No matter what countertop surface you currently have in your home, there may come a time when you need to replace them. Recognizing these three signs can help you determine if your countertops are ready for a replacement.
1. Erosion
Countertop erosion is common with low-end countertop materials. However, some high-end surfaces can also wear out if you’ve had them for a very long time, or if they haven’t been taken care of. If your countertops have eroded to the point of being able to see the materials beneath them, you are in need of a replacement. Although, we recommend you don’t let them get to this level.You can’t repair eroded materials, so replacement is the only option. Opt for an upgrade in material installed by a trusted professional. This will ensure that you have beautiful countertops for many years to come!
2. Cracks
Cracks are common in certain countertop materials, like wood. Cracks are caused by constant pressure, or sharp and abrasive objects coming into contact with the countertop. Not only do cracks make your countertops unappealing, they can also trap bacteria!It is possible to repair cracks. You should have a trained professional take a look at them to determine if this is a possibility. If your countertops are full of large cracks, your best option will be to replace them!
3. Outdated
Nothing can make a kitchen or bathroom look drab more than outdated countertops. Let’s be honest, your kitchen is the heart of your home. So, why not show it a little love. If your countertops are stuck in the past, it’s time to replace them! You can choose something timeless, like a neutral granite stone with beautiful veining. This will keep your countertops in style for as long as you keep them! Or maybe your style has changed, this is a great reason to replace your countertops too!
Not to mention, if you are planning on selling your home in the future, countertops are a HUGE selling point to potential buyers! Make sure you get the most value out of your home by replacing your countertops!
So, have you decided it’s time to replace your kitchen or bathroom countertops? Contact C and C Stoneworks in Greenville, NC! You can visit our stone yard full of all different materials and colors. Find the countertop that is perfect for you and your home! Then our experienced fabricator and installers will work to give you the countertops of your dreams.
Is your kitchen in desperate need of an update? You know it’s time for a remodel, but perhaps the sticker shock of how much a remodel can cost has you a little hesitant. We see this a lot; folks have decided to tackle a remodel and are looking for an area they can cut costs. Often times this is with the countertops. After all, laminate is fine. Right?
Well, the problem is that for the money you may be saving by opting for low end countertops, you are actually just borrowing from yourself long term. Not only do laminate countertops not last like stone countertops, they are much more prone to scratching staining and cutting damage. In the long term, granite, quartz or marble will be much better for your budget because they last a long time and you won’t have to spend money again installing new countertops years later.
Not only are stone countertops stronger, more durable and more appealing, they are also a lot more forgiving of kitchen accidents than laminate. Not to mention, if you ever plan on selling your home, stone countertops are a huge selling point for potential buyers!
To save money on your kitchen remodel the RIGHT way we suggest –
Keeping The Same Layout
Moving the sink, electrical outlets and switches to other locations will certainty drive up your costs. Consider keeping your same kitchen layout. The C and C Stoneworks team will custom fabricate your countertops, so no need to worry about fitting them perfectly in your existing space!
Repaint, Don’t Replace Cabinets
Instead of gutting your kitchen cabinetry, just give it a facelift with a fresh coat of paint and new hardware. If your cabinets are in good condition, a simple resurfacing will bring new life to your kitchen, without breaking the bank.
Consider Open Shelving
If part of your kitchen remodel needs to include adding more storage, consider open shelving! It creates interest in your space and saves money. Not to mention, it is very trendy and a great way to display your favorite dishes!
Are you ready to tackle your kitchen remodel? Contact C and C Stoneworks today! We’ll help you pick out the perfect countertop for your space that will look beautiful, increase your home’s value and stand the test of time!
If you are building a new home or thinking of a remodel, we know that functionality is a top priority – especially if you have a large family or small children. Your design plans require special attention to ensure that the space is family-friendly and welcoming. At C and C Stoneworks, we’ve worked with many families to create both beautiful and functional spaces.
We all know, especially in eastern North Carolina, that the kitchen is the heart of the home, which naturally means it is the busiest room of the house. So, when considering design elements, we have a few tips that will make your space flow much better – and save parents from a little stress.
1. Open Floor Plan
Not only does an open floor plan make your kitchen look bigger, it also allows whoever is preparing meals to feel like they are a part of the action happening in the living or dining area. We know that parents of small children appreciate this layout too, so that they can keep an eye on their little ones playing in the next room.
