Is your dream kitchen more beachy cottage or sleek contemporary loft? Take the quiz to find your kitchen remodeling style!

One major question that frequently asked of those who are undergoing or thinking of undergoing a kitchen remodel is: how do we cook and what do we eat? Well, we’re here with some creative suggestions that will be sure to help you or anyone you might know get through their kitchen remodel.
 
Set Up a Temporary Kitchen
One of the most common ways people cope with their kitchen being out of commission during the remodel process is to set up a temporary kitchen. Use foldable tables as the new center of your meal preparations. Set your microwave, toaster oven, and anything else you may want to use on these tables. You can store your most commonly used cooking utensils in bins underneath it, while you store away your less commonly used and more delicate utensils out of harm’s way. Doing so will you give you a temporary kitchen and some space for meal prep.
 
Work Around the Remodeling Schedule
If your contractor/remodeling company provides you with a schedule of the work to be done, then you can plan your meals around that as well. The schedule is nice to have so you can plan out exactly how long you need to prepare meals for! Having a schedule is helpful to know how long you will have working appliances.because, for example, you may still have a working fridge for a few days into the remodel and you can keep some frozen foods for a few days.
 
Remodel Works Bath & Kitchen is one of the only design-build firms in San Diego to provide customers with a detailed day-to-day schedule with a breakdown of all the work to be done. Doing so gives customers insight on what to expect each day, who will be performing the work, and what time to expect them.
 
Meal Prep
One of the easiest ways to survive while your kitchen is being remodeled is to do some meal prep before construction begins. This is a convenient way to make easy-to-cook meals with minimal cleaning and effort. Plus, there are thousands of easy-to-prep meal recipes online you can try out. There are also pre-made meals that you can purchase from supermarkets, such as premade salads, pre-cooked chicken meals, etc.
 
Microwave, Toaster Oven, Crockpot, BBQ, & Camp Stove
These appliances will be your best friend during the remodel process. Plan your meals so they are easy to cook, easy to prepare, and easy to clean up. Crock pot meals will be essential during a remodel as you can place your food in the crock pot before you leave for work and it will be ready once you return.
 
Dine Al-Fresco
Chances are your kitchen is being remodeled during the nicer months of the year. So while your kitchen is out of use, take advantage of the nicer weather and dine al fresco. Fire up the grill for a quick and easy BBQ dinner (even if it’s just hot dogs and hamburgers).
 
Make Use of Your Freezer or Extra Fridge
If you have a separate freezer you use to store a lot of your frozen foods, an extra fridge in your garage, or even a beer fridge, it’s time to clean those out before the remodel and put them to good use! Doing so will allow you store a variety of foods so you’re not limited on food and cooking choices.
 
Ask For Help From Family & Friends
Your friends and family will be more than willing to help you with meals during your remodeling process. Whether it is having you over for dinner or dropping off prepared meals, it will be helpful in the beginning days of the remodel when you are getting used to living without a kitchen. Another option is to offer to cook for your friends and family in exchange for using their kitchen! It has the perks of spending time with good company, taking your mind off the remodel (somewhat), and cooking an actual meal! And If they are remodeling in the future, you can return the favor!
 
Coupons (Why Not Try A New Restaurant?)
Online coupons are a great reason to try that new restaurant in your neighborhood and are another good dining option.Although eating out every day while your kitchen remodel is in the works is not preferable (as it can be expensive and unhealthy), it will be a nice welcome break from the meals you may currently be eating.
 
We hope that these suggestions will help ease the stress of undergoing a kitchen remodel and you might even have fun doing it!

One of the most popular remodeling projects, kitchen remodels are a great way to give the central hub of your home a fresh new look. When remodeling your kitchen, these design tips will provide you with the right information to make your kitchen the most functional, beautiful space possible. Our kitchen designers are sharing their expert tips for remodeling a kitchen that will help you in creating your dream kitchen.remodeling your kitchen, these design tips will provide you with the right information to make your kitchen the most functional, beautiful space possible. Our kitchen designers are sharing their expert tips for remodeling a kitchen that will help you in creating your dream kitchen.
 
Keep Your Walkways Wide
A common mistake made during the kitchen remodeling process is not enough added space in the walkways throughout the kitchen. Nobody wants to finish their kitchen remodel only to realize that their kitchen feels cramped when used for everyday tasks. It is vital to design walkways wide enough to allow for comfortable passage throughout the kitchen, particularly when carrying a full tray of food or big pot full of boiling pasta.
 
