Granite counter tops for any kitchen remodel

Kitchen remodeling projects are very popular at Mark of Excellence Remodeling. While the selections, styles, and designs will vary greatly granite remains the number one choice for counter top material. There are many alternate products which are discussed and considered, but granite suits the needs and desires of most homeowners. Most of our recent kitchen projects in Monmouth county have incorporated granite. Also, granite is not exclusively used in high-end, luxury kitchens. Mark of Excellence Remodeling currently has a value kitchen package available which sells for as low as $13,950 and includes a granite counter top!

A counter is more than just a work surface. Your countertops set the tone for the entire kitchen, and granite countertops are the current material du jour, whether you are going for a rustic, contemporary, modern, country, or something different. Their popularity is not due to their good looks but because they are durable and long-lasting. Though it’s not possible to predict trends, it’s likely those granite countertops won’t look “dated” 10 or 20 years down the line, whereas styles of laminate come and go. Still, are granite countertops your only option for a luxury kitchen remodel?

Certainly not. There are plenty of other good looking options, and eco-friendly or “green” materials are becoming more and more popular.

There are options galore when it comes to kitchen countertops. If you have a handful of kids, and macaroni and cheese is on the menu several nights of the week, you probably aren’t thinking about elegance or even resale value at this point in your life. If you are a heavy duty cook you will probably favor granite because it can withstand the heat from pots and pans and still look like something from a magazine picture.

Regardless of your lifestyle, a kitchen is a place where work is to be done so durability and maintenance should be among your primary concerns. There are many choices of countertops ranging from laminate, ceramic, and stone tiles at the low-end, to granite, concrete, and recycled materials (such as glass) at the high end of the scale.

If money isn’t a big concern and you know you’ll sell your home one day, you will definitely want to consider granite countertops. It’s desired but most folks, so you’re sure to appeal to a wide variety of potential home buyers. And there’s really not much to dislike about granite on a personal level either.

It is beautiful and will add a certain something to even a modest kitchen. Because granite is a quarried stone, each piece is unique and no two counters will have the same look. Granite will last a lifetime and is rated highly by home buyers. Granite is a popular choice for kitchens because the surface is hard enough that knives and cutlery will not scratch the surface.

Granite holds up to heat, comes in a range of colors from blacks and white to pinks, reds, yellows and greens. It is the hardest of the stone countertops and will last forever. Granite countertops are still increasing in popularity and as a result are becoming more affordable and new methods and techniques are available to make it stronger and cut down on the maintenance necessary to keep it in pristine condition. If you are concerned about environmental issues stone countertops are relatively good “green” options since they do not outgas hazardous chemicals and can last for generations.

Granite countertops are durable and for all practical purposes easy to clear with a soft cloth and warm water. Because the stone is porous, however, it can absorb stains if the spills are not wiped up immediately. Fortunately, you can get a sealer applied during the fabrication process, which practically eliminates that problem and does not have to be reapplied.

Granite countertop finishes are either honed or polished. A honed countertop is flamed or tumbled to create a matte surface and a polished countertop has a smooth glass-like surface. If glare is an issue or if you are covering a considerable surface you might like the matte surface better.

Walk-in Closets

Pictured below are two projects from Mark of Excellence Remodeling that walk-in closets were incorporated in the design. The one is the attic space above the new Gathering Room below. This 150 square foot closet was not a part of the clients’ project wish list initially, but it was easy to tie into the existing second floor master bedroom. Therefore the added cost was within budget while the transformation was dynamic.

The second photo shows the pocket doors leading to two walk-in closets that were a part of a 2,700 square foot Mark of Excellence Remodeling design + build project in Monmouth County. A new master bedroom suite was built and these closets are actually the space that was the original master bedroom on the Cape’s second floor.

Traditional closets are a nightmare.

It would be wonderful if every home and apartment came with dozens of walk-in closets full of shelves and organizers. There would be a place for everything and everything would be in its place.

Most of us have grown accustomed to living with small closets. We are all familiar with clothes jammed together on a rod, shoes piled helter-skelter on the floor, and shelves that are too high to be functional. The potential for clutter lurks in every home. If you’re remodeling, though, it may be possible to add a walk-in closet. At the very least, you can add organization systems inexpensively.

Your first job is to identify your clutter, find a place to put it and organize that space efficiently. Whether you are building a new closet or retro-fitting an existing one, you must first analyze how you will arrange things to keep everything orderly and accessible.

I met my first walk-in closet (except on programs about the rich and famous on television) in a rental condo when we were on vacation. It was love at first sight. Fortunately walk-in closets are no longer considered luxury items so ideas, design plans, and a great many options are available. A walk-in closet provides the ultimate in efficient wardrobe storage.

You can revamp your current closet or design a walk-in closet using little used space in your existing home.

If you want to create a closet in an area where none exists, consider partitioning off one wall of a large room, or think about converting another room in the house into a multi-functional room as well as a closet. Most of us have rooms in our homes that are used for overflow or “junk” if you prefer that word. This room can be converted into a dressing room or sitting area as well as a closet system, or just partition off the other half with shelves and cabinets to make it into a functional storage area. Yes, you will lose some floor space but you will gain a well-defined storage area.

A walk-in closet will add value to your home and create a place that you can use and enjoy. If you are remodeling your home for retirement living it would behoove you to consider accessibility features when making your plans. Your walk-in closet isn’t just another room; it is a place to keep your clothes and your accessories together in an organized fashion.

Your closet should mirror your lifestyle, whether you live in the world of suits and cocktail dresses (or tuxedos) or sweaters and jeans. A standard sized rod and shelf closet does not utilize space efficiently and you don’t have to look very hard to see that there is a tremendous amount of wasted space.

You can find ready built modules that you can install yourself or you can hire a closet organizer. If you don’t know where to begin, hiring a professional may be the way to go, however the price will be considerably higher. Regardless of which way you choose to go, you will want to plan carefully and make your closet as efficient as possible. By using modular units and adjustable shelving, you can adjust your closet to reflect your changing needs.

You will want to become familiar with the term closet systems and decide what system will work for you. Built-in, floor-based and wall-hung systems are the three most common choices. A wall-hung unit hangs on a track. It gives a clean contemporary look with everything off the floor. A built-in system is permanently joined to the structure of your house and will add a custom look but will be difficult to dismantle if someone wants to change it later. The floor-based units are built from the floor up and also give a built in look.

Before you start tearing things down and buying organizers, start by looking at everything that will be going into your closet and take an inventory. How many short-hang items, long-hang items, and medium-hang items (determined by the size of your clothing and how you like to store them) do you have, and how much space do you need to hang everything? This is a good time to get rid of items that don’t fit and you haven’t worn in three years. Yes, you are creating more room but if you aren’t careful, even a walk-in closet can soon become a disaster area.

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