Expert Advice For All Your Tile & Grout Needs
It is highly recommended to remove your old and damaged grout before applying new grout. So, you are noticing that your grout seems to be separating, cracking, or crumbling? Often, when we look at what appear to be small issues with our home finishes, we jump to the Internet to search for repair solutions. Though, […]
The Grout Medic will assist you in getting your white or grey grout looking new again. Discolored grout has numerous causes. Let’s talk about the color of your grout. Not the color it’s supposed to be, but the color it has become over time. If you have tiled surfaces in your home, you might have […]
The Grout Medic can fully revitalize your tile’s appearance at just a fraction of the cost of replacing your tile. Are you looking at broken or damaged tiles or grout in your shower, or on your floors or backsplash? If you have damage, you might be considering a larger home improvement project than is necessary […]
For the ultimate in tile and grout cleaning, call The Grout Medic. We will fully revitalize your tile and grout’s appearance. Whether you are getting into spring cleaning mode, or simply planning your weekly cleaning tasks, you might find yourself looking for the best ways to clean your tiled surfaces. Showers and busy kitchens with […]
The Grout Medic specializes in cleaning and repairing aging and damaged tile. Call today for a free estimate. Many homes and businesses have tiled surfaces, whether in private kitchens and baths, or public areas, where foot traffic constantly treads upon tiled floors. What many home and business owners do not realize, is that tiled areas […]
Tile grout color seal staining can revitalize and renew your tiled surface’s appearance. Furthermore, it will assist in protecting your grout for years to come. You might never have considered grout color staining, or even realized that you can color seal stain grout at all. One advantage of grout color staining/sealing is that your tile […]
Tile surfaces are prone to a lot of wear-and-tear. From heavy foot traffic to harsh cleaning products to excessive scrubbing, it’s no wonder tile floors, bathrooms, and countertops can start to look a little shabby over the years. If you’d like to improve the appearance of a less-than-attractive tiled surface, it’s time to call The […]
If you’re considering cleaning your home’s tile and grout, there are a few things you should know before you do so. You’ll need to know how to properly clean the existing dust, dirt, and grime from your tiled area’s surface, while also knowing which cleaning products you can and cannot use. While cleaning your tiled […]
It’s no surprise that the proper cleaning and maintenance of just about anything can prolong its usefulness and life — and tile and grout are no exceptions. The tiled surfaces in our homes and offices likely represent a considerable investment, so why not take care of them? One of the easiest ways to do that […]
Very often the tiled surfaces in our homes or offices begin to look tired and worn not because they’re damaged or dirty, but because the grout surrounding the tiles is discolored, loose, or missing altogether. If that’s the case for large areas of a tiled surface, the net effect can be an unattractive appearance of […]
At The Grout Medic, we’re proud to be a one-stop resource for home and business owners who are looking for a complete suite of tile restoration services. Whether you want to replace broken tile, clean and seal existing grout, or repair a water-damaged area of your tiled surface, we are experts at handling every aspect […]
You’ve gone to the trouble of tiling certain areas of your home and you love the way they look. Your shower stall is sleek and attractive; your kitchen floor is stylish and hardworking. You’ve spent good money on their installation, so don’t just ignore their care. Tile and grout maintenance is a very important part […]
Most of us like to think we know what we’re doing when it comes to taking care of our homes — and most of us do, most of the time. But some home projects and improvements are best left to the professionals, and this is especially true when you’re dealing with tiled surfaces. Tile and […]
You might think that your older tiled surfaces, whether they be in your bathroom, kitchen, or elsewhere, are destined to be replaced due to their lackluster appearance. But while it’s true that many of those surfaces will at some point probably need to be replaced, why incur that cost before it’s absolutely necessary, especially if […]
At Grout Medic, we’re proud to offer a suite of services that can address almost any problem you might have with your tiled surfaces — and tile replacement is just the beginning. Whether you’re looking to revive the look of your tile, change out the color of your grout, or seal it to protect against […]
These days, more and more people are paying attention to the environment, and that attention doesn’t stop with the outdoors. A lot of people are choosing to utilize green cleaning techniques in their homes or businesses because they don’t want to expose their families, pets, or coworkers to the harmful effects of chemicals, abrasives, or […]