As a general rule of thumb, pathways throughout the kitchen should be at least 36 inches wide, while paths within the cooking zone should be 42 inches for a single-cook kitchen or 48 inches for a two-cook kitchen. Designing the width of your walkways will affect the configuration of kitchen islands and peninsulas, so be sure to double check that the overall design still functions correctly with wide walkways and adjust as necessary.
 
Plan Your Kitchen Around Your Daily Routines
Now it may be tempting to create a trendy and minimalist kitchen, ideal for dinner parties and entertaining. But is this really your lifestyle on a daily basis? Be mindful and practical when planning your kitchen layout to make sure that it meets your actual day-to-day needs. For example, while having only open shelving may look beautiful on Pinterest, if you have four kids who need lunch each day and you need to have containers for their food each day, it may not be the most practical or functional choice for your lifestyle needs.
 
If you always prepare breakfast in one area of the kitchen, make sure the cabinet space fits the dishware you use for breakfast. If you know which corner you have your coffee pot in, select the storage to house all of your coffee cups, coffee beans, and sweeteners in a way that is organized. A kitchen remodel offers the opportunity for you to design your kitchen to meet your needs rather than adjusting your needs to fit the space, so be sure to create a functional space that fits with your lifestyle.
 
Plan Your Plugs
One thing many people forget when remodeling their kitchen is to plan where to put power outlets. Before you finalize the design for your kitchen, consider the work zones and where you will want all of your appliances to sit on the counter (and if you will want them to be visible). There are many ways to design your kitchen to hide or showcase countertop appliances, depending on your preferred kitchen aesthetic, but whether you would like your countertop appliances hidden or out on the counter, you will need to plan your power outlets accordingly.
 
If appliances will be out on the counter, make sure that there are enough outlets to accommodate your daily use appliances, as well as a few extra appliances so that you never have to unplug one appliance to use another. In addition, be sure to place outlets in close proximity to where the appliances will sit on the counter so that you do not have cords running all over the counter detracting from the beauty of your kitchen.
 
Factor in the Cleanliness of Your Space
Choices in materials, appliances, and finishes will affect how clean your kitchen will look each day, so it is important to consider the potential ramifications of each decision prior to finalizing it. While a solid black granite countertop with white cabinets may seem like the ideal choice, both these materials can be hard to maintain compared to other options. Black countertops tend to show crumbs, spills, and stains much more and over time white cabinets will show hand marks and stains. Be practical about the amount of time you want to spend cleaning your kitchen each week to keep it looking beautiful, and make sure that your aesthetic choices align with your practical, day-to-day reality.
 
A glossy finish may look more appealing, but matte finishes disguise dirt, dust, and much more. Wire shelves in a refrigerator may be aesthetically pleasing, but won’t catch spills like a glass shelf would. Flush or undermount sinks prevent an unsightly crumb-catching rim from marring the beauty of your remodel. Even the smallest decisions should stand up to practical scrutiny in your kitchen and should aid in making your space appear clean while also being beautiful and functional.
 
Pick Your Focal Point
Where do you want guests to look when they enter your kitchen? When designing your ideal kitchen space, it is best to pick one focal point where you want to attract attention and then design your kitchen around this space. For some, this may be a sizable chrome range hood, a modern light fixture, or colorful backsplash tile. Make sure not to overwhelm your kitchen design by trying to combine all bold elements as this may lead to a design that is too busy and overwhelming.
 
When designing a kitchen, choose one main focal point and a few accent details to supplement this focal point. Decide what your ideal kitchen has, and which one feature makes it the most beautiful, and then follow that idea to find the focal point. Your focal point should incite joy, marvel, and appreciation. Make your focal point count and be sure it will give you the reaction you want each and every day.
 
Consider the Natural Light
An often-overlooked detail in many kitchen remodels in the way in which the natural light will interact with the designed space. Beginning with walls drawn on a sheet of paper and designing your kitchen from there is a good start, but can sometimes hinder you from considering natural light in the space of your kitchen. Take your paper design and bring it into your kitchen with you and then watch the patterns of natural light as they occur throughout the day.
 
