Hiring an architect is not an everyday occurence for most homeowners, but it's important to talk to several qualified professionals to ensure you're getting the right person for the job. These seven questions will help you compare and contrast potential architects before making a hiring decision.

What is your process for staying within the budget?

With so many variables in the construction or remodeling of a home, costs can quickly exceed your budget. A reputable architect should be able to help you closely estimate overall costs, including materials and labor, and help you make the tough budget choices about where to cut if and when unexpected expenses arise.

Can you show me your work?

Make sure the architect has completed projects that are comparable in scale and style to the plan you propose.

Do you have at least three references?

As you interview previous clients, make sure you ask how well the architect communicated with them, stayed within their budgets and met their overall expectations.

What challenges do you anticipate?

Anticipating complications is one key in determining if there may be some unforeseen issues with your project and, as a result, additional expenses.

How realistic is my proposed vision for the project?

An experienced and reliable architect should be willing to candidly discuss any limitations with your project.

What is your project management style?

Ask if the architect will manage the entire project, from hiring all contractors to making design adjustments as the work progresses, reviewing and paying contractor invoices, and obtaining required permits.

How do you charge?

It's important to establish upfront how payments will be made. Many architects will request a substantial deposit at the beginning of the project and set a payment schedule as the work progresses to completion. Make sure you are comfortable with the payment plan. Establish ahead of time how payments will be handled if any issues arise.

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Architects - Angie's List

Career, Salary and Education Information Go to: What They Do | Work Environment | How to Become One | Pay | Job Outlook | Related Careers Top 3 architect Jobs

Drives the execution of multiple business plans and projects for Information Systems Division (ISD) Ensures business needs are being met

With more than 25 years of experience, global supply chain capabilities, and a partner ecosystem of more than 2,000 hardware and software companies

Aerotek operates an international network of more than 200 non-franchised offices and 2,000 recruiters to identify, screen and select top

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Architects plan and design houses, factories, office buildings, and other structures.

Architects typically do the following:

People need places to live, work, play, learn, shop, and eat. Architects are responsible for designing these places. They work on public or private projects and design both indoor and outdoor spaces. Architects can be commissioned to design anything from a single room to an entire complex of buildings.

Architects discuss the objectives, requirements, and budget of a project with clients. In some cases, architects provide various predesign services, such as feasibility and environmental impact studies, site selection, cost analyses, and design requirements.

Architects develop final construction plans after discussing and agreeing on the initial proposal with clients. These plans show the buildings appearance and details of its construction. Accompanying these plans are drawings of the structural system; air-conditioning, heating, and ventilating systems; electrical systems; communications systems; and plumbing. Sometimes, landscape plans are included as well. In developing designs, architects must follow state and local building codes, zoning laws, fire regulations, and other ordinances, such as those requiring easy access to buildings for people who are disabled.

Computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) and building information modeling (BIM) have replaced traditional drafting paper and pencil as the most common methods for creating designs and construction drawings. However, hand-drawing skills are still required, especially during the conceptual stages of a project and when an architect is at a construction site.

As construction continues, architects may visit building sites to ensure that contractors follow the design, adhere to the schedule, use the specified materials, and meet work-quality standards. The job is not complete until all construction is finished, required tests are conducted, and construction costs are paid.

Architects may also help clients get construction bids, select contractors, and negotiate construction contracts.

Architects often collaborate with workers in related occupations, such as civil engineers, urban and regional planners, drafters, interior designers, and landscape architects.

Architects held about 112,600 jobs in 2014, with 69 percent employed in architectural, engineering, and related services. About 1 in 5 were self-employed.

Architects spend much of their time in offices, where they meet with clients, develop reports and drawings, and work with other architects and engineers. They also visit construction sites to ensure clients objectives are met and to review the progress of projects. Some architects work from home offices.

Most architects work full time and many work additional hours, especially when facing deadlines. Self-employed architects may have more flexible work schedules.

Get the education you need: Find schools for Architects near you!

There are typically three main steps to becoming a licensed architect: completing a professional degree in architecture, gaining relevant experience through a paid internship, and passing the Architect Registration Examination.

In all states, earning a professional degree in architecture is typically the first step to becoming an architect. Most architects earn their professional degree through a 5-year Bachelor of Architecture degree program, intended for students with no previous architectural training. Many earn a masters degree in architecture, which can take 1 to 5 years in addition to the time spent earning a bachelors degree. The amount of time required depends on the extent of the students previous education and training in architecture.