Sometimes, as much as we might love our homes, their rooms begin to look old and tired. They’re no longer places in which we really want to spend our time. Older kitchens, more than any other room, often elicit these feelings. They endure a lot of use and abuse, and cooking can leave behind grease, […]
If the idea of stepping into your shower is unappealing because the tile that surrounds it looks old and ugly, we have some good news for you: sometimes it’s not the tile that’s the problem, but the caulking. Recaulking your shower can give its tiled surfaces new life and make you feel good about using […]
These days, people are busier than ever, which is why at The Grout Medic, we’re proud to offer a suite of services that meet a variety of needs, all under one roof. In fact, when it comes to anything having to do with tile and grout, we like to think we’re the tile cleaning company […]
Did you know that the average American homeowner stays in his or her home for just over 13 years before they decide to sell? Thirteen years is a long time for things to go wrong in a home, especially if you haven’t kept up with maintenance. If you’re an owner who is getting ready to […]
As with just about anything, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that’s certainly true when it comes to home maintenance. Putting off any kind of attention to your home, inside or out, is just asking for trouble in the way of potential damage and costly repairs. That’s why it’s a […]
For most of us, our single greatest investment is the one we’ve made in our home — and that investment represents more than just money; our homes are where we go to feel safe and secure, and surrounded by what matters most to us. So when it’s time to invest in professional tile and grout […]
With spring and summer in the air, now might be the time to schedule those tile and grout cleaning projects you’ve been wanting to get done, especially if you’re thinking about selling your home in the near future. The Grout Medic knows just how much value you can add to a home by maintaining and […]
Are you looking around your kitchen or bath, your entryway or mudroom, and not liking what you see? Is that because the tiled surfaces in those areas appear as though they’ve enjoyed better days? At Grout Medic, we specialize in making older tiled surfaces look like new through our suite of tile and grout cleaning […]
Your bathroom regularly needs maintenance if you expect to keep it up to snuff, though it can be difficult to know exactly what to do. Bacteria and dirt can quickly build up on the tiles and grout, leaving some pretty unsightly stains. Keeping up with grout and tile cleaning can be difficult, especially if you’re […]
We pride ourselves on offering a wide range of services to clients to help them keep their homes looking sparkling new. Caulking, water damage repair, and tile regrouting services are just a small sampling of what we offer. If your tiles are looking dingy or in need of repair, it’s probably time for the experts […]
While you might prefer to handle issues around the house by yourself, without incurring the expense of hiring someone, it’s always best to let the experts take a look. Here’s why you should trust the pros at Grout Medic for your tile and grout cleaning services. At Grout Medic, we pride ourselves on being […]
Whether it’s a leaky pipe somewhere that worsens gradually, or takes the form of a catastrophic flood, water damage is one of the major causes of property loss, and can also be extremely hazardous to your health. Most water damage occurs silently, which makes it all the more devastating. By the time you’ve noticed that […]
Homeowners with dirty and damaged tile surfaces often mistakenly believe that tile replacement is the only way to restore their home to its former glory. In addition to tile replacement, The Grout Medic offers a wide range of services to improve the appearance of tile and grout. You’ll be amazed at the number of services […]
The Grout Medic offers a number of services to our clients to help them beautify their grout and tile surfaces. Caulking, water damage repair, and tile regrouting services are just a small sampling of what we offer. If your tile surfaces are looking dingy or are in need of repair, consider some TLC from The […]
If mildew is a familiar household nuisance and you’re tired of tackling it alone, it’s time for The Grout Medic to step in! Our tile cleaning service can help you restore luster to your tile surfaces and keep them sparkling for years to come. At The Grout Medic, we have years of experience cleaning, repairing, […]
If you’re a homeowner, chances are you have tile in at least one area of your home. When tiles are damaged, many homeowners assume that they need to replace their entire surface, not realizing that tile repair is a great option. The Grout Medic specializes in all things tile-related, and expert repair is just one […]
Mold is just about everywhere – it’s been on earth for millions of years! However, having mold or mildew growing under the tile in your home can lead to a number of health problems. That’s why timely water damage repair is important if your home has recently experienced leaks or flooding. Whether you’re looking to […]