Once you see how the light currently interacts with the space, determine if you want more natural light let into the space and how to achieve that goal. Many people do not realize the significant impact natural light can have on the beauty of a space. There is a reason that catalogs often show kitchens bathed in natural light; it is because that is the way in which the space will be more aesthetically pleasing. To make your kitchen catalog perfect, it is extremely important to consider the unique natural light in your space and plan accordingly.
 
Keep the Plumbing Where It Is
One major cost in a kitchen remodel is to move plumbing to accommodate a change in appliance layout. This kitchen remodeling tip could save you a significant amount of money. If possible, it is best to keep the plumbing where it is as it can be extremely costly to move. Utilizing the existing utility and piping layout will save you money that can then be reallocated to upgrade finishes, materials, appliances, or to add on additional desirable features. Current estimates put each move of existing plumbing architecture at costing approximately $5,000, making it a frugal financial move to maximize on the existing utility and piping layout.
 
Refinish vs. Replace
One of costly aspect of most kitchen remodels is the purchase of all-new, custom cabinetry. While custom cabinets are ideal and beautiful, they are not always the best budgetary choice. If getting all new cabinets will sink your budget, there are many other solutions that can help you upgrade your existing cabinetry to fit your new kitchen. Refacing existing cabinets with a fresh coat of paint or upgrading hardware can make it seem as if you redid your cabinets.
 
Another tactic to add interest to existing cabinets is to replace some doors with glass. Having a few glass cabinets throughout the kitchen to showcase beautiful dishware, a wine collection, or a coffee station can instantly upgrade your kitchen and make it feel more high-end. Another strategy to maximize your cabinets is to make the existing cabinets more functional by adding in spacing, structure, and features to make the cabinets fit your needs. This will cost a fraction of what all-new cabinets would but can often achieve the same end. If the insides of your cabinets appear dirty and out-of-date, try lining all of your cabinets and painting the insides to make them feel fresh, clean, and worthy of your remodeled space.
 
Avoid Short-Term Trends When Picking Large Features
While it can be appealing to make your kitchen trendy, it can sometimes backfire over time. Trends change quickly and what may seem perfect today may be unimaginable in three years. A kitchen is a space you will be in each and every day for the duration of your tenure in your home, making it one of the most important spaces in your home. While incorporating some current trends into your kitchen is a good idea, it is best to think through large features and make sure that they are what you will want long-term. Make sure that the decisions you make on large features are timeless and will not sway with changing trends.
 
Use these kitchen remodeling tips to make sure you end up with the kitchen of your dreams. At Remodel Works we are design-build experts that can help bring your projects to life. Contact us today at 858-413-2305 or request a free quote.

Taking on a bathroom remodel can seem overwhelming, but with the right bathroom remodel checklist in hand, it can be an organized, smooth process, that leaves you with your dream bathroom. There are many factors to consider when taking on a bathroom remodel, and it is important to keep track of all of the moving parts in order to finish on budget and on time with a final product you love. To help you be as organized and prepared as possible, we have developed a remodeling a bathroom checklist. Use the below checklist to help you plan your bathroom remodel and make your dream bathroom a reality.

Determine Your Ideal Bathroom Space
The first step in beginning a bathroom remodel is to figure out exactly what you want the end result to look like from design to layout. Do you want to completely change the bathroom layout or work with the existing footprint? From there, you can determine which changes are must-haves and which are desirable but could be cut if they exceed the budget. Try to plan out every detail of your future bathroom, whether big or small. This will set you up for a successful bathroom remodel.

Set Your Budget
Once you have decided how you want your bathroom remodel to turn out, next move on to your budget. How much money are you willing and able to spend on achieving the bathroom of your dreams? You will need to figure out that number out prior to making decisions about what changes will be feasible to undertake while remaining within your budget.

It is important to consider the materials and finishes you want prior to beginning your remodel to ensure that everything aligns with your budget. Making last minute upgrades for finishes and materials will cause the budget to be exceeded. Another tip to keep in mind is that you will want to set aside 10-15% of your budget as a buffer for any additional expenses you may incur throughout the project. Even the most detailed plans encounter unexpected costs, so to offset those expenses it is important to be prepared from the very beginning.

