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Spring is here — the season of growth, change, and new beginnings! And if you’re still sitting on the fence on whether you should do your renovations this season, we’re urging you to put those rejuvenated energies to work – ’tis the season to start something new!

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to take on full-blown renovation projects to refresh your home. Instead, simple swaps of hardware, a change of paint, adding newfound styles or ornaments to any room, and rearranging furniture can spruce up a home in dire need of change! The possibilities are really endless!

If you have a little bit of time on your hands, the best place to start is the kitchen. Most homeowners start their renovations at the heart of the home as this is where the magic happens! If you’re planning to host brunches or dinners in the near future, you won’t regret starting your renovation in the kitchen since this is the common area where everyone gathers. Plus, if you’re thinking of sprucing up because you’re putting your home in the market, you’re on the right path as kitchens are one of the most viewed rooms in online searches!

Reasons Why You Should Do Your Kitchen Upgrades

Here are some compelling reasons why you should do your kitchen upgrades (or really, any projects you’ve been putting off for a while now) this spring!

1. Add a “touch of you” to the kitchen.

When you step into your kitchen, does it feel like you? A fresh coat of paint, change of cabinet handles, or a new set of lights can almost instantly do the trick! If your countertops have been installed for a while now, you might want to look into that too. You’ll be surprised at how much a countertop upgrade can change the look of your kitchen and make it truly yours.

2. Make your kitchen more functional.

If you’re wondering where to start, ask yourself: When you’re using the kitchen, do you feel that something is missing?

There are numerous ways to reconfigure your kitchen and make it more functional, and it ultimately depends on your preferences. If you have too much stuff or little space for everything, start maximizing the functionality of your kitchen by getting rid of equipment or dinnerware sets you have not used for a while or no longer need. If the space is still not enough, add more organizers or cabinets.

You can also add a pantry (if you haven’t yet) to keep your non-perishable food items separate from your dinnerware, kitchen equipment, and so on. You can also add or change your lighting, change sinks, or fixtures – any change that will best suit your needs.

3. Save money and time in the future.

It’s a given that a complete kitchen remodel comes with a hefty price tag. However, expensive kitchen renovations are not necessary most of the time.

This actually goes hand in hand with your kitchen’s functionality. Repairing something as soon as you spot them can save you the burden of extensive planning and expenses in the future. If you have outdated appliances, dented countertops, leaking fixtures, or worn-out cabinets, this is your sign to upgrade or fix them!

For example, outdated appliances use more energy than new ones and fixtures that leak wastewater. You may not feel the burden of the monthly expenses on your utilities, but these will definitely add up in overtime.

Countertops are also worth looking at. If your countertops are dented or dulled, you may want to have this looked at (and repaired if possible) as it can cause accidents. On the other hand, countertops with worn-out sealing should be resealed if you want to preserve and lengthen their working life.

4. The weather calls for it!

Most kitchen renovations will set you back from two weeks to two months, especially if it involves painting, countertop upgrades, or installing new appliances. And guess what — spring weather calls for it! The temperature is not too cold or too hot, and you’ll thank yourself later for doing this now than later.

Home renovations done in spring can also let you enjoy summer seamlessly and with a reinvigorated aura! If you’re planning on hosting gatherings, you’ll have more time to entertain your guests than having to worry if your appliances or fixtures break down during your party.

If you’re looking to sell, spring also puts the odds in your favor. Summer is notoriously famous as the best time for home selling or buying. Based on our research, spring sparks the home selling activity, but sales really go up during the summer months. Most sources attribute it to longer days, great weather, and people generally having more spare time during these seasons.

5. Increase the value of your home.

Even if you’re not looking to sell, upgrading a kitchen is one of the trusted ways to increase the value of your home. A newly improved kitchen can bring you improved happiness — knowing that you will be making and sharing meals with a trusted kitchen you genuinely love and deserve.

Updated kitchen appliances, sturdy countertops, functional fixtures, and aesthetically pleasing backdrops are also key for homeowners looking to sell. However, countertops hold the most weight. Granite, quartz, and marble countertops can drastically increase your home’s value due to these natural stones’ designs, quality, and craftsmanship. Some homebuyers will even start at the kitchen and check the countertop material. If they don’t like it, they might immediately dismiss everything, even if the house is worth looking at.

