Remodeling

Oct 20 2021

Granite Vanity Tops Installation

New granite vanity tops can easily change the look of a room, bringing added style and counter space, all with easy maintenance. If your bathroom feels dated or damaged, a new granite vanity top can be exactly what you need to revitalize the area, whether in a kitchen or a bathroom. Whatever the reason for your new vanity tops, you will want to learn about the installation process so you can prepare and get the most out of your new bathroom.

Once you understand the installation process, GranitePro can bring sleek and beautiful new vanity tops into your home. GranitePro is among the accomplished experts on Maryland countertop installation services and can make the installation process smooth and hassle-free. Get a free consultation from GranitePro today by calling 410.875.7579.

First Considerations for Granite Vanity Tops

A granite bathroom vanity is an exciting undertaking for any family, but they’re also an investment into your home. You’ll want to consider several key elements before you begin the project. You can start by scheduling a free consultation with GranitePro’s expert team members, allowing you to choose from a selection of top-of-the-line stone options. These materials include:

Granite
Marble
Quartz
Soapstone

Keep in mind when considering materials how much daily maintenance you’re comfortable with, how much wear and tear your bathroom will experience, how the material will fit with your bathroom’s design, and, of course, your budget. Once you have chosen a material and layout, we will draw up a price estimate for the project.

From here, we will measure the space and your vanity to create a digital template and plan out your bathroom’s layout. We will then fabricate and cut your new vanity tops. One of the advantages of working with GranitePro is that you can personally customize your space and vanity to make sure it is a perfect fit, working around the specific size constraints of the bathroom or vanity and any plumbing needs. We offer a truly custom product, making sure your new granite vanity tops are one of a kind.

Granite Bathroom Vanity Installation

For the installation, we will use our own crew of qualified and thoroughly vetted professionals. Our team will match your planned layout and look exactly, working quickly, safely, and professionally.

Once the day arrives, our installation team will bring your custom vanity top to you and install it with the utmost care. They will follow these steps to remove your vanity top and replace it with your new custom option:

Turn off the water and disconnect the drain pipe – This is a simple but essential first step. Before our installation team arrives, you should turn off the main water supply to the bathroom, and our team will disconnect the drain pipes from the existing sink and the supply lines from the existing faucet.
Take off the old vanity top – Our team will cut the existing caulk surrounding the vanity to avoid damage to the drywall and then remove the clips holding the vanity top in place. It may need to be pried off the vanity.
Level and secure the new top – We will make sure the vanity cabinet is level, then place and center the new top. Shims are then inserted as needed to level the top. Then the top is attached with any fasteners.
Install the new sink faucet assembly – We will then install the new sink and faucet assembly and reconnect the water supply lines.
Caulk and seal the edges – To keep water from leaking into the granite and to tightly fasten the new top to the wall, we will run a small bead of caulk around the edges, backsplash, and the rim of the sink.
Reconnect the water supply and clean up – At this point, we’re all finished. We will then turn your water supply back on and leave your new bathroom even better than we found it.

GranitePro: Revitalize Your Home With Granite Vanity Tops Today

GranitePro’s team of experts is the ideal choice for all of your custom bathroom and kitchen countertop needs. Our products are custom, made especially to your specifications, and installed by a qualified team of experts. The installation process is guaranteed to be quick and hassle-free and will leave you with a beautiful new addition to your home. To learn more, contact us today at 410.875.7579 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation and estimate.

Sep 28 2021

Best Countertops for Home Remodel

With so many people working, learning, and spending extra time at home, renovation projects are especially popular right now. Whether you want to increase your house’s value before a sale, want to make your home more functional and welcoming, or simply need to modernize dated designs, a home remodeling project has a lot to offer for any family.

For families considering a remodeling project, one of the best choices you can make is new countertops.

New countertops add a sleek and modern look to your home and can add a lot of value to a remodel. If you are looking at new countertops, though, you will be faced with plenty of different options, and it can be difficult to determine what the best choice is for your family.

That is where countertop remodeling experts like GranitePro can help. GranitePro offers free consultations and even virtual in home estimates where our team can help you find the best countertop options for your remodel. Call 410.875.7579 to learn more.

What Are the Best Countertops for a Remodel?