Designing Your New Bathroom
Once you know the financial guidelines of your bathroom remodel, you can dig deeper into your design, this is a great place to bring in the professionals. During the design process, you should figure out exactly what type of space you are looking for, how it can best meet your needs, and what items you are willing to splurge or save on. Below are a handful of the factors you will need to make decisions on during the design process. Make sure your budget is as accurate as possible with all these factors below accounted for before starting your project.

• Countertops
• Shower/Bathtub
• Sink
• Tiles/Flooring
• Shower Door
• Toilet
• Paint
• Vanity/Cabinetry
• Wiring/Lighting
• Shelving
• Grab Bars
• Medicine Cabinet
• Mirror
• Storage
• Shower Head
• Towel Bar/Ring
• Ventilation

As you craft your vision for your bathroom remodel work with a design-build firm to decide which items are your must-haves, and then work your way down to the desirables on your list. They can help you narrow down the selection of materials for countertops, cabinetry, flooring and more. Their team will also help you stay within your budget from the get-go.

The Benefits of Working With an Experienced Team
Working with an experienced design-build firm can help ensure your bathroom remodel is executed flawlessly. No need to worry about going over budget or construction dragging out month over month. Once you decide on design-build team, you can work with them to craft the vision for your remodel and agree on a comprehensive budget that will take the project from A to Z.

With this comprehensive checklist for a bathroom remodel, you will be able to make your design goals a reality. For a reliable and high-quality service, contact Remodel Works for a free consultation today. We can help you start your bathroom update, create a kitchen remodeling schedule, or plan another home renovation project, and we guarantee that our services will satisfy any homeowner’s needs. Let Remodel Works help to create the bathroom of your dreams.

As with anything in life, when approaching a kitchen remodel it is vital to plan, prepare, and do research in order to attain the outcome you desire. For many, the kitchen is the center of the home and the meeting ground for family at the beginning and end of each day. The importance of having a kitchen that meets your needs and is both functional and beautiful cannot be understated. Undertaking a kitchen remodel can be a nerve-wracking experience because of the many diverse variables that are affected, but with the right kitchen remodeling checklist in hand, you can ensure that you end up with the kitchen of your dreams.

Set Your Expectations
The first step in a kitchen remodel is to pinpoint exactly what you are looking for in your new kitchen space. What is the overall goal of the remodel? What are the must-haves? What are the desirables? These are just a few of the questions you need to ask yourself before you sit down to start picking out appliances and countertops. Once you establish the high-level view of what your kitchen needs are, then the next step is to consider your budget.

Calculate Your Budget
Once you know exactly what your ideal kitchen space will include, you need to set a budget and determine how much money you are willing to invest into your remodel. Your budget will determine how many changes you will be able to make, as well as the quality of the materials you will be able to use. It is important to set reasonable expectations prior to beginning, and then to refine those expectations based on what is feasible within your budget.

One of the best ways to manage your budget prior to starting is to create a spreadsheet with your total budget, all of the upgrades you would like to make in order to get the outcome you desire from your remodel, as well as estimates and quotes for each item on the list.

By calculating the total based off of the estimates, you can accurately ascertain if your vision lines up with what is in your budget. Also, by getting a variety of different quotes for each upgrade you would like to make, you can ensure prior to starting that you are getting the best deal possible and know where you will go to get that upgrade if should it fit within your budget.

Another important factor to consider when calculating your budget is that you will want to leave a buffer for any unexpected cost that may arise during the remodel, this buffer will vary depending on the size of the remodel, but ideally you will want to leave 10-15% to be safe. This will help ensure you are prepared for any adjustments that need to be made along the way.

It is often best to consult your designer on the specific materials and finishes at this stage of the process, as last minutes changes are often what cause homeowners to exceed their remodel budget. You can rely on the experts to tell you where you can save and where you can splurge.

Choose a Design
A kitchen designer can help you bring your vision to life. Start by thinking of your ideal kitchen, what do the finishes look like? What do the cabinets look like? What type of counters do you want? How much light does your kitchen receive? How much natural light do you want to come in? What type of backsplash tile do you want? Do you want shelving or only cabinet storage? These are just a handful of the questions you should ask yourself when designing your kitchen space.

You will want to take into consideration lighting, square footage, appliances and fixtures, tiles, flooring, countertops, cabinets, plumbing, windows, door hardware, paint, and storage. As you work with your design-build team they can help you ensure you find the best materials possible while staying within your budget.

