finnteriors, Author at Finnteriors

April 2, 2019 by finnteriors

2 Most Common Ways To Ruin Your Remodel

The most common ways to ruin a remodel can ruin any remodeling project. Whether you are remodeling your kitchen or bathroom does not matter. Knowing the most common ways to ruin a remodel ahead of time might just save your project and your sanity, too.

Kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects should improve your life, increase your home's value, and make your home easier to sell as well. Homeowners do not start planning a remodel knowing it will end up a disaster, a disappointment, or one of their biggest regrets.

Once you know the most common ways to ruin a remodel you can actively avoid them at all costs. Most homeowners are not 100% happy with their remodel and wish that they had done something differently. That is not what ruins a remodel.

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1. YOUR REMODELING PROJECTS SUFFERS FROM LACK OF DUST CONTROL.

Not preparing properly for demolition will ruin your remodel.

Kitchen and bathroom demo to prep for a remodel will be dusty and the dust can be a mixture of dirt and debris, drywall and sawdust.

"Ask your remodeling contractor exactly what they plan to do to contain dust during and remove dust after the project. What you want the contractor to do is isolate the kitchen renovation area as much as possible and in a way that is best for the health of your home and family.

You can either avoid using central heat or air (if you can help it) or you can block the HVAC returns in the kitchen during the remodel to avoid spreading dust through your ductwork and vents."

This is from our post, Kitchen Remodeling Tips, Tricks, And Secrets For Newbies. Read the entire post for more on important information about how to prepare for your remodeling project the right way.

Bad prep will leave you with an impossible to clean layer of fine dust on everything. It is especially hard to get out of carpets and rugs.

HOW TO GET YOUR REMODELING DUST UNDER CONTROL.

If you do not take control before the project starts - it’s too late!

Find out how your contractor controls construction dust before the project starts. Dust control or lack of control can make or break your project.

Cover floors with one of the non-adhesive, non-slip, super tough fabrics mage for this purpose. They come on a roll and are made to protect hardwood floors and tile floors. It is actual fabric. The fabric is absorbent and protects against chemicals, paint, and foot traffic scuffs.

The best way to go is to move all of your things off-site. If you cannot move your items off-site cover everything with plastic sheeting or shrinkwrap.

Seal the HVAC ducts!

The Zipwall Dust Barrier system helps to contain the dust when there are no traditional barriers - like doors. It seals the area from floor to ceiling and no tape is used.

Some contractors now have air scrubbers that catch particles while they are still airborne. These air cleaning systems can eliminate a lot of the job site dust, but no job site is dust-free.

2. YOU DID CHECK THE CABINETS, TILE, PAINT, AND EVERYTHING IN THE LIGHTING IN YOUR HOME...RIGHT?

Cabinet showroom lighting is probably much different than the lighting you have at home. Selecting colors for your remodel in the showroom without checking them in the real lighting situation can be bad.

In fact, this is one of the most common ways to ruin a remodel. Cabinets, tile, back-splash, and appliances can be a completely different color in different lighting.

What looked like white in the showroom can easily appear grey or yellow at home. Blues and greens especially look different in different lighting. This can be a very costly mistake to make. You either buy new materials or go with what you selected and always feel like your remodeled kitchen or bathroom needs to be remodeled again. Ouch!

HOW TO BE SURE THE MATERIALS YOU SELECT WILL LOOK AS GOOD AT HOME AS IN THE SHOWROOM.

Get color swatches to look at in your lighting conditions. this includes all hours of sunlight and artificial light too. Do not rush to purchase something you have not tested at home. No matter how sure you are that it is perfect - you have to check it in the lighting at home!

ASK FINNTERIORS ABOUT REMODELING

Talk to the home remodeling professionals at Finnteriors when you are considering a remodeling project. Call us now to schedule a free in-home assessment. We will go over each step of the remodeling process with you before we start remodeling your kitchen, bathroom, or your whole house.

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March 20, 2019 by finnteriors

The 4 Most Durable Kitchen Remodel Materials: Floor, Countertop, Faucet, And Cabinets

MARMOLEUM MOST DURABLE FLOORING

Marmoleum is a natural and environmentally friendly kitchen remodel material for your floor. It naturally appeals to those in planning a green kitchen remodel. One of the greenest materials you can install in your kitchen remodel, Marmoleum is made of 97% natural raw materials and about 4 to 3% recycled content.