A typical bachelors degree program includes courses in architectural history and theory, building design with an emphasis on computer-aided design and drafting (CADD), structures, construction methods, professional practices, math, physical sciences, and liberal arts. Central to most architectural programs is the design studio, where students apply the skills and concepts learned in the classroom to create drawings and three-dimensional models of their designs.

Currently, 34 states require that architects hold a professional degree in architecture from one of the 123 schools of architecture accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). State licensing requirements can be found at the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). In the states that do not have that requirement, applicants can become licensed with 8 to 13 years of related work experience in addition to a high school diploma. However, most architects in these states still obtain a professional degree in architecture.

All state architectural registration boards require architecture graduates to complete a lengthy paid internshipgenerally 3 years of experiencebefore they may sit for the Architect Registration Examination. Most new graduates complete their training period by working at architectural firms through the Intern Development Program (IDP), a program run by NCARB that guides students through the internship process. Some states allow a portion of the training to occur in the offices of employers in related careers, such as engineers and general contractors. Architecture students who complete internships while still in school can count some of that time toward the 3-year training period.

Interns in architectural firms may help design part of a project. They may help prepare architectural documents and drawings, build models, and prepare construction drawings on CADD. Interns may also research building codes and write specifications for building materials, installation criteria, the quality of finishes, and other related details. Licensed architects will take the documents that interns produce, make edits to them, finalize plans, and then sign and seal the documents.

All states and the District of Columbia require architects to be licensed. Licensing requirements typically include completing a professional degree in architecture, gaining relevant experience through a paid internship, and passing the Architect Registration Examination.

Most states also require some form of continuing education to keep a license, and some additional states are expected to adopt mandatory continuing education. Requirements vary by state but usually involve additional education through workshops, university classes, conferences, self-study courses, or other sources.

A growing number of architects voluntarily seek certification from NCARB. This certification makes it easier to become licensed across states, because it is the primary requirement for reciprocity of licensing among state boards that are NCARB members. In 2014, approximately one-third of all licensed architects had the certification.

After many years of work experience, some architects advance to become architectural and engineering managers. These managers typically coordinate the activities of employees and may work on larger construction projects.

Analytical skills. Architects must understand the content of designs and the context in which they were created. For example, architects must understand the locations of mechanical systems and how those systems affect building operations.

Communication skills. Architects share their ideas, both in oral presentations and in writing, with clients, other architects, and workers who help prepare drawings. Many also give presentations to explain their ideas and designs.

Creativity. Architects design the overall look of houses, buildings, and other structures. Therefore, the final product should be attractive and functional.

Organizational skills. Architects often manage contracts. Therefore, they must keep records related to the details of a project, including total cost, materials used, and progress.

Technical skills. Architects need to use CADD technology to create plans as part of building information modeling (BIM).

Visualization skills. Architects must be able to see how the parts of a structure relate to each other. They also must be able to visualize how the overall building will look once completed.

The median annual wage for architects was $74,520 in May 2014. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $44,940, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $121,910.

Some firms pay tuition and fees toward continuing education requirements for their employees.

Most architects work full time and many work additional hours, especially when facing deadlines. Self-employed architects may have more flexible work hours.

Employment of architects is projected to grow 7 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Architects will be needed to make plans and designs for the construction and renovation of homes, offices, retail stores, and other structures. Many school districts and universities are expected to build new facilities or renovate existing ones. In addition, demand is expected for more healthcare facilities as the baby-boomer population ages and as more individuals use healthcare services. The construction of new retail establishments may also require more architects.

Demand is projected for architects with a knowledge of green design, also called sustainable design. Sustainable design emphasizes the efficient use of resources, such as energy and water conservation; waste and pollution reduction; and environmentally friendly design, specifications, and materials. Rising energy costs and increased concern about the environment have led to many new buildings being built with more sustainable designs.

The use of CADD and, more recently, BIM, has made architects more productive. These technologies have allowed architects to do more work without the help of drafters while making it easier to share the work with engineers, contractors, and clients.

With a high number of students graduating with degrees in architecture, very strong competition for internships and jobs is expected. Competition for jobs will be especially strong at the most prestigious architectural firms. Those with up-to-date technical skillsincluding a strong grasp of CADD and BIMand experience in sustainable design will have an advantage.

Employment of architects is strongly tied to the activity of the construction industry. Therefore, these workers may experience periods of unemployment when there is a slowdown in requests for new projects or when the overall level of construction falls.

SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program

Architects, except landscape and naval

Civil engineers design, build, supervise, operate, and maintain construction projects and systems in the public and private sector, including roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, and systems for water supply and sewage treatment.

Construction managers plan, coordinate, budget, and supervise construction projects from start to finish.

Drafters use software to convert the designs of engineers and architects into technical drawings. Most workers specialize in architectural, civil, electrical, or mechanical drafting and use technical drawings to help design everything from microchips to skyscrapers.

Graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for various applications such as advertisements, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports.

Industrial designers develop the concepts for manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and toys. They combine art, business, and engineering to make products that people use every day. Industrial designers consider the function, aesthetics, production costs, and the usability of products when developing new product concepts.

Interior designers make interior spaces functional, safe, and beautiful by determining space requirements and selecting decorative items, such as colors, lighting, and materials. They read blueprints and must be aware of building codes and inspection regulations, as well as universal accessibility standards.

Landscape architects design parks and the outdoor spaces of campuses, recreational facilities, private homes, and other open areas.

Urban and regional planners develop land use plans and programs that help create communities, accommodate population growth, and revitalize physical facilities in towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.

*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Used by permission.

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Architects: Career, Salary and Education Information ...

The Board licenses individual architects, not firms or corporations. California architect licenses expire on the last day of the licensees birth month in each odd-numbered year and must be renewed every two years.

To obtain information on an individual licensee, the Board has provided an online tool which will allow you to search by name, city, county and/or license number. The information is subject to change as license status is updated. Updates are performed nightly.

Accusations filed and disciplinary decisions that are effective on or after January 1, 2010, are displayed for affected licensees. Please contact the Board for accusations and disciplinary decisions prior to January 1, 2010.

For the most current license information, you may contact the Board or send an email. Please provide the name(s) and any additional information regarding the individual when making your request. A response will be transmitted to you within three to five business days of your inquiry. Please be aware that public information is restricted to license number, name, address of record, license issue and expiration dates, and enforcement and disciplinary actions. Telephone numbers are not provided.

If you would also like to request any available enforcement history information on a licensee or an unlicensed person, please include that request for information in your email.

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License Verification - California Architects Board

Architects

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The Official Architects UK webstore - Kings Road Merch

The Importance of Proper Heating and Air Conditioning Installation

The most important day in the life of your heater and air conditioner is the day it is installed. Proper installation and choosing the right size accounts for almost 75% of the operating efficiency and performance of the system you buy.

According to the ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America) only 28% of homeowners who replaced their heating and air conditioning systems last year noticed an improvement in the performance of their new system. The other 72% felt that the primary reason they were replacing their system was not resolved. The reason is simple: a heating and air conditioning system is not a commodity like a toaster over, washer or dryer. Its efficiency, reliability, performance and safety are directly related to the quality of installation, proper sizing and air distribution. Its important when you spend thousands of your hard earned dollars on a new system that you get the right equipment for your particular needs and a guarantee that the system will perform to your expectations.

Horizon Services heating and air conditioning technicians take personal responsibility for your complete satisfaction.

As part of every installation, Horizon Services heating and air conditioning technicians follow a comprehensive set of procedures to ensure that your system is properly connected and functioning at optimal levels.

You can be confident that the Horizon Services technician who installs your heating and air conditioning system knows his stuff inside and out.

Horizon Services is the only heating and air conditioning company in the tri-state area with its own in-house heating and air conditioning training facility. In our facility, we have 11 pieces of working equipment to keep our technicians up-to-date on the newest technologies and proper installation standards.

All Horizon Services installation and service technicians attend weekly classes, taught by our own N.A.T. E. certified trainer.

Our ongoing training program includes:

Every Horizon Services technician goes through this rigorous training to ensure that your new heating or air conditioning system is installed correctly.

Our friendly and experienced team of Comfort Specialists knows heating and air conditioning systems inside and out. Theyll take the time to study your home, understand your heating and cooling requirements, show you all of your options and assist you with finding the quality home comfort system that best meets your familys needs and budget.

Horizon Services: The only full-service plumbing, heating, air conditioning, drain cleaning and sewer and water line replacement company in Delaware, Southeastern Pennsylvania, South New Jersey, and Northeastern Maryland that guarantees on-time service, up-front pricing and the job done right and clean the first time!

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The Installation Process for Heating and A/C Equipment

Paul Towler with Blair since 1987

Paul Towler has been a Mechanic with Blair Construction for over 27 years.

