ICC Floors Plus Blog

Shop from the Comfort of Your Home

March 20, 2020 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

Currently, many homeowners find themselves quarantined and working from the comfort of their own home. While this transition can at first be difficult, we want to reassure our customers that we offer a variety of tools for your convenience. In fact, many of our website features allow you to shop and browse online galleries right from your living room couch. Today, we are going to take a look at several website tools that ICC Home offers to help make life a little easier. Let’s take a look!

Online Showroom

Our online product catalog allows you to browse a variety of high-quality flooring brands right from the comfort of your house. From hardwood and carpet to tile and luxury vinyl, we have all of the hottest styles and trends right at your fingertips.

Shop at Home

Are you looking for a little more personalization and assistance? If so, our shop at home brings the showroom to your living room. We bring the best samples right to your home. Simply fill out our form to set up an appointment that fits your schedule.

Order Samples

While browsing our online showroom, did you find a product that you may want to try in your house? Fortunately, you do not have to make a commitment without seeing how it would look in your lighting and layout. On ICC Home’s website, you can conveniently order samples of your favorite products.

Square Footage Calculator

If you need to determine the square footage of your room, no worries! Our website provides a quick and easy tool for determining the (approximate) square footage of a room.

Virtual Room Designer

Are you looking for inspiration and want to see what products will look like in your space? If so, look no further than our virtual room designer tool. From upload your room to our room gallery, we provide a variety of design resources for your next project.

Free Estimates

While you are spending your days working from home, one of our experts can come out and provide a free estimate for your project. Simply fill out our form to get started!

With all of our website tools and resources, you can shop from the comfort of your home. That being said, if you have any questions about products, tools, or anything else, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at ICC Home.

Remodeling for Beginners: During the Project

March 13, 2020 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

Last month, we focused on remodeling for beginners, and we discussed how to start your project. This month, we wanted to focus on what to do during your remodeling project. Let’s get started!

Prepare Your Space

Before any home renovation or remodeling project, it is imperative to prep the space for your workers. However, the amount of work you do entirely depends on the type of project. If you are just having your floors redone, you will need to remove everything off of the floors. But if you are doing an entire kitchen renovation, you will need to take everything out of the room, much like you would do when you move houses.

Also, remember to be courteous of your workers’ time and schedules by preparing the room one or two days before their arrival. If there are large appliances that you physically cannot move on your own, mention the items to your workers and see if they can assist you. Otherwise, items in drawers and cabinets should be fully boxed up before their arrival to ensure a quick and easy transition.

Be Flexible

While it is important to have a timeline in mind, it is also essential to be flexible. Unfortunately, manufacturer delays and unforeseen circumstances can disrupt timelines; therefore, try to roll with the punches.

Create a Secondary Kitchen & Bath

If you are having your kitchen or bathroom remodeled, it is crucial to create some sort of “backup” room. For instance, when your kitchen is out of commission for several weeks, you should capitalize on another spacious area of your home to hold your backup kitchen. For example, you may have room in the corner of your living room for a small table. This table can house your microwave, toaster, and convection oven during the remodel. Plus, having this area will allow you to still eat meals at home during the renovation.

Communicate Kindly & Effectively

Whenever possible, try to be a nice boss by communicating your thoughts, ideas, and feelings kindly and effectively. If you are frustrated by any hold-ups, kindly let your contractor know your concerns. You do not want to build any unneeded tension between you and your workers because remodeling should be a fun experience.

Set Aside Extra Money

Lastly, when budgeting for your project, it is important to set aside a little extra money. This money will help be a cushion in case any unforeseen circumstances or additional costs arise. Plus, if you do not end up needing/using it, you have extra money saved for a rainy day.

We hope that you found these five ideas helpful, and be sure to check back weekly for more expert advice. Thanks for reading!

Benjamin Moore Paint Colors for Spring

March 6, 2020 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

Paint can completely change the entire feel and look of a room. Hence, paint is typically one of the first steps done by new businesses and homeowners to help tailor their space to their desired look. To help you create your dream oasis, we only provide the best products for your home projects. At ICC Home, we carry Benjamin Moore paints. Benjamin Moore is a paint company that creates exceptionally durable paint options for a variety of applications. Many people love this company for its price points and how efficiently one coat of paint can go. Plus, Benjamin Moore has a large variety of great colors. So if you are looking for some great spring colors, look no further. Today, we will focus on five colors that are perfect for your home design this spring. Let’s get started!