Marmoleum is not only made from natural materials but also a perfectly sustainable kitchen remodel material. Select this flooring and not only go green but also get one of the flooring materials that is one of the most durable on the market today.

It is the natural antistatic and antimicrobial properties of the flooring material make it so easy to clean. Unlike most floors that attract dust, being antistatic, Marmoleum is and repels dust and dirt. Moreover, the inherent antimicrobial and the bacteriostatic properties of the flooring naturally inhibit the growth of harmful micro-organisms.

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This is a wonderful kitchen remodel material for anyone suffering from dust allergies, asthma, or any other respiratory condition aggravated by indoor dust.

Forbo Flooring Systems is the global leader in the production of Marmoleum. Each piece is essentially handmade and no two are identical. In fact, very few people in the world have the skills to make the material and the people who can do it work for Forbo Flooring Systems.

Forbo Flooring Systems specializes in high-quality, floor coverings that include Linoleum, Vinyl, Luxury Vinyl Tiles, and Flocked Flooring in addition to Marmoleum.

Marvelous Marmoleum Flooring

Durable flooring that repels dust and dirt
Naturally antimicrobial
Sustainable
Made from 97% natural raw materials and 3-4% recycled material
Can be installed over both concrete and wooden subfloors
Limited lifetime residential warranty from manufacturer
Purchase a minimum of 10% overage to account for cuts
Create a custom look with many styles and colors

Forbo Flooring Systems offers Marmoleum in sheets, tiles, and modular pieces. The modular pieces click in place and securely with a glue-free installation. This naturally healthy, water-resistant flooring consists of linoleum mounted onto HDF with a cork backing for a warm, comfortable, quiet flooring solution. Made primarily from renewable resources, and available in amazing colors and patterns.

The colors you select for your kitchen remodel flooring - if you decide to install Marmoleum - will never fade! The flooring is fade-resistant or fade-proof really.

Marmoleum sheets come in an array of interesting colors. The design and color choices are extensive from marbled design to subtle designs that look like hand distressed concrete with delicate color nuances to retro vintage striped patterns.

Make a statement with a custom floor created with Marmoleum Modular tiles. There are over 50 colors and designs in 3 tile sizes. You can combine planks and tiles in endless patterns until you get the floor of your dreams. The tile designs are inspired by nature inspired by the natural patterns in wood, concrete, stone, and marble.

Marmoleum flooring is one of the most durable kitchen remodel materials available. On top of that, if you decide to install it you will undoubtedly have a beautiful, clean, sustainable floor that will never fade.

QUARTZ MOST DURABLE COUNTERTOP MATERIAL

Quartz is by far the most durable kitchen remodel material for your countertops. Unlike marble, one of the worst choices for countertops, quartz does not require sealing – ever. It is scratch and heat resistant and has no problem with acidic foods and cleaners like marble. The color and pattern choices are literally endless with quartz.

BRASS MOST DURABLE FAUCET MATERIAL

Brass is the most durable kitchen remodel material for the inner workings your new faucets. For the exterior a satin finish will resist water spots and fingerprints better than a shiny finish.

SOLID WOOD MOST DURABLE CABINET MATERIAL

Cabinet doors and drawers take a lot of abuse and there are some that will show the ware and tare quickly. Durable cabinets are going to have dovetailed drawers and solid wood construction drawer fronts, and doors. If you install any cabinets made with MDF or medium density fiberboard you need to understand that the “wood” finish on the outside of your cabinets is a thin sticker placed on the outside. It can be a wood veneer, or a shrink-wrapped plastic coating called a “thermofoil.”

Finnteriors can help you remodel your kitchen. 30 years ago, Kevin Finn founded Finnteriors Construction Services. The company has grown and is still proudly locally owned and operated by Kevin Finn, Finnteriors President. Consistent top-quality design, build, and service has made Finnteriors the most referred remodeling company around St. Louis. Contact Finnteriors to talk about your bathroom remodeling ideas today.

