Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

When you have marble countertops in the kitchen or bathroom, wiping up spills promptly is crucial, especially when dealing with acidic foods or beverages. Acids, found in items like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar, can etch and stain marble surfaces. In the kitchen, other common acidic culprits include red wine, coffee, and tomato-based sauces. When left unchecked, these spills will penetrate the porous nature of marble, leaving stubborn stains that are challenging to remove without a deep cleaning or sometimes even a professional refinishing service, which can be both inconvenient and costly. If left alone, these acidic substances can also seep into the marble, causing discoloration.

While the kitchen is a high traffic area for acidic substances, in the bathroom, products like perfumes, toiletries, and even toothpaste may contain acids that can harm the marble surfaces. Prevention is key, and avoiding prolonged exposure of acidic materials to marble is the first line of defense.

To minimize the risk of stains, it's best to use cutting boards, coasters, and trivets. When spills occur, immediately blot the affected area with a soft, damp cloth to prevent the acidic liquid from seeping into the pores. Opt for a pH-neutral stone cleaner and gently wipe the surface. Periodic sealing of marble countertops creates a protective barrier, enhancing resistance to stains. Regular maintenance, cautious usage, and swift cleanup are the keys to preserving the pristine allure of marble countertops in both the kitchen and bathroom.

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Common Mistakes To Avoid If You Have Marble Countertops - House Digest

Epoxy or resin-covered countertops became popular over the last couple of years due to TikTok. Amateur home renovators have shared this DIY project with their followers when updating their houses on a budget, touting it as a cheaper alternative to buying new countertops. When you search "epoxy countertops"on the platform, you get thousands of hits, giving you an endless parade of inspiration and how-to knowledge on how to do it in your own home. Rather than buying marble or quartz slabs which can cost on average$60 and $70 per square foot, respectively you can just buy a tub of epoxy and paint on faux veins to achieve a similar result. However, these results are meant to be temporary rather than permanent.

On average, with proper care and maintenance, epoxy countertops can last up to 10 years, which sounds like a lengthy amount of time. However, you have to be careful how you treat them. You can't let spills linger, or they will stain the resin; you can't put hot pots and pans on it without scorching the surface; and you need to avoid harsh cleaners, or you'll fade the surface. Some kits recommend only usingone-fifth of an inch of resin, which makes the surface more prone to peeling or cracking. Other times, DIYers don't prep the surface area well enough, which can lead to faster bubbling and peeling, leaving behind a weathered look.

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The Popular Countertop Trend The Property Brothers Want You To Avoid At All Costs - House Digest

It might seem obvious that waterfall countertops need to feature veining that continues across their entire design, but doing so is actually pretty hard to achieve. It needs to look like it came from one giant slab, but you usuallycan't get a slab large enough to achieve this effect. Because of this, using natural materials like marble, travertine, or granite can't guarantee you will have matching veining down the sides. To give you some context, the average marble slab is 10 feet long and 6 feet wide, but the average island is 6.5 feet long. This is usually the industry standard for slab size because producing something larger increases its weight and the difficulty of transporting and installing it.

So, to create a waterfall effect, you have to use a manufactured material such as quartz instead. Since it is manufactured rather than naturally made in the ground, this allows you to customize the vein placements, allowing you to have them match up. However, people who don't want quartz and instead have their hearts set on natural materials often need to choose between the material or not having the veins perfectly lined up. According to Napier, it's better to have the veins match.

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Erin Napier Shares An Essential Feature Every Waterfall Countertop Should Have - House Digest

Amazon is offering an exciting 45% discount on the Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker. This compact, stainless-steel powerhouse is capable of producing 26 lbs of ice in two different sizes every day. Perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, this machines sleek and modern design will complement any space.

Featuring soft-touch electronic controls and LED indicators, the Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker makes the process of producing ice simple and effortless. With no installation required, you just need to plug in the unit, add water, and the machine starts creating batches of ice. Thanks to its 2.3-quart reservoir, you can produce a significant amount of ice without constantly refilling it.

