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If you are planning to do a kitchen remodeling project, you are not alone. According to Cision, about a tenth of homeowners have performed a kitchen or bath remodel in the past 12 months. However, there are things that you must know before you start kitchen remodeling. Here are six questions you must ask.

How Do You Currently Use Your Kitchen, and What Functionality Changes Do You Want to Make?

The kitchen serves many different purposes in different homes. For instance, some people use it as a gathering place for their family. Therefore, how you answer this question can give you direction regarding where to open things up. So, pay attention to your daily kitchen routine and list problem areas you might need to address.

What Kind of Budget Are You Working With?

Several factors affect how much a kitchen remodeling may cost. Most of these factors are home-dependent. This means it might be impossible for a contractor to give you estimates based on square footage alone. In addition, your budget will be affected by things like additions and structural changes that you might want to make. So, it’s best to sit with your contractor first and explain what you want.

Is There a Need for Building Permits?

If there is some building involved in the kitchen remodel, you must check to see if any special permits are needed. Fortunately, if you work with a design-build contractor, they will likely have an architect on their team who will cater to such things.

How Can You Get the Most Out of Your New Proposed Layout?

You need to think about how your kitchen will look after the remodel. So, you might want to first look at some home décor magazines to get an idea of what kind of layout would work best for your needs. You can then show the contractors what you are interested in, and they can work out the feasibility and costs for you.

Is Your Kitchen Remodeling Idea Functional?

Kitchen remodeling is about more than just the design. You must also ensure that the design is something that will allow you to use your kitchen efficiently. Some ideas are beautiful, but you may end up with a kitchen with a design that works against you.

How to Choose the Right Contractor?

You need to be very careful when choosing a contractor. A kitchen remodeling project is a huge investment, so the work must never be taken lightly. Go through online referrals and try to get word-of-mouth referrals. Also, don’t be too quick to fall for a cheap estimate. You must be more concerned about the quality of work than the price.

These are some of the questions that you must ask before going ahead with the kitchen remodeling. It is important to take your time and not make rushed decisions. Also, look at several ideas and contractors before you make a final choice.

Are you thinking of remodeling your kitchen and adding a granite countertop? Well, you wouldn’t be the only one; according to PRNewswire, no less than 10 million kitchens are remodeled yearly. However, you might have come across these common misconceptions about granite countertops.

A Granite Countertop is Costly

The subject of cost is a bit subjective. However, it’s possible to make a generalization when it comes to things that are considered expensive or cheap. There is a myth that goes around about how a granite countertop can be ridiculously expensive. However, that can’t be further from the truth.

In fact, a granite countertop isn’t really much more expensive than other countertop surfaces. It’s true that there are cheaper options, but the fact is granite pricing is competitive with other stone options. Also, nowadays, granite is much more available, and that has obviously brought the price down. Because it’s easier to access, it becomes a cheaper option for your home.

A Granite Countertop is Hard to Maintain

Granite countertops do require sealing. However, that doesn’t mean that they are hard to maintain. All you need to do is simply wipe your granite countertop with Rock Doctor’s Granite and Quartz Cleaner. That way, your countertop will stay clean and spotless. You won’t need to clean a granite countertop anymore than you should clean any other countertop.

You’ll also be happy to know that cleaning a granite countertop is just as easy as polishing one. You can polish your countertops as often as you want. Some owners do it weekly. However, you don’t have to stick to this schedule. You can just do what works for you.

Granite Countertops are Unsafe for Food Preparation

It can be tempting to think that bacteria and other germs can find their way into the pores of your granite countertop and end up in your food. That’s why people imagine that granite might be unsafe for food preparation. Fortunately, this is untrue. A granite countertop does not store any more bacteria than your regular countertop.

These are some of the rumors that are circulating about granite countertops. However, once you do your own research, you will quickly find out that all of them are baseless and untrue. If you are looking to install granite countertops in your kitchen, get in touch with us, and we can help you improve the look of your home.

When it comes to kitchen remodeling, the focus is typically on flooring, cabinets, and appliances. However, the countertops are most important because they are the focal point of any kitchen. They can also add a lot of value to your home when you decide to sell. Here are a few other reasons why countertops should be your main focus during kitchen remodeling.