Find the Right Design-Build Team
Hiring a design-build firm streamlines the remodeling process by providing one consistent team who manages all the various components from design to permitting to construction. Choosing a design-build company can seem intimidating for first-time remodelers, so it is important to speak with several teams before deciding on one. You will want to ask for references so that you can ask questions to prior customers and make sure that you will have a smooth, efficient experience.

Timing & Permits
It is vital to determine if you will need any type of building permit to complete your remodel. A design-build team will manage the permitting process and factor it in as part of the project timeline. Permits can be time-consuming to obtain, which is why it’s critical to address them early in the process. Also, keep in mind the time of year and weather conditions when soliciting a contractor as these elements may affect the time it will take to be completed.

For a full kitchen remodel, it can take six weeks or longer to be completed. Be sure you are ready to have your kitchen be in flux during this transition period and plan accordingly.

With your kitchen remodel checklist in hand, you can create the kitchen of your dreams. Interested in starting a bathroom remodeling project or need a checklist for a full-home renovation instead? Contact Remodel Works today to take the confusion out of your remodel and achieve your ideal space without the stress of having to endure the design/build process on your own.

The bathroom is a critical component to any home. It should be comfortable yet efficient, providing the basic necessities and more. For many people, this space is the first room they enter in the morning, and the last room they visit before bed. That’s why it’s of the utmost importance to design a bathroom with close attention to detail so that it can satisfy any need or purpose.

Aside from the closet, the bathroom may be one of the smallest rooms in your home. Large or small, planning a new bathroom layout can be quite the challenge. Not only is it’s size a major factor, but it also has to be functional for multiple purposes. To make the most out of this limited area, start with a few bathroom layout ideas that provide excellent storage, sufficient floor space, and all the desired amenities. When selecting the materials for your bathroom remodel, we recommend choosing durable countertops and cabinets to increase the life of your bathroom.

Before diving into the bathroom layout, here are some important points to keep in mind for a successful design strategy.

Tip #1: Floor Plan & Usage
When it comes to your bathroom floor plans, make sure to utilize the full space. For example, if you are designing a bathroom for the entire family, try adding in a double sink vanity top. This addition will prevent many chaotic mornings when the whole family is fighting to get ready for the day.

Tip #2: Storage
Storage space is also an important factor. There is nothing worse than a cluttered countertop when the bathroom is already limited on space. While a pedestal sink may seem best for a minimalist look, the lack of countertops and storage can be a significant problem. Design a bathroom with built-in cabinets and drawers to hide toiletries and hygiene essentials for the best use of space.

Tip #3: Design Style: Look at the Whole Picture
When creating your bathroom floorplan and design, consider the overall style of your home. Do you have an open and modern layout, or is it more traditional? While you may not have the luxury to have a large space for an open layout bathroom, simple accessories and fixtures can portray a similar feel. When it comes to design, make sure this space cohesively fits with the overall theme of your home. Have a beachy feel throughout your home? Then choose a beach house theme for your bathroom as well. Take a look at the interior decor your home currently has, and have that be reflected in your bathroom remodel. From colors to countertops, all these details should blend seamlessly together with its surrounding rooms.

Tip #4: Bathroom Additions – Location Matters
If you are investing a bathroom addition, make sure the secondary bathrooms are located in a centralized area that can be easily accessed by visitors and family members. If possible, try to place your bathroom in a space that can bring in natural lighting, which will not only brighten up the room but will also provide necessary ventilation.

Now that we have a general idea of important principles in bathroom design, here are three common bathroom layouts.

Common Bathroom Floor Plans

Half Bath
The half bath is ideal for tight spaces or shared areas in the house. The half bath design is generally placed in the front area of the home, near the living room or kitchen. This simple layout is equipped with two out of the four bathroom fixtures, a toilet and a sink. Having an extra half bath is a key selling point for buyers, and can significantly increase the overall value of your home.

Three-Quarter Bath
As you might have guessed, the three-quarter bath lacks one of the four bathroom components. This bathroom floor plan usually contains a toilet, sink, and shower and is larger than the half bath. To make the most out of a three-quarter bath, use storage behind mirrors and in cabinets to create a more spacious atmosphere.

