When it comes to showers, details matter. 

Whenever I cut the tiles around a shower drain, I use a
diamond file to put a small radius around the edges.  This
provides a nice finished edge and ensures that you don't cut your toes!

Many homeowners want to have corner shelves installed in their new shower.  When installing these, I always take an extra step to ensure that they are securely bonded to the wall.  As pictured below,  I cut grooves into the back sides of the shelves.  This allows the thinset mortar to better adhere to the shelf and therefore the wall.

Another tip for shower shelves is to install them at a slight downward angle.  This enables the water to shed away from the wall, preventing pools on the shelves.

I have heard horror stories from many homeowners about their experiences with companies and individuals they have hired to complete home improvement projects.  I have also been called in to fix the shoddy workmanship after the fact.  Please, please follow these five tips when having work done on your home:

1) Always ask for proof of prior work and the ability to connect with prior customers.

2) Check with the Better Business Bureau to determine if there is a history of problems with the company or individual.

3)  Find out what type of insurance they carry.  Do they have liability insurance?  Are they covered by WSIB?

4) Get multiple quotes and remember that cheaper is not always better.  A price that is significantly lower than other quotes could indicate the use of sub-standard materials, cutting corners or a general lack of experience which will yield poor results.

5) Never pay someone all of the money upfront or until all work has been completed.

Stone porches are beautiful but over time, water can leak in under the mortar during the freeze-thaw cycles and lift up the stones.  However, they can be redone, often using the existing stones (if they are carefully removed).  Using the jackhammer, I was able to get underneath the stones and pop them off of the underlaying concrete porch.  As you can see in the second picture, I am relaying the stone using mortar.  When finished, it will look as good as it did when it was originally installed.

Demolishing a wall can be intimidating.  As the saying goes, the key is to tackle it one bite at a time.  Visit our facebook page to watch Rob explain this in a video.

https://www.benzingerhomeimprovement.ca/robonrenos