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ericj50

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Blog Entries posted by ericj50

  1. ericj50
    Recently, I had someone ask me what to look for when hiring a concrete contractor when I was giving her a bid on a concrete patio she is interested in having installed. So I gave her some helpful advice I'd like to share with others too.
     
    When you're in need of any type of concrete services, there are several things you should consider when choosing a concrete contractor.
     
    General Guidelines for Choosing a Concrete Professional:
     
    * Are they insured?
     
    * Are they licensed?
     
    * Can they provide references?
     
    * Are their rates comparable to other contractors?
     
    * How long have they been in the concrete business?
     
    Choosing a concrete contractor that is licensed shows that they have gone through the work to get approved for a license. Using a contractor that is insured will cover any costly mistakes that may be made during or after installation.
     
    Whether choosing a new company or an older company is still up for debate. However, a concrete contractor that is not willing to at least learn new concrete techniques will usually use less efficient methods for getting the job done.
     
    When receiving your bids, if you choose the lowest bid you get, you will probably get a lousy job. And, at the other end of the spectrum, the highest bid doesn't always mean they will do the best job either. Therefore, you have to use your better judgment and the guidelines above when choosing a concrete professional.
  2. ericj50
    Decorative concrete has now gone a step farther with the Reflector Enhancer Floors system. People all over want these enhancements in their homes and businesses. So, what are they?
     
    Reflector Enhancer Floors are a unique system that can transform any concrete into fantastic, ultra durable and inexpensive flooring. No other flooring system has been this popular. They easily create colors and mottled patterns that can’t be achieved with any other staining or flooring method. It can also be applied to virtually match any surrounding design or architecture.
     
     
    Benefits of the Reflector Enhancer Floors system include:
    * Unlimited color choices
     
    * Unsurpassed durability compared to other flooring products
     
    * Easy to clean and almost maintenance free
     
    * Cost effective
     
    * Ideal for residential, commercial and industrial
     
    * Easy to apply, typically takes less time than other flooring products
     
    When the owner of “Fit Now” workout gyms wanted a flooring system that unique, ultra durable for high traffic and easy to clean, he chose the Reflector Enhancer Floors system.
     
     
    Here are some establishments that have already taken advantage of the Reflector Enhancer Floors system:
    * Red Bull Headquarters in Georgia
     
    * White Bear Ski Lodge
     
    * Henry Ford Hospital
     
    * Cop Copine Clothing Stores
     
    * Fit Now Athletic Clubs
     
    * Sports Bar of Comercia Park (where the Detroit Tigers play)
     
    * Several residential homes and other small businesses.
     
     
  3. ericj50
    You can now find cheap and easy Do it Yourself Concrete Staining all over the Internet. And this actually helps keep concrete strainers in business. All too many times, homeowners and business owners decide they want decorative concrete and go about doing it themselves.
     
    There's tons of websites with directions on how to stain your concrete yourself, but what they don't tell you, in many cases, is the importance if prepping the concrete. Therefore, your concrete stain job turns out looking so bad, you have to call a professional to come fix it.
     
    Concrete staining is actually more affordable than most people know. Therefore, it is worth getting a free estimate from a professional before you even consider doing the job yourself. There are several colors and techniques to choose from with a price for everyone.
     




     
  4. ericj50
    Concrete staining is becoming extremely popular in many areas of the country, but for those areas that it's not yet popular, many people are asking what the hype is all about.
     
    Some of the hype begins with the uniqueness that staining concrete creates. It boils down to character. Concrete stain does more than just add color to your plain concrete. It rather produces a solid, opaque effect like that of paint. However, unlike paint, stains actually pervade and infuse the concrete with deep, rich, translucent tones.
     
    Depending on the application techniques and the colors you choose, the results can mimic everything from polished marble to natural stone to tanned leather and even stained wood.
     
    Even when you treat concrete with the same staining product, no two concrete areas will look alike. Floors, walls, pool decks, driveways, walkways, porches, countertops, and other concrete areas will all take on a personal look due to factors such as the age of the concrete, the composition, texture, surface porosity and environmental conditions.
     
