Granite Countertops Still Top List of Home Improvements

Despite the sputtering economy, homeowners are still investing in home remodeling projects – especially kitchen makeovers – either to make their homes more appealing to buyers or more comfortable and enjoyable while they ride out the housing slump.

And one of the most popular home improvements is, once again, granite countertops.

A recent study of 10,000 consumers, conducted by the Research Institute for Cooking and Kitchen Intelligence, found that kitchen renovations remain at the top of the list for consumers seeking to add value to their homes.

When the study asked homeowners, “If you were changing your kitchen now and had no budget constraints, what improvement would you make?” granite countertops were among the kitchen features they coveted most.

Many consumers are tightening their belts but remain eager for granite countertops, according to Garis Distelhorst, executive vice president of the Marble Institute of America, the nation’s leading natural stone association.

“Historically, consumers recognize that granite countertops enhance the value of a home in ways few other improvements can,” said Distelhorst. “No other countertop surface can measure up to granite in terms of practicality, timeless beauty, durability and safety. This natural stone has held its value in ways more trendy materials have not.”

Consumers continue to invest confidently in kitchen makeovers because the projects typically increase the resale value of their homes. In the last five years, kitchen remodeling projects have generally returned 80 to 85 percent of consumers’ investments, according to the “Cost versus Value Report” from Remodeling magazine.

Because kitchen renovations increase resale values, experts agree that if consumers can only afford to renovate one room in their homes, it should be the kitchen. In fact, an all-new kitchen “that looks great and is fun to work in” was the top priority of 2,200 home enthusiasts surveyed recently by Better Homes and Gardens magazine.

“What we’ve discovered is that the home continues to be our emotional center and the sweet spot of everyday life,” said Gayle Butler, Better Home’s editor in chief. “Economic uncertainty aside, we won’t stop spending, improving and dreaming.”

Contact Milan Stoneworks today for a free consultation on your next project:
503.232.6206 or www.milanstoneworks.com

Building Your Own Private Island In The Kitchen - Milan Stoneoworks

Islands are the hub of family and social life as the “go to” spot for food prep, appetizers, and homework alike.

Recently, Milan Stoneworks was called upon by this family that outgrew their starter home in Happy Valley and moved to a larger home that would accommodate their three young children that are always on the go.

The homeowners wanted to engage the family while preparing meals - and what better way to do so but around an island...

Before

From start to finish this kitchen was template, fabricated and installed in 10 working days.  

During

Their granite was Persian Pearl from vendor Pental.

During - In Milan Stonework's Shop

The homeowners also painted their cabinets
 

They installed two, yes two dishwashers for
their family of 5!

Looking at starting a kitchen remodel of your own? Ask us to view samples. We can also show you how we've used granite in projects with other customers so you can get ideas on the possibilities! 

503.232.6206 or www.milanstoneworks.com 

Milan Stoneworks - Fabricating and Installing Eco-Friendly Quartz

As a naturally occurring material, quartz is a very Eco-friendly a material chosen for countertops mostly because of its strength, durability and low maintenance.

Only a few other materials found on the Earth are considered harder than quartz. But like anything used in building projects, quartz has advantages and disadvantages.

Quartz is a heavy material that is extremely scratch-resistant and resistant to stain, mold and bacteria growth. Unlike many other materials, quartz is also extremely low maintenance making it the perfect material for kitchen and bathroom remodels.

At Milan Stoneworks, we care about the environment while at the same time caring for installing only the best products in your home. These are a few examples of quartz products that we are proud to carry:

CaesarStone Quartz
Comprised of 93% natural quartz, with its stain, scratch, and heat-resistant properties, CaesarStone is the ideal choice for care-free countertops.

CaesarStone introduces the first of its kind lifetime warranty - the only warranty that covers your surface for as long as you own your home.

Staron Quartz Surfaces
Staron® quartz is a non-porous product. It is highly resistant to bacterial growth and stains such as red wine, cooking oil, and other spills. Thus, making the product virtually maintenance free, since, it doesn't require sealing or periodic polishing.

PentalQuartz
Achieve a look to last forever with PentalQuartz. Its timeless beauty is suitable for every room in your home- from kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities to bar tops and tub surrounds. PentaQuartz will complement your home décor for years to come.

PentalQuartz is easy to care for and requires little maintenance. Highly heat, stain, and scratch resistant, PentalQuartz is designed to withstand whatever life throws its way.

PentalQuartz is naturally nonpourus which prevents mold and other microbes from growing, without harmful chemical treatments.

Ask us to view samples. We can also show you how we've used quartz in projects with other customers so you can get ideas on the possibilities!
503.232.6206 or www.milanstoneworks.com