Grout Medic is a one-stop shop for tile and grout maintenance. Whether your surfaces need to be cleaned, repaired, or replaced, our experts have the skills and equipment to get the job done quickly and to your satisfaction. We offer a number of services to beautify your kitchen, bathroom, and any other tile or grout […]
Tile surfaces are common in many homes, leading to a need for professional tile and grout cleaning services. Both beautiful and functional, unique tile designs bring life to any room. However, these surfaces can grow dingy and dirty, leading to an overall diminished appearance in your home over time. If you’re a homeowner with tile […]
Your bathroom takes a lot of use over the years. Like all of us, it needs a bit of tender love and care from time to time. Of course, you clean it regularly, but bacteria and dirt builds-up on the tiles and grout, leaving some very unsightly stains. How do you keep on top of […]
People like to ask us questions about grout cleaning. It’s what we’re here for and at the Grout Medic we like to have the answers too. Some questions may have obvious answers such as ‘My grout is black does it need cleaning?’ Others can be a little a bit tricky, but with our experience and […]
Have you just moved into a lovely new home? One with a shiny bathroom, clean tiles, and pristine white grout? Or you may be one of those who have invested in grout cleaning, getting the years of bacteria and grime out of that porous substance between the tiles. Either way, you want to keep it that […]
Dirty Old Grout The most common home remodeling of the last few years is bathroom related, with 81% of people undertaking a project there. Bringing grout and tiles back to life must be on any remodel task list. Dirty grout will catch your eye every time you walk into the bathroom or get in the […]
The tiles in the bathroom need some work. You can see the cracks, feel the loose ones under your feet and maybe a couple is missing. It can happen over time and even dirty, stained tiles ruin the look of a nice bathroom. Industry stats show that 53% of us undertook a home improvement project […]
Why Home Repair? Home repair has many benefits to homeowners. Some of these benefits are obvious, while others are less obvious. Having the right home improvement professional work on your home makes all the difference, and could make home repair a worthwhile undertaking. The Grout Medic serves customers in states all across the country, from […]
Factors to Keep in Mind When Preparing a Home for Sale Selling a home can be a long, arduous process. Before inviting prospective buyers over to have a look, homeowners must make sure their bases are covered in the home improvement department. While some cleaning and repair jobs around the house can be done without […]
Here’s How to Maximize Your Home Improvement Budget When renovating your home on a budget, it can be difficult to make decisions on how to spend your money — that is, which areas you should save or splurge on. Often it is much cheaper and more budget-friendly to restore or re-grout the current grout in […]
Tile Floors Vs. Hardwood Floors: Which Is the Better Choice? If you are building or remodeling a house, this question has probably crossed your mind: “Should I install tile floors, or hardwood floors?” There are upsides and downsides to both types, and many factors should be considered when determining the right floor material for you. […]
4 of the Most Common Regrouting Mistakes Regrouting is an essential part of maintaining an attractive tile surface, especially in places such as showers, where there is a higher potential for grout to become discolored. Some people simply paint over discolored grout to correct the color. However, if the grout is deteriorated and no longer […]
When Is the Best Time to Complete Home Repairs? Many people choose to undertake home repair projects during the spring, when the weather is starting to turn warm. However, the fall and winter are a good time for indoor projects like bathroom or kitchen remodeling and restoration. Many builders use the Christmas & Thanksgiving holidays […]
If you’ve avoided scrubbing the dirt and grime out of your grout, you are probably looking for the quickest and cheapest way to make it sparkle. Like many homeowners, you’ll turn to YouTube videos for DIY cleaning tools and techniques. Don’t be fooled, though: Just because it looks like it works, doesn’t mean it’s good […]
Pet ownership comes with a host of responsibilities — walks, vet visits and behavioral training, to name a few. However, caring for your cat or dog also includes preventing damage to your home and your possessions caused by your pet. Our floors take the bulk of the abuse, from scratches from long claws to stains […]
More homeowners nowadays employ a person or a service to clean their living spaces. As a home services company, we at The Grout Medic have the utmost respect for the men and women in our homes cleaning backsplashes, scrubbing shower tiles and mopping floors. However, while those professionals have their specialties, so do the technicians […]
When approaching any home project, your first move should be to take a step back, analyze the situation and decide on your best approach. If you’re looking at cracked tile, filthy or crumbling grout, or bare spots on your tiled floor or backsplash, it’s time to do something. The question is: How do you figure […]