Arguably, the most alluring aspect of this machine is its practicality and convenience. You dont need to worry about a bulky design or complicated setup. This ice maker fits comfortably on your countertop, making it an excellent addition to your kitchen, mini-bar, or office space.

Whether you are hosting a party, having a family gathering, or looking to satisfy your chilled drinks cravings on a hot summer day, the Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker is an excellent choice for consistently providing fresh ice.

With energy-efficient operation and environmentally friendly refrigerant, this ice maker is not only good for you, but also for the environment. The built-in air outlet fan ensures the unit runs smoothly and quietly, allowing for ice production without disruptive noise.

Dont miss the chance to get this compact, efficient, and stylish addition to your beverages preparation at a highly discounted price. Access this deal on Amazon today and revolutionize your experience of having chilled drinks at your convenience with the Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker. The discount makes it an absolute steal!

This article was generated by an AI engine which may produce inaccurate information.

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Experience Ice-Making Effortlessly with Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker, 45% Off - The Inventory

Of course, there is no perfect countertop material, so even quartz has downsides. "The downside with this material is that it can be difficult to repair if you have a crack in it or a chipped corner," Jason Pietruszka told House Digest. However, cracks and chips are not common with quartz and often occur after improper installation, low-quality materials, extreme temperatures, or being hit by a heavy object. As long as you take care to maintain the stone, it should stay in good shape for years to come.

Because marble is porous, it's not always the best material for the kitchen. However, quartz's non-porous nature and some slabs' ability to appear like marble make it a good alternative. "It doesn't look fake like a porcelain slab,but sometimes it can be obvious that it is not 100% authentic marble," warned Pietruszka. "So you do have to be cautious of the product and look you are going for."

As for alternatives to quartz, Pietruszka said, "I would only ever recommend natural stones, porcelain (but only for backsplashes!!), or quartzite. If I had to pick a top recommendation, quartzite would be it. It is basically a quartz slab, but they mix in real pieces of natural marble. This ends up enhancing the look and feel of the product tremendously. You get all the benefits of using quartz, but the upgrade of having it look so much closer to real marble."

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Our Real Estate Expert Tells Us The Best Type Of Countertop Material For A Large Kitchen - House Digest

As an avid cook with a sizable collection of cookware, dishware, and small appliances, countertop space is valuable real estate in my kitchen. While I love cute olive oil bottles and salt and pepper grinders, these smaller items usually end up tucked away in a cabinet due to a lack of designated space to display them.

To make my kitchen counter more functional and aesthetically pleasing, I recently turned to a trend Ive been seeing all over my social media feedfooted serving boards. They can be used for anything, including holding small kitchen tchotchkes, organizing spices, protecting surfaces from hot dishes, and presenting food on dinner-party tablescapes.

During a recent Target run, I struck gold with this raised wooden trivet from Joanna Gaines Hearth & Hand with Magnolia line, and you can grab one for just $25 while the darker finish is still in stock.

Target

Even though I have a few serving boards already, I was drawn to this footed style because I loved how it can double as a countertop organizer when Im not using it to entertain. The elevated element added some dimension to my otherwise simple countertop setup of lined-up appliances.

The large surface area (10 by 13 inches) means its big enough to act as a landing spot for so many small items, and I like that the raised board protects the surrounding surface from scratches, spills, or hot foods. Ive found that it is easy to clean small spills like oil and spices by quickly wiping off the surface, though the brand doesnt recommend submerging it in water.

Shoppers agree, with one saying that its great for serving and displaying snacks, cheese, fruit, desserts and more. They also added that it is sturdy enough to hold even heavy serving dishes and platters. Plus, it can be used for more than just kitchen countertops. Another shopper noted that they absolutely love this trivet for decor and candles in their bathroom.

While I love this footed wood serving trivet in my kitchen, Hearth & Hand with Magnolias line at Target also has many more serving boards to choose from. Keep scrolling for a few more options that will quickly upgrade any countertop or table.

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Our Shopping Writer Loves This $25 Trivet from Joanna Gaines' Brand - Food & Wine

Share0 Photo: City of Fort Wayne

FORT WAYNE, Ind. Demolition work began Tuesday at the former Pepsi site on N. Harrison Street downtown.