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March 18, 2019 by finnteriors

Top 2 Worst Bathroom Remodel Materials That Exist

Top 2 Worst Bathroom Remodel Materials That Exist are carpet and marble. Here are the reasons to avoid both of these materials when remodeling a bathroom:

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1. Carpet

To facilitate mold growth put carpet down on your bathroom floor the next time you remodel. It is the perfect place for mold and mildew, too. Showering and bathing if done frequently enough will provide ample moist hot places for mold to grow. the carpet is the best place for mold and mildew to grow unnoticed for years. massive colonies of mold coalesce under the carpet on the padding underneath.

You can vacuum, sweep, shampoo, and otherwise attempt to clean your bathroom carpet to no avail. The musty dank stench will always creep back in, but don't let it bother you. that is how you know your mold and mildew are thriving. it is their way of saying hello from their home under the carpet of your newly remodeled bathroom.

Carpet is truly one of the worst bathroom remodel materials of them all. There is no way to avoid getting the carpet pad wet if you use the bathroom for its intended purposes.

According to an article entitled Carpeted Bathrooms by Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard on the InterNACHI, the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, Inc.,website:, “some of the common ways that carpets may come into contact with moisture in bathrooms include:

Steam from the shower will condense on the carpet.

Water splashes from the tub or shower.
Water sheds from shower/tub occupants as they step onto the carpet.
Water splashes out of the sink.
Water drips from the vanity.
Water leaks from the toilet.

The presence of moisture in the pad will lead to the growth of decay fungi on the wood or oriented strand board (OSB) sub-floor. The sub-floor will be decayed and weakened by mold. Mold also releases spores that can cause respiratory ailments, especially for those with certain health problems. Inspectors can use moisture meters to determine if there is excess moisture beneath a carpet.

In addition to potential mold growth beneath the carpet, bacteria can accumulate in carpeting that surrounds the toilet. Bacteria are contained in urine, which can be accidentally deflected onto the carpet.”

The bottom line is carpet has no place in any bathroom remodel. Carpet in the bathroom will get wet with water and urine and will trap moisture leading to mold and mildew. In summary, bathroom remodels that include carpet are higfhly likely to have that structural damage and cause health problems in the future.

2. Marble

Marble is loved by some and hated by others. If you hate marble you probably have a vanity countertop and sink made of the stuff that is etched to heck and back.

Clearly, there are many disadvantages to using marble. Marble is another one of the worst bathroom remodel materials you can use. First of all, any hope you have of going green you can forget.

Marble is the epitome of unstainable resourcing. There is a limited amount of marble in the world. Marble is a natural stone that must be harvested from deep underground. The result is marble quarries that are not exactly environmentally friendly. It is also heavy, so the transportation of marble has a huge carbon footprint.

Marble is a soft stone that is easily stained and absorbs like a sponge. Dark hair dye on marble will leave stains long after the dye-job grows out. A glass of red wine enjoyed while in the bath is not recommended for those with marble installed in the bathroom.

Acidic materials etch marble.This is a very common issue as I mentioned. Etching results when acidic solutions contact marble literally and permanently eat away the surface layer. The result is a dull spot where the shiny surface used to be.

The acidic materials like bleach, vinegar, ammonia, and lemon juice are found in many bathroom cleaning products will easily etch marble.

If you have your heart set on marble or any other stone material that contains calcium carbonate. (It's the calcium carbonate that reacts with acids causing etching.) Be sure you like the look of dull patchy light colored spots wherever marble is installed.

There is another reason not to use marble in your bathroom remodel. Marble is a natural stone and can be full of assorted minerals. These minerals can cause problems. Iron is especially problematic as iron can rust in the moist humid environment of a bathroom.

Rust can rear its ugly head long after your bathroom remodel is complete, installed, and done. The marble installation can be ruined by iron buried so deep inside the marble that you had no idea it was in there.

In summary, carpet and marble are obviously 2 of the worst bathroom remodel materials in existance.

Finnteriors can help you remodel your bathroom. 30 years ago Kevin Finn founded Finnteriors Construction Services. The company has grown and is still proudly locally owned and operated by Kevin Finn, Finnteriors President. Consistent top-quality design, build, and service has made Finnteriors the most referred remodeling company around St. Louis. Contact Finnteriors to talk about your bathroom remodeling ideas today.

