No. We are small, but highly capable, family owned and operated business.
} How much experience do you have?
We have been providing quality craftsmanship and specific stone, tile and concrete care services since 1988.
} What areas do you service?
Our initial service area is Southern California. Upon request, we can travel outside of the Southern California region as well.
} Are you licensed?
Yes. State of California Contractors State License Board License #745794 (Specialty License Classification D64: Polishing and Refurbishing)
} Why does a company need to be licensed?
The State of California Contractors State License Board was formed to protect California consumers. Every day, California homeowners are wronged by unlicensed contractors. These contractors may look the part, but beware that there is a difference. A licensed contractor has standards to meet and maintain, and if they don’t, their license would be suspended and could eventually be revoked.
To learn more about the Contractors State License Board, please call them at 1.800.321.2752, or access their website www.cslb.ca.gov
} Do you offer free estimates?
Yes.
} How do you charge for your services?
For the sealing of newly installed stone, tile or concrete, we charge by the square foot. For older, existing installations, we have to charge by the complexity of the resurfacing or repair work that needs to be performed. We have found that it is impossible to charge by the square foot for our resurfacing and repair services, because there are a numerous amount of variables that are involved. There are the obvious variables such as: severity of soil, pits/cavities within stone tiles, mold/mildew stained surfaces, height differences of the installed tiles and finish/sheen inconsistencies. And then, there are the not-so obvious variables such as: size of the tile and quantity of grout joints (ie.: small mosaic tiles all the way to large slab tiles of 4′ x 4′), surface detail of the tile (ie.: unfilled stone, undulated limestone, acid burnished travertine, flamed granite, textured tile), stone installation pattern (ie: Versailles Pattern), varied surfaces next to each other (ie: granite next to marble, travertine next to wood), elevation differences of the installation, size of the grout, baseboard material differences (ie: MDF- Multi-Density Fiberboard, wood, stone), etc. It would actually be so easy to estimate projects if we could charge by the square foot for everything. But unfortunately, for all of the aforementioned complexities when dealing with stone and tile maintenance and repair issues, most everything that we do needs to be thouroughly inspected and estimated. Once a proposal is given, the amount for the exact proposed scope of services will NOT change.
} Does your proposal include all labor, materials and taxes?
Yes.
} Will your proposal change after I agree to have the work performed?
Absolutely not! However, any additional work that is requested after the fact (that is not included in the original proposal) will naturally require an additional proposal.
} After I accept the proposal, what deposit amount will you request?
On small, day projects, we will not ask for a deposit at all. On two-five day projects, we ask for a down payment of 10% of the project amount, or $1,000.00 (whichever is less; as mandated by the California State Contractor’s License Board). On six or more day projects, we will outline a schedule for progress payments. These progress payments will be attached to performance points within your project. The final payment is due once all work is complete, and after you are completely satisfied.
} What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, checks and credit cards. The credit cards that we accept are Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
} Are you experienced?
Extremely. We have specialized in the stone, tile and concrete care industry since 1988.
} Do you fabricate or install stone and tile?
No. Although we know how to fabricate and install stone and tile, we also know that fabrication and installation is a tremendous art form that should be left to tradesmen that specialize in their speciific specialty. We specialize in the sealing, resurfacing and restoration of stone, tile and concrete, which is a tremendous specialty in itself. A specialty that takes years to master.
} I see that you specialize in the care of hard surfaces. Do you care for carpet and area rugs too?
No.
} Is your process dusty?
The process of resurfacing stone would normally be a very dusty process. But we are as concerned with dust as you are. We take extreme care in eliminating dust in our processes, by using water to contain the dust (with precautionary treatments to avoid any water damage). And on the projects that we have to grind dry, we use dustless, containment systems.
} Should your work be performed before or after painting?
Our work can be performed before or after. It really depends on what is more convenient for you.
} I have pits throughout my flooring, can they be repaired?
Definitely! We are masters at camouflaging pits. We clean out the pits to remove the dirt and soil, and to get to the stronger section of stone to allow for a strong bond with our custom colored, two part epoxy resin. In most situations, it is difficult to find where the repair was made.
} I have cracked tiles, can they be repaired, or should they be replaced?
In almost every case, we can repair the cracked stone tile(s) by installing a custom colored, two part epoxy resin which makes the cracks virtually disapear. We are masters at camouflaging cracks. In most situations, it is difficult to find where the repair was made.
} How long will my project take?
Some projects can be performed in less than a day (1.5-8 hours), while others can last for 3-4 weeks. On average, projects are 1-3 days in length.
} Do I have to stay home all day while work is being performed?
Please do whatever feels comfortable. We are very trustworthy, conscientious, efficient and super careful when we work. From experience, most of our customers go throughout their normal routines, coming and going as they please. Some customers have even entrusted us with a house key on large projects. We are licensed, and fully bonded and insured for your protection. In the 23 years of caring for stone, tile and concrete, we have never had an incident of theft on any of our projects. We do everything possible to make the small window of time with us as painless as possible. Also, while you are home, we will vacuum an area so you can access the refrigerator or use the stairs. We do everything possible to be the least invasive and inconvenient as possible.
} How long, after the sealing process is performed on my flooring, do I need to wait before I can walk on it?
It is best to allow a freshly sealed floor at least an hour before using the area. But if that is not possible, then it is permissable to walk on the surfaces with socks.
} How long, after the sealing process is performed on my countertop, should I wait to use it?
It is always best to baby a freshly sealed countertop for 2-3 days. But it is permissable to use the countertop, we just ask that you be cautious with liquids and oils for the first 2-3 days. Within the 2-3 day period, we suggest that when using the sink, that you place fresh bath towels around the sink to absorb any splash water.
} How long, after the sealing process is performed on my shower, should I wait to use it?
It is always best to baby a freshly sealed shower for 2-3 days. On projects where all of the showers in the home are being sealed, we will coordinate a customized and staggered schedule schedule for the sealing of the showers. We will leave one shower in the home for the clients use throughout the project, and clean/detail/seal all others. At the project completion, we will clean/detail/seal that one remaining shower. By that time, all of the other showers will be ready for use.
} How do I maintain the surfaces after your gone?
Stone should be maintained with specialized cleaners to preserve the natural appearance and prolong the sealer treatments. We will outine a specific care routine for each surface in your home.
} Would you offer training to our housekeeper/maintenance staff?
We will gladly, educate you or your maintenance personnel on the proper care of your freshly serviced surfaces. This a complimentary service that we provide.
} Do you sell care products for us to maintain our surfaces after you’ve completed our project?
Yes.
} Do you only perform residential work?
No. We also work on commercial and hospitality projects as well.