Mayor Tom Henry and the Community Development Division led the launch of the demolition process.

At the end of last year, the Fort Wayne City Council voted 8-0 to approve funding for the demolition of the former Pepsi distribution facility near downtown Fort Wayne.

In May 2022, the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission acquired the 7-plus acre distribution facility located at 1207 N. Harrison St. for $4.5 million.

The city says the vision for the property is a mixed-use center of activity that provides a more compatible use for the adjacent neighborhoods, supports public investment in the Riverfront public space, and brings additional private investment into the city.

Riverfront development continues to be a shining star bringing residents and visitors alike to enjoy recreation, shopping, dining, employment, and more, said Mayor Henry. Im looking forward to what this important parcel of land will be able to do for our community and region.

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City begins demolition of former Pepsi facility downtown - WOWO

Miamis Building Department approved a permit earlier this morning for total demolition to clear the site where Brickells St. Regis Residences is planned.

A 17-story building built in 1966 is currently on the property.

According to demolition permit filing, a total of 211,121 square feet will be totally demolished, at an estimated cost of $1,127,000.00.

The BG Group LLC is listed as the demolition contractor.

The demolition permit was first applied for in June 2023.

The new St. Regis Residences tower is planned to rise 48 stories, or 639 feet, designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects.

in June, Miamis UDRB reviewed and approved the design of the new tower.

In July, the Federal Aviation Administration approved the towers permanent height at 630 feet above ground, or 639 feet above sea level.

In August, a construction permit for the new tower was applied for, with review underway as of this morning.

(Images: Binyan Studios)

A model of the tower in the new sales gallery:

(image: Related Group)

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Total Demolition Permit Approved At Brickell's St. Regis Residences Site - The Next Miami

The Fort Worth fire chief said Friday investigators may never determine with 100% certainty what caused the blast

FORT WORTH, Texas A restoration firm has filed the first permit to begin demolition to shore up what remains of the Sandman Hotel in downtown Fort Worth following an explosion nearly a month ago, documents show.

"Our team is now focused on ensuring the structural integrity of the building so that the next phase of work can proceed," Northland Properties said in a statement. "We will continue to provide updates as they are available."

It comes as Atmos Energy and the hotel owner have reached an agreement on how to oversee cleanup of the site, court documents show.

The Forth Worth fire chief said his department officially turned over control of the property to the hotel owner earlier this week. Cleanup will help his investigators determine what caused the blast.

"Everything has been investigated and looked at up to the structure," Chief James Davis said. "Everybody would like to see once the debris field gets removed, whats underneath that debris field."

Davis said his investigators still have not determined what caused the blast -- although they're still confident a crime is not involved.

"I have confidence that well get to a reasonable answer," he said. "But I dont want to get out in front of myself and tell you that its not within reason that we may never know."

Atmos Energy has insisted that its investigation determined a gas leak occurred on the hotel property -- not the hotel's responsibility -- and asked a judge to absolve it of legal responsibility in nearly half a dozen pending lawsuits.

"I think its an expedient way for Atmos to try to get off the hook, of course," said Ryan Zehl, who represents 20 workers and guests who are suing Atmos Energy and the hotel owner.

"They are trying to prematurely eliminate their liability knowing that once we start looking at the evidence, you know, it may point toward them," he said.

Zehl said it is unlikely for a judge to grant the order Atmos Energy requested. However, the attempt speaks to a likely lengthy legal battle still to come.

Progress has been slow on 8th Street outside the hotel, but workers cleared off the sidewalk Friday to allow customers to access the shops across the street.

"I think its going in the right direction. I hope it continues," said Lisa Jackson, who owns La Creamian ice cream parlor. "Theres thats still left to do, but today at this very moment, Im glad to see the progress that has been made."

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Permit filed to begin demolition on Fort Worth hotel that exploded - WFAA.com

MCKINLEY PARK Neighbors are asking the federal government to help preserve the Southwest Sides Damen Silos, a collection of grain elevators abandoned after a 1977 explosion.