2. Kitchen Island
Kitchen islands are so wonderful and versatile. They can be used for additional seating, prepping meals, homework, crafts or just hanging out before dinner. Adding a kitchen island not only gives you a very useful surface, but also a beautiful design element to your space. The countertop and/or cabinetry you choose to use on your island can be contrasting or complementing to the rest of your kitchen, depending on the look you are going for! Both are trending right now and real attention-getters!
3. Fuss-Free Countertops
Low maintenance, easy-to-live with countertops are a must for families. You need something that is durable, fingerprint resistant and easy to clean. Trust us! Quartz countertops are a great choice, as they are heavy-duty and non-porous, meaning they are unlikely to stain. Quartz is available in countless colors and patterns, so you won’t have to sacrifice style for function. Granite is also a great option but does require regular sealing to keep it in excellent condition.
4. Kid-Friendly Countertop Corners
This is an important one! Sharp countertop corners seem to just be a magnet for little heads. We highly recommend that if you have small children running around at home, to consider a rounded countertop corner. Not only is it classic, it can help save you from drying a few tears.
Are you looking for a family-friendly kitchen design? C and C Stoneworks is here to help! We work with each family individually to create a space that, is not only beautiful but, works for everyone in the home! Contact us today!
As we all know, granite has been one of the most popular countertop materials for many years now – and for good reason! Granite countertops are beautiful, easy to maintain, durable and can last forever with proper care and maintenance. Considering your granite countertops are going to be with you for quite a while and are usually the main focal point of any space, wouldn’t you want to be able to select the exact countertop stone that will be installed? At C and C Stoneworks in Greenville, NC, we always suggest going directly to the slab when deciding on your perfect countertop – here’s a few reasons why!
You Get to See the Big Picture
Tiny samples of granite can be a great starting point to narrow down your preferences, but you need to choose from full slabs when you make your final decision. When you choose the actual slab, you can see what the overall color and pattern looks like – because granite is made by nature and no two slabs are alike. Many times, a slab of granite will have secondary and tertiary colors that are not obvious until you see the whole piece. Will the beautiful swirls and veining in a particular slab of granite match your décor plan? Seeing the “big picture” will help you with your design choices too!
You Will Learn Not All Stones Are Equal
Even if you get the same type of granite as a sample you saw, remember not all stones are created equally. What we are getting at is that just because you loved the 12” x 12” sample you saw at the big box dealer, doesn’t mean the countertop as a whole will be what you imagined. Much of the appeal of granite to many people are the “beauty marks” made by nature. However, there are some granite stones with unflattering patterns and/or flaws. If you only see a small sample, how do you know what the rest of it will look like?
You Can See Many Options
Another advantage of going directly to the slab when choosing new countertops, is that by going to a stone yard you will be able to see many, many options. Once you decide on the perfect color and pattern for you, you will be able to inspect the individual slab. Like any other natural stone, granite is rarely consistent in design and you must be sure you like any changes in color or patina across the slab.
Once you’ve picked your perfect slab, C and C Stoneworks’ professional fabricators will convert it into your dream countertop. We guarantee maximum utilization of the slab and hide seams for a cohesive look across your countertop surface. Contact us today to visit our stone yard. Your perfect slab is waiting for you!
Slab of Sienna Beige at C and C Stoneworks Stone Yard
Homeowners or realtors who want to make a house more appealing to potential buyers know the impact new countertops can have on resale value. Often, beautiful countertops are at the top of buyers’ “must-have list.” In fact, sale listings with the keywords “granite countertops” sell for about 4% above the expected value, and almost 40 days sooner than the competition.
Where to Spend Money on New Countertops
We’ve all heard the saying, “The kitchen is the heart of the home.” Families spend a lot of time here! It’s where meals are shared, homework is done, birthdays are celebrated, guests are entertained, and more. So, it is no surprise that potential buyers pay special attention to the kitchen when thinking about purchasing a new home.
Another area of your home to think about upgrading countertops is the bathroom. If your bathroom countertops are in poor condition, consider replacing them. New bathroom countertops can prevent a negative effect on your home selling. You may not get quite the same bang for your buck that you do with new kitchen countertops, but with upgraded bathrooms too your home will sell faster
What Type of Countertops to Select
The best countertops for resale value are attractive but versatile. At C and C Stoneworks, we recommend granite. This durable, functional and classic material is the most sought after countertop stone among those looking for a new home. Granite is great for the kitchen and the bathroom. Choose a granite in a neutral color – this is not the time to go with a trendy choice. Pick something mainstream. From an investment standpoint, white kitchens are always a hit. Our experts can work with you to suggest countertop colors and styles that have a more timeless look.
