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5320 Enterprise St. Suite B Eldersburg, MD 21784
(410) 875-7579
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Kitchen remodel

Granite Kitchen Countertops Installation

Granite kitchen countertops are in high demand as of late. They are a low-maintenance, beautiful, and durable option for a new kitchen and are a fantastic investment for those looking to sell their house. Whether you want a more stylish and functional home or are looking to add value to your house before a sale, new countertops are an exciting prospect.

Before you enjoy your new kitchen, though, you have to deal with the installation process. Whether you are installing your new granite kitchen countertops alone or using a team of installers, it can help to plan ahead and understand what goes into the process.

At GranitePro, we are Maryland’s granite countertop experts and have years of experience in countertop installation. We can help you understand the installation process and make it stress-free with our qualified installation team.

Call GranitePro at 410.875.7579 to learn how we can help create your dream kitchen today.

Consultation Services for Granite Kitchen Countertops

The first part of any renovation project should be establishing a budget. Granite countertops, while undoubtedly worthwhile, can be expensive. Fortunately, GranitePro offers a free consultation where we can discuss your needs, measure the space, and draw up some initial plans. You will be able to choose from a wide selection of material options, including:

  • Granite
  • Marble
  • Quartz
  • Soapstone

From there, we will draw up a price estimate for your unique project and begin the templating and fabrication process.

Templating and Fabrication

We will first measure and calculate the dimensions of your stone countertop and draw up a digital template. We will work with you to create the perfect design and layout for your kitchen, and our team will then send the template to fabrication, where they will cut your granite slab using our high-precision toolset. Working with GranitePro gives you access to a completely customized product, especially envisioned for your space and needs. This includes room for appliances, faucets, sinks, and electrical outlets.

Granite Kitchen Countertop Installation

Installing granite countertops can be complex and labor-intensive. Though this can initially be intimidating, GranitePro offers a wealth of expertise with our team of professional installers, who are all employed by GranitePro and thoroughly vetted. We will make the installation process safe, simple, and quick.

Preparation

When the day arrives, our team will begin with a tearout, removing the old countertops, as well as appliances, the old plumbing system, and the backsplash. You can make this part simple for our team by turning off the water ahead of time and removing the appliances that could obstruct the installation process. Make sure the workspace is clean and clear of clutter.

Installation

Once all the preparations are complete, our team will begin the installation. They will position the new countertop on top of the cabinetry and affix them to the walls, appliances, and sink. Be aware that the adhesive may need up to 24 hours to set fully. Our team will also take special care to minimize any seams, making them as unnoticeable as possible.

Sealing the Granite

After the granite is installed and the plumbing and appliances are reconnected, the last step is to seal the stone. Since granite is a porous stone, water, and other liquids can easily damage or stain it if your counters are not properly sealed. Our team will apply a granite sealant, which will repel damaging liquids and ensure your countertops will last for years to come.

Schedule a Free Consultation With GranitePro

If you want to bring the beauty and convenience of granite kitchen countertops into your home, GranitePro will make the process quick and straightforward. Best of all, at the end of the installation, you will have an investment to last for years to come and a high-quality custom product wholly tailored to your needs. Contact GranitePro today at 410.875.7579 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation and estimate.

Best Ways to Clean Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are not only a beautiful addition to your home but have a lot of benefits. Granite is very dense and durable, making it great for a heavily used kitchen, but an equally useful perk is simple maintenance. High-quality natural stone countertops are resistant to bacteria and other germs and relatively easy to maintain, but the secret to keeping them looking great is proper and regular cleaning. 

As foremost countertop experts with over 16 years of experience, GranitePro can help you keep your countertops looking as good as new. Reach out to GranitePro by calling 410.875.7579 to learn more about granite countertop cleaning and maintenance.

What You Need To Know About Granite

Granite is a natural material, so its porousness can vary. To protect your new granite countertops, we use a sealant. This protects fluids from seeping into your countertops and causing damage over time, as well as protecting from heat and staining.