You will be faced with an array of options when looking at a remodel. Make sure you consider your needs for your new countertops. A few questions to keep in mind are:

How much will we use our countertops?
What will we use our countertops for?
How much maintenance am I able to commit to?
What kind of look do I want?

GranitePro offers the best in countertop remodeling, using the highest quality materials and best industry practices available. The countertop options available through GranitePro include granite, marble, quartz, and soapstone.

Granite

Granite countertops are among the most popular natural stone options available, offering a luxurious natural look and long-lasting durability. It is resistant to heat cuts and scratches, and each slab has its own unique color and veining, making it perfect for kitchens. However, be aware that granite countertops need to be periodically resealed, and you should clean up spills as soon as possible, so they do not stain the stone. Additionally, though granite requires little maintenance, you should avoid harsh cleaning products and stick to soap and water when cleaning your counters.

Marble

Marble countertops have become synonymous with luxury aesthetics, giving your home a sleek and contemporary feel. Like granite, each slab is unique and can come in a variety of colors. However, marble is also more prone to nicks, cuts, and scratches than other natural stones, so you must be careful with heavy use. Also, much like granite, marble is porous, so you will need to clean up spills quickly to avoid liquid seeping in and damaging or staining the stone. Even so, marble remains an extremely popular option and can hold up well with proper care.

Quartz

Quartz is a great choice if you are looking for a low-maintenance option. Unlike natural stone countertops, quartz is an engineered stone, meaning it can come in a wide variety of customizable styles and can also imitate the look of granite or marble. However, it is non-porous and even more impact-resistant. It will never need to be resealed, is stain resistant, and is easy to clean. Though quartz can be damaged by sustained exposure to heat or natural sunlight, you will not find more durable countertops for a busy house.

Soapstone

Soapstone offers a unique look for your countertops, coming in beautiful shades of gray with blue and green undertones. It is one of the less popular stones, but it is also guaranteed to make your counters stand out. It is also non-porous, stain-resistant, and heat resistant. However, you do have to be careful with heavy use since soapstone is softer than most other counters and can scratch easily.

Call GranitePro Today to Learn More About Your Countertop Remodeling Options

Ultimately, the best counters for a remodel come down to you and your family’s needs. It should fit the look and level of use for your new space. Fortunately, GranitePro can help with all of your remodeling needs. GranitePro offers a variety of countertop services, including:

Countertop installation
Countertop removal and disposal
Backsplashes
Templating
Fabrication

GranitePro can get you the most out of your new home remodel. Call GranitePro today at 410.875.7579 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation or get a virtual estimate.

Aug 13 2021

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.

Aug 06 2021

The Process of Countertop Installation

Custom-designed countertops can bring a beautiful new touch, whether in a kitchen or a bathroom. They can also add value to a home or a new kitchen remodel. While your new additions will undoubtedly be exciting though, you also have some planning ahead before you get to enjoy your new countertops. You’ll likely want to know more about the installation process so you can prepare.

Fortunately, GranitePro is among the foremost experts on custom countertop installation services in Maryland and is here to help with all your countertop needs. With over 16 years of experience, GranitePro has the expertise needed to bring your countertops to the next level. Reach out to one of our installers by calling 410.875.7579.

Countertop Consultation

The first thing you will want to do when buying new countertops is scheduling a consultation. One of GranitePro’s expert team members will perform a free in-home consultation, measuring the space for the countertops and creating an initial plan. GranitePro will also work with you to choose from our wide selection of top-of-the-line options, all sourced from top-rated quarries around the United States. Our materials options include:

From there, we will draw up a price estimate for your unique project.

Templating

To ensure your selected countertops are the exact right size, we will first create a template. One of our expert technicians will come to your home to precisely measure the space and create a digital template to plan out your future counters. With the digital template, you can also customize your plan to find the perfect design for your new counters. This will help to avoid the seams that are common with prefabricated countertops.

Fabrication

Once we have a template, it is time to plan and cut your new counters. If you have not settled on material yet, this is the last chance to make any changes. The plans and template are sent to our fabrication team, and soon enough, you’ll have your counters. The template will likely include custom changes or amenities added to your countertops, including:

Added electrical outlets
Cutouts for appliances
Change in shape
Plumbing

The fabrication team at GranitePro will add these custom touches at this stage in the process, making sure the countertops work perfectly for you.

