Resources

Resources

GOVERNMENTAL PERMIT ALLOCATION RESOURCES HURRICANE RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION GREEN CONSTRUCTION
ICF FORMS WINDOWS and SHUTTERS DOORS and GARAGE DOORS ROOFING
INTERIORS EXTERIORS DESIGN IDEAS METAL DECKS and FORMS
LANDSCAPING CONTRACTOR ASSOCIATIONS MOORISH DESIGN MEXICAN and MEDITERRANEAN DESIGN
TREASURE HUNTING PUBLICATIONS CONSTRUCTION LOAN INFORMATION

FISHING and BOATING


Governmental Permit Allocation Resources

Monroe County ROGO Regulations
City of Marathon, Florida (BPAS) Building Permit Allocation System
City of Marathon, FL. Florida Application for (BPAS) Building Permit Allocation System
City of Marathon, FL. Residential Stormwater Retention Calculation Sheet
City of Marathon, FL. Sewer Lateral Connection Standards

ICF FORMS Walls, Floors and Roofs

Products

Insul-Deck Guide
Insul-Deck Insulated Concrete Floors
Insul-Deck Insulated Concrete Roofs
Quad-Lock Insulated Concrete Forms for Floors and Roofs
Quad-Lock Insulating Concrete Forms for Floors, Roofs and Tilt-up
Quad-Lock Resilient Building Construction ICFs
Liteform ICF Forms for Walls, Floors, Roofs and Decks
Liteform LiteDeck SRS Specifications
BuildBlock BuildDeck Wall, Floor and Roof Decking
BuildBlock ICF Wall Blocks
Amvicsystem Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) and Rigid Foam Insulation (EPS) products
NUDURA ICFs
Logix ICF Forms
Hobbs (ICF) Building Systems
TFSystem ICF and Plastic Form Construction
TFSystem Brochure
ENERFOAM Professional Foam Sealant
V-Buck by BuildBlock
Gorilla Window Buck

Blogs and Articles

Explore Overhang Cantilever, Slab Overhang
Hidden Costs of ICF Concrete Forms
Which ICF Blocks are the Best?
ICF Report from Ready Mix Concrete Association
Concrete Homes Magazine
Concrete Construction Newsletter
Journal of Light Construction – Archives
Insulating Concrete Form Product Comparison
BuildBlock ICF – Video
Installing Electrical Wiring for INTEGRASPEC ICF Walls – Video 7 parts
EPS Industry Alliance – Insulated Concrete Forms
Insulating Concrete Forms Manufacturers Association
Insulating Concrete Forms
Product Review: Insulated Concrete Forms
20 Advantages to an ICF Building – Video
Window Bucks

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METAL DECKS and FORMS

Products

Hambro Composite Floor System Steel Flooring
Versa-Dek Metal Composite LS Flooring
Versa-Dek Metal Floor Decking
Versa-Dek Decking Systems
Aluminum Forming System
Speedfloor Metal Floor Decking
Western Forms Aluminum Wall Forms
Wall Ties and Forms Aluminum Wall Forms
Dayton Superior Steel Wall Forms
Precise Forms Aluminum Wall Forms
Metal Stud Framing
Galvanized Steel Grades
Marine Grade Metals

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HURRICANE RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION

Blogs and Articles

Hurricane Resistant Concrete Homes
Hurricane Resistance Testing
Tornado Resistant Houses – Article
A Hurricane-Proof Concrete House – Article
Flood and Hurricane Resistant Buildings – Article
Reinforced Masonry Pier Construction – FEMA Article
Missile Resistance at Concrete Wall
Hurricane Windows Testing National Certified Testing Laboratories
Disaster Safe Homes
Stilt Homes
Is It Even Possible To Design Buildings That Can Withstand 250 MPH Typhoon Winds?
A Floating House to Resist the Floods of Climate Change

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CONTRACTOR ASSOCIATIONS

Monroe County Contractors
Houzz Florida Keys Contractors
Builders Association of South Florida
Florida Keys Contractor’s Association