However, you will need to consider how much your cleaning products wear your sealant because of this. Sealants can wear down over time and may eventually need to be replaced. If it becomes difficult to wipe up spills or water drops begin seeping into the granite, it may be time to reseal. 

Because of this, you’ll want to watch out for products that damage not only the granite itself but also the sealant. 

Cleaning Granite Countertops

Even if your granite is properly sealed, it can still be blemished by wine, oil, or juice. Follow our tips to make sure you make the most of your new counters. 

  • Don’t use harsh cleaners or abrasive scrubbing tools. Warm water, a mild dishwashing soap, and a soft microfiber cloth should do the trick without scratching the granite or weakening the sealant.
  • Be sure to clean spills as soon as possible. Make sure you blot up spills rather than wiping them to avoid spreading the dye over the counter. 
  • When cleaning the countertops, be sure to wring your cloth in clean water to avoid spreading dirt, grime, and food. Then wipe down the counter with fresh water to remove any soapy residue. 
  • After you’re finished, dry the counter with a fresh, dry microfiber cloth. This helps you avoid water stains on the stone.

Dealing With a Countertop Stain

Prevention is generally the best way to deal with stains, but sometimes your granite might need a deeper clean. Look for pH-neutral products specifically made for natural stone. Do not use generic stain removers or bleach.

Sometimes, deep-set stains can require professional cleaning. Doing it yourself may make it worse. Your counter will likely need to be resealed after a professional cleaning as well. They’re also good for removing any soap build-up left from cleaning with a dish detergent. 

What to Avoid

As with any other stone countertop, you want to avoid cleaning with vinegar or any acidic products. Commercial cleaners that use citrus oils or extracts should also be avoided. These products are also acidic, and they can wear away at the sealant, which leaves your counters vulnerable to damage. Acidic cleaning solutions can also damage the stone itself, even if your counters have been sealed, causing etching on your counters. 

It is also a good idea to be careful about what you put on your counters. Avoid cracking stone countertops by using trivets under your hot items, and watch out for spills of acidic drinks like juice, coffee, or soda. If you do spill, be sure to clean it up immediately.  

Learn More About Caring For Maryland Countertops

Given proper care, your granite countertops can last you many years. GranitePro can bring this beautiful new touch into your home with our professional installation, templating, and fabrication services. 

Call GranitePro at 410.875.7579, or contact us online to choose from our wide selection of granite products and begin transforming your home. 

How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost?

Kitchen remodels are consistently one of the most popular choices in home renovations. Whether you’re looking to update your home’s look, add to its resale value, or simply make your kitchen into a more functional space, kitchen remodeling is a great investment, especially when using our expert services. GranitePro offers kitchen remodeling services to the Maryland area, including:

  • Countertop installation
  • Countertop removal and disposal
  • Backsplashes
  • Template
  • Fabrication
  • Plumbing
  • Tile

However, when most families consider a kitchen remodel, one aspect looms large over the excitement: the cost. GranitePro customers don’t need to worry, though, because, with over 16 years of experience, we can answer any questions about the price of a kitchen remodel in Maryland and offer tips to save you money. Reach out to one of our experts by calling 410.875.7579.

Average Cost of A Kitchen Remodel

Part of what makes a kitchen remodel complicated is how much the prices can change. Though the average remodel cost is over $20,000, prices can range from $10,000 for smaller projects to over $50,000 for large-scale remodels. Part of why prices can vary so widely is that many variables are going into a remodel. A few you should know about are the scale of the remodel, any floor plan changes, and the materials used.

Scale Of The Remodel

Obviously, more extensive remodeling will increase the price of the project at the end of the day. High-end luxury appliances, custom cabinetry, new plumbing, new flooring, and custom high-end countertops can all add to the price tag of your remodel. You’ll have to decide what level of remodeling lands within your budget and how much value a high-end remodel will add to your home.