    Some stain manufacturers will even use adjectives such as variegated, mottled and antiqued to describe each distinctive look.
     
    So, there's an explanation of what the hypes all about. Concrete stain can uniquely transform plain concrete into beautiful works of art, and for an extremely affordable price.
     
     
  5. ericj50
    If you know that your home's curb appeal makes a great first impression to potential homebuyers, why not do all you can to give them the best first impression ever with low-cost improvements by adding decorative concrete curb appeal? Graceful and appealing front entrances are a huge eye catcher. And, now homeowners can easily have the most beautiful driveways and walkways in the neighborhood.
     
    Transform your walkway with stain and patterns. You already have an existing walkway right? Why not dress it up a little and make it look like stepping-stones or a brick pathway? It really is that easy to turn your walkway into an architectural connection between your driveway and front-door.
     
    Driveways can be boring and unappealing too because of the vast size. So, there hundreds of designs that can be added to your driveway to make it the most appealing driveway in town. Sport your favorite team logo, add your family name, create a decorative entrance with a brick pathway, or create your own decoration.
     
    The sky is the limit when it comes to concrete staining and engraving.
  6. ericj50
    Kitchen countertops are among the top five home remodeling projects only coming in second to the most coveted home remodeling project; kitchen cabinet replacements.
     
    As of 2009 and going into 2010, many upscale homeowners are beginning to express themselves with concrete countertops.
     
    Concrete countertops add a custom touch to any kitchen surface. And since the kitchen is the center of culinary creativity, many homeowners have begun to move away from the manufactured look of laminated materials. They are now choosing materials that are unique and timeless.
     
    The latest trend in countertops is concrete countertops. Homeowners around the nation are discovering that this substance can be customized into a distinctive surface that expresses their individuality, design preference and cooking style.
     
    Custom concrete countertops give a look of distinction. Each top is custom designed; there are no cookie-cutter creations like other countertop choices on the market.
     
    Here are a few of the options you have with concrete countertops:
     
    * Curves and angles.
     
    * Custom colors to match your kitchen design.
     
    * Add glass chips, fiber-optic lighting, personal mementos, and more.
     
    * Integrating built-ins such as sinks, soap dishes, drain boards, and trivets are extremely easy and in many cases are also made from concrete.
     
    Because of the craftsmanship and time that goes into building concrete countertops, the price tag can be a hefty one. It depends on the square foot of space involved and what part of the nation you live. Like any other custom made product, they command premium prices.
     
    The quality of the outcome is completely dependent upon the skill level and craftsmanship of the maker. So, choose your concrete contractor wisely with careful research.
     
     
  7. ericj50
    Concrete is surely becoming the new material of choice for many homeowners and designers across the US. You can now find concrete floors that have been stained, colored, engraved and personalized in homes, restaurants, offices and retail stores everywhere. They’re eye-catching and sure to make an impression on everyone who sees them.
    Concrete flooring offers several options inside the home including unlimited colors, designs and health benefits.
     
    No matter what type of decorative concrete you choose, you can personalize it in your own unique way. Your concrete flooring will no longer be gray and boring. Now, your concrete can have a life of its own through staining and engraving.
     
    Many homeowners and business owners are jumping on board, welcoming and embracing decorative concrete flooring of their very own. All it takes is one look at what can be done, a home tour, or a brochure and you’re hooked.
     
     
    Here are some additional benefits of concrete flooring:
    * They’re easy to maintain.
     
    * They are perfect in just about every region.
     
    * They enhance the integrity of the architect’s designs.
     
    * They are easy to change when selling your home. The next owner can easily place wood or carpet over the concrete slab.
     
    * They are a perfect alternative for anyone with allergies.
     
    Concrete is also extremely durable and will last longer than any other flooring product. When you really break down all the benefits of concrete flooring and what you can do with it, it does look like it will be the way of the future.
     
     
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