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February 25, 2019 by finnteriors

Durable Materials For Bathroom Remodels: Faucets, Paint, And Floors

Durable materials for bathroom remodels focus on durability, but do not necessarily lose sight of style. There are fixture, flooring, and wall covering options that are more durable than others. Pricier materials may or may not lasts longer than low-cost materials.

In short, the price is not the determining factor when the focus is finding durable materials for bathroom remodels. Do not let the price of a particular material cloud your judgment.

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DURABLE BATHROOM FAUCETS

Prices vary wildly for bathroom fixtures. Most bathroom remodels will include replacing the bathroom sink faucet. If a great looking faucet is all that you want there are showrooms to visit by day and websites to eyeball all night long. However, if faucet durability is what you are after, like true beauty, it comes from within.

What you want to find is a faucet with an inner control freak.

The more control a faucet has over the water moving through it the longer it will last and the more reliable it will be over time. A faucet's durability comes down to the quality of its inner value and whether or not it requires a washer.

In general, washerless faucets have fewer moving parts than their washer-requiring counterparts. Compression-Valve Faucets require a washer and are a common type of faucet.

FEWER MOVING PARTS = FEWER PARTS TO BREAK = MORE DURABLE

For faucet replacement, the most durable materials for bathroom remodels are faucet with solid brass, brass-based metal or corrosion-resistant inner workings in that order.

There are a variety of different washerless faucets available. Each type controls water flow through its spout without a washer.

Ceramic Disc Faucets require the least maintenance and are considered maintenance-free by some. As the name implies, ceramic discs are used to start and stop water flow, Two practically flat ceramic discs slide against each other. This shearing action permits or prevents water movement.

Ball Faucets rely on a rotating ball to regulate water flow. Select one with a brass ball not a plastic one for more durability.

Cartridge Faucets manage water using rubber o-rings inside a columnar cartridge. Durable cartridge faucets come correct with brass cartridges.

DURABLE BATHROOM PAINT

Bathrooms get damp and if they stay damp mold and mildew grow. Keep bathroom walls looking fresh with paint in a trending color pallet that also fights mildew.

Mildew-resistant interior paint is a durable material for bathroom remodels.

Consumer Reports recently tested 21 popular interior paints in search of the best and worst mildew-resistant paints on the market. According to their research, 18 of the interior paints they tested "resisted mildew and are good candidates for bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other spaces that can become damp."

Consumer Reports found the following interior paint to be the most mildew resistant:

Behr Marquee, $43
Behr Premium Plus Enamel, $28
Valspar Reserve, $44
Behr Premium Plus Ultra, $36
Benjamin Moore Aura, $70
Clark+Kensington Enamel, $32

Beware of these interior paints on your bathroom walls. **Consumer Reports says these paints do not resist mildew:**

HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams Ovation, $29
Glidden Premium, $25
Color Place Interior, $17

DURABLE BATHROOM FLOORING

Durable materials for bathroom remodels for flooring must stand up well in hot humid conditions. There are two obviously bad bathroom flooring options out there. Carpet is the worst. Solid hardwood flooring is known for longevity and durability, but it does not fare well in moist bathroom environments.

Concrete, on the other hand, is the most durable flooring material for a bathroom remodel.

With properly applied and maintained water prevention sealer concrete is unscathed by the longest of hot showers. Make concrete match your interior decorating plans with a huge number of colors and tints made especially for concrete floors.

Vinyl is a durable flooring material for bathroom remodels that you may have overlooked.

Sheet vinyl is better than vinyl tiles because it is seam-free and therefore, more water resistant.

If you use vinyl tiles look for one with an Enhanced Urethane surface coating. It endures under substantial foot traffic, repels stains and scratches, and stays better looking longer.

Inlaid vinyl flooring colors and patterns are integral to the material. It is impregnated with color granules and has a deeper finish than printed vinyl. Patterns and colors are applied to the surface of printed vinyl and do not resist wear as well.

Make sure any vinyl flooring you plan to install in a bathroom explicitly states that it is moisture and mildew resistant on the protective backing

With vinyl flooring the thicker it is the more durable it will be.