When to Upgrade Countertops
What if you are planning to put your home on the market in the next few years? Does it make financial sense to replace your old countertops now? Most of the time, the answer is “yes”. Extremely strong and hard, granite can retain its gorgeous look and feel for many years, even after heavy use. When properly sealed, it is highly resistant to scratches and stains. So, it’s a win-win! You can enjoy your new countertops until you decide to sell your home and still have an increased resale value.
Gorgeous kitchens and bathrooms set the tone for a home, and are two of the savviest remodels to get the best return on your investment. At C and C Stoneworks in Greenville, NC we can help homeowners and realtors choose countertops that are not only beautiful, but can stand up to the wear and tear of a busy home. Are you ready to increase the value of your home? Contact us today to learn more!
Are you in the market for new countertops? At C and C Stoneworks in Greenville, NC, we work with many different customers on many different types of projects. However, one thing that all customers should remember is: new countertops do not happen quickly. We take the time to make sure that each countertop is fabricated to the highest quality. Our attention to detail sets us apart from our competitors. Fabricating and installing countertops is an involved process. Depending on how busy we are when you decide to take on this exciting project, it could be up to 18 weeks from the time you have selected your slabs, signed the contract and made the deposit. Once you have signed the contract, you will be added to the schedule and we will install countertops in the order the contract was submitted. That is why you will want to get started on the process way BEFORE you are actually ready for the install. Quality fabricators are always BUSY (that is a good sign), but it means you have to be patient and trust your fabricator to get to you as fast as possible. The average wait is anywhere from 12 – 18 weeks.
Here are a few different scenarios that might occur depending on your situation, and a few tips to help you in the process:
NEW CONSTRUCTION: If you are in the process of new construction, then you will want to begin looking at countertop slab options during the early stages of construction. It will be very helpful to have a layout of the kitchen/bathrooms, along with rough measurements. The layout will allow the experts at C and C Stoneworks to estimate how many slabs you will need to provide an accurate cost, based on what you select. You will want to keep us updated on where you are in the building process so your slabs will be ready for install when your contractor says it is time.
REMODELING WITH NEW CABINETS: If you are remodeling a kitchen or bathroom and putting in new cabinetry, then you will want to begin looking at slabs immediately. A layout of the countertop area with measurements will allow us to estimate how many slabs you will need along with a cost based on the material you select. Because the process of getting countertops can be lengthy, you will need to get on the schedule as soon as possible. Otherwise, you will have cabinets being installed and no countertops to put on them. Planning ahead is critical to reduce the stress of remodeling.
REMODELING WITH EXISTING CABINETS:If you are remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, but are keeping your existing cabinets, you will want to begin looking at slabs as soon as you start thinking about the remodeling process. Providing a layout of the countertop area, with measurements, will allow the fabricators at C and C Stoneworks to estimate how many slabs you will need to provide an accurate cost, based on what you select. You should not remove your old countertops until it is time to install the new ones. The old countertops will be removed by the professionals at C and C Stoneworks on the day of installation.
Your Steps:
Make the decision to get new countertops
Reach out to C and C Stoneworks in Greenville, NC
Provide layout of countertop area with rough measurements
Select slabs (this can take days or weeks)
Get estimate
Select sink
Sign contract/pay deposit
Purchase faucets
Fabricator’s (C and C Stoneworks’) Steps:
Show customer slabs
Prepare estimate based on layout and slabs selected
Finalize contract
Put customer on schedule (12–18 weeks on average)
Prepare template at customer’s home (done couple of weeks before install)
Begin cutting stone (could take a couple of days)
Polishing of stone (could take a couple of days)
Schedule install date (will give customer a couple of days’ notice)
Haul slabs to install
Remove old countertops (unless it is new construction)
Install countertops
Install new sinks
Cut holes for faucets
Secure basic plumbing
Clean up from installation
Waiting is the difficult part; however, planning ahead can expedite the process. At C and C Stoneworks in Greenville, NC, we take the time to do things the right way. The difference between good countertops and great countertops is all in the details. If you’re thinking about new countertops, contact C and C Stoneworks today to get started on the process as soon possible! Not only will we install your countertops, we will also install sinks and faucets to help complete the remodel process.