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WINDOWS and SHUTTERS

PGT Hurricane Windows and Doors
SIW Windows
Anderson Coastal Storm Windows
Anderson Windows Coastal Series Doors and Windows
Weathershield Coastal Series Windows
Marvin Windows Stormplus Windows and Doors
Pella Windows
Zola Windows
Maxguard Hurricane Windows
Solar Innovations Windows
Nana Wall – Folding Glass Walls
LaCantina Doors – Folding Glass Walls

Accessories

Blinds
Hunter Douglass Window Treatments
Retractable Screens for Windows and Doors
Talius Screens
Hurricane Fabric
New Horizon Shutters
Hurricane Shutters Florida
Shutter-Tech
TC Aluminum Hurricane Shutters
ENERFOAM Professional Foam Sealant
Fluid Applied Tyvek

Blogs and Articles

The Insulated Window Glass Conundrum
Weather Shield Windows – Article
ZNC Windows – Article
Hurrican Resistant Shutters
Commercial Hurricane Resistant Windows
Missile Resistance at Concrete Wall – Article
NOAA Hurricane Shutters
Popular Hurricane Shutter Types and Costs
Cost to Install Hurricane Shutters
Don’t be Fooled by Hurricane Impact Window Advertisements
Hurricane Resistant Windows: Cost and Advantages
Are Low-E Windows Suitable for All Climates? Enhanced Energy Efficiency
CGI Windows and Doors, Inc.
PGT How to Install Impact-Resistant Windows
A Foolproof Install Method for Recessed Windows
Installing Impact Zone Windows
Specifying Windows in High Wind Zones
FEMA – Windows, Doors, and
Opening Protection

FEMA – Protection of Openings – Shutters and Glazing
Selecting Exterior Caulk

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DOORS and GARAGE DOORS

Products

Fiberglass Doors
Plastpro Fiberglass Doors
Corbin-Russwin Multi-point Locks
Multi-point Locking System
HMI Doors Multi-point Lock
Eastern Architectural Doors and Windows
Baldwin Door Handles
Baldwin Hardware
ChicagOne Roll Up Security Shutters
Eurogrille Roll Up Security Shutters
Commercial Grade Roll Up Security Shutters
United Steel Roll Up Security Shutters
Overhead Door Roll Up Security Shutters
Retractable Screens for Windows and Doors
Expanded StormPro Shutter
StormPro Window Shutter System
CECO Door Tornado Resistant Products
Impact Rated Doors
Multi-point Lock
Wood Louver Doors
Wood Louver Doors
Plantation Wood Louver Doors

Blogs and Articles

Paradise Exteriors – Impact Windows and Doors
Common Issues with Hurricane Resistant Impact Sliding Glass Doors
Sheet Metal Pan for Exterior Doors
Tutorial – Hurricane Resistant Garage Doors
Hurricane Rated Garage Doors
Door Frame Schedule Presentation
Installing Exterior Doors in HVHZ Zones
Multi-point Locks

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ROOFING

Products

Concrete Additives
Metal Roofing
Norlite Structural Lightweight Concrete Water-Cement Ratio
Portland Pozzolana Cement
Light Weight Concrete
Siplast Lightweight Insulating Concrete Systems
Superior Metal Trusses
Florida Quality Truss
Concrecel Pouring Lightweight Insulated Concrete Roof Decks for South Florida
Flexroofingsystems
GAF Liquid Applied Coatings and Membranes
Firestone RubberGard EPDM Roofing Systems
GAF Hydrostop
Cemflex Flexible, Textured Finish for Walls and Decks
Fluid Applied Roof Systems for Concrete Roofs
Liquid Roofing & Waterproofing – Warm Roof Insulated System
Sealoflex Cold Applied Liquid Roofing & Waterproofing Systems
Sealoflex Water-Based Waterproofing System
Duradeck Roof Underlayment for Roof Decks