Countertop Installation

Now, the big day is here. Your new custom bathroom or kitchen countertops have arrived, and it’s time for installation. Your custom-designed countertops will be fabricated to your exact specifications, allowing for a clean, seamless look, and will be installed by our expert countertop installation crews.

Our countertop installation crews are all employed by GranitePro and thoroughly qualified and vetted. Many companies subcontract for the final installation, but we want to ensure the counters you receive are made and installed with quality craftsmanship for a completely customized experience. We also know we can trust our installation crew to match your final countertops exactly as we planned throughout the process.

Moving Countertops

Sometimes circumstances prevent us from moving in the counters whole, which requires us to cut the counters down and end with a few minor seams. However, our digital template method and expert installation crew will minimize how noticeable it will be on the end product.

Learn More About Our Custom Countertop Installation Services in Maryland

Choose GranitePro for your custom bathroom and kitchen countertop needs, and you can rest easy knowing you will receive a completely customized product to perfectly fit your needs. Our countertop installation services are some of the most sought-after in Maryland, so you can know you are getting a custom and professional experience. From consultation to installation, we are here to bring you the best possible new additions to your home.

Jul 16 2021

Prepping Bathroom Tile for Renovation

When you think of a remodeled bathroom, you probably think about a jacuzzi tub, an elegant vanity, and a nice stand-up shower. And while all of these things are an essential part of a successful bathroom remodel, the most vital part is the floor. Before you can start your bathroom tile replacement, you first have to demo the existing flooring and prep the floor for the new bathroom tiles.

GranitePro is home to experts in bathroom remodeling. We understand what it takes to bring your remodeling project to fruition. Find out how our expert installers can help you take your bathroom renovation to the next level by calling 410.875.7579.

Replacing Bathroom Tiles

Remodeling your home’s bathrooms has one of the highest return on investment percentages of any remodeling project and is a great choice if you are looking to improve the value of your home. Due to the amount of moisture that a bathroom is routinely exposed to, it is smart to go with waterproof flooring for a low-maintenance option.

Tile is the most commonly preferred type of flooring for bathrooms because it offers a beautiful and durable finish. The first step in replacing bathroom tile is getting rid of the old tile. Despite its durability under regular conditions, tile is generally pretty easy to demolish and remove.

Removing Bathroom Tile

Like any other demolition project removing tile can be a pretty messy job. This is best prepared for by wearing a filtered mask and eyewear to protect against shrapnel. If you are trying to prevent dust from getting all over the rest of the house, you can hang plastic barriers up in the doorways.

Thankfully this project takes a minimal amount of tools, as is so often the case when dealing with deconstruction rather than construction. A hammer, chisel, and pry bar will more than suffice for the removal of tile.

Don’t start smashing all the tile with your hammer; although this might feel great, it’s not very efficient and will leave you with an unnecessary mess. The strategic way to remove tile is by first removing the threshold at the doorway. Once this is removed and you have access to the edge of the tile, you can start by hammering your chisel under the first tile until it breaks free.

After this first tile is dealt with using the flat end of the pry bar; similarly, this is the quickest and easiest way to dispatch the rest of the tiles. After you have pried all of the existing tile free from the floor, it’s time to start prepping.

Prepping Floor for Tile

After removing the old tile, you will be left with dried mortar on the bathroom’s subfloor, and there are two ways to remove it. The easiest and most ideal method is using a hammer drill with a chisel mortising bit. If you don’t have a hammer drill, bust out the hammer, and preferably a masonry chisel, but a stiff blade scraper will suffice.

Whether you take the automatic hammer drill route or the manual route, the general practice is the exact same – hold the chisel at the ground at a 45-degree angle to ensure the optimal balance of downward and forward force and start chiseling away. It helps to vacuum your mess as you make it, so having an extra set of hands to clean as you chisel is a good idea.

After this, you are going to want to repair any damaged portions of the subfloor. If the floor is still in good shape, then there’s no need to replace it. I recommend installing a tile membrane for the best job possible, but some people choose to bypass this step. Once the membrane is installed, you are ready to start tiling. Consider a Maryland home improvement company for the following bathroom services:

Tiling
Countertops
Plumbing

Learn More About Granite Pro’s Bathroom Tile Services

If you’re all worn out after getting rid of your old tile, and you don’t have the energy to install the new stuff, you can count on us! Contact GranitePro at 410.875.7579, or contact us online to schedule your free consultation and installation.