One way to avoid the grid look is to install your tile on a diagonal or diamond pattern when viewed from the main area.

An angle grinder with a diamond blade for those odd cuts and for cutting holes around pipes.

Originally posted by Steve Babiak:Bill Gulley - it would be nice if you gave us the website address where you discovered this, so that we can read it.Here are some articles from U.S. based media outlets the past week or two (and if you look at any overseas media outlets, this has been the top story):http://www.economist.com/node/21558281http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/wp/2012/07/05/explainer-why-the-libor-scandal-is-a-bigger-deal-than-jpmorgan/http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Backchannels/2012/0703/Lies-damned-lies-and-LIBOR-Barclays-Diamond-and-a-devalued-benchmarkhttp://www.rollingstone.com/politics/blogs/taibblog/libor-banking-scandal-deepens-barclays-releases-damning-email-implicates-british-government-20120704?

So my passion for RE is owning and the thrill of the chase in finding diamonds in the rough. 

Our Worcester (long drive) Black Diamond has no memberships or selling speakers. 

If you want to meet people in Boston and Metro West check out the Black Diamond meetings in both Waltham and Worcester.  

I see this as a possible diamond in the rough with some ways to force appreciation/increase income (create website, add phone number and website to current sign, enforce accurate pay schedules, rent vacant units, increase rents). 

Best one to check out in the Black Diamond event in Waltham (2nd meeting in Worcester).  

You need someone with the proper tools however since not all concrete masons own the diamond grinders and polishers that are used for this type of work.

Also look into attending the free Black Diamond networking events hosted by @Ann Bellamy I recommend that you get to know @Justin Silverio and @Shaun Reilly as they are very active here on BP and in the MA local REIA circuit.