DalTile here in Portland ME was similarly dismissive. But for sheer insolence I'm torn between the metal supply guy that didn't want to take my order for copper bar because he didn't think my DIY countertop could be done, finally relenting with a huffy "Well, lady, it's your funeral!", and Task Lighting, the outfit that produces those nifty angled undercabinet strip outlets. My phone conversation with Task: Task: Hello, Task Lighting. Me: Hi, I'm interested in purchasing some of your strip outlets for a kitchen renovation. Specifically I'd like to order 3 of model XXX and 5 of model YYY. Task: Are you a contractor? Me: No, I'm the homeowner. Task: We don't sell to the public, just to contractors. Me: I don't have any of my subcontractors working here at the moment. I'm acting as my own GC, doesn't that count? Task: No. Me: Gosh, are you sure? I'd really like to purchase your product. Task: No. We only sell to contractors because we can give them a discount and it wouldn't be fair to offer that same discount to the public. Me: Oh! But of course I am willing to pay the full price; I totally understand. What's the full price? Do you have a list of stores that carry your products? Task: We don't carry our product in stores, just via this order line. What's your contractor license number? Me: Um, I just said I wasn't a contractor. Task: Sorry, we only sell to contractors. *click*

Laquers, CV's, pre cat's., any solvent based materials are never brushed. They all contain hot solvents that flash off in seconds. You wouldn't even get halfway down the door with the first brush stroke before it would dry. It wouldn't be pretty. They do make a brushable lacquer but this is hardly ever used and no reason to. If you're going to hand brush something you would use a different type of paint. The thing is I could tell you what I think or what I would use but it comes down to what your painter is comfortable and experienced with. Regular lacquer is not good in a wet environment. It will lift if exposed to water for any length of time. Pre-cat. is not bad but personally I would use conversion varnish because it's harder, practically water-proof and essentially the same process as using the pre-catalyzed lacquer. This is the finished used by all major cabinet brands. One reason someone might be reluctant to use it is pre-cat. is shot right out of the can as is where as CV you add a catalyst and it's only good for about 6 hours (pot life) so if you don't clean your equipment well you're in a lot of sh%#t. This is why it's a harder finish. You'll find out just how hard if you get lazy and let it sit in your gun overnight. Nothing breaks it down. You asked about the smell. Everything except water-based is going to smell. If you have asthma you don't what to be anywhere near the others when they're being sprayed. The smell pretty much dissipates overnight. Depending on atmospheric conditions it may linger slightly for another day or two. The majority of the spraying (the doors) should be done in the shop anyway. John P.S. I wish I could just paint our cabinets for you so I don't have to keep writing these long answers. It's not that I mind it's just I don't type that fast or spell that well.

@LisaKoback We are building the La meilleure vie plan by David Wiggins also and we are looking for a basement plan with steel beams and I-joist instead of the wooden laminated beams that Wiggins provided for us. Would you be willing to share steel beam size and I-joist dimensions? Or your basement page of print only? Thanks so much. jamesmelson34@gmail.com James

13 QUESTIONS TO FIND THE RIGHT TILE INSTALLER Qualified tile contractors have the verifiable experience and use proper methods and materials. But how do you know your contractor is qualified? We have surveyed homeowners, designers, contractors and other construction industry experts to compile a list of questions every homeowner should ask an installer before starting a project. To help ensure the tile contractor you hire is the right fit, start with these 13 questions: 1. Are you licensed in your area? Verify. Some states do not require tile contractors to be licensed. 2. How many years have you/your team been working exclusively as tile installers? It takes many years to become proficient as a dedicated, qualified tile professional. Five years or more would be an expected minimum. 3. How were you trained? Do you participate in on-going professional training from organizations and/or manufacturers, and specifically what? Tile installers who have completed an apprenticeship under a Qualified Tile Installer/Organization and participate in industry training are generally more likely to follow standards and industry recommendations and stay current with products, materials, and industry updates. 4. Tell me about your favorite tile installation project and why. What project(s) were challenging for you and what did you do to overcome those challenges? Get to know the tile professional as part of your project team. Do they take pride in their work? If you have a General Contractor (GC) or Designer who is hiring the tile installer, it may make sense to request meeting with the GC/Designer and tile installer in advance of the installation to plan and answer your questions. 5. Do you have a company website or social media pages with photos of your work? Professionals will have a public presence that is available to consumers so you can review their work and customer reviews. Lack of a traceable, legitimate, and experienced business should be a deterrent to hiring. 6. Can I speak with recent customers and view photos of those projects? Qualified, experienced tile contractors will have a history of satisfied clients that are happy to recommend them and share their experience. 7. Are you familiar with the TCNA Handbook and ANSI Standards? Does your work follow these industry recommendations? The TCNA Handbook coupled with the ANSI Standards are the industry recognized guidelines for the installation of tile for a wide range of applications. A qualified tile professional installer will be familiar with and know how to specify and use these reference tools. 8. Do you have successful experience working with the type of tile I plan to use? There are different methods, materials and considerations when planning and installing various tile products such as ceramic, porcelain, large format tile, handmade tile, mosaics, natural stone or glass. Verify their experience and training with the tile product you have chosen for your project. 9. What manufacturer’s products do you use and do you comply with manufacturer instructions? There are many manufacturers of quality tile setting materials. Most perform well with use of approved methods and adherence to manufacturer specifications. Most qualified tile installers will be well versed on the methods and systems they prefer and should be able to answer your questions about their process and materials and associated warranties. 10. If wet areas (showers/baths) are to be included in the work performed, what approved system/methods will you use to assure a long-lasting installation? Tile installations in wet areas require some very important preparation to avoid leaks and unwanted moisture problems. Unapproved methods, and the use of materials inappropriate for this application can contribute to a very costly and unwanted result that too often requires complete removal and replacement by a qualified professional. A quality installation should last decades or longer. 11. Do you have liability insurance, and if you have employees, are they covered with Worker’s Compensation Insurance? Make sure you can verify appropriate insurance coverage. 12. Do you belong to professional organizations like NTCA (National Tile Contractor’s Association)? Industry involvement is one indication of a tile installation company’s commitment to their craft. It gives them access to education, technical information, and other resources to assist them in professionally serving you. National Tile Contractor’s Association “Find A Contractor”: https://www.tile-assn.com/search/custom.asp?id=2759 13. Are you a Certified Tile Installer (Ceramic Tile Education Foundation, CTI) or do you have Certified Tile Installers on your team? The certification of tile installers is an important step forward for the consumer and is “one” indication of professionalism. The industry has established a process to certify tile installers. Certification identifies an installer as being a dedicated and knowledgeable professional whose competence in installing tile has been verified to meet specific tile industry standards. Ceramic Tile Education Foundation “Find a Certified Tile Installer Near You”: https://www.ceramictilefoundation.org/find-certified-tile-installers