We’ve got just the thing for you! Download your free Countertops Buyer’s Guide without commitments and achieve everything you want without confusion, frustration, or stress! Plus, you’ll gain access to exclusive offers!

Planning to refresh and upgrade your home this spring?

We are ready to help you choose the perfect set of counters, cabinets, and fixtures to complement your home. From the design process to installation, we’re by your side. Count on us for all of your custom kitchen renovation needs!

P.S. Let’s talk about your home renovation project, and we’ll provide you with the resources you need to ensure your experience is simple and pleasant every step of the way.

Happy Remodeling and Happy Spring!

Dekton Countertop | cosentino.com

Schedule a FREE consultation with our specialists here.

9 Best Options for Your Kitchen Countertops

Countertops are one of the most heavily used areas in your kitchen, and it’s no wonder why choosing a material for your kitchen countertop is a huge decision. The best countertop can make a kitchen more functional – plus, they significantly influence your kitchen’s feel and look.

There’s an extensive range of materials available in the market today — with each material having its pros and cons, all of which will determine the best one that will suit your needs.

Here are the objective areas you should look at when evaluating your countertop materials:

Appearance: Do the aesthetic qualities of the countertop match the style of your kitchen?Cost: How much does the countertop cost, factoring in the materials, installation, and maintenance? Is it within your budget?Functionality: How rigid is the countertop material when put to the test? Is it stain- or heat-resistant? Is it easy to clean and maintain?Value: Will the countertop add real estate value to your home? Are you getting the best value for your money?There are still many things to consider for the kitchen of your dreams, but choosing a countertop that you will love in the years to come is the most important thing. After all, it’s your kitchen!Read more below and find out which countertop material will best suit your needs!

Granite

Natural stones are one of the most popular choices for a kitchen countertop, with granite countertops being the leading option. They have recently become the material of choice for many homeowners remodeling their kitchens, mainly because granite is a very durable natural material and can be customized to your specifications. Granite slabs are also very heavy and durable, which makes it somewhat an investment as it can affect the real estate value of your home.

PROS: Granite is heat- and stain-resistant, making it an excellent material for durable countertops. Aside from this, no two pieces of granite are alike, making every countertop entirely unique!

CONS: Granite is an expensive material. Since it is a natural stone, it will require periodic sealing to protect it from stains.

Quartz

Quartz is a relative newcomer to the countertop material industry, but it’s one of the latest and most sought-after synthetic countertop materials. Quartz countertops are not solid mineral slabs — these are engineered stone products using pulverized waste natural stones, glass, mirrors, and more, plus resins for hardness and binding. Quartz is an excellent option as it harnesses the beauty of natural stone and the durability of solid-surface materials.

PROS: Quartz countertops are exquisite and aesthetically pleasing because of the quartz crystals and other natural minerals. They are also very durable, easy-to-maintain, and can withstand scratching, compared to other engineered-stone materials. In addition, unlike natural stone slabs, quartz will not require annual sealing.

CONS: Quartz countertops are very heavy and are pretty expensive, with the price being on a par with granite.

Marble

Marble is a metamorphic rock with unique and veined patterns, making it one of the most beautiful all-natural stones. However, marble is soft and more porous than other natural stone materials.

PROS: Marble has been known for its unique and natural veining, making it one of the most aesthetically pleasing materials for any kitchen countertop. It is also waterproof and heatproof and can add to the real estate value of a home.

CONS: Marble is expensive. It is soft and porous and may not be the best choice for heavy kitchen users as it can be easily stained and scratched. It will require periodic sealing to maintain its functionality.

Soapstone

Another natural stone option like granite, soapstone is composed mainly of the mineral talc, which makes it quite soft. However, the soapstone material used for countertops typically has higher percentages of quartz in it. As a rule of thumb, soapstone lies in between granite and marble. Therefore, it’s not as hard as granite, but it is less porous than marble, making it more durable and stain-resistant.

