08

May

Common Mistakes When Choosing Granite Countertops

Granite kitchen countertops are among the best materials that can be used in the bathroom and kitchen reservations if you want a pristine and durable finish. While the beautiful and unique surface offers a lot of durabilities to withstand resist chips and heat, spills, and a lot more, there are a couple of mistakes that cause some damage to the stone.

Caring for your granite countertops and staying away from the common mistakes that cause damage maintains the surface’s longevity. While you know that life happens, knowing that can be damaging to your granite countertop is important in preventing you from paying for granite contractors again too soon.

You should not worry, because the common mistakes you need to avoid are mentioned here.

Wrong Thickness

There are 3 standards of marble thicknesses when choosing counters. You can choose between ¾ inch, 1.75 inches, and 1.5 inches.

You should avoid using the last options because problems can emerge from attaching two granite slabs. When the glue starts to deteriorate, it can cause gaps in the seam together with the horizontal edge or it can cause future damage to the surface, especially from everyday use.

Choosing Color Over Quality

Another common mistake is that first-time granite shoppers choose the color over the stone quality. Sure, it is important to match the surface’s color to the existing features of the kitchen, but you need to be careful to not sacrifice it because of aesthetics. White is among the most popular options for most stone countertops. However, white needs more caution and care because it easily stains compared to others. Dark colors such as brown and black hide spills and stains, there it reduces the maintenance needs and stain-removal treatments. One incident is that if you drink a glass of red wine, it could ruin your white surface if you accidentally spill it. Stains are difficult to remove without professional stain removal or sanding.

Seam Placement is Incorrect

Between granite’s natural colors, patterns, and great installer, seams should not be noticeable. Therefore, you can guarantee to have a seam on your countertop, so you must try planning for it. The more action a seam directly gets, the faster it is going to wear out.

You should try positioning the seam inconspicuously away from the faucet. If possible, it should not be right next to the sink. However, if you have no choice, position it perpendicularly and not parallel to the side edge of the sink. By doing this, you are providing extra support to the sink and preventing unnecessary joint stains.

Does Not Match the Cabinet Styles

You must always choose an edge for the granite countertop that will complement your cabinet style or vanity. For instance, flat or beveled edges will look best in a room that has modern cabinets. If you have traditional-style cabinets, you should choose a bullnose edge. The edges have to be round, especially if it is on the bottom if you have small children who can bump their heads on the granite’s edge.

Poor Edging Choices

When you are choosing an edge profile, indecisiveness comes naturally. You want to choose an edge that matches your current kitchen, but you also want a slab edge that is versatile. It should be able to match the future style changes and upgrades. However, you must choose the correct profile upon installation because you cannot change it without removing the stone and then sending them back to the manufacturer. That is why you must finalize your installation.

You must contact granite countertops dealer Potomac to help you achieve your dream kitchen countertop.

 

15

Apr

Tips for Choosing Granite Countertops

When you remodel your home or choose fixtures for a new build, the color you choose is important especially if you are choosing countertops. However, you should not worry about the stone stuff because there are easy tips you can follow if you plan to pay for granite countertops.

When you choose a lighter color or speckled granite is a great option for darker spaces that have very little light. However, a darker color like obsidian and sable granite with streaks would be a great choice for the kitchen that overflows with natural light or if you are busy. Lighting is an important consideration since the darker granite should have sufficient lighting and can make spaces appear smaller compared to what they really are.

Read on to know more.

Listen to Your Gut

Most of the time, the granite slab stands out the most and it will most likely be their first choice. If you have chosen a slab that you think can match your flooring, cabinets, and other designs, you must take note. Most of the time, you are looking at so many granite slabs that have different tones and patterns, which can be daunting and decision-making becomes difficult. Instead, you need to consider what made you think that you should choose that one.

Choose the Peg You Like

Most of the time designers choose an element as the basis for the kitchen color scheme. When you are choosing granite, there are 2 choices you can make. Choose the granite primary color that will best match the kitchen’s dominant color, which is normally the cabinets or you can choose a more subtle approach like finding matching streaks or veins. For instance, if you have white cabinets, you must choose granite with white veins or a background.

