Alex came to evaluate a problem with tile in our entry and really couldn't determine if the foundation was cracked, and we began our process of whether to replace a few tiles or do the whole entry. We knew we had tiles in the kitchen that were problematic. Alex systematically checked the tile in both areas and we discussed in great detail what the job would entail. He recommended that we go look at tile at a few vendors, which we did and we brought some samples home to look in different light at different times of day. Alex was finishing up some bathroom projects, so we had time to make selections. In short, there was no foundation crack, thank goodness. The house is 23 years old and the thin-set had deteriorated. So we picked tile for the entry, and a different tile for the kitchen. The tile vendor recommended we use the same tile wherever we are having the work done. Uniformity is best for eventual resale. But we just picked what we liked initially. In the meantime, we got an estimate for the powder room and little hallway outside of the powder room (pool bath) and the Master Bathroom, since all that tile was laid with the same thin-set as the kitchen and entry when the house was built. PLUS, the estimate Alex gave us was extremely reasonable. So why delay the inevitable, and the update would help maintain our home. Alex and his helper, who has worked with him for 15 years, demolished the entry tile and disconnected the washer/dryer, which we knew would be happening, but that was the biggest inconvenience of the whole job. No use of the kitchen since the cabinets were covered with plastic, and the openings to other rooms had plastic up to contain all the dust and dirt as much as possible. It's all part of the renovation. Alex and his helper started in the foyer, got 2/3 done, and Alex determined the remaining ceramic didn't meet his standards, so they took it up and told us to make another selection. So, we scrubbed the selections we had made and went with porcelain rather than ceramic, on Alex's recommendation. 12 X 24. It looks like Carrera Marble. We upgraded to use a grout that has sealer in it and stain protection, called Latticrete. It's like a Sky Blue-Grey. Once again, after much, much discussion! We initially thought the porcelain would be slippery in the wet areas of the house, but once we were considering it seriously, we researched it further and it is rated a 4, which is appropriate for use in kitchen and bathrooms. Although you can still have a fall, the surface is not going to be so slippery it's hazardous. In the meantime, we decided, once the kitchen and entry were done, to have Alex do the pool bath/hall and Master Bath. Through it all, we had some days of cold weather and rain, but Alex was here with his helper working every day, even though he had an Upper Respiratory Infection and Strep. I knew he wasn't feeling great, and when he came one day late because he was at Urgent Care, he handed me his official report from the doctor. I knew he wanted me to know he was legitimately delayed. However, the next day, HE SHOWED UP and worked through it! Who does that? Alex is honest and diligent. We worked through some issues, but his work is fantastic. In our entry, there's one area that is a little tight. I watched him eyeball the area, and he went and cut the tiles. Perfectly! The plumbers who came in to do some work afterwards said they see a lot of tile jobs, and the work Alex did is AMAZING! Total square footage was approximately 778. Alex recommended we buy extra tile, so we purchased 5 extra boxes for the future. It's all the same color and quality lot. Excellent idea! The update is beautiful and I'm glad we found Alex to do the work. He's very precise when "popping the lines" (setting the grid pattern for the tile). They "back butter" the tile when it is laid. These are details homeowners wouldn't normally think about. Porcelain is more expensive than ceramic and it is more expensive to install, but we "went for it" and the result is beautiful. It's an investment in our home! I just mopped the new floors today and they cleaned up beautifully! Just some white vinegar in the water. You can't use bleach or ammonia on porcelain. Alex was sure to go over the maintenance. Also, if cleaning agents color the water, it can have an impact on the grout! YIKES! We appreciate all the sweat that went into this job and how to preserve it's beauty!