Homeowners in most of the country don’t really know what it’s like to live in a consistently hot climate. People living in states such as California, Arizona and Texas must consider the elevated temperatures their home endures and make plans to protect it accordingly. This goes for grout, too. If you’re facing tile grouting or […]
If you’ve been cleaning grout recently and noticed that your grout — the material holding your floor or shower tiles in place — is crumbling or cracking, you’re probably wondering why. At The Grout Medic, we specialize in grout care, cleaning and replacement, and over the years we have seen many different causes of cracking […]
Thinking of taking on the task of cleaning or installing grout on your own to save a little money? Think again. Taking on a grout project by yourself won’t save you any time or stress, and in fact, you might find that a poorly executed DIY project winds up costing you more in the long […]
The summer season is a great time to complete home repairs, when the weather is warm, the windows are open and we’re motivated to scrub things down and fix things up. With all that sunlight streaming through the window, you may have noticed the tile and grout on your floors and backsplashes are a tad […]
Over time, grout can become dingy, smelly, dirty and discolored. It can also become too much to clean on your own. A buildup of grime and dirt on the grout in your kitchen and bathroom can be an unsightly and even unhealthy problem to deal with. If your tile or grout is cracked, or you […]
Although most of us don’t think about it, grout plays an important role in our daily lives. Grout is the material placed between tiles on the floor, in a shower or a kitchen backsplash, or anywhere else tile is installed. Grout is instrumental in holding the tiles that make up our homes in their proper […]
If you live in the Midwest, you know a thing or two about hard water. It is defined by its high concentration of calcium and lime content, and when hard water evaporates, it leaves behind a layer of residue that can be incredibly difficult to clean. When this residue is left to build up in […]
The Grout Medic’s mission is re-creating the beauty of home – but we always have the health and safety of you and your family in mind. We want to ensure that our customers’ tile and grout areas – floors, walls and backsplashes – contribute to and augment the overall attractiveness of rooms and living spaces. […]
Maintaining clean, fresh-looking, and hygienic shower and tub areas can greatly enhance the beauty, comfort, and value of your home. The grout cleaning and tile and grout repair experts at The Grout Medic are often asked how to keep shower grout clean and healthy – free of potentially harmful fungus and microbes – and sparkling […]
Tile floors – ceramic, vinyl, or stone – can be a wonderful enhancement to any home. Hard floor tiling is durable, versatile, and can help transform ordinary spaces into beautiful and inspiring rooms. Tile Floor Grout Cleaning In order to fully benefit from the beauty of floor tiling, proper care of tile grout is essential. […]
In preparing your home for sale, it’s important to know which repairs and upgrades are truly worth the cost. Fixing tile and grout to sell your home is a relatively inexpensive undertaking that can yield dazzling results, helping you sell your home faster and for the best possible price. Buyers tend to appreciate high quality […]
If you’ve decided to tile a surface in your home, you’ve probably spent a lot of time considering which tiles and tile sequencing would look best. But what about the accompanying grout? Don’t wait until you’re nearing the end stages of your tiling project to choose a grout! Grout isn’t just the trusty glue that […]
Showers are one of the most common areas where home owners elect to install wall tiles. Shower tiles are a great way to enhance your bathroom’s décor – there are endless creative possibilities – and protect the shower wall surface from the damaging effects of continual moisture and heat. There are a lot of choices […]
Many American homes have a mudroom, usually located just inside a secondary entryway such as the kitchen or garage door. The mudroom is essentially an outdoor-to-indoor transition area designed to keep dirt, mud and debris from finding their way into the rest of your home. It’s a practical space where you can shed your shoes […]
Water damage is serious business, folks. Whether it starts with an undetected leaky pipe somewhere and worsens gradually over time, or occurs suddenly, as with a catastrophic flood, water damage is a major cause of property loss, and can also be hazardous to your health. Most water damage occurs in stealth mode, which makes it […]
Your tile and grout are important aspects in your home. Grout goes along with tile installation and there are many benefits to having clean tile and grout, one of the major ones being that it will save you money. How can keeping your tile and grout clean save you money? When you install grout and […]
At The Grout Medic, we are experts at refurbishing, replacing, and fixing grout and tile in a variety of applications including floors, tubs, showers, counters, outside surfaces, counters and more. We offer tile and grout services for floors, including cleaning and sealing, staining, and replacement of cracked grout and tiles. As a society, we are […]