Take Samples

If you have available samples, you should take a few of them home so you can see what it looks like in your kitchen. If not, you can take pictures of the samples. Once you get home, you should test them by covering existing countertops with a neutral one such as a paper or white sheet, and then place the samples or photos on the counter. Doing this allows you to see if it looks the same under natural light and the other elements that are in your home. Make sure they are tested several times of the day, even if you choose a mid-tone gray with flecks of dark charcoal and white veins. How you see color depends on the temperature and level of lighting.

Choose an Area

Since each slab is unique, it is going to have valuable grains and color tones in the entire slab. If you are into veining or colors in one area, you can ask the granite countertop installers if you can have that section. Based on the size and shape of the countertop, sometimes your favorite part might not be appropriate for the countertop. For instance, if you want large and flowing patterns, it might work best for a sweeping kitchen island to show the beautiful design.

You Can Always Choose Two

If you cannot decide between two colors, you can always use both. It is also a good idea to choose a lighter color for the island and a darker tone for the cabinets, which creates a nice contrast. Your kitchen will have a pop of color that you might end up loving. Granite is the popular choice because it compliments any color, with neutrals, like taupe and soft cream.

You can contact granite contractor Potomac if you want the best for your home.

21

Mar

How to Choose the Right Granite Kitchen Countertop

Granite countertops have a huge impact on your home’s value, which is why it is important to choose the right material for you and for any future buyer in case you sell your home. Many people love granite for their kitchen countertop, making it a safe option.

The issue is that granite has a huge range of patterns and colors. There are neutral colors like black, white, and brown to even exotic and bold ones like greens, reds, and blues. You might have a hard time choosing the right granite slab because it is a big investment. In this article, there are tips here you can use so that you will not have a hard time.

Gather the Materials You Need

A great selection of countertops calls for attention to detail. Buying a slab and wanting the best results is a big risk. When it comes to choosing granite, you should take color samples of the finish, flooring, wall paint, and kitchen appliances. In case there are no samples available, take a picture of them. You need to place the samples around or on the granite so you can have an idea of what the decoration is. Dark cabinetry made of cherry wood and black granite can be overpowering.

Choose a Theme

Most of the time, designers choose an element as a foundation for a color scheme. When you are choosing granite, there are 2 options for you. Choose the main granite color that matches the kitchen’s dominant color, which is normally the cabinets, or opt for a more subtle approach by looking for matching streaks or veins. For instance, if your cabinets are white, you can go for a granite background or white veins.

Visit Showrooms

Online shopping for granite is convenient, but it should not be a replacement for seeing it on your own. It is hard to photograph the color patterns and the small differences in textures and shades are not accurately seen. When you shop in-store, there are still some challenges when it comes to color selection. Slabs with the same color and category usually vary greatly. After choosing your preferred color, like brown, black, blue, yellow, or green, you should ask to see the samples in the color subset.

Choose Light or Dark

In other cases, the granite you choose might be more influenced by its effect on the kitchen instead of the color scheme. If it will be for a small kitchen, you might want to choose a light color, like gray or beige. That can also be for bathrooms. The only thing to be concerned about is that a light stone granite countertop will show stains more. In general, granite is resistant to stain, so that is a good point to consider. You can use dark granite to add a little drama to your kitchen, especially if you have a large kitchen. It might not be good for a small kitchen or if there is no natural light coming in.

Make Sure it Blends with the House

When you are choosing the granite countertop color, it can help to consider other parts of the house. This is also true when the kitchen has an open sight of the other rooms. Having color consistency in your home keeps it cohesive. So, your home is going to feel like a living space instead of only individual rooms that are connected by doors. You should think about bringing a color shade from a different room to harmonize them together.

You can contact granite contractor Potomac if you want your countertop done right.

 

14

Mar

Advantages of Replacing Your Kitchen Countertop

Every kitchen and the majority of bathrooms have built-in countertops. If you want a perfect workspace, you need solid countertops and wooden cabinets that are waist-high. They are useful, beautiful, and smooth. The majority of stone and granite countertops add some elegance to your kitchen, as well as any design of a kitchen. It is also good to replace your countertop and make it a major remodeling project to revamp your kitchen.

Homeowners want to install new countertops even if they already have one in their home, but people certainly know why they want to replace their countertops. If you want to know the benefits of getting a new one, this article will tell you.

