Blog - JV Granite & Marble

Home renovation means improvement of our houses to meet our current needs. Here are two ideas that will make the project a success.

Select the right contractor

The contractor who will carry out your home renovation should be somebody who is qualified to conduct the kind of work required. It should be an individual who will deliver the work in the required quality as well as on time. Take your time when selecting your contractor; do background research to ensure you get the best. You can even ask for referrals from your friends or relatives. They will recommend a contractor who has delivered and at the same time somebody that will not disappoint.

Set a realistic budget

Home renovations are supposed to give your house a facelift, make it look better as well as make it a modern facility. For the facelift to be completed successfully, we need to have a comprehensive budget. We should not set a budget without overages. It’s important to ensure that in the course of making our budget we add approximately 15 to 20 percent in overages. This ensures that we have some room to maneuver in the event something goes wrong. There will always be unforeseen issues which crop up during the renovation process and you cannot be sure what might happen. Having overages ensures that this is covered and nothing will be derailed.

Don’t overlook the most used places in your home

Kitchen, living rooms, bathrooms are some of the most used places in the house. It’s extremely important that these places are given priority at all times during the renovation process. It’s only after these places have been put in great shape that we should move on to other areas. If you’re working on a limited budget make sure you start with these areas and then move on to the rest.

Pay attention to the exteriors too

We pay a lot of attention to interiors while ignoring the exteriors. The exterior side of the house and landscaping also need to be part of the renovation. They are the sections that set the mood and create the atmosphere you want and give an impression of what to expect. Pay attention to these areas so that the renovations will stand out and give the house the look that you want.

Home is where the heart is

A house becomes a home when every corner and every aspect of it get’s the owner’s personal touch. Buying a house, decorating it, renovating a house or setting it up, all require personal attention to detail. From furniture to the furnishings, decorative pieces to basic necessary items everything together completes a home.

The main purpose of your home, apart from providing shelter, is offering maximum comfort

Every home owner has an individual need and taste, and the home must adapt to both. Starting out on a home renovation project can be daunting, exciting, exhausting and extremely fun- all at the same time! It requires your time, effort and constant attention to work out every detail and make your house the home of your dreams.

Using Google and Yelp to help make the most out of your home renovation

The smart generations of today who adept with using digital platforms, can really make the most of their home renovation project.Using Google and Yelp can give many options and useful recommendations to shop for quality products for your home. Be it your bedroom, bathroom, kitchen or any other room and corner, shopping for products via trusted platforms like Google and Yelp will reduce your effort and minimize the time you spend shopping for required quality products. Contrary to popular belief, online shopping can help you get not just decorative items, but also the basic essentials such as quality flooring solutions. Everything you need for a complete home renovation can be bought in a click.

An Abundance of different options

Another great advantage of shopping for home renovation products through Google and Yelp is the diverse options and reviews presented to you. Multiple suppliers are available online adding to the buyer’s choice. You can make the most of your shopping experience by comparing prices and reviews, which can help you find a quality service provider, at a reasonable price. Home renovations are an expensive affair and any kind of saving can ease out the financial burden.

The most important thing to look out for when renovating a home is quality. With the assurance of websites like Google and Yelp, you can be sure of getting the highest quality for your home. Be it a single room in the house or renovation of the complete home, this method is perfectly applicable for all. Your basics as well as your comfort and style can be enhanced and you can enjoy living in the home you deserve. Be a smart home owner; go digital!

When Looking for Granite, Quality and Price are your two Main Considerations

Many people look for a product that will be fit their budget, and at a cost that they can afford. People usually look for the ideal product that will deliver that required results. To get the best product at a price that doesn’t dent your pocket. When it comes to pricing, go for the fairly priced granite, but make sure it meets the right quality.

The best price can be obtained through shopping from the stocking fabricators as opposed importers and distributors

You also need to plan ahead such that the Granite you will be buying is for the whole house. When you buy in bulk you are in a position to bargain or ask for a quantity discount. With such you will save a substantial amount of money. Buying in small bits can be expensive as the discount rate may be small and you are likely to incur other expenses such as transportation costs or delivery costs. If the job is small, you can ask for remnants. You do not have to buy the whole package only for it to go to waste since it is not needed.