Keeping your tile and grout as-good-as-new is no easy feat. By employing the help of professional grout cleaning services you can keep your grout looking new and prevent mold, mildew and staining from occurring. When grout is cracked, missing, mildewed, stained, or crumbling,regrouting services may be the best option to restore the look and minimize […]
Tile adds a level of functionality and design that most other products cannot deliver. Tiles are durable, attractive and can vastly improve the look of your home. The look and feel of new tiles is exhilarating; however, that feeling quickly fades as tiles become chipped, cracked, dirty and dingy. Occasional scrubbing may keep it tolerable […]
Even with regular upkeep, grout may become dirty or discolored over time. These stains are not only difficult to remove, but they may also pose serious health conditions as mold, mildew and bacteria begin to grow. Grout Upkeep For more effective results and a drastic reduction in wear patterns, grout sealant may help to prolong […]
The Grout Medic to be featured on the pre-holiday ChicagoRadioDeals.com Radio Mall on WIND AM 560 and WYLL AM 1160 Ron Bandyk- Grout Cleaning in ChicagoCHICAGO, ILLINOIS—After becoming one of the top selling services on ChicagoRadioDeals.com, Ron Bandyk, owner of the Grout Medic of West/Southwest Chicagoland, was asked to join Paula Peterson and Darren Marlar […]
The Angie’s List Super Service Award honors excellence among service providers who maintain superior service ratings and reviews on Angie’s List throughout the year. Congratulations to the following Grout Medic locations that won this award for 2013: In no particular order they are: We take pride in offering exceptional tile and grout cleaning services- contact […]
NAPERVILLE, ILLINOIS—Earlier this month, Ron Bandyk, owner of the Grout Medic of West/Southwest Chicagoland, was one of 20 participants on a weeklong trip to Clarksdale, MS to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. For the fourth year running, Ron and his sons made the 600 mile trip down to Clarksdale, MS into the heart of the […]
Grout Sealing – Your Protection Against DamageM Grout Sealing Tips Because it is naturally porous, grout that has not been sealed properly will attract all kinds of stains. In the kitchen, you may end up with coffee, wine, or food stains, while bathroom walls or flooring can easily be marred by mildew and mold stains. […]
If you have had any tile surface recently regrouted, repaired, cleaned, or newly installed, this is the perfect time to think about grout sealing. It’s one more step that you may not want to deal with at this point, but it can make such a difference over the long run. Here are some of the top benefits […]
If you want to get the most out of your grout, you always need to select the right product for the right job. At The Grout Medic, we specialize in helping customers choose the ideal product that will give them the best results. There are two basic types of grout to choose from. There is […]
How to Repair Concrete Grout The grout that sits between concrete slabs or bricks in some patios, pathways, basements, and garages is made as strong as cement. It has the strength to hold your brick and concrete walkways together for years. However, due to cracks that form over time, eventually repairs will be required. Not […]
A lot of people have tile installed in their homes because it’s practical and offers a wide array of styles and colors. Sometimes, the variety of textures, styles and patterns can be overwhelming for homeowners to choose between. Design professionals can be consulted with to help you determine which tile and design scheme to go […]
Did you know that the creation and use of ceramics dates back more than 4,000 years ago, during the Ancient Egyptian era of 4,700 BCE? You may also find it interesting that the word ceramic comes from keramos, a Greek word for pottery. The word tile derived from tegula in Latin and tuile in French. […]
You’ll hear porcelain and ceramic being used interchangeably, but if you ask a flooring expert, they’ll be able to give you a more nuanced explanation of the two options. With a bit of research, you’ll find that these two types of flooring have more in common than you may think. Ceramic and porcelain tile are […]
Discolored grout — it can turn your once beautiful tile floors into an embarrassing site. When you first had your tile laid down, it looked sparkling and gorgeous. But, as time went on, the grout became darker or lost its vibrancy. This process happens to everyone with tile surfaces. So why does grout become discolored […]
Are you planning on laying tile on your concrete basement floors? You’ll find that this is a great way to spruce up your basement and increase the lifespan of your concrete floors. To add tile to your basement, you’ll need to follow several steps. 1. Check for damages to your basement floor. You want to […]
Keeping your floors looking amazing isn’t the only thing you have to worry about. Odors emanating from your grout and tile surfaces can be another embarrassing problem to have. Unfortunately for some homeowners, unwanted odors are an issue that they have to deal with on a regular basis. Those who have pets and large families […]