Chip and Scratch Resistant

One reason why people want to get granite countertops is that they have the durability to resist scratching and chipping under normal circumstances. Granite is the 2nd hardest material, and the first is diamonds.

You should be cautious about using very sharp cleavers and knives since they might cause marring. That is why you must use a chopping board when you chop, slice, and dice foods. Are you aware that granite countertops last almost forever if they are installed together with the right support bracket? Now you know.

It Will Match Your Island Countertop

When you have installed a new kitchen island, it is a good reason to get new countertops as well. You will require a newly installed countertop surface to match the island. Therefore, you want other parts of the counters to match them. Adding a kitchen island is a great opportunity to have completely upgraded the look and feel of your kitchen. Your existing cabinetry can get a fresh paint job and then pick a countertop that is beautiful on the island and your entire kitchen countertop.

Increases the Resale Value of Your Home

If you want to sell your home in the future, take into consideration that your kitchen is one area that greatly influences the decision of a buyer. A kitchen remodel can add thousands of dollars to your home’s selling price, with a significant ROI. Even just a minor remodeling project, like replacing countertops, can have the same effect.

Resistant to Moisture, Heat, and Stain

Aside from being chip and scratch-resistant, a granite countertop is also resistant to moisture and stains when you use the right sealant. Since granite countertops are porous, sealing is important to guard protect them against staining and etching by acids and alkaline. You must remember that sealant should be reapplied yearly to keep the resistance.

In addition, food and liquid spills should be removed right away with mild detergent and water. When spills dry on the countertop, it is very easy to scrape them off. In addition, heat and pressure are used to form granite which means they are heat resistant, so you can place hot pots and pans on them.

Replace Low-Quality Materials of Countertops

Some homes do not have a high-quality countertop, to begin with. A lot of older homes were created with Formica or laminate countertops, and they are both less desirable inside any home. Aside from being low-quality, they are also poorly made so they become less attractive as time goes by. Any homeowner who sees a shabby and low—quality countertop has all the reasons to replace the counters with attractive countertops. You should replace every countertop in your house because Formica is not only limited to a single installation job.

If you are looking for countertop replacement services Potomac, you can contact them right away for the best outcome.

 

 

07

Mar

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Kitchen Designer

These days, there is an abundance of interior design blogs that make it seem like anyone can just start finishing their remodeling project.

If you are an ambitious homeowner, you can look for a professional designer and hire a good granite contractor who can install the countertop you prefer. You cannot just do it all on your own if you are not an expert. You will see that hiring a professional has a different effect on your kitchen, and it is not a small project you can just take on.

You might have to pay quite a bit for an expert, but the benefits are all worth it. You can find out what they are right here.

They Follow the Right Coding and Licensing

When you want to do a major redesign of your kitchen, you have to make sure that you are not violating coding and regulations where you live. These guidelines about construction projects should be met, and they must be followed. If you call a hire licensed expert kitchen contractor, you can just find out that they will follow all the required regulations.

Knowledgeable About the Budget

Kitchen renovations cost a lot, which is why you want to be sure about spending your money properly. A designer helps you stay within your budget, and they can source better materials as well. Most of the time, they know where the better deals are, so you will get more for your budget. The connections and knowledge they have to help you achieve the kitchen you want but within the range of your budget.

You are Getting Good Materials

Your designer is helpful in making sure that you will get the best materials for your investment, which helps you sort out your goals and ideas to come up with a great plan. At the same time, they will sometimes ask you to fill out a questionnaire and from here, they can understand what the most important thing is to you. At the same time, your designer guides you through all the options and gives recommendations in a couple of meetings, and prioritizes all of them for yourself – this makes it less stressful. You can always splurge, but knowing that you can lower the costs is excellent.

Eligibility of Your Warranty

Kitchen renovations will not be only about replacing the backsplash or repairing the old cabinet doors. You have to make important decisions about the design, styles, layout, materials, as well as electrical and plumbing systems. Kitchen designers consider and make sure that every appliance, furnishing, or attachment is going to suit your needs.

A kitchen remodeling expert can give you professional advice and a different perspective that you will not find anywhere else. They know what goes well together and what the best layout is for your home.