Full Bath

The full bath is the most sought after layout for any home buyer. Fully equipped with a toilet, sink, shower, and bathtub, this bathroom layout is the largest and can be customized with several additional elements. In today’s market, having a full bath in a master bedroom can be a key selling point in a competitive area.
With this layout, you have the freedom to design a unique and stylish space. Most full baths offer the flexibility for multi-sink vanities, freestanding tubs, walk-in closets, and spacious showers for ultimate luxury.

For more bathroom floorplan ideas check out our bathroom remodeling gallery or contact our bathroom designers today and get a free quote on our bathroom remodel services.

Corian countertop material is made from a plastic resin – trademarked by Dupont. It is made from a combination of an acrylic copolymer, and an alumina trihydrate filler. Essentially, it is a plastic material that can be pigmented to practically any color, and be provided with a large number of textures. At Remodel Works, we are experts in choosing the best countertop for your kitchen remodel.
 
If you want your kitchen countertop to match exactly with your kitchen color theme or design, you have a better chance of achieving that with Corian than with any other material. It is a solid surface plastic material that can even be made with a granite or a marble effect finish. Because it is not a natural material, it can be produced in large sheets and provide a completely solid, one sheet countertop without any seams or joins.
 
Corian is easy to clean but it’s not quite as durable as stone countertops like granite. It can be scorched by flame, and burned by hot pans unlike genuine stone finishes such as granite, marble, and slate. However, neither are you paying the price for stone with its heat tolerant properties. For what it costs, Corian is a good, durable counter tops. It’s important to know also, that Corian should not be used as a cutting surface. Any plastic resin material can be scratched, and caution with kitchen utensils is important. However, when you factor in the cost, this counter top material starts to look pretty good.
 
Corian comes in a range of thicknesses, from a quarter to three-quarters of an inch, though half an inch is the average. The color pattern will run throughout the thickness of the plastic, and will not disappear when you sand it down. As such, Corian countertops can be cut and formed without losing the pattern. This is useful when you have to cut and form the countertop around your sink: you maintain the true color and pattern, unlike laminates such as Formica. Another benefit that a Corian countertop will give you over anything else is that it can be used outdoors.
 
True, granite and marble can be too, but the polish on these materials can be worn by weather conditions. Stone can get slightly pitted and lose its surface finish, while Corian does not. That’s not so important for indoor kitchen countertops, but certainly for outdoor kitchen counters.Corian countertops are available in so many colors, designs, and in so many finishes, including marble or granite, that you are almost certain to find what you need for your kitchen. They look good and are a lot less expensive to buy than the real stone. And without the natural color and pattern variations found in stone, you’re sure that what you see in the showroom is exactly the countertop you’ll get in your kitchen.
 
In addition to the price advantage of Corian, there’s the hygiene aspect and the fact that your Corian kitchen countertop and sink can be provided as one seamless unit with no possibility of water leaks through joins or accumulations of bacteria between the counter and the sink. It is true that no manufactured material will look as brilliant as real polished stone, but they do have there benefits too. Corian counter tops are available in countless colors, patterns, and textures to chose from to match your kitchen decor. Once piece construction avoids dirt traps. And the cost is typically far less than natural countertop materials.

Welcome to Remodel Works! Our organization is the premier certified kitchen and bathroom remodeling company in San Diego County and can help you with all of your remodeling wants and needs that you may desire or that your home may require.

Custom cabinets for any room in the house; kitchen, bathroom, bedroom:

• Our 10,000 sq ft showroom is set up to inspire and educate, featuring displays from 5 cabinet brands and an extensive collection of countertop materials.
• Photo gallery of just some of the 1,000s of completed home remodel and upgrade projects.
• Well established top quality brand name kitchen and bath products.
• Answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions.
• Located in Scripps Ranch / Poway area.

Did you know that 75% of all our business comes from ecstatic homeowners or from a direct referral? In other words, these clients are so pleased with working with Remodel Works that they either have us back to do a second job or they share with friends about how they would prefer they use us. At Kitchen Mart, we bring your dream kitchen and bath to life.

We are a kitchen and bath remodeling company offering: kitchen design, complete kitchen and bath remodeling, room additions, KraftMaid Cabinetry, Custom Cabinetry, Merillat Cabinetry, Cabinet Refacing and full service Counter Top fabrication and installation.

The focus of Remodel Works continues to remain steadfast on the extraordinary. Always offering inimitable design  and unprecedented customer service.