Blogs and Articles

Designing a Lightweight Structural Concrete Mix
Standing Seam Metal Roofing
Lightweight Concrete Mix
Monroe County May Require Metal Roofs
What You Should Know About Your Cement Roof Deck?
Fly Ash for Concrete Mixes
Optimizing the Use of Fly Ash in Lightweight Concrete
User Guidelines for Waste and Byproduct Materials in Pavement Construction
What are Class F Fly Ash and Class C Fly Ash?
Specifying Fly Ash for Use in Concrete
Solar Panel Roof Tiles – Article
Timber of Steel Roof Trusses
Steel Roof Trusses
Advantages and Disadvantages of Metal Roof Truss Structures
What are the Most Common Problems with Wood Roof Trusses
Advanced Technology in Building Design using Wood Roof Trusses
Learn About Standing Seam Metal Roof
How to Choose the Best Elastomeric Roof Coating
Roof Coating Comparrison Chart
Choose the Best Elastomeric Roof Coating
How to Choose the Best Elastomeric Roof Coating
Adhesion is Important when Applying an Elastomeric Roof Coating System
Sealoflex Install, and Tips and Tricks (post #105141)

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CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION

Products

Autoclave Concrete Lintels, etc.
Castcrete Precast Concrete Products
Quality Precast Company
Lott’s Concrete Products
Galvanized Rebar
Tuf-bar Composite Rebar
Epoxy Coated Rebar
Waterproofing of Roofs with Strong Cement Mortar Adhesive
Fibers to Reduce Cracks in Concrete
Pumice (Lightweight) Concrete
Pozzolans for Lightweight Concrete
Chemical Additives to Concrete
Lightweight Concrete Additive
Lightweight Concrete
Precast Piling Technology, Inc
Cement Industries Inc.
Augercast Piles
Henderson Prestressed Concrete, Inc.
GC Prestress Pilings
DLS Prestressed Inc
Monroe Concrete Products Inc
Cemex Building Materials
Epoxy Coated Rebar

Blogs and Articles

Alternative Residential Construction Systems – Article
Autoclaved Aerated Concrete – Article
Concrete Homes Magazine
Concrete Details on Google
Galvanized Rebar – Article
Bad Concrete Could Render Homes Worthless
What is Steel Fiber Concrete? Uses and Applications
Types of Rebars – Applications, Uses and Specs
Concrete Vibrator Tips: How Fast, Frequent and Deep
Deep Foundations, Marine Construction, Pile Driving, Foundation Drilling, and More
FEMA, Fact Sheet No. 1.7, Coastal Building Materials
FEMA P-499 – Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction Technical Fact Sheet Series
Low Sulfate Concrete for Marine Environments
Driven Precast Concrete Piles/Piers – Video
Driven Precast Concrete Piles/Piers – Video
Driven Precast Concrete Piles/Piers – Video
Advantages and Disadvantages of Precast Concrete Piles
Working with Epoxy Coated Rebar
Composite Rebar
Composite Rebar
What are the Different Types of Rebar
Cost of Composite Rebar vs. Black Steel
Rethinking Concrete Reinforcement

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CONTRACTOR ASSOCIATIONS

Houzz Florida Keys Contractors
Builders Association of South Florida
Florida Keys Contractor’s Association

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GREEN CONSTRUCTION

Products

Wind Turbines
Nexus Gray Water Recycling – Home Page
Nexus Grey Recycling – Brochure
Ecorock Drywall
Xeres Water Storage
Conservation Technology Water Storage
Rain Brothers Underground Cisterns
Gototanks Underground Cisterns
Florida Solar Companies
Ecosmart Product Catalog
Solardirect Wind Turbines
Visionair Wind Turbines
Wind Turbine Types
Wall Mounted Solar
Photo Voltaic Glass
Photo-Voltaic Floors
Residential Building Integrated Photovoltaic Systems

Blogs and Articles

Eco Friendly Resources
Green Living and Energy Education – Article
The Solar Education Association Of The Florida Keys
Grey Water Reuse – Article
Grey Water Reuse – Article
Green Materials Report
Which ICF blocks are the best?
Nexus eWater Gray Water Reuse – What is the Process
Nexus eWater Gray Water Reuse – How it Works
Nexus eWater Gray Water Reuse – Installation
Solar Panel Roof Tiles – Article
Florida Green Building Coalition – Article
Build-it Solar for Do-it-Yourselfers
Tesla Powerwall – Article
Hot Climate Design – Article
United Neighbors of Florida,The Upper Keys Solar Co-op
Building Green Website
How Much does Solar Cost?
Underground Cisterns – Video
Underground Cisterns – Video