It Takes Less Time

The remodeling process of your kitchen will most likely last twice because you are not getting any expert opinion. Professional kitchen designers will coordinate a schedule with you, know the right plumber for you, and even figure out how long the flooring cures itself before you can install cabinets. The process ends up taking a lot longer, more confusing, and it might not go as planned if you think you can do the designing on your own.

Professional Commitment

Kitchen planning is a non-stop process and the initial design goes through a couple of changes before the final output. The designer will look closely through all the aspects and will continue to do so until the project is finished.

These are the benefits you will get from hiring a kitchen designer, and looking for the best granite companies Rockville.

25

Feb

Countertops: What to Consider When Choosing Them

When looking for countertops for your kitchen or bathroom, you shouldn’t go blindly at it—you need to consider several factors to buy the right ones. Which are these factors to consider? Here they are:

Countertop material

If you have been researching countertops, you must have realized that they come in different materials ideal for various applications. The common materials are:

Solid surface: These materials are often artificially modified, but they contain some natural stone. Due to this combination, the countertops are durable and more affordable hence the perfect units to go for when operating on a tight budget.

The most popular countertops under this category are quartz countertops. Others are Corian, Avonite, polyester, acrylic, or a mix of the two.

Natural stone: As the name suggests, these are made from natural stone. Other than some cutting and shining, the countertops are unmodified. The most popular countertops under this category are: slate, soapstone, marble, and granite.

Since the pieces are unmodified and natural, they are often costly.

Wood: Wooden countertops are affordable, durable, and highly hygienic. Most wooden countertops are made from cherry, walnut, teak, marble, and oak.

Concrete: Although not as popular as the above countertops, concrete is beautiful when properly installed and durable when you take good care of it. When installing it, remember to give it time to cure for a couple of weeks before sealing it.

The most common problem with the countertop is cracking. To reduce the cracking, work with experienced contractors that know what they are doing. They will advise you on the best cement to use, the strengthening materials, and any other important fact.

Usage

How will you be using the countertops? This is important as different countertops are ideal for various applications. For example, if you love cooking and spend most of your time in the kitchen, you need a durable but easy-to-maintain countertop that can withstand abuse.

Do you love baking? Marble countertops are the best to go for.

If you aren’t sure about the right countertops to install, install two countertop materials in different areas of your house. For example, you can install granite countertops in one area and butcher block counters in another.

This not only makes your countertops more functional and exciting, but also much cheaper, so you save yourself a lot of money.

Aesthetics

How will the countertops look in your kitchen or bathroom after installation? It’s important to consider this as you want your surfaces to be functional and attractive to the eye. Marble countertops are hailed as the epitome of luxury, so if you’re going to give your surfaces a high-end look, these are countertops to go for.

Do you want to give your counters a natural feel and look? Granite countertops are the best to go for.

Solid surface countertops give your surfaces a unique look if you aren’t keen on naturalizing your counters.

To install the right countertops that give the feel you want, get the input of a professional.

Ease of maintenance

You don’t want pieces that will be a hassle to keep in top shape, do you? Natural stone countertops are often high maintenance, as they need regular sealing. You also have to be ultra-cautious with the liquids in the kitchen or bathroom as they stain easily.

If you lead a busy life and don’t have time to dedicate to your countertops, go for quartz countertops that are easy to maintain.

Do you have a commercial kitchen? Stainless steel countertops are the best to go for.

Cost

The final but vital factor to consider is the cost of the countertop materials. As mentioned above, natural stone countertops such as marble and granite countertops Rockville are much more expensive than the other materials, making them the wrong choice if operating on a tight budget.

Different stores sell their countertops at different prices, and it’s up to you to research and find the one selling at affordable prices. To avoid paying more than you should, visit different stores and see how much they sell their units.

16

Sep

Do Granite Countertops Need Special Care?

Granite countertops are one of the most popular countertop materials in the market. Due to their popularity and high-end perception, you might have the impression that they require specialized care.

Do granite countertops need special care? Absolutely not. In fact, they are one of the easiest countertops to maintain.

To keep your counters in top shape, you need to:

Seal them

Granite is porous, meaning that when you pour water and other liquids on it, the water will get into the inner layers, where it puts the countertops at the risk of staining.

To protect your countertops, you should seal them the first thing after installing them.