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Chris Taylor has been a Superintendent with Blair Construction for over a year and brings over 20 years of overall construction experience.

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David Smith has been a Superintendent with Blair Construction for 32 years.

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Jesse Pruitt has been a Superintendent with Blair Construction for 25 years.

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Randy Payne has been a Superintendent with Blair Construction for 20 years.

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Billy Moore has been a Superintendent with Blair Construction for over 32 years.

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Roger Giles has been a Superintendent with Blair Construction for 29 years.

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James Eames has been a Superintendent with Blair Construction for 4 years.

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Heath Creasy has been a Superintendent with Blair Construction for over 8 years.

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Larry Brumfield has been a Superintendent with Blair Construction for over 31 years.

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Eugene Branch has been a Superintendent with Blair Construction for over 17 years.

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Todd Bennett has been a Superintendent with Blair Construction for 14 years.

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Danny Baugh brings over 37 years of experience to the planning side of job-site construction.

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Eddie Atkins has been a Superintendent with Blair Construction for over 16 years.

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Sabrina Sleeper has been an Administrative Assistant with Blair Construction for two years .

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Kimberly Reynolds has been an Administrative Assistant at Blair Construction for 30 years.

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Michael Trent has been an Assistant Project Manager with Blair Construction for almost a year.

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Brandon Simpkins has been a Safety Director with Blair Construction for almost two years.

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Project Manager Randy Scott brings with him 30 years experience in the construction industry

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Beverly Watlington has been in Accounts Payable with Blair Construction for 7 years.

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Ellen Creasy has worked for Blair Construction for over 15 years.

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Pamela Mattox has been an administrative assistant with Blair Construction for 7 years.

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Bobby Adkins has been a Project Manager for Blair Construction for 6 years.

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Jason Richardson has been a Project Manager with Blair Construction for 15 years.

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Brian Nichols has been a Project Manager for Blair Construction for over 3 years.

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Ken BeCraft is the Vice President of Estimation at Blair Construction and has been with the company for 25 years.

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Matthew Doss has been the Chief Financial Officer and Controller for Blair Construction for almost 10 years.

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Timothy Clark is the Vice President of Blair Construction and has been with the company for over 15 years.

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Blair Construction | Celebrating 100 Years of Relationship ...

When searching for efficient siding contractors in Fairfax and Loudoun Counties Virginia, homeowners consistently choose Northern Virginia Roofing. They know they can rely on the quality of our products, the professionalism of our installation, the dependability of our warranties, and the high level of personalized customer service they will receive.

Thats why we have become one of the leading Northern Virginia companies. We offer a choice of fiber cement siding from industry leader James Hardie, or high quality vinyl siding from Alcoa and Mastic. Either way, youll be assured that your home will look its best and be protected from the elements.

Siding has come a long way over the past few years. The choices in materials, colors, and patterns have expanded greatly. Todays modern materials offer excellent energy-efficient characteristics, helping keep your home warm all winter and cool in the summer. As a result, having us wrap your abode in quality siding can actually help you reduce energy costs every month.

One of the big advantages of having us install your siding is our products are easier to maintain. Whether you choose fiber cement or vinyl, theres no scraping or painting necessary, saving you untold hours and thousands of dollars over the life of your home.

Fiber cement siding like the James Hardie products we install were recently rated in a national study as the best home remodeling investment, with the highest rate of return on your remodeling dollar. In addition, vinyl was also in the top ten of smart investments. That should help to make your decision much easier!

If you want to add value and beauty to your home while also reducing maintenance and energy costs, call one of the leading siding contractors in Fairfax, VA to install durable, attractive vinyl or fiber cement siding.

What can Northern Virginia Roofing Company do for you? Call us today at (703) 429-4887 for a FREE, no obligation estimate.

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For over 50 years Better Kitchens has provided kitchen design,kitchen remodelingandbathroom remodelingservices to satisfied clients throughout Chicagoland.

Of allWood-Mode dealers in Chicago, only Better Kitchens can boast of working with the custom cabinet manufacturer for over 50 years. We offer the full range of fully-customWood-Mode cabinetsand semi-customBrookhaven cabinets. Our website features an exclusivevirtual showroomwith over 50 Wood-Mode cabinet designs arranged in collages. These style portfolios with over 500 images will provide inspiration and practicalkitchen ideasfor your new or remodeled kitchen.