You do not have to spend a fortune to buy durable materials for bathroom remodels. There are many reasonably priced options for fixtures, paint, and flooring that offer maximum durability. If you have the time and love bargain hunts shop sales at big box home improvement centers and contractor supply stores that allow the public.

TRUST THE BATHROOM REMODELING COMPANY PEOPLE REFER MOST

30 years ago Kevin Finn founded Finnteriors Construction Services. The company has grown and is still proudly locally owned and operated by Kevin Finn, Finnteriors President. Consistent top-quality design, build, and service has made Finnteriors the most referred remodeling company around St. Louis. Contact Finnteriors to talk about your bathroom remodeling ideas today.

February 4, 2019 by finnteriors

12 Basement Remodeling Ideas To Improve Your Life

Basement remodeling ideas are endless because the basement does not have a stated purpose. A basement can be anything you want it to be. What you need to figure out is how can you remodel your basement to best suit the members of your household. This can be a challenge, but with a little patience, the basement remodeling ideas you love can become the remodeled basement of your dreams.

In 2019 basements are no longer synonymous with man cave.

First of all, deciding to remodel your basement is a worthwhile pursuit. Basement remodels are an economical way to expand the usable living space of an existing home. In addition, homes with (pun intended) remodeled basements tend to yield higher return-on-investment than homes with additions.

There are a couple of basement remodeling ideas to incorporate into your basement remodeling plan no matter how you envision the final remodel.

Basement Remodeling Ideas For All Basements

1. INSULATION

Arguably the least exciting part of any home is the insulation. However, insulating your basement is more important than you might think. Make insulation a priority in your basement remodeling plan unless you want your newly remodeled oasis to be a playground for mold and mildew.
Properly installed insulation will make your basement a comfortable dry place keeping cold and dampness out. All while making your home more energy efficient.

2. LIGHTING

It is sad when no one spends time in their newly remodeled basement. One of the most common reasons for this is poor lighting. With little or no natural light, the temptation is to add very bright overhead lighting. When it is time to watch a movie or just relax the blinding lights are turned off and now it is pitch black.

Basement lighting is best when it is ambient. Soft diffused lighting overall with optional brighter lighting to illuminate a desk for doing homework or a chair for reading. You will enjoy your basement remodel more with lighting that is conducive to leisure activities you enjoy.

For basements with windows install windows that allow as much natural light as possible when you remodel. Smart motion activated lighting is another way to make a new basement an inviting space.

3. STORAGE

Remodeling your basement does not have to take away your storage space. On the contrary, remodeling your basement is a chance truly get organized. Wall off a section of your basement and add a door for a place to store things out of sight. Add shelves, racks, and hooks to keep everything in the proper place. For added intrigue, install a hidden bookcase door on your secret room.

4. BATHROOM

Whether or not to add a bathroom when remodeling a basement is usually a question of the size of the budget. Make room for it in your budget. If you don't you will wish you had. With a bathroom, the basement will get more use. No matter what basement remodeling ideas take shape from a guest bedroom to a home gym to a karaoke playroom being there will be much more pleasant with a bathroom. This will eliminate the need to stop the action to go upstairs or show someone upstairs when nature calls.

Basement Remodeling Ideas, Themes & Tips

5. MAKE MUSIC

If you have a musical household think about making music the focus of your basement remodel. Pound drums, play records, practice Tuba, or belt out an area. You will not disturb the neighbors in an underground basement and some soundproofing.

Include a stage in your basement remodel. It is perfect when the band needs to practice at your house. Instruments galore, microphones, stage lights, and even a recording studio fit in a musical basement remodel. Some guests love Karaoke and your basement will be the ideal place for it. Whether you are a professional musician or just like to sing - if playing and listening to music is your thing add some musical elements to your basement remodel. You will be adding not only more living space but also more fun and enjoyment, too.

6. GAMING CENTER

Remodel your basement into an entertaining gaming center for pure pleasure with an open floor plan. Include a huge television monitor for streaming and gaming. Forget about old school theater seats and opt for an oversized modern sectional. Gaming chairs are a nice touch for serious gamers. The rocking floor seats are good, but the highback swivel style is the ultimate game seat.