Owner Michael Tadin, Jr., who bought the silos and the surrounding 23.4-acre property at 2900 S. Damen Ave. in 2022, applied for city demolition permits for each of the sites five buildings, city officials have said.

But an additional permit needs to be granted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Officials previously said the city would wait on the outcome of a federal review before approving or denying the permits on their end.

The permit process with the Army Corps of Engineers is needed because the site is positioned along the south branch of the Chicago River, and demolition could affect the course, condition or capacity of the water, Colin Smalley, a regulatory project manager with the agency, said at a Thursday meeting where neighbors voiced support for saving the silos.

The federal agency also classified the demolition as having adverse effects on historical property, under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, Smalley said. Thats why they held the community meeting Thursday night in McKinley Park: to hear input on how the negative impacts could be resolved.

Thursdays public meeting was part of the Section 106 review process, which involves gathering community feedback, Smalley said. That input is taken into consideration when the Army Corps, the Illinois State Historic Preservation Office and MAT Limited Partnership negotiate a memorandum of agreement to address how the adverse effects on the property could be mitigated.

MAT Limited Partnership would have to comply with the memorandum of agreement as a condition of the Army Corps issuing its permit, and it would be enforceable by federal law, Smalley said.

Its all on the table, Smalley said regarding neighbors ideas for preserving the history of the Damen Silos.

MAT Limited Partnership, a group of businesses owned by Tadin,bought the silos and its landfrom the state in November 2022.A prominent neighborhood groupprotested the sale, and Southwest Sideenvironmental advocates asked the state to reconsider.

Tadin has previously generated controversy in the city: His MAT Asphalt plant in McKinley Park has beenat the center of protests by neighbors who say it is polluting the area,which company representatives have denied.

Demolishing the silos is the first step in rehabbing the site, Tadin previously said. The land would then need to be cleaned up, or remediated, before further development could begin.

Tadin previously said he was thinking about building headquarters for his businesses on the site, but no plan has been finalized, said Matt Baron, a spokesperson for Tadin.

About 100 people attended Thursdays meeting, and every person spoke in support of some type of preservation for the silos.

Ward Miller, executive director of Preservation Chicago, said he sees this as an opportunity to have green space, public access and possibly a landmark designation at the site, instead of adding another potential polluter along the Chicago River.

In a community thats seen a lot of industrial toxins over time, its time to change that, Miller said. Whats good enough for Downtown Chicago with river walks is good enough for other areas of Chicago.

Ald. Julia Ramirez (12th), whose ward includes the Damen Silos, reiterated her support to see the structures preserved and revitalized with community input.

As were talking about preservation, we have to really think about what the intent of this space is, and we need to make sure that we protect that, she said.

Ramirez also said shes looking into possibly down-zoning the site to prevent it from being used for industry or manufacturing.

Baron said Tadin and MAT Limited Partnerships are committed to listening to residents and coming to a resolution through the memorandum of agreement.

In a separate statement, Tadin also said he wants to keep this process moving forward for the communitys immediate safety.

Despite retaining multiple security staff for the Damen Silos property, trespassing and other criminal activity continues to occur, Tadin said. I am very concerned that its not a matter of if, but when, something tragic happens there.

Anyone who didnt attend Thursdays meeting can submit a comment or question to the Army Corps of Engineers by sending an email to Colin.C.Smalley@usace.army.mil before 5 p.m. Feb. 9.

The silos have been beloved by urban explorers for years. They served as a backdrop in the 2014 film, Transformers: Age of Extinction.

The 15-story grain silos were built in 1906 by the Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, and they had the capacity for 400,000 bushels of grain. Graffiti now covers much of the interiors.

The state had owned the property since 1928, when it was deeded to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The property previously was used to mix construction materials for state roads, but IDOT transferred the property to Central Management Services for disposal in 2005, according to state officials.

The state ultimately sold the silos since they had no use for them, officials determined.

Preservation ChicagoandLandmarks Illinoisnamed the silos on their most endangered buildings lists in 2023.

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Southwest Siders Call On Federal Agency To Preserve Damen Silos From Demolition - Block Club Chicago