1. They’re Constantly in Use

This is the primary workspace of your kitchen where you prepare, cook and eat food. And that’s just three things! You probably have a few other things to do in the kitchen as well. Countertops should be durable enough to withstand constant use and still look great. They should also be highly functional, such that you can easily store your cooking utensils and dishes on them.

2. They’re Highly Visible

Countertops are the first thing people see when they enter your kitchen. They need to look inviting and well-maintained at all times, not just when you’re preparing a meal. This requires materials that exude quality and have a long lifespan.

3. They Have a Big Impact on the Overall Look of Your Kitchen

Like the rest of your kitchen, countertops make a big impact on the overall look and feel of your space. They should have a similar style to the cabinets so that they blend well together. They also need to complement the appliances surrounding them for a balanced look overall. What are some good materials for countertops?

While you may not realize it at first, there are many options available when it comes to countertops in general. The most popular choices include quartz, granite, and marble:

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is a great option for most kitchens because it’s affordable, durable, and long-lasting. Some natural variations make each piece unique, so you don’t see the same thing as your neighbors. Also, quartz doesn’t absorb stains or odors, making it easy to clean with just warm water and soap. You might need to go over stubborn stains with a mild cleaner if they get really bad, though.

Granite Countertops

No kitchen remodel would be complete without granite countertops on the main workspace area. These surfaces are extremely durable and have no problem withstanding constant use for years at a time. What’s more, they’re scratch-resistant as well as heat-resistant up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. And because they don’t easily show stains from food spills, you can enjoy them for many years without issue.

Marble Countertops

Marble is another option that adds elegance to your kitchen. The material is known for its distinctive patterns of reds, yellows, and whites that all blend well together. It’s also very resistant to stains, so you can rest assured it will always look great for years to come.

4. They Add Value to Your Home

Homeowners with a well-designed kitchen that includes countertops made of quality materials tend to sell their homes faster and for more money than those who don’t have the same level of interior design. So while you may invest in new countertops just because you prefer them, they also help increase your home’s value over time as well.

5. They Look Great in Any Kitchen Style

No matter what type of kitchen you have, there’s probably a countertop that will work well with it. From farmhouse to contemporary and everything in between, the choices are numerous and can be tailored to your specific design scheme. Just make sure they’re durable enough for everyday use.

Kitchen remodeling is a great way to add value to your home and improve the quality of life for you and your family. With so many benefits and reasons to choose countertops that are durable, beautiful, functional, and make a big impact on the overall design of the kitchen space, it’s hard not to see why they’re such an important investment when developing your own dream kitchen.

For more information about countertop materials in general or how quartz counters can be installed in your home, contact us today.

Granite countertops are one of the most popular and durable choices for homeowners. They have a natural beauty with their naturally occurring swirls of color, which can be made more dramatic or subdued depending on the style you choose. The durability is another feature that makes granite an attractive option as it will not scratch like other materials such as quartz. There are many different styles and shapes available, so there is something perfect for everyone’s taste! This article will give you an introduction to this beautiful material and how it might fit your home.

How Is Granite Formed?

Granite is formed from magma, lava, and other sediments that crystallize into rock. This takes millions of years to complete. It starts as a fluid, and then it slowly cools down over time. As this happens, small crystals will start to develop, which grow and create larger crystals. The granite may also contain mica or quartz in its makeup, creating an interesting display when viewed up close. Its large crystals make the material very hard, which adds to the durability of the countertop.

What Makes Granite So Attractive?

Granite is also a good insulator and lasts for decades without requiring any maintenance. In addition to its durability, granite swells very little and has a low water absorption rate, therefore, it does not get damaged when wet or with moisture changes. This makes it a great option for bathrooms, kitchens, and other home areas that may get wet.

With so many properties that make granite countertops desirable for any home, they are also attractive to a business building. Granite is naturally antibacterial, which is perfect for kitchen prep or bathroom counters where germs build up easily. It can withstand all sorts of chemicals and harsh cleaners without damaging the material itself. This can save money over time. A beautiful aged patina will develop over years of use, adding character to your kitchen or restaurant countertops.

How to Care for Your Granite Countertops

There are a few simple steps you can take to ensure your granite countertops retain their natural beauty and avoid any damage. The first step is to stay on top of spills immediately because if water sits too long, it may leave permanent stains. Scratches happen over time, but this process can be slowed down with careful handling.