Sometimes grout becomes a bit dingy and needs to be renewed. Color sealing is the practice of “painting” grout to give it a fresh look and protect it from future wear and tear. Whatever your reason for considering color sealing, it’s always advised that you hire a professional. Here are a few sealing facts that […]
Water damage places a double whammy on your property and your wallet. Not only are you dealing with property destruction, but you also potentially have to contend with the dangers of mold and mildew growth. If you are dealing with a catastrophe stemming from a burst pipe, a leak, a spill, or any other cause, […]
You’ve decided the time has come for a flooring update. The color of your grout has faded, it has developed cracks, or maybe you’re just tired of the same old look. But instead of investing in professional regrouting services, you’re considering tackling the project by yourself. Before doing so, you should think twice. In order […]
Before you put your house on the market, it is crucial to clean the tile and grout surfaces that will catch the eye of prospective buyers. Completing this one simple task will give you an edge over many other available properties. The fact is that too many home sellers overlook the importance that buyers place […]
When your grout becomes dirty and unsightly, there are safe ways to achieve a deep clean. At The Grout Medic, we use vapor technology equipment that has become increasingly popular with residential and commercial property owners looking for eco-friendly solutions. Not only is vapor steam cleaning an environmentally-friendly option, but it’s also one of the […]
Are you wondering what it takes to properly clean grout without harming tile surfaces? Whether you’re trying to do it yourself or hire a grout professional to do it for you, these grout cleaning FAQs will help give you a general idea of the best techniques and methods. Should I Use a Machine or Hand […]
Time and wear and tear are going to eventually start to prevail over your tile’s durability, leaving behind dirty and sometimes damaged surfaces. If you’re wondering whether you need professional tile repair for your home, here are some ways to look at it. Hiring a Tile Repair Technician is Beneficial Since a tile repair professional […]
Whether you just purchased a home with damaged fireplace tile or your own surfaces have started to show signs of age, you are ready for a restoration project. The most common damage homeowners experience with fireplace tile includes cracks, missing tiles, improperly painted tiles, gouged tiles and efflorescence. A lot of homeowners dealing with these […]
In order to sell your home for the right price and within your ideal timeframe, you need to make sure that it is in excellent condition from top to bottom. This means cleaning up some key areas of your property and boosting its appeal to picky buyers. Too many sellers only focus on exterior curb […]
With the proper maintenance, your beautiful ceramic tile countertops should last for years and years. You already spent the money for quality materials and installation, so don’t ruin things by repeating the mistakes that homeowners often make. Because of its grouted joints, ceramic tile is a relatively high maintenance type of countertop. You have to […]
Whether you use your basement as an extra bedroom, an entertainment space or simply for storage, you would be wise to take precautions to guard against water damage. Basements are especially vulnerable to flooding and leaks and the growth of mold that often follows these events, yet many homeowners unwisely install wall-to-wall carpet when they […]
Following the wrong tile and grout cleaning advice could end up costing you an arm and a leg. You may always want the best for your tile surfaces, but it’s sometimes easy to buy into common tile and grout cleaning misconceptions that damage floors, countertops and walls. If your goal is to keep your tile […]
It is very important to clean tile floors, countertops and walls on a regular basis. Doing so will improve the way these surfaces look from day-to-day, but it will also maximize lifespan. That’s a key part of making sure that you are getting good return on your investment in tile surfaces. Maintenance is the key. […]
Stained and dirty flooring can single handedly bring down the décor of an entire home. If you’re dealing with this issue in your property, you need to know that there is an easy solution. A professional tile and grout cleaning is the answer you’re looking for. Expert cleaning actually can save you big money compared […]
When you walk into your home, do you smell a funk that doesn’t seem to go away? If you have tile and grout, this could be culprit! Like carpets, tile floors can lock in smells from shoes, feet, spilled food and drinks and even water that gets trapped during mopping. You’d be surprised to learn […]
Summer is here and it’s time to get your home back in top shape. The weather is hot outside, but it’ll start feeling great indoors as soon as you finish up those projects that have been nagging you since last fall. A lot of homeowners are taking the initiative to start and complete an improvement […]
