limescale and other staining at bay in future. I explained that proper maintenance can be conducted by simply rinsing the tiles with clean water after each use of the shower, and by using Tile Doctor Aqua-Pro tile aftercare cleaner at least once a week. Phil Vissian Northamptonshire Tile Doctor