While daily items such as sponges and knives won’t hurt the surface, avoid using things like steel wool or anything abrasive on the stone. This can cause scratches; however, dulling your knives before use will prevent this issue from arising in the first place. Always clean up broken objects right away, so they do not scratch or chip your beautiful countertop surfaces.

Other Items That Can Be Complements to Your Granite Countertop

Many other items can be complements to your granite countertops. You may want to take a look at the large selection of sinks, lighting, and faucets available for any bathroom or kitchen remodel project.

How to Deal With a Broken or Cracked Granite Countertop

If your Granite Countertop has broken or cracked, there are several choices you can make. If the crack is not very large and in an area that does not get much use, you may be able to save the countertop by filling the crack with a grout material of similar color. However, if the crack is located in an area that will be exposed or used often, you will need to replace the entire countertop.

Time to Get Your Granite Countertops Installed

Granite is available in a number of different styles, colors, and types. You can choose from honed, tumbled, polished, or brushed (a light sanding). Each of these has a different look and texture but comes in the same color varieties. The natural marble layers are also cut slabs that allow you to create unique patterns such as herringbone for your countertop installation.

An expert installer will also know how to prepare your surface so that the new countertops fit seamlessly into the rest of your kitchen design and color scheme. It is best to contact a professional granite fabricator for any questions on granite countertop care, installation, or design ideas.

Owning a home is all about freedom and choice. Finally, instead of having to bow to the whims of a landlord or property manager, you’re in total control of what your living space looks like and how it is oriented. The investments you make in each room and the structure itself can pay dividends that last many years if chosen correctly.

One of the best places to make investments in your home is the kitchen area. Not only does investing in this area yield a high return on investment (ROI), but it’s probably one of the most pleasant and useful investments you can make in your home. Everyone loves eating, gathering, and having a good time in the kitchen, which is why you should consider investing in quartz countertops or other suitable stone for the long haul.

Versatility and Flexibility

When you look at stone, it’s hard to imagine it being cut and shaped to fit into exact places like a puzzle piece. Yet, contractors do just that in order to fit any design or kitchen shape that is in need of stone countertops. If you’ve got a tiny end space that just needs a cap, you will be able to keep consistency with your quartz countertops and put something there. If you’ve got a gigantic space (such as a kitchen island or bigger) that you want to be all stone, eventually someone will find a piece big enough to install. When you choose to go with quartz countertops or other high-quality stone, you give yourself versatility and flexibility that other materials simply lack.

It’s Important to Buyers

Nobody ever thinks of selling their home until it happens, and if it eventually happens you’ll be glad that you installed quartz countertops or other high quality stone. 58% of home buyers said that the kitchen’s style is very important to them, and you’ll want to keep timeless styles and high quality materials around to “wow” potential buyers. In much the same way that landscaping and the master bedroom can become hot points for buyers to swoon over, the kitchen can do the same. It is a shared space that everyone enters and uses at some point, whether they actually live in the house or are simply guests. By installing quartz countertops and enjoying them, you’re also making an investment for the future.

Timeless Return on Investment

In a similar manner to what we’ve mentioned above, you really can never go wrong by installing quartz countertops or other stone. They are such a timeless piece of style and architecture that when you finally encounter a buyer who doesn’t like them, they’ll be in the minority. Most people who own homes today would like to have stone countertops, but simply cannot afford to install them. Because quartz countertops and other stone is so durable, once you install them you are looking at a truly timeless return on investment. Unless your home somehow gets hit by a wrecking ball or worse, your stone countertops will usually outlast you.

Stone is Unique

When comparing stone to other materials, it’s hard to compare and contrast its uniqueness. Stone is similar to wood grain in that it’s hard to find matching pieces. Because of this, it means that anytime you decide to install stone anywhere in your home you can truly create a one-of-a-kind space. Instead of being like everyone else and choosing the same paint colors, wallpaper, or laminate styles, going with stone sets you apart from the crowd and allows you to express yourself in a creative and natural way that will never be replicated. What could be more wonderful than that?

The Kitchen is the Heart of the Home

There is an old adage that says “the kitchen is the heart of the home,” and this still rings true today. Because the kitchen is a gathering place that anyone is welcome in, you want to make it a high quality environment for years. Installing quartz countertops is one of those steps where you can upgrade and forget about it for good. When you’re ready to have the kitchen of your dreams, call Supreme Stone Inc. at (617) 606-0868 today!