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Top Countertop Surfaces for Your Renovation

Feb 21, 2018 | Residential

Choosing the right countertop for your kitchen and bathroom renovation can be quite daunting.
Depending on your wants & needs and the depth of the renovation, there are plenty of choices.
The main surfaces we deal with on a daily basis are:
  • Granite
  • Quartz
  • Marble
  • Laminate

Each of these surfaces have their own pros and cons. Some work better for a family home, while others would be best suited for Hotel Renovations or Multi-Family Repositions. 

Granite

One of the most popular and used countertop surfaces these days! It’s durable, looks great, and comes in many color choices with prices that can fit almost any budget.
Granite is rated via grades and priced accordingly. The rarer and more uniquely patterned granite will have a higher numbered grade, and therefore a higher price. Lower grade granite is often referred to as “commercial grade” and has excess soft minerals mixed into the stone and a thinner cut. Granite is heat-resistant but usually porous, therefore staining can be possible.
Quartz
Quartz popularity is rising and it’s becoming a great choice for homeowners who want to renovate their countertops. Like granite, the cost of quartz varies depending on the quality of the stone. It is usually (but not always) a little less expensive than granite, but gives the same high-quality look and durability. Quartz is nonporous and scratch and chip resistant, but unlike granite it isn’t heat-resistant so it cannot withstand hot pans being placed directly on it.
Marble
Marble is one of the more expensive options on our list. This natural beauty certainly gives a ‘wow’ factor and really stands out as luxurious. Marble is not as strong as granite or quartz, it scratches easily and is prone to staining, therefore installing it in a kitchen that will be well-used, usually isn’t a wise idea. On the other hand, it is very heat resistant. Using marble sparingly – for just the kitchen island for instance – can really make a statement.
Laminate
It is of course well known to be the least expensive material to use for countertops, therefore it can really help keep your costs low when renovating. There are different types of lamination, and we recommend the ‘high-definition’ for the best comparison to a solid-surface without the high cost. This type of Laminate really gives the look of a high-end product.
Laminate of course has its disadvantages though. Durability is low and it’s definitely not stain/heat resident.
Overall, weighing the costs and needs of what you’re looking for in a renovation will help you make the perfect decision on what countertop to go for.

Top 5 Kitchen Renovation Ideas

Feb 9, 2018 | Residential

We all know that renovating your kitchen is a big investment that can take time, money and a lot of patience. Turning your kitchen into a dream area that family and friends want to gather in can be very rewarding.
There are no hard-fast rules on how you should splurge or how you should save during your renovation. What matters to some won’t matter to others. But picking the right areas to invest in can be important when it comes to resale.

The Top 5:
When it comes to your kitchen, think about how often it is used and what the main uses are. Also, consider how long you plan on staying in the home and if the renovations are a wise investment.

1) Countertops:

Countertops can be the focal point of your kitchen. They usually cover a large area and can be costly to renovate. That said, they can really make your kitchen stand-out and add not only beauty, but value to your home. Granite, laminate, quartz, marble, butcher-block or solid surfaces are all great options that have a varied cost.

2) Appliances:

Stainless steel is usually the most popular appliance look. It really refreshes an older kitchen and brings it up-to-date. There are even new colors to choose from to add a totally different look. Be sure to pick appliances that have all the functions you need for your family (think “express” setting on your dishwasher for that quick wash!) and look for energy-efficient models with great warranties.
 
3) Cabinets:
Here’s where the budget can be blown during your renovation. Picking the right material for your cabinets and making sure the functionality is on-point are the major factors to take into consideration. Soft-close drawers and doors are one of the most sought-after musts. New hardware/handles on your cabinets can really refresh your entire kitchen, in a simple and often inexpensive, way.
 
4) Backsplash:
This is where you can add a huge pop of color and really put your own stamp on your kitchen design-wise. If you want to keep it simple and timeless, go for a sleek white subway tile. You can also change it up and use a colored subway tile to keep that modern, yet simple look. If you really want to make a statement, splurge on glass-tile mosaics or vivid color patterns that really stand out.
 
5) Flooring:
Picking the right floors for your new kitchen will help pull everything together. Hardwood, tile, LVP, vinyl and stone/concrete are some of the top options. Pick a flooring that not only looks good, but will also stand-up to the many mishaps that can happen in a kitchen.