Stone Specialists, LLC

Serves Skokie, IL

35244

Hired 11 times

Not yet available

16 years in business

Free on-site estimate

4.7

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Google Pay, and Zelle.

Next Service

Hours

Sun Closed

Mon Closed

Tues 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Wed Closed

Thurs Closed

Fri Closed

Sat Closed

Credentials

Background Check

Regina Elizabeth Gately
Completed on 12/15/2020

Introduction

Stone Specialists restores natural stone, marble, limestone, slate, travertine, granite, terrazzo, onyx and others. We do natural stone cleaning, polishing, and sealing. Because I am an artist I can see what my clients are trying to achieve and make their vision happen. Also, I have exceptional technical skills. For instance, sometimes a company for a big project will ask for a sample from each of the competing companies, a patch that shows our polishing skills. I realize looking at the competing samples that a lot of other restorers don’t realize the stone has a much higher shine point. This is one place where my appreciation for the materials, my sharp eye, and my skills give me the edge. Another thing that sets my work apart is my precision, I am able to restore the stone to what it was or better. In contrast with other companies that do this kind of work, with us, for an affordable rate, you get only the best restorers — not a lot of apprentices. We deliver excellent restoring and polishing of natural stone. We cater to our clients multiple ways: we are flexible with people’s schedules, we give volume discounts, and our website is mobile ready, and convenient and easy to use. You can get a free estimate from either an in-home appointment, you can fill out our free estimator express online or on your phone. You can upload photos on the free estimator express and you will receive a free estimate within hours to the next day. What I am most proud of is the fantastic job that I do for all my clients. I love working with all kinds of stone. I plan to continue doing various stonework projects with all different types of clients. I would also like to continue to restore antique stone and sculpture. For example, I recently restored a late 1800’s beautifully sculpted marble bench. It came out great, it’s beautiful and now I am part of its history. That feels great. In addition, I sculpt stone in my spare time. Someday I would like to sell my pieces. In the meantime, I intend to use my artistic talent and deep appreciation of stone doing excellent work for Stone Specialists’ clients.

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

Each job is different. It is base on stone type, condition, what we need to work around, location, how many appointments etc.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

Typically we are contacted by the client thru email or phone. We do free estimates one of two ways. We go to the home or business and do an onsite free estimate. Or the client can go to our website and fill out our free estimator express. This was developed in response to busy people asking if they could email photos and answer questions thru an email. This form is mobile ready, you can use your phone to upload photos and the form itself only takes a couple of minutes to fill out.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

Apprenticeship with Roman Marble and other master restorers.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

I love to build things with stone and wood so when I got a job at highly respected Roman Marble building fireplaces, doing fabrication, it was a very exciting position. Later I worked for stone restorers and my skills continued to grow. I became a stone expert, and I was often sent for the most important artistic jobs such as working with designers and restoring Israel stone that had embedded fossils. Then I was approached by Elizabeth Gately, another artist, who had heard about me and wanted to build a business around me. I realized I should take this step.

What types of customers have you worked with?

I continue to have a passion for stone, and at Stone Specialists, I polish and restore many types of stone, for antique owners, top designers, architects, realty companies, contractors, businesses, and homeowners.

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

I recently restored a marble table a client bought in Italy. It took one day. It came out beautiful the client was happy. I was able to talk to her about the stone of her table and her artwork.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

The advice I would give is to fill out our free estimator express. It uploads photos as you take them with your phone. It is very easy to use. It only takes a few minutes. You get a free within hours to the next day. If you are more comfortable with an onsite free estimate we can do that too. I would beware of really low prices some companies add a topical product to make the stone look shiny. This does not last. We grind the stone so the stone itself is shiny or buff whatever you are looking for and this lasts much longer.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

They should ask about the process, the amount of time and aftercare of their stone.