You Need to Shop Around, Don’t Just Jump on the First Ship That Comes Around

Always ask around and don’t be afraid to ask for quotes from different places so you can compare prices. Be weary of dealers who may be selling at a low price. Always double check to make sure the quality of the product in not in question or below the recommended standards.

Flexibility Also Plays a Part

When trying to get the best deal, you would need to time properly, as there are times when Granite can be in high demand due to various reasons. If the product is not urgently needed, avoid buying during this time, as you will only end up buying at exorbitant prices. Wait until the demand subsides and you will get the product at a fair price.

Referrals come in handy when you’re looking for quality and competitive prices. Asking friends, relatives, and acquaintances who may have bought Granite recently can really help. They will gladly give you details, and you may find one who is selling at the best price and also promising quality.

Getting the best deal for granite involves planning your job, research, timing, and also negotiating for the best prices.

The Timeless Beauty of Kitchen Granite is in its Strength & Permanence

Granite has been one of the most commonplace building materials in homes worldwide since ancient times because it is durable, and can outlast even the house itself. Granite is perfect for kitchens, bathrooms and it comes in many varieties and colors. Plus it is resistant to weather, temperature, heat and cold. The best thing about is it’s super-strong and sturdy and won’t succumb to cuts, scratches, dings and dents. It is a hugely popular choice for flooring, accents, walls, cladding, paving and the construction of monuments. It can also be used in other ways rarely considered like Granite tables, for instance. And since it is a cut-to-size stone and it can fit perfectly to any specification.

Cheap Versus Expensive Kitchen Granite Countertops

Cheap countertops are imitations of granite and marble like Formica. Having the appearance of the real thing and not requiring a lot of maintenance. But these imitations are not resistant to heat, scratches, dings and fading. But for a home-owner who must work within a budget, cheap granite countertops can be as cheap as 10% of the price of real marble or granite. Many contractors and engineers now recommend granite made in China. They are as durable as granite from other parts of the world and buying Chinese granite is usually a good decision.

Grading Kitchen Granite

Granite is graded as either A, B, or C and the left over slabs are called “orphans”. Buyers must beware when buying class “A”, because some sellers can be unscrupulous and would send B instead of class A granite. The grade of granite is based on supply, demand and actual quality of the stone itself. Granite is first dug out, then polished and cleaned and then delivered to stores.

Kinds of Kitchen Granite according to Color

These all form the cost of the granite. Some granite slabs are sold cheaply because of a color that is hard to match to common house finishes. Thus color is one of the biggest factors in determining price.

1. White

2. Off White

3. Earthy Green

4. Blue-Green

5. Black

6. Warm colors like Cream and Red

Generally the Granite That is Perfect for Kitchens and Cabinets is White

White and off-white colors like cream, gray and Bordeaux (rosy) are the best for kitchens. But for wooden kitchens, warm granite that comes in warm white, beige, walnut, oak and grey best work with varnished and stained cabinets and kitchen fixtures. But a favorite among colors is the earthly-greyish-brownish-greenish granite. The effect of these color combinations is rustic, earthy, or geometric and matches satin-nickel cabinets and motifs especially when polished.

One fantastic shade of the grayish green combination is the rare blue-green granite. It is perfect with sandy white cabinets and fixtures and especially gives splendor to the house when the sun strikes it. The classic kitchen countertop however is black for a rustic-classic feel. A pure black perfectly polished and oil-rubbed is the best for this type of kitchen. The cream, grey, brown and red granite and undertones is another favorite when you want to add warmth to your kitchen.

Your new natural stone purchase is an investment in lasting beauty that will give you many years of enjoyment. This care guide gives you a few tips on how to properly care for your natural stone and help extend its life and beauty. Following some simple procedures, and using the correct cleaning methods and products, will insure you a lifetime of use from your natural stone.

Sealing of your stone

Natural stone has been formed over millions of years but improper care can ruin nature’s beauty. Although we usually think of stone as “hard”, it is a porous material that can absorb spills and stains if left untreated. Sealing your stone is a vital part of the installation process.