PROS: Soapstone has a deep, rich color, varying in tones of white and gray, which can complement any kitchen. It is relatively stain- and heat-resistant. Plus, any damage can be sanded out to retain the countertop’s appearance. Over time, soapstone will take on an antique-like look, which can be very attractive in certain homes.

CONS: Quartz countertops are very heavy and are pretty expensive, with the price being on a par with granite.

Solid Surface

Solid surface is a man-made material composed of acrylic particles and resins. Commonly called homogeneous, the surface you see on top is the same surface all the way through. Solid-surface have been around for nearly 50 years and have been regarded as premium, luxury countertops during its peak. It’s currently considered mid-tier and is an excellent and cost-effective solution for kitchens with a lot of countertop space.

PROS: Solid surface materials are cost-effective, stain-resistant, and are available in a wide range of colors and designs. Another advantage is that they can be easily repaired. You can buff it out with very fine sandpaper if you scratch or dent your solid surface.

CONS: Solid surface materials are not as tough as natural stones like granite and quartz. If subjected to high heat, it can crack and scorch.

Laminate

One of the most affordable kitchen countertop options, laminate countertops are made from a thin layer of plastic, usually bonded to particleboard. It also offers every homeowner the rare advantage (cost-efficient option) of installing it by themselves.

PROS: One of the most budget-friendly options, laminates also come in thousands of colors, patterns, and styles. DIY installation is also relatively easy and cheap.

CONS: Laminate countertops can easily be scratched, peeled, and chipped. Aside from this, since the base is made out of particleboard, it may swell upon contact with water, and the damage can be impossible to repair.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a highly unique choice for a contemporary and industrial look. Stainless steel countertops are also heat-resistant and durable. However, they will stain and corrode (though not rust) over time without significant care and maintenance. Though erring a bit on the expensive side, stainless steel is highly customizable and can be made to any specifications.

PROS: Stainless steel is impervious to heat damage and is the easiest of all countertop materials to clean. It’s also regarded as a “premium” countertop material and can add to the real estate value of your home.

CONS: Stainless steel is quite expensive. It can also be easily scratched and can produce loud/noisy sounds upon sudden contact.

Concrete

Concrete is as custom as it gets. It can be made to virtually any shape and dimension and can be tinted to any color of your choice, including a wide array of texture options. Concrete countertops might seem to be very affordable (given the humble nature of this material), but it’s more expensive than you might expect. Maintenance is also a factor here. Because of its porosity, it should also be sealed regularly.

PROS: Concrete is highly customizable, and in most cases, it almost weighs as heavy as natural stones like granite. It is also heat- and scratch-resistant.

CONS: Concrete is relatively expensive as it will require custom installation and upkeep. Aside from this, cracking may occur over time if it is not maintained and sealed regularly.

Wood

If you’re looking for a rustic and homely aesthetic, then wood countertops might be the best option for you. Hardwoods like maple and oak are the most often used wood for countertops, and these are available in a wide range of colors and styles. Wood is also easy to clean and can be buffed and resealed as often as needed.

PROS: Wood is relatively easy to clean and can last for a long-time when maintained regularly. It can also be sanded and resealed as often as you need.

CONS: Wood slabs are quite expensive, and they can be scratched and cut by sharp kitchen equipment. If not maintained and cared for, it can also crack and harbor bacteria as it is compostable material.

Planning to refresh and upgrade your home this year? We are ready to help you choose the perfect set of counters, cabinets, and fixtures to complement your home. From the design process to installation, we’re by your side. Count on us for all of your custom kitchen renovation needs!

P.S. Let’s talk about your home renovation project, and we’ll provide you with the resources you need to ensure your experience is simple and pleasant every step of the way.

Happy Remodeling!

>> Schedule A Free Consultation Here <<

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As a realtor, I have had the pleasure in the past of working with the folks at E&D Granite City and now, most recently, on renovations at my personal home. In all cases, communication with Denis and his team (especially Lili) was highly professional and achieved the perfect results. Their blend of courtesy and professional knowledge makes every transaction a pleasure! I think it is a privilege to be able to recommend them.
Maria T.