If you have a busy kitchen, it’s common for the sealant to wear off after a few months or a year, so it’s wise that you test the countertops and confirm that they are ready for resealing.

How do you do it? One of the most effective tests you can do is the water absorption test. Here you pour water on the countertops and let the puddle stay there for at least 10 minutes. If the water gets absorbed and the countertop turns a shade dark, the sealer has most likely worn off, and it’s time to reapply it.

Whether sealing or resealing the countertops, ensure that you use a high-quality sealant that will provide your countertops with the protection they need and at the same time last for a long time.

Clean the countertops daily

The last thing you want are countertops caked with dust and debris. Such countertops are not only unpleasant to look at, but they also tend to be hygienic, which puts you at the risk of suffering from a myriad of diseases.

To clean the countertops, you need a lint-free cloth or paper towel and water. Remove all the dirt and debris on the countertops, then dry the surface with a clean cloth or paper towel.

You might be tempted to clean the surfaces with abrasive cleaners such as ammonia to get the perfect look, but don’t. These cleaners will destroy the protective sealant on the countertops, so you are forced to reseal the surfaces.

Get rid of spills as soon as they happen.

Spills are one of the biggest granite enemies, so you should remove them as soon as they happen. You might argue that the sealant will prevent the water from getting into the deeper layers, but this isn’t the case.

It’s true that the sealant will prevent the water from absorbing fast, but when you leave the liquids on the surfaces for too long, they will soon get to the inner layers and stain the countertops. You don’t want this, do you?

To ensure that it doesn’t happen, don’t take chances. Even if the sealant halts the liquids from getting absorbed, failing to wipe off the liquids will be as good as if you hadn’t sealed the countertops in the first place so, when a spill happens, move with haste and remove it.

Protect the surfaces from heat

Like with many other countertop materials, heat will damage your granite surfaces, so you should protect them as much as possible.

One of the things you should do is to never place hot pots and pans directly on the countertops. This is because hot cooking items give the countertops ugly stains that you have to replace them.

To protect the surfaces, always have heat pads and trivets in place at all times. Even with these in place, let the pot cool for a little bit before placing it on the countertops.

Besides protecting your countertops from heat, you also should protect them from knife scratches. This calls for you to never cut anything directly on the countertops. Instead, use a cutting board.

Install the countertops properly

You can put all the maintenance measures in place, but it’s all useless if you haven’t properly installed the countertops. So, the first thing you should do is have the countertops expertly installed by experienced and certified granite contractors Rockville.

When hiring the contractors, take your time and ensure that the contractor has installed similar countertops before and know what they are doing.

21

Apr

Can You Put A Hot Pan On Quartz?

Quartz countertops are manmade and tough and due to their tough nature, you will hear some homeowners asking, can you put a hot pan on quartz?

While the countertops are tough and heat-resistant, they aren’t heatproof. This means that the counters can be resistant to the heat to a certain degree, after which they can’t deal with the high temperatures. This means you might get away with placing the hot pan on the countertops once or twice but continuing with it will cause serious damage to the surfaces.

To answer your question about whether you can put hot pans on quartz, no, you shouldn’t.

What other things shouldn’t you do to the countertops?

Besides exposing the countertops to a lot of heat, there are plenty of other things you shouldn’t do to your countertops. Some of these things include:

Don’t ignore spills

Quartz is tough, but you shouldn’t test it. When spills happen, move with haste and remove them before they get worse. You should especially move with haste and remove them if they are juice, wine, vinegar, juice, or tea.

The reason you should remove these liquids is because they can be corrosive or acidic to the countertops and damage them. You don’t want this, do you?

Don’t cut directly on the countertops.

Quartz is one of the toughest materials in the market, as it’s fortified with manmade polymers that make it even tougher. While the countertop is tough, don’t cut directly on it. This is because the sharp knives will scratch the surface, giving them an ugly look.

Whenever you are looking to cut anything in the kitchen, use a cutting board. Don’t cut directly on the countertop, as you will damage it.

Don’t use harsh cleaning products.

You may want your countertops to look their best, so you might be tempted to use the toughest cleaning products such as bleach and others, but don’t go that route. While bleach and other high pH cleaners are highly effective, you shouldn’t use them as they can damage your surface.