Cleaning procedures and recommendations

Keeping your stone free of dust will minimize the scratches and wear-patterns that can develop from everyday use. Using a neutral cleaner specially formulated for natural stone will help remove soils that normal dusting or damp cleaning leave behind. We recommend Revitalizer Cleaner with Protector. This cleaner is developed especially for natural stone and tile care. Its unique blend of neutral cleaning agents makes it gentle on your stone while leaving behind an impregnating protective shield every time you clean.

Do not use general purpose cleaners or you may damage your stone or break down the sealer. Also, do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids, as these may etch the stone surface and damage the polish. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.

What Products to Use

Use Revitalizer on a regular basis to remove residues from cooking oils and everyday food spills. Many common foods and drinks contain acids that may etch or dull the stone surface. In the bath area some common spills are hairspray, cosmetics, toiletries(e.g., perfume, toothpaste, mouthwash). These may contain acids and other ingredients that may damage the stone surface or degrade the sealer.

In the shower and other wet areas, the use of Revitalizer will remove any soap scum or hard water deposits that may have formed. Also, using a squeegee after each use can minimize soap scum and hard water deposit buildup.

Dust mop interior stone floors frequently using a clean non-treated dry dust mop. Sand, dirt and grit do the most damage to natural stone surfaces due to their abrasiveness. Mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will help to minimize the potential damage from these particles. In addition, be careful when using a vacuum cleaner as the metal or plastic attachments or wheels may scratch the
surface. Damp mop the stone floor with clear water as needed. For cleaning use a diluted solution of Revitalizer or Clean Stone as directed on the label. Keep off floor until completely dry, as wet stone floors may be slippery.

What to do when a spill occurs:

No matter how careful you are, spills are going to happen. A quick response and the right solutions can keep spills from damaging your stone or the sealer. We
recommend that you only use the cleaning products recommended in this care guide.

Food Spills – Scoop up the food with a plastic spoon. Blot with dry, white cloth. Spray area with Revitalizer. Wipe dry with a clean cloth.

Liquid Spills — Blot away the excess with a clean, dry, white cloth; turning the cloth frequently. Spray area with Revitalizer. Wipe dry with a clean cloth.

Oily Stains — If you identify the stain as having an oil base (from foods like salad and cooking oils, butter, or some cosmetics) you may be able to remove the stain using a poultice. We recommend EXTRACT OIL

Stain Remover Paste -This easy to use poultice is designed to slowly remove oily stains from natural stone surfaces. This product may be purchased from us. Follow the directions on the label.

Mud — Let the mud stain dry completely. Remove dried mud with a soft plastic or nylon brush. Spray affected area with Revitalizer. Wipe dry with a clean cloth. If the stain remains, contact a professional cleaner.

Etch Marks — Substances that are highly acidic, such as orange juice, coffee, vinegar, wine, tomato products, mustard and many soft drinks, will “etch” some stones —even if they are sealed. Although sealing allows you time to wipe up a spill, it cannot stop the chemical reaction that may leave a dull area or etch mark in the stone, although we use the best sealer we can find to prevent this as best we can. In addition, cleaners not specifically designed for natural stone are not recommended. These may etch away the polish, discolor the surface, scratch the stone or degrade the sealer. That’s why selecting the correct cleaning products is so important to the lifetime beauty of your natural stone. Professional refinishing is the best way to permanently remove etch marks and restore your natural stone’s finish.

15 Granite Countertops Colors Starting @ $34.99/Square Foot Installed + 1 FREE Sink!

*Price reflects Estimate 3 edge choices PLUS INSTALLATION! This may not be combined with other offers. 40 SF Minimum. Restrictions May Apply. Subject to change without notice.

12 Granite Countertops Colors Starting @ $44.99/Square Foot Installed + 1 FREE Sink !

*Price reflects Estimate 3 edge choices PLUS INSTALLATION! This may not be combined with other offers. 35 SF Minimum. Restrictions May Apply. Subject to change without notice.

Call Today!
(980) 328-8738

Call Today!
Direct Tel: 980-328-8738
Office: 201-985-0835
Fax: 201-435-9814

Home Renovation Ideas and Mistakes to Avoid

Home Renovation Ideas and Mistakes to Avoid

Select the right contractor

Set a realistic budget

Don’t overlook the most used places in your home

Pay attention to the exteriors too