Over the past decade kitchen granite countertops have become more and more popular for both new and renovated homes. It’s no wonder why people are choosing this natural stone as the material of choice for countertops especially when remodeling a kitchen or bath. Before choosing your countertop material it’s important to consider all the pros and cons of granite countertops. Our design team share our top benefits and weakness of granite countertops.

Pro & Con: Endless Color Options
Granite countertop slabs have a natural beauty – they are available in a vast array of colors, shades, hues, and visual marble textures. So how do you choose granite countertops that fit perfectly with your home? You can find samples with any color combination – black, white, brown, blue, green, red, orange, and beige and any combinations of these colors to suit your taste and decor.

Pro & Con: Every Slab is Different…
Just keep in mind that no two granite slabs are identical. You’re sure to have a unique kitchen countertop, but if more than a single slab is needed, make sure all slabs are from the same quarry batch so colors and textures will match. With a little care and maintenance, the brilliant polish of your granite will last forever.

Pro: Unique Style
Because every slab of granite is different from the next, unique characteristics can be found from in each slab, from soft colorful swirls to uniform distribution of colors and textures. The natural beauty can complement any type of hardware fixtures, and any finishes, or flooring. The unique brilliance of each slate adds texture and richness to your kitchen that cannot be rivaled by any other type of surface material like Formica.

Pro: Durable, Heat, & Stain Resistant
Granite kitchen countertops are very hard and sturdy making them stain and heat resistant. As such, you never have to worry about heat damage from placing very hot pots or pans directly on a granite countertop. When properly sealed, granite countertops are resistant to stains from oil, acidic, or colorful foods and other activities that are common in a kitchen. Other countertop materials such as marble or concrete are permanently damaged when scratched or stained.

Pro: Easy Maintenance
Due to their durability as a solid surface, granite countertops maintenance is a breeze. With proper sealing, granite is easily cleaned bringing back its brilliant luster and colors. Even white granite countertops can survive day to day activity as long as proper care and consistent sealing occurs. With a little care and maintenance, the brilliant polish of your granite will last forever.

Pro: Long-Term Value
The extra expense of using granite for kitchen countertops is a great investment in your home’s value. Whether you plan to sell your home anytime in the near future or not, using granite for the kitchen countertops will increase any home’s resale value significantly. Buyers often prefer a newly remodeled kitchen, free of any repairs. If that kitchen has upgraded materials such as granite, buyers are often willing to pay more, or tip attitude from indifference to positive. Regardless of when a kitchen granite countertop was installed, a granite countertop will always increase the value of a home.

Potential Issues to Watch Out for With Granite Countertops
When investing in new countertops, it’s always a good idea to consider any problems or issues that could arise. One important thing to remember with granite countertops is that they need to be properly sealed to avoid absorbing any of the many substances they’ll encounter on a daily basis. Do your research to determine how often the granite used on your countertops will need to be resealed. Some can go up to 10 years without being sealed while others require more frequent sealant.

Cost
Granite countertops are considered an upgraded luxury material and that’s reflected in the price. Expect square foot prices to be over $100. However, for many homeowners, the higher cost is worth the long-term value add combined with the easy maintenance, durability, and unique color options. Make sure to work with experts to help ensure you are getting the best deal possible on materials and are installing the highest quality granite possible.

How to Choose Granite Countertops – Our Tips
Carefully choose the right granite color and pattern to suit your home’s decor. Will you stick with the current decor, or do you have something new in mind? Neutral colors are always a great option due to their versatility with future decor changes.

If you select a pattern by looking at samples provided by a contractor, make sure that you will also be the person to choose the actual slabs to be used. Since every slab is different, you need to make sure the actual slabs used fit the color and patterns you are expecting.

Don’t plan on reusing items like the sink or faucet. Especially the sink. Undermount sinks look best in granite applications, and they must be installed prior to the countertop. As a result, you should plan on considering only a top quality that will last as long as the countertop.

That’s all there is to it – you are practically ready to have that gorgeous granite countertop installed in your kitchen. One word of warning though, be prepared for the gasps, ooohs, and aaahs, from friends and neighbors when they see such beauty and elegance combined with functionality and durability. When choosing kitchen countertops, granite is a natural-looking stone that will increase the look and value of any home. Still want to explore other types of countertops? Read more on Quartz, Leathered Granite, or Corian countertops.