Include other gaming styles for all ages like board games, cards, and darts. Tabletop games are fantastic if you have space. Leave 2.5" to 3" around Ping Pong, Billards, and Pool Tables so players can play safely. Fussball, Pinball, and slot machines do not require as much space to play. Moreover, an amazing pinball game can be the focal point of your decor. Take cues from the games you include in your basement remodel to carry vibrant pops of color throughout.

7. WINE CELLAR

If you collect wine you probably spend a fair amount storing it in a climate controlled wine cellar. Storing your wine collection off-site is inconvenient, while, storing it in your basement wine cellar is amazing. A sizable wine cellar can be part of most basement remodels.

Locate your wine cellar in a cool dark part of your basement that is below ground with no natural light. Sunlight will ruin your collection quickly. The cellar door must have an airtight seal, too.

Plan to include insulation, cooling, and air circulation systems to keep your wine cellar environment ideally at 55 degrees Fahrenheit and 55 to 75 percent humidity. Cedar promotes the right humidity levels. Talk to your contractor about using cedar on your wine cellar.

8. POOLSIDE CABANA

Bring your pool and your daylight basement together when you remodel. Glass french doors opening out to your pool area allow natural light to flow into your basement. Inside is a luxurious cabana. It is a place to change into and out of bathing suits and a place to wait out a long summer rain.

Entertaining is easy from the cabana when you include a bathroom and kitchen when you remodel your basement. Pool parties are sophisticated fun for all of your guests.

9. CRAFT CREATION

If your household loves to color, paint, glue, and glitter create a craft room. Basement remodels can include plenty of shelving and storage for craft supplies. Include custom designed Built-in wall units for organizational bliss. With a craft room, you never have to worry about messing up the rest of the house with arts and crafts.

10. BAR IT

Basement remodeling plans often include adding a bar into the mix. A wet bar will have the countertop, sink, faucet, plumbing, and cabinetry of a kitchen. With a few more elements you can have a functional wet bar and a kitchen as well in your basement remodel.

Under-the-counter microwaves are growing in popularity and are a good fit for a basement wet bar also for easy snacks. Make sure you serve beverages at the correct temperature with wine chillers, beverage centers, beer kegerators, and ice makers right at the bar. You can also plan to serve drinks of all types.

Cocktails, craft beer, and wine are what most would expect. A wet bar will accommodate an in-house coffee bar, juice bar, and a smoothie bar, too. Bars are not only for adult beverages. We all enjoy a tasty beverage no matter what our age.

11. FITNESS CITY

Maybe you would work out more if you had a gym at home. Basements are often great places to create a gym. Fitness can also be a hot yoga room or a yoga studio. Install a ballet bar for ballerinas and pilates sessions. Martial arts and MMA is very popular. Why not install a padded floor, heavy bag, and octagon downstairs. If you love to be fit definitely incorporate fitness when you remodel the basement.

12. APARTMENT

Whether you have In-Laws moving in or not a basement apartment can be a good thing to have. Of course, it can be a revenue source if you take on a renter. It can always serve a guest room for extended stay houseguests. In addition, if you have kids they will grow into teenagers who want their own space. They can have it and not be too far away at the same time.

If you decide that you like the downstairs apartment basement remodeling idea you can plan an apartment that works for both grandma and the grandkids and meets all building codes as well. Replace small windows with large ones if space allows. This brings in added sunlight and provides a means of escape in case of fire.

Make the bathroom barrier-free with a no door walk-in shower or tub. There are some very chic modern ones available. Grab bars and any other safety fixtures needed can be added inexpensively if necessary later. This type of bathroom also increases your home value more than a traditional bathroom with a traditional tub or shower.

TRUST THE REMODELING COMPANY PEOPLE REFER MOST

30 years ago Kevin Finn founded Finnteriors Construction Services. The company has grown and is proudly locally owned and operated by Kevin Finn, Finnteriors President. Consistent top-quality design, build, and service has made Finnteriors the most referred remodeling company around St. Louis. Contact Finnteriors to talk about your basement remodeling ideas today.

Request a FREE Consultation