What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Our pricing is firm. If we've reviewed a project in person and have provided a written quoted price, we stand by that price regardless of any issues that may arise in completing our work.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Generally, the owner/operator, Lawrence Rosenthal, will visit the customer's home or business to see the project in person. The consultation will provide an opportunity to understand specific areas of concern, expectations, etc and then a written proposal will be provided. If a potential customer wishes to proceed, we request a 50% deposit be remitted in order to add the service to our work calendar.
You will know the name of the craftsman coming to do your work and what their arrival time will be. They will spend the first few hour(s) of the service prepping the area with tarps and plastic sheeting etc. There is no dust or odor generated by our work and the loudest noise to be heard is a shopvac occasionally running.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
All of our technicians have been trained and are supported by MARBLELIFE's national research and development team.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
We love the opportunity to transform stone, concrete, tile surfaces (and grout) through our work.
What types of customers have you worked with?
We have worked with thousands of home owners across North Carolina as well as with many commercial clients such as Duke University, Prestonwood Country Club, Old Chatham Golf Club, Township of Cary, 21c Hotels, John C. Sanders Homes, Greystar Property Mgt, Carolina Hotel at Pinehurst, Sullivan Steakhouses, Camp Lejeune, and many more...
We also routinely provide assistance to area General Contractors including Sigmon Construction, Bobbit, Mangum Build Design, Perini, SAMET, etc.
We also had the privilege to work for Instagram stars ChrisLovesJulia. :-)
Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
We are thrilled to be the stone restoration company for Duke University. Last year, we had the privilege of restoring the terrazzo and marble floors of their showcase building, the Baldwin Auditorium. We were on site for about 8 days. We now return annually to repolish and seal those floors and are working in other administrative buildings now as well.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
There are many companies who claim they can restore or polish natural stone such as marble vanities or floors or granite kitchen counters. Most will attempt to do so by using steam or carpet cleaners and the finished product is a clean surface, not a restored one. In order to restore natural stone, it must be polished with a series of diamond tooling to remove etches, ring marks, scratches etc. there are very few people who can do this work well without cupping or damaging the stone and often a job is priced low because they plan on limiting the number of diamonds to be used. Our inhouse consultation allows us to properly set expectations relating to damage removal, gloss vs matte finish, etc, and price the project properly. Avoid companies that are going to essentially put a topical wax on a stone surface to give it a quick shine as with that approach wear and damage returns quickly. Proper diamond polishing and sealing delivers a long term result.
What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
For the initial conversation, it's helpful for the customer to know the type of surface they are looking to restore or repair, know whether a stone surface is to be restored to a matte or glossy finish. Regarding tile and grout work, you will want to restore the grout along with the tiled surface as the finished tile will look glossy and your eye may be drawn to the grout that did not brighten up sufficiently or uniformly.