You should note that regardless of how dirty the countertops look, you don’t need tough cleaning products to keep them clean. Mild soap and water are enough to give the surfaces a clean look and also remove bacteria and minor stains that might be forming.

Don’t slide things on the countertops.

Quart counters can stand a lot of abuse, but you can protect them from scratches and other forms of damage by being cautious about how you handle them. As a rule of thumb, don’t move ceramic, metal dishes, or utensils along the countertop surfaces.

You also shouldn’t slide knives and other potentially abrasive materials across the countertops, as they can leave black marks that might be difficult or impossible to remove.

Don’t use permanent markers on the countertops.

It’s tempting to let the kids do their homework on the kitchen island as you are making dinner. While you love your kids and want to spend as much time with them as possible, don’t let them do their school projects on the counters, especially if the projects involve permanent markers.

This is because it’s only a matter of time before the kids start doodling on the countertops with the permanent markers. And as you can guess, the permanent markers will adhere to the countertop surface and become hard to remove. In fact, you can’t remove the marker with anything else other than a harsh chemical that has high chances of causing damage.

If you have to have the kids in the kitchen, ensure they are using water-based markers. If the kids play with sharp objects, protect the surfaces, so they don’t damage the counters.

In conclusion,

These are some of the things you shouldn’t do to your quartz kitchen countertops Potomac. For the countertops to retain their look for a long time, you need to show love to them. Remember, you installed them for their strong, gorgeous, and easy-to-maintain look, so you need to take good care of them.

As a rule of thumb, avoid all of the above and clean the counters regularly. You also should register the countertops as soon as you buy them to activate the warranty.

09

Oct

Is Quartz Cheaper Than Granite Countertops?

Quartz and granite countertops are two of the most popular countertop materials. Since both are premium, high dollar materials, most homeowners can’t tell which to go for, so you will often hear them asking, is quartz cheaper than granite?

It’s hard to tell whether quartz is cheaper than granite as the price of each depends on plenty of factors such as:

Color: Rare colors will be more expensive than popular colors. For example, since granite is manufactured from natural stone, some colors will be hard to find hence more costly. Quartz is engineered so it can be made to mimic these colors, making it relatively less expensive.

Thickness: Of course, thicker slabs will be much costlier regardless of the material you are using.

Source and shipping cost: Where you are getting the materials will significantly affect the price of the countertops. For example, if getting the stones from China, they will be relatively cheaper than if getting them from Italy.

Since you have to ship both granite and quartz from overseas, their prices will be dependent on petroleum prices, tariffs, and other factors.

Installation: The final factor that will affect the cost of the countertops is their cost of installation. Some contractors will charge more than others. To avoid paying hefty amounts on your countertops, take time to research, and ensure you pay the correct amount for the pieces and their installation.

Other ways the countertops compare

Other than the cost issue, there are plenty of ways in which the countertops vary. This includes:

Composition

For those that don’t know, granite is purely natural as it comes directly from stone quarries then cut into thin slabs that are polished and fabricated into countertops.

Quartz countertops, on the other hand, are engineered stones containing large percentages of natural quartz but may also include other minerals. The slabs aren’t from quarried stone but rather from stone byproducts that are ground up and formed into slabs for countertops and other products.

Appearance

Since granite is natural, it tends to have a unique pattern and color that gives your home a unique, enticing appearance. Quartz, on the other hand, is more uniform in appearance, although you will find some pieces with unique colors and patterns, including some pieces that resemble granite in all ways.

The countertop you choose is solely dependent on your preference. If looking to give your surfaces a unique look, go with granite countertops.

Radon emissions

Although quartz is engineered, it’s good to note that it’s made from natural products (93%) with the remainder being color pigments and polymer resins that bond the materials together. Granite countertops are made from 100% stone, and they need to be quarried out of the earth.

Around 2008, there was media-induced fear regarding radon emissions from granite. Studies have shown that little or no radon is emitted from granite or engineered stone countertops, so you don’t have to worry about radiation when installing either of the countertops.

DIY installation

Unless you have a small project, you should avoid attempting to install the countertops by yourself. Both granite and quartz are extremely heavy materials and need expert skills to install them properly. If you are spending top dollar to buy high-quality materials, it doesn’t make sense risking installing the countertops and damaging them.

