| Care & Maintenance (5)

Location, Location, Location. When you look around your home, do words like cozy and familiar morph into words like cramped and out-dated? Is great design and a strategic remodel in a few areas of your home the difference between loving and hating your home? Strategic remodeling is doing what your home needs to stay current - nothing more. We consult with literally hundreds of homeowners each year on what they need to get what they want at home. The one thing we are not is One Trick Ponies. The satisfying variety that comes from analyzing the needs of each home I am in is one of the main reasons I am a professional remodeler. We help people like you "Love the home you're in."

1. Spyder Scraper ($13) - this blade turns a reciprocating saw into a power scraper

Ask yourself these questions before buying any tool:

Care: The best way to prolong your carpet’s life is to vacuum regularly, as it prevents dirt from being embedded. Use scissors to clip snags do not pull at them. Professional cleaning is recommended every 18 to 24 months. Always pre-test a hidden area before using a cleaner to remove a stain. Never saturate carpet with liquid.

Natural Tile (slate, marble, travertine, etc.)

Care: Due to the fact that wood is a natural, soft material, a wood floor will eventually scratch-there is no way around this! However preventative care can minimize this. Use throw and area rugs. Remove shoes before entering the area. Avoid wearing high heels, which can leave divets. Use furniture pads. Daily sweeping to remove dirt is one of the best ways to keep your floor looking its best. A humidifier in the winter can help prevent shrinkage.

Care: Wipe up any water or liquid as soon as possible. Do not slide objects across finished wood to avoid scratching. Do not leave newspapers or other printed materials on finished wood-inks can bleed into finish. Always use coasters or hot pads on wood surfaces.

Care: Laminate is not heat or stain resistant. It is recommended to clean up spills as soon as possible. Always use a cutting board and trivets for hot items.

Care: Solid Surfaces are not heat resistant; always use a hot pad or trivet. Always use a cutting board to avoid seeing scratch marks. While stain resistant, wipe up spills as soon as possible.

Care: Quartz is heat and scratch resistant, but not scratch proof, it is recommended to use a cutting board and trivets. While stain resistant, wipe up spills as soon as possible.