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DESIGN IDEAS

Outdoor Kitchens
Beaches and Tiki Huts
5 Tips for Building a Home for Retired Folks

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LANDSCAPING

Products

Paving stones
Tiki Huts – Big Cypress Tiki Huts
Tiki Huts – The Tiki Hut Company
Tiki Huts – Island Tiki Huts

Blogs and Articles

Gardening Guide to the Florida Keys
U of FLA Landscape Guide
Florida Keys Low Maintenance Plants
South Florida Plant Guide
Top Florida Plants

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INTERIORS

Framing

Metal Stud Framing
Practical Sound Control

Wiring

Romex vs. NM Wiring
Homecontrols Structured Wiring
Residential Cabling Installation
All About Home Electronics Structured Wiring
Structured Wiring – Video
Structured Wiring – Video

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Elevators

Waupaca Elevators
Inclinator Elevators
Daytona Elevators
Stiltz Lifts
Gravaventalift
Ameriglide Elevators
Nationwide Lifts
Schumacher Elevators
Accurate Elevators Marathon, Florida
Island Elevator Company Tavernier, Florida
Islamorada Elevator Company Islamorada Florida

Blogs and Articles

Elevator Drive Systems
Cost of Home Elevators
Be Wary of the Cost of Home Elevators
Cost of Home Elevators

Flooring, Stairs and Counter Tops

Jerusalem Stone
Tile Leveling System
Azul Macaubas Counter Top Stone
Terrazo Tiles and Counter Tops
Johnson Floor and Wall Tiles
Stair Tread Tile Options
Schulter Tiles
BullnoseUSA Tiles
Land of Tile
Daltile at Build.com
Opus Stone and Tile Concepts
Beltile
Mediterranea USA Tile Company
Schluter Tile Membrane
Step Edging

Blogs and Articles

Installing Tile on Stairs
How to Install Stair Nosing on Tile
Tile and Inkjet Technology
Install Tile Directly on Concrete
Lay Porcelain Tile over a Concrete Floor
Preparing a Cement Floor for Tile
New Methods for Curbless Shower Installations
How to Install Tile over Concrete
Schluter DITRA – Underlayment for Tile Installation
How to Install Schluter DITRA Tile Underlayment
PEI Ratings
PEI Ratings for Tile
Slip Resistance on Tile Flooring

Furnishings

Murphy Beds
Retractable Murphy Beds
Resource Furniture
Ronbow Bath Cabinets
Durasupreme Cabinets

Built-in Cabinets

Cabinets
Cabinets to Go
Solid Wood Cabinetry vs. MDF
Pros and Cons of Thermofoil Cabinets
4 Tips for Choosing the Best Kitchen Cabinets
Cabinet Materials

Plumbing

Products

Faucet Depot
Noritz Tankless Water Heaters
Stiebel-Eltron Tankless Water Heater
JR Smith Sewer Backflow Preventer
Fullport Sewer Backflow Preventer
Pacific Plastics UVR Sch. 40 Plastic Pipe
Duramax UVR Sch. 40 Plastic Pipe
Takagi Outdoor Liquid Propane Tankless Water Heater

Blogs and Articles

Best Electric Tankless Water Heaters 2017
Curbless Shower Retrofit
Tankless Water Heaters
Sewer Backflow Preventer – Article
Sewer Backflow Preventer – Video
NFP Sewer Backflow Preventer
Sewer Backflow Preventer – Video
Is PVC and CPVC pipe UV resistant?
PEX Pipe Plumbing
Best Toilet Guide
Consumer Search Best Low Flow Toilet
Consumer Search Best Dual Flush Toilet
Home Worthy List Best Low Flow Toilet Reviews
Do Low Flow Toilets Really Work?
Toilets Under 1 gallon/flush
Tankess Water Heater Problems
Removing Humidity with a Mini-Split Air Conditioner
How to Remove Condensate from Mini-Split Units
PEX Piping

Bathroom

Modern Bathroom
Clarvista Bathroom Glass
Toto Toilets
Starphire Glass

Insulation and Drywall

Insulation

Products

Roxul Insulation
NorthStar Foam Insulation
Rigid Polyiso Insulation – Article
Icynene Insulation
BioBased Foam Insulation