For proper installation and peace of mind, you won’t have to replace the pieces after a few years, let expert countertop technicians handle the installation.

Maintenance

Both granite and quartz are tough and durable materials, so there is no doubt that when you properly install them and take good care of them, they will give you a long service.

When it comes to maintenance, granite is porous, so it needs sealing to prevent it from staining. Granite also tends to have cracks and fissures that can be a source of weakness.

Quartz, on the other hand, doesn’t require any sealing, thanks to resins used in the fabrication of the slab. The material is also uniform throughout, so you don’t worry about it cracking after hiring an expensive quartz countertop installer Potomac to install the pieces.

12

Mar

What to Consider For Your Kitchen Makeover

A kitchen makeover is perhaps every homeowner’s dream. After all, it’s nice to have an attractive kitchen where you can make sumptuous meals for you, your loved ones, and your house guests. However, it can be easier said than done. For one thing, you should choose from among countertop replacement companies to help you achieve your dream kitchen.

Also, a kitchen makeover needs to have detailed planning so you will know the materials you will need and how much your estimated budget will be. That said, it is important to consider a lot of factors before proceeding to your intended kitchen makeover.

Why renovate your kitchen?

It may not be easy to remodel an entire kitchen. One of the first things to consider is finding nice granite countertops or quartz kitchen countertops to compliment the overall look of your kitchen. More than finding a nice-looking countertop, you should also take time to plan in detail the entire makeover to ensure smooth and hassle-free renovation.

A kitchen makeover can take a huge chunk of your household budget. Moreover, the entire renovation project may take weeks or even months to complete. However, having a newly-renovated kitchen can make your home lively and look more high-value. Your family and house guests will surely love your engineered stone countertops and everything else in between.

That said, a kitchen makeover can be one of the best investments you can make for your home. Without further ado, here are some things you need to think about for your kitchen remodeling:

Is it a “want” or a “need”?

First of all, there should be a reason why you are considering a kitchen makeover. Is the kitchen design outdated? Is your kitchen too small and expanding it may be necessary? Are the appliances and other kitchen tools have to be replaced? Regardless of your reason, there should be at least one valid reason to justify your intention to renovate.

One way to know your priorities is by listing all the things you like to have in your renovated kitchen. For example, you may list quartz countertops as a “must-have”. Then, ask yourself whether this item is a “need” or a “want”.

If there are other options aside from a specific item, you may consider that as well and gauge whether it’s a better choice than the other. This step will help you distinguish whether that item is worth the budget or not.

How much is your budget?

Speaking of budget, home improvement can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. In the case of a kitchen makeover, it can be expensive regardless whether it’s just a simple repair or a complete overhaul.

Every homeowner wants to have a presentable kitchen, but you should also consider your budget. Otherwise, you may overspend on things you should have not spent on during the renovation process.

Among things to consider while budgeting for your kitchen renovation are the following:

  • Consider financing schemes (ex. 0% interest for 6 months, discounts if paid in full, etc.) if you are planning to buy new appliances and cabinetry.
  • Check whether you can do DIY on some kitchen items (ex. repainting your current dining table and chairs instead of completely replacing it) so you can save extra cash.
  • Decide whether you will hire a general contractor or a subcontractor, or just do the entire renovation yourself (and with other family members). Each of these options has its own set of pros and cons, so you should think about it carefully.
  • Check out home improvement publications and websites for other kitchen makeover ideas.
  • Consult a reliable quartz countertops dealer or granite installers to help you out with budgeting (especially if you are considering renovating your kitchen countertop as well).

How will your home life be without a kitchen?

Obviously, you cannot use your kitchen for the next few weeks or even months while the renovation is ongoing. This part of the renovation process should also be planned out as well.

For example, you may have to create a temporary kitchen in your backyard so you can prepare and cook your meals. Preparing meals in advance can also help – you can just reheat it in your microwave (that you can relocate somewhere in the house). Or you can offer cooking for your friends so you can eat and have some chitchat with them.

A kitchen makeover may involve finding reliable countertop replacement companies in Potomac or elsewhere. On the other hand, it also requires extensive planning – from identifying your renovation objectives, determining your budget, and making necessary arrangements while the renovation is ongoing.