families or in high traffic areas, the larger tiles in a quality porcelain material are made to last so that you’ll avoid costly premature replacement. Longevity is key to a good return on investment when it comes to any of the materials you’re incorporating in residential remodeling projects.” Particularly with flooring, Prendergast further advises, “A level surface is critical when it comes to flooring--- it needs to be perfectly flat and depending upon the surface that can be tricky, so certain flooring systems make it easier to ensure proper installation with all of the corners and edges nicely fitting together. One thing that I’d caution people on is buying lower quality materials typically found at big box stores. It is more difficult to install most times and you can tell the difference in the look once it is installed, as opposed to qualitychecked materials that come directly from experienced suppliers and distributors. It is worth paying an extra dollar or two per square foot for something that will look much better and for a much longer period of time. I can’t stress enough that proper installation and materials are both critical to longevity.” Home remodeling is very much about the personal touches, so just about every project is different. With tile, so much can be done with design---especially with areas that you can incorporate intricate designs, such as bathrooms. It is a space that must be functional, but also aesthetically pleasing for a luxurious experience or daily use. Modern Concepts Tile has helped clients that are at many different points in planning, from the very beginning with a clean slate to just coming on for the installation process based upon a design that is already established. It all depends on defining the client’s vision so that what is in their mind is translated to what the finished product will ultimately look like when all is said and done. As some people already have picked out and/or purchased their tile, Modern Concepts Tile would then come alongside to help with the design and installation so that it all comes together right. Alternatively, if the client is just starting to look into the possibilities, Modern Concepts Tile can provide plenty of ideas.
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Strictly Business JULY 2016
The goal of Modern Concepts Tile is to just ensure that their clients are happy with the finished product. But, getting to that point is different for each job. “With planning, we find that it is important to cover all of the bases right from the beginning, which generally comes from knowing which questions to ask,” says Prendergast. “For example, how much shelving do you need in your shower? It is always the little things that people do not necessarily think of, but a professional knows to look out for so that the end product comes out great. Our job is to have our clients thinking about anything that may need to be included or would have a benefit to them if included.” When it comes to options, with all of the new items out there are also the classics that have only improved with time. While we just discussed the popularity and advantages of faux finishes, to this day, hardwood flooring remains one of the most popular remodel requests. It definitely has other benefits in addition to the obvious, it’s timeless beauty. Jim Kwasniewski of Heartland Wood Floors notes, “This type of flooring gives the consumer the option in the future of changing color multiple times throughout the life of the wood floor. No other floor covering will do that without removing the total floor and having to replace it.” As far as the different looks that can be achieved with wood flooring, reclaimed materials, wider planks, and rusticlooking materials continue to be on-trend. Jim Kwasniewski “Engineered floors in the wider dimensions Heartland Wood Floors actually help with expansion and contraction too,” Kwasniewski elaborates. “Always look at the mill thickness of the top layer of material to ensure that there is enough workable surface