Blogs and Articles

Working With Roxul Insulation
Spray Foam Insulation Costs
Pitfalls of Spray Foam Insulation (bring in an Energy Auditor or Consultant before and after the work is completed to check for hotspots)
Insulfoam Rigid Insulation Comparisons
All About Insulation – Tips and Materials
Spray Foam: Open Cell vs Closed Cell

Drywall

Products

USG Sheetrock Glass-Mat Panels (Regular and Firecode X)
Georgia-Pacific DensArmor Plus Interior Wallboard

Blogs and Articles

Paperless Drywall – Article
Ecorock Drywall (Paperless?)
Paperless Drywall – National Home Inspectors Article
7 Drywall Types, Applications and Uses: Purple, Green, Blue or White
Stucco that Works – Article
Wall Plaster Finish Texture
Specifying Drywall Finishes

Lighting

Products

Lumens Lighting
Granger Lighting LED
Acuity Brands Lighting
Lithonia Lighting LED
LED Supply Company
Lighting Direct LED
Sonneman Lighting
AAMSCO Led lighting

Blogs and Articles

LED vs. CFL, Which is Best?
Separating Myth From Fact on CFL and LED Light Bulbs
Using LED Lighting in Interior Home Designs

HVAC

Products

Panasonic VRF Systems
Panasonic Heat Exchange VRF Systems
Mitsubishi S-series VRF Systems
Mitsubishi Ducted Exhaust Fans VRF Systems
LoadCalc Heating and Cooling BTU Load Calculation Program
CoolCalc Heating and Cooling BTU Load Calculation Program
LUNOS e² Ductless Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) System
Mitsubishi MXZ Multi-zone System
Mitsubishi MLZ Multi-zone System
Daikin HVAC
Minisplit Small Room
Mitsubishi MLZ Multi-zone System
Unicosystem Inverter HVAC System
High-velocity Mini-duct HVAC System
Hi-Velocity HV System
Unicosystem HVAC Specifications
Ultra-aire Dehumidifiers
Heat Recovery Water Heaters
ZeroEnergy Hot Water System
Heat Recovery Units

Blogs and Articles

Mitsubishi VRF System Tour – Video
Advanced HVAC Mitsubishi’s VRF – Video
VRF Mechanical Systems – Video
VRV/VRF Air-Conditioning Systems – Article
Mitsubishi Electric VRF R2 Heat Recovery System
Personal Input on HVAC, Good Questions To Ask
Mini VRF, An Ever-Expanding HVAC Option – Article
Mini-Split Heat Pump Evaluation and Zero Energy Ready Home Support
Ductless A/C Price. How Much Does A Ductless A/C Cost?
Mini-split/ERV Option Lowers Capacity and Energy Consumption
Fresh Air Solutions for Ductless Heating & Cooling
Mini-Split HVAC Systems – Heating and Cooling On Demand – Article
Fresh and Make-Up Air for Airtight Houses
The Best Attic for a Hot/Humid Climate
Mini-Split Resource Guide
How to Install an ERV
ERV vs HRV and How it Works
Dehumidification with an Ultra Aire XT150H
Fundamentals of Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs)
What’s the Dewpoint?
Controlling Humidity in Warm Climates
Dehumidify vs Just AC
HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) System

Electrical

Products

Eaton Complete Home Surge Protector
ICF Electrical Boxes
ICF accessories
INEXO ICF Electrical Box
Florida Keys Electric, Surge Protection at Meter
Square D Whole House Surge Protective Devices SPDs
Square D Surgelogic Surgebreaker Plus
Leviton Surge Protection Device (SPDs)
Plastilock Boxes
Carlon Electrical Boxes
Raco Metal Boxes
Intermatic IG2280 Whole House Surge Protector
Structured Wiring for New Construction Homes
Structured Wiring

Blogs and Articles

Electrical Wiring for INTEGRASPEC ICF Walls – Video (7 parts)
ICF Electrical and Plumbing Installation
Conduit Through ICF Blocks
Structured Wiring Explained
Residential Structured Wiring Systems Part 1
Residential Structured Wiring Systems Part 2
Intermatic Whole House Surge Protection

