Thursday, October 22, 2015

A Guide to Granite Countertops

Granite Countertops
If you are interested in installing granite countertops for your home, there are a few things you should know. Granite is a durable material that will add a touch of glamor and sophistication to your kitchen. This simple touch can completely change the appearance of your space and make your kitchen appear far more modern. We can help you select the right type of granite countertops for your home. In the meantime, here are a few basic facts you should know.

Granite comes in a variety of colors. You are not limited to certain hues or patterns when working with granite. This makes it possible to find something that will enhance the design you have selected. While some of the more standard colors include white, black, or brown with other shades mixed in, you can also find granite that contains brilliant blues, greens, and even purple. While a few of the more unique shades cannot be purchased at your local home improvement store, we can help you to acquire them after learning of your specific request.

Your counters will be unique. Since granite occurs naturally, no two pieces look exactly the same. This means you will not run the risk of walking to your neighbors and seeing an identical countertop. It also means planning ahead is important. For example, if you remodel your kitchen without an island and later decide to add one, there is no guarantee you will be able to find a piece of granite that matches perfectly. Instead, we recommend you complete the entire project at the same time.

You can select the edge. When installing your granite countertops, we will need to know what type of edge you want. One of the more popular edges is the half bullnose because it is rounded at the top and flattens toward the bottom. It is the best type of edge if you are worried about small children and safety; it also does not stand out, so the focus remains entirely on your countertops. On the other hand, a big angle can stand out and become a statement in and of itself. The easiest way to decide is to look at samples in person. We can show you several types of edges so you can select the one you feel would best fit with your design tastes.

Installation is done within a day. When it is time to install your granite countertops, we can finish the process in around four hours. If you have a large kitchen or are also installing granite in a butler’s pantry, the process could take the whole day. Keep in mind that granite is incredibly heavy. This makes it important to clear a wide path and make sure everything is out of the way prior to the crew getting to your house. We suggest putting all small appliances away and any extra rugs or furniture until the installation is complete.
If you are ready to transform your kitchen, this is an excellent way to do so. To get started, call and schedule a consultation today.

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Cabinets

Custom Cabinets
We love custom cabinets and so do our customers. They are an excellent way to improve both the appearance and functionality of your home. With custom cabinets, we have the ability to design storage solutions that can do far more than simply house your plates, bowls, and cups. We can create spaces for your small appliances, baking stone, nice china, three styles of silverware, etc. If you are a home chef, like to entertain, or have a large family, there is a very good chance your current kitchen does not have enough storage. This is why we recommend starting from scratch with custom cabinets that can be designed to create not just more storage but the right storage for your particular needs. As an added benefit, we can have the cabinets created to match your design tastes and even combine textures like wood and glass for a more customized appearance. The best way to get started is to schedule a consultation so we can discuss your needs and create a beautiful and functional plan for addressing them.

Before you schedule an appointment, here are our answers to a few frequently asked questions about custom cabinets.

Are cabinets expensive?

The price of your cabinets will be based on the type of material you select, the unique finishes you want, and how many you need. If you have a set budget, let us know what it is so we can recommend a material that will fit within it. There are certain things you can do to keep the cost down. However, if you are ready to invest in your kitchen, you can have a great deal of fun selecting unique finishes and interior features that customize your space.

Can I just refinish my existing cabinets?

That is always a possibility, but if you do so, only the appearance of your cabinets will change. The actual layout and functionality will remain the same, so this typically does not solve the daily challenge of finding a place to store your new entertaining platters.

How long does it take to have custom cabinets delivered and installed?

It can take several weeks (three to four) to have your cabinets created and delivered. We can let you know the exact timeframe when you are ready to place your order. Once they are received, we can come out and install them. This can take one to three days, depending on the intricacy of your cabinets and how large your kitchen is. We will have your old cabinets ripped out first and the area prepared so it can go as quickly as possible. Our goal is to time it appropriately so you are not without your kitchen for very long though some people prefer to stay at a friend's house for a couple of days while we finish the process.

Can I select multiple finishes?

Absolutely, that is the benefit of ordering custom cabinets. You can design them however you want. If you want light cabinets up top and a darker color below, you can. If you want to mix open and closed cabinets or have some of them finished with glass, that is also an option. The sky is the limit, and we can help you select the right design for your home and family.