Floor Plan Changes

Any changes to the floor plan or structural changes to the kitchen can significantly raise the price of your remodel. Major structural changes could mean changing the walls, windows, or even the size of your kitchen itself. Even if you stay within the confines of the existing kitchen, changes to the floor plan could mean changes to lighting, appliances, electrical lines, gas, and plumbing. If you need to change where your wiring, gas, waste lines, or water are located, opening up the walls will add to the cost.

Materials

Another important part to consider is what materials you use in the remodel. For example, hardwood flooring will likely cost more on your budget than tile floors. GranitePro specializes in countertop installation and removal, offering a variety of material options to help you find what is right for your kitchen. These material options include:

Tips To Save Money On Your Remodel

Customers hoping to remodel their kitchen should also be on the lookout for ways to cut costs from the project. Here are a few ways to save money on your new kitchen remodel:

  • Shop Smart – Research the products before buying to ensure what you get is quality and a good deal.
  • Stick To Your Budget – Adding new features during the remodel is a good way to inflate the cost of your remodel quickly. Establish a budget and stick to it closely.
  • Keep Your Current Layout – Try to find a design that preserves your existing kitchen footprint or slightly changes it.
  • Have Your Financing In Order – Equally important to your budget is how you finance the project.

Learn More About Kitchen Remodel Costs at GranitePro

Ultimately, you have to decide what kind of remodel is right for you and your family. Fortunately, GranitePro is here to help you through the process. GranitePro installers are the experts you need to take on your kitchen remodel. We can help answer any questions about the kitchen remodel costs and your options for saving on your project. Call us today at 410.875.7579 or fill out our online form to schedule a free in-home consultation and estimate.

Most Popular Kitchen Improvements 2021

There aren’t many, if any, rooms in the home that make a bigger statement than the kitchen. It’s a major social area in most people’s homes and is usually one of the first things guests see when they come by for a visit or a meal. Updating the appearance of your kitchen gives your immediate household and extended guests a beautiful and welcoming space to celebrate and socialize. 

Deciding on how you want to approach redoing your kitchen can be difficult. Granite Pro, professionals in kitchen remodeling, has insight into some of the most popular kitchen improvements in 2021. Reach out to learn what’s trending and how it can best serve your own kitchen by calling 410.875.7579.

Sleek and Clean Look

As the lockdown restrictions are starting to lighten up in most parts of the country, the drive to want to update your kitchen can be overwhelmingly strong. You’ve had over a year to sit around and nitpick every little thing you dislike about your kitchen, and now it’s time to do something about it. One of the biggest trends of 2021, which is actually more of a continuation of the past few years, is the sleek and clean look – or what some may refer to as minimalist.

You can do a lot of things to achieve this look, but the most important is limiting your color selection – white and grays work great for this. The next thing you want to do is try and limit the amount of protruding handles and fixtures throughout the kitchen. This includes hiding your trash bin and appliances when possible.

A great way to achieve a sleek-looking kitchen this year is by installing a natural stone island or countertops. Soapstone is the leading choice for countertop materials in a kitchen like this, and after a few years, the darkness of the stone will perfectly contrast the light colors of the rest of the kitchen. A few popular materials include:

Eco-Friendly

You see it everywhere, and the kitchen improvement trends of 2021 are no different. That’s right; we’re talking about eco-friendly kitchen improvements. This current trend is only expected to grow as time goes on.

The first and foremost thing you can do to keep your kitchen remodel eco-friendly is to use any existing materials you may have lying around. This can make it hard to keep a cohesive look, but you might be able to salvage countertops from somebody else’s remodel. A good place to keep an eye out for stuff like this is online community marketplaces and wholesale lumber and hardware stores.