Our website also features a complete portfolio ofWood-Mode door stylesandBrookhaven door stylesto help you find the cabinet faces to satisfy your kitchen dreams.

Of course, we do much more than sell cabinets. At our core we arekitchen designerswho work with you to create spaces that look beautiful, perform flawlessly and last a lifetime.

At Better Kitchens we embraceyourkitchen dreams and transform them into an organized, well-equipped, comfortable room that will welcome you in the mornings and entertain with you at night. Phrases such as wont work and cant do it are not in our vocabulary! If you have dreamed about something unique or unusual for your kitchen. Better Kitchens will workwithyou to make it happen.

Please take a moment to explore the many resources we have assembled for someone looking to remodel or design the kitchen of their dreams. And to learn more about Better Kitchens, cabinets or to just gather a bit of information, visit our conveniently locatedkitchen and bath showroom in Niles.

For those who still appreciate the sensual feel of a beautiful kitchen brochure, we offer a free, full-color, 80-page Wood-Mode or Brookhaven product guide. Simply visit us at the showroom and well be glad to shake you hand and hand you the free book!

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Kitchen Remodeling & Kitchen Design | Better Kitchens Chicago

Kitchen Remodel Permit Requirements The on-line permit is available for properties in Sunnyvale with a residential zoning district. Zoning district information is available on-line by clicking on E-Zoning.

If a permit is not available on-line, the permit can be obtained at the One-Stop Permit Center, City Hall, 456 W. Olive Avenue between the hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.

A permit is required for kitchen remodels that include the replacement of kitchen cabinets. A permit is not required for kitchen countertop replacement or re-facing of existing cabinets. If a permit is required, it shall be obtained prior to the start of the remodel.

Following is a listing of the general requirements based on the 2013 California Building Code, 2013 California Residential Code, 2013 California Electrical Code, 2013 California Energy Efficiency Standards, and the California Civil Code. Contact the Building Safety Division for any questions or additional information, including requirements for new/altered plumbing (water, sewer, or gas lines) or mechanical (exhaust hood).

Electrical Requirements

Countertop receptacles shall meet all of the following requirements: (CEC 210.8, 210.52, 406.11)

Smoke alarms shall be installed on the ceiling or wall (between 4 and 12 of the ceiling) in all sleeping rooms, each area/hallway adjacent to sleeping rooms, each story of the building, and in any basement. Smoke alarms shall be replaced 10 years after the date of manufacture listed on the alarm (if no date is listed the alarm shall be replaced). Newly installed smoke alarms shall have a 10-year battery. Carbon monoxide alarms shall be installed on the ceiling or wall (above the door header) in each area/hallway adjacent to sleeping rooms, each story of the building, and any basement. Carbon monoxide alarms are not required if there is no fuel-burning appliances and where the garage is detached from the house.

The Kitchen Permit is NOT available on-line if you are:

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Kitchen Remodel Requirements - California

Carpet Tiles

90% of second hand commercial carpet is wool. It is designed for hundreds of people a day to walk on and therefore is tough, durable and long lasting (even though it's used). For the past twenty years, McMats Carpets has installed second hand commercial carpet in thousands of houses and ...

90% of second hand commercial carpet is wool. It is designed for hundreds of people a day to walk on and therefore is tough, durable and long lasting (even though it's used). For the past twenty years, McMats Carpets has installed second hand commercial carpet in thousands of houses and ...

We have approx. 8km of new carpet available. This includes: Solution Dyed Nylon Heavy Duty Domestic Wool Carpet (smaller range) This carpet comes in a range of textures, colours and patterns. ...

Solid Vinyl Tiles New vinyl tiles 30cm x 30cm x 2mm and 3mm thick now in stock! Various colours, grey, terracotta, beige, black, green. Watch our quick video on Vinyl tiles Also see a video of a happy customer buying vinyl tiles for their caravan. Vinyl Rolls We have a large range of ...

90% of second hand commercial carpet is wool. It is designed for hundreds of people a day to walk on and therefore is tough, durable and long lasting (even though it's used). For the past twenty years, McMats Carpets has installed second hand commercial carpet in thousands of houses and ...

At McMats we stock a variety of products for car enthusiasts from trims, through to floor carpet, to mats for vans. Car Carpet Rolls Brand new Australian made Classic Car interior. Available in a large range of colours to suit most makes and models of cars and vans. Carpet for use in car boot ...

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McMats Recycled & New Commercial Carpets & Carpet Tiles