First Light |2102-70

Spring is almost here, and it is time to create a more vibrant atmosphere with First Light. First Light is an airy shade with light pink undertones. It works great as an alternative neutral option with a warm hue. Plus, it feels playfully revitalizing and very inviting.

Golden Straw | 2152-50

Are you looking to illuminate and brighten up your space? If so, consider using Golden Straw! This color is excellent for adding that fun, upbeat spring vibe into the atmosphere. Plus, it is an enriched tone that is never too overpowering. In fact, its beautiful golden tint makes a great statement in any room and truly highlights the Golden Straw name.

Windmill Wings | 2067-60

With First Light and Golden Straw both having warm undertones, Windmill Wing is perfect for finding that balance. This cool tone is a pastel yet bold blue tone. It is clearly distinguished for creating a passive and peaceful atmosphere.

Buxton Blue |HC-149

Another blue option is Buxton Blue. This color is a refined and beautiful shade that has greenish undertones. In fact, this timeless color can help add cool tones to the room while enhancing natural and artificial feeling colors. Working great with all sorts of material, colors, and fabrics, Buxton Blue is a tremendous choice and inspired by America’s historic landmarks.

Crystalline | AF-485

Lastly, to finish off this sophisticated color palette is Crystalline. It has light green undertones but feels flourished in confidence. It is truly expressive and great to enhance the natural colors of nature like trees and grass.

Embracing the spring season is a great way to update your home! So if you love spring’s colors, make your home have that upbeat feeling by adding these great Benjamin Moore color options. And if you are looking for more recommendations, please do not hesitate to call or visit us!

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Purchasing Flooring

February 28, 2020 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

Flooring is an excellent investment in order to make a house feel like home. In fact, it allows you to add your own personal touch to an atmosphere while letting you tailor your space to your daily demands. However, no one flooring fits all. It would be best if you considered all options when looking at flooring. Each flooring option can bring its own sets of pros and cons to an environment. So if you are looking to invest in your flooring, here are several questions you may want to consider before purchasing your new floors:

Are You Considering the Resell Value?

What are your intentions for your home? Are you planning on living there for a long period of time or planning on reselling it? This factor is essential to consider because it is not always the best option to tailor your space to your own needs if you plan on selling. Sometimes, it is best to see what the most trending homes on the market have to see what will help sell your home.

How Much of a Concern Is Maintenance?

Maintenance can also be a considerable factor. Some flooring can be extremely durable and low maintenance, while others may take some time to clean and treat. This factor can become an annoyance to some homeowners or not a dilemma at all to others. Therefore, ask yourself, does the maintenance of a flooring concern you? If so, you may want to look into low-maintenance flooring options.

Will You Be Hosting Guest or Events?

What are you planning on doing in your home? Flooring can be manufactured in residential grade or commercial. You may need a more durable flooring option if you will be hosting events or guests frequently.

What Purpose Does the Room Serve in Your Home?

The purpose of each room can also be a huge deciding factor. Are you using a room for a home gym or an office? Different spaces respond best functionally and aesthetically with certain flooring options. Make sure your floor corresponds with the room’s initial purpose.

Does Age Restriction Prevent Certain Flooring Options?

What ages are the members of your household? If you have children who may make messes or scratch specific flooring options, you may need to find another flooring choice. Likewise, elder folks may struggle to get over certain flooring transitions and flooring options when limited to wheelchairs or walkers. Always consider your home’s demographics before investing in a floor.

Do You Have Pets?

Likewise, pets can also have a significant influence on what floor works best. Pets can create accidents and scratch some flooring. Make sure if you have pets that your flooring is up for the tasks ahead of you.

Will Your Flooring Be Exposed to Water?

Water can be extremely detrimental to some flooring options. If you are in a space prone to water, you must find a waterproof flooring option. This factor can help save you money and increase the longevity of your investment.

Remember, one floor will not fit all. You need to make sure the flooring you choose can be reliable for your daily tasks. Ask yourself these questions when browsing our flooring selection, and make sure to check with your ICC Home flooring representative for more insight and concerns you may have. Thanks for reading!