If you don’t feel like salvaging your new kitchen but still want to keep it as eco-friendly as possible, there are plenty of options for that too. By ensuring you use responsibly sourced materials for your countertops, you can drastically reduce the carbon footprint of your kitchen improvements. Three of the best countertop materials to achieve this are as follows:

  • Recycled glass
  • Bamboo
  • Responsibly harvested stone

All three of these materials have proven themselves to be great-looking and durable countertops, and you can expect to start seeing a lot more made from one of the three.

Integrated Appliances

Another major kitchen improvement trend of 2021 is the installation of integrated appliances. These appliances are designed to fit seamlessly in your kitchen as if the kitchen was built around them. By eliminating any unnecessary handles and remaining flush with cabinetry, integrated appliances are a great way to achieve that clean, minimalist look that is sure to captivate your visitors this year.

Granite Pro: Kitchen Remodeling Experts

Granite pro has been remodeling kitchens in Maryland for two generations. Contact us today to schedule your consultation so you can be on your way to having the trendiest kitchen in the neighborhood. Learn more about some of the most popular kitchen improvements by calling 410.875.7579, or contact us online.

Tips for Financing a Kitchen Renovation

Due to the increase in the amount of time spent at home, more and more people have decided to undertake home renovation projects. One of the most common rooms to be renovated in any home is the kitchen which can be attributed to the high ROI of a kitchen remodel.

Renovating your kitchen is a great way to increase your selling price if you plan to sell. If you don’t plan on selling your home, a kitchen renovation is a great way to make your home feel more welcoming and personal for as long as you live there. 

One of the most common worries amongst people who want to remodel their kitchen is a lack of financing. Don’t worry because Granite Pro can provide you with the top tips for financing a kitchen renovation. Learn how you can finance a kitchen renovation by calling 410.875.7579.

Kitchen Renovation Costs

Having a good idea of what the entire project will cost you is the first step in securing financing. To come up with your own estimate, you need to consider two things: materials and labor.

After you know what you want to do to your kitchen, you can call around and get a rough estimate of what the material cost is going to be.

To figure out the labor cost, you need to ask yourself are you going to be doing the project, or are you going to have somebody else do it? If you are the one doing all of the work, then the labor cost should be next to none – if you plan on hiring the professionals at GranitePro, you can call them at 410.875.7579 for a free estimate on their labor. Now that you have a rough estimate of the cost of labor and materials, you can start seeking financing for the following services:

Tips for Financing A Kitchen Renovation

Just as a note, you should always seek more financing than your original estimate, just as a cushion for any unseen expenses that might come up along the way. With your project cost in mind, it’s time to decide which financing method is suitable for you. Some of the most common forms of financing a kitchen renovation are as follows:

  • Personal loans
  • Mortgage refinancing
  • Credit
  • Home equity loans

Personal Loans

Personal loans are fast and easy to secure through several banks, credit unions, and online lenders. This type of loan is typically unsecured, which means you will face higher interest rates than those found with other forms of financing. At the end of the day, though, the amount you are approved for and the interest rate will depend entirely on your credit history and income.

Mortgage Refinancing

Refinancing a mortgage is a great way to secure the financing you need for your new kitchen. This is when a bank offers you a new loan against your home, allowing you to keep the difference between the new appraisal amount and the original purchase price. This is otherwise known as a cash-out refinance and is a great way to finance a kitchen renovation.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are an excellent choice for those minor renovations. This type of financing usually has a higher interest rate than other methods, so we only recommend it for minor updates and not full-scale remodels.

Home Equity Loan

The amount of a home equity loan is based on the value of your home, which is put up as collateral in the process of financing a kitchen renovation. Interest rates on this type of loan are fixed, meaning you pay the same monthly payment for the entirety of the loan.

Learn More About Kitchen Renovations in Maryland at Granite Pro

If you want a new kitchen renovation but don’t have the time to do it yourself, you can count on the professionals at Granite Pro to get the job done for you. Contact us today at 410.875.7579, or contact us online to schedule your free in-home or virtual estimate.

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