Appliances

Blogs and Articles

Yale Appliance Appliance Reliability Study
Goodhousekeeping Refrigerator Reviews
Consumer Affairs Refrigerator Reviews
Consumer Reports – Appliances
Cnet Appliance Review
JD Power Kitchen Appliance Satisfaction Study
Best Products Appliances Review
Appliance Buyers Guide
The Wirecutter Appliance Guide
Gadget Review Kitchen Appliance Reviews

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EXTERIORS

Products

Aluminum Railings
Aquaview Glass Railings
RhinoShield Exterior Paint
Texcoat Coolwall Exterior Paint
Stuc-O-Flex Elastomeric Acrylic Finish
Comparing Acrylic Stucco and Traditional Stucco
Schulter Balcony Gutter Systems
Schluter DITRA – Underlayment for Tile Installation
Stucco Water Drain Mats

Blogs and Articles

The Pros and Cons of Glass Fencing – Article
HouseWrap DW High-Performance Housewrap
Glass Railings – Article
How to get the Spanish Stucco Look
Solar Panel Roof Tiles – Article
Outdoor Tiling
Exterior Tile Installation
Waterproof an Outdoor Second Story Tile Deck
Avoiding Leaky Exterior Decks
What is Stucco? Material, Coats, Painting and More

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PUBLICATIONS

Concrete Homes Magazine
Concrete Construction Newsletter
Coastal Contractor Magazine – Archives
Hidden Cost of ICF Insulated Forms
8 Ways To Protect Your Home Against Hurricanes
Avoiding the Con in Construction, Kia Ricchi 2010, ISBN 978-0-615-31028-2
Top 50 Construction and Homebuilding Industry Blogs

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FISHING and BOATING

Boat Parts
Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission
Content Keys Fishing
Dive Florida Keys
Boating Marathon, FLA
Boat Solar Power
Fishmonster Magazine
Marathon Florida Keys Boat Rentals
Florida’s Academy of Shrimping & Fishing
Shrimp Fishing Supplies
Hysucat Boats
“>Oceanexpress Boats

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MOORISH DESIGN

Moorish Architectural Design
50 Moroccan Interior Design Ideas
Just Morocco Moorish Tile
Moroccan Tiles – Stock Picture
Moroccan Furniture Decor
Berber Trading Co.

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MEXICAN and MEDITERRANEAN DESIGN

Products

Mexican Tile Designs Tiles
Mexican Tiles 4″ x 4″
Guide to Tile Trim
Bullnose Spanish Tile
Talavera Bullnose Tile
Rustico Tile Spanish Tile
Mexican Tiles
Classic TerraCotta Co.
Cotto Rojo Ceramic Floor Tile
Mexican Saltillo Kitchen Coping Paver
Mexican Saltillo Floor Paver, Antigua 10″
Mexican Painted Tiles 6″ x 6″
Suffolk East Porcelain Floor Tiles 8.75 x 8.75″
Lincoln Stair Tread Clay Floor Tile
Tierra y Fuego Tile Co.
Mexican Stair Tiles 12″ x 12″
Mexican Stair Tiles 12″ x 12″
Opus Stone and Tile Concepts
SomerTile Rustique Cotto Porcelain Floor
Tuscan Resource Company
Mediterranea USA Tile Company
Salerno Tile Crema
Mexican Porcelain Tile

Blogs and Articles

Mexican Tile Design Ideas
Travertine Flooring Pros and Cons
Guide to Tile Trim
Travertine Tile Product Profile

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TREASURE HUNTING

The Treasure Diver’s Guide, by John S. Potter
Sunken Treasure, How to Find It, by Robert Marx
Treasure, The Business and Technology, by Phillip S. Olin

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CONSTRUCTION LOAN INFORMATION

Tewes Mortgage Marathon, FL
How Do Home Construction Loans Work
Construction Loans
Best Construction Loan Companies
How Construction Loans Work When Building a New Home
How to Get a Construction Loan
Florida Construction Financing Mortgage Loans
SeaCoast Bank
Home Construction Loan from Citizens Bank
Home Construction Loans are Complex: Here are the Nuts and Bolts

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