How to Choose the Best Backsplash to Complement Your Counters

February 21, 2020 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

Backsplashes are very useful and decorative ways to cover and protect your walls. In the kitchen, they are used to prevent food from staining or splashing against your walls. And while being functional, backsplashes are made from various stylish tile options that can easily become the focal point in any kitchen. Therefore, when searching for the perfect backsplash, there are several avenues to explore. To help, here are just three simple ways to decide which backsplash is best for your kitchen:

Matchy, Matchy

First, determine what your room’s overall design theme is. Would a matching backsplash and countertop help complement the design? For instance, some homeowners love to pair marble backsplashes with marble countertops. You can also try to stick to the same color countertop to match the same color backsplash for a uniform look. This simple but effective way will help blend your design and create an effortless look.

All About the Accent

You can also use your backsplash as an accent opportunity. Are you looking to add some color or character to the room? If so, using mosaic tiles are a great decorative way to add some color to your kitchen design. In fact, mosaic tiles can help add repetitive patterns and artistic flair to the room. If you choose not to make your room feel monochromatic, consider using your backsplash as an accent opportunity. Find a color that you want to introduce into the room. You can continue to pay tribute to this color throughout other accents in the room; however, note that the backsplash will be the defining moment.

A Safe Bet

Your last option could be selecting a neutral color backsplash. If you love your cabinets and countertops, do not take from the statement that they make. However, if everything feels too powerful in a design, it can begin to feel chaotic and busy. A safe option is to simply get a neutral colored backsplash.

Finishing Touch

Another way to allow your countertops to complement your backsplash is by matching the finishes. For instance, does your countertop have a high sheen or matte finish? If so, allow your design to work with each other by complementing both finishes. This concept is an excellent way to add texture to your room’s design while complementing the overall design.

These are just some simple ways to help match your backsplash with your countertops. However, do not be overwhelmed in the decision. Explore different tile options and bring them home to see next to your countertops. You may be pleasantly surprised by an unsuspecting tile choice.

Different Types of Tiles and How to Choose the Right One

February 14, 2020 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

Tile has been used for centuries as a decorative floor and wall covering. Not only do many tiles offer the benefits of unmatched aesthetical appeal and substantial durability, but many tiles can be used in wet environments. This feature makes tile a very versatile flooring option. However, there are many different types of tiles on the market. Knowing some of the common tile selections and their pros and cons can better help you tailor the right selection for your home.

Ceramic

Ceramic tile has been around for a very long time. It is created by heating clay inside a kiln to harden it. It is not baked nearly as hot as porcelain, however, and is easier to chip or get damaged by frost.

Porcelain

Like ceramic tile, porcelain is clay heated in a kiln. However, it is baked at a much higher temperature, making it much more durable and less porous. Being less porous also makes this tile more difficult to stain. This is why toilets and sinks are commonly made from porcelain.

Glass

Another option to use when tiling your home is glass. Glass offers a translucent glaze, which can be very aesthetically pleasing. It is typically marketed for backsplashes or accent pieces. Additionally, glass can come in a large variety of colors and adds character to any backsplash or shower wall.

Marble

This natural stone is quarried and cut into tiles. It is full of character, with each piece being unique and individualized through their pebbly spots and veining. Marble is great; however, it is very easily stained and vulnerable to etching when it encounters acidic materials.

Mosaic

Mosaic tile is a category of tiles that are combined on a small mesh sheet for installation purposes. Mosaic tiles are typically accent pieces, which can be fun to add to walls or backsplashes. Additionally, mosaics can be made of glass, ceramic, stone, or other materials. They are very timeless and can add a charming pattern to your room.

Limestone

Limestone is a very decorative tile option with beautiful texture. Limestone is made of calcium carbonate. Limestone can also be soft and porous, which makes it vulnerable to staining or damage. However, limestone offers a beautiful, elegant look.

Quarry

Another durable option is quarry tile. This tile is made the same way that brick is formed. It is a very impervious tile, which is extremely hard. Quarry tile is not considered to be slippery when wet, which is why it is used in some outdoor places like ski resorts.

Different tiles can be used for various applications. From outside tiles for patios to indoor tiles for backsplashes, each tile can offer a distinct set of advantages. If you are having trouble choosing the right one for you, our team at ICC Home would love to assist you. We have a knowledgable staff ready to answer all and any of your questions. Visit us today, and let us help you find the perfect tile.