Shopping for the best granite countertops in Atlanta can be an overwhelming task for people looking to improve their kitchen or bathroom. Granite countertops are usually excellent choices for a bathroom or kitchen improvement project. Most of the times homeowners who are buying granite countertops for the first time might not know where to start. This can be a problem since the choice you make will be a longterm decision. Now getting the best granite countertops in Atlanta should not worry you. Here, you will learn how to choose the best granite countertops by following a few simple steps.
Simple steps to follow to get the Best Granite Countertops in Atlanta
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Do your research
You have decided that you want to install granite countertops in your kitchen or bathroom, now the question is how do you get the top granite countertops? Doing your research is an important step that you should not skip. This is the only way you can ensure you get to know the best and reputable providers of countertops in Atlanta. The internet has a lot of information; thus it should be your starting point. Read the reviews of various providers and then narrow them down according to how appealing they are.
However, you should look for reviews on unbiased sites like Google and not “Pay to Play” websites like Yelp, Angie’s List, Home Advisor and so forth. Why? Well, these sites are notorious for hiding reviews or promoting reviews to benefit an agenda. If the company is not advertising with them they may highlight negative reviews or hide positive reviews in order to “persuade” the company to start advertising with them. This may sound “conspiracy theory” but it’s believed to be true by hundreds if not thousands of business owners who have experience these problems. Google reviews tend to be the most trust worthy but they can still be faked or placed by a competitor. However, with a bit of critical thinking you can usually tell a fake review. Read through more than just a couple reviews and you should start to see a more accurate reputation of a company.
Also, you can ask your friends or family members that have installed granite countertops already. After arriving at the best provider, the next thing you want to do is to visit the showroom. You need to bring with you pictures of the room you want to improve so that you can be guided properly and see how the various granite colors match with your room colors.
Art Stone Granite and Marble Inc have over 12 years of experience in the natural stone industry. Their designers will work directly with you to help you pick the right match for your room.
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Select a good quality granite
Selecting the best quality granite before you make the final buying decision is very important. Visiting the most reputable granite fabricator in Atlanta gives you the opportunity to get the highest quality exclusive granite countertops. The quality of a granite countertop can be in terms of porosity, color constancy, and overall pattern. You can test for porosity by pouring some water on the granite and then wipe it off after 15 minutes with a towel. If there is some residue and still very dark, then that means the granite is highly porous. You should avoid a highly porous granite countertop. While all granite is somewhat porous and needs to be sealed. Typically, the lower quality granite will be very porous and even have many pits, fissures, or cracks on the surface. The fewer the better. Once you see the exact slap you like at a Factory Direct Countertop Company you should be able to tell for yourself if it is good quality or not.
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Choose the right kind of granite
Choosing the right of kind of granite countertops involves taking several factors into consideration.
- Functionality– this is an important factor to consider before making your final choice. Here you want to consider the number of times you will be using your granite countertops, also consider if you have children always spill drinks and other foods in the kitchen. Some granites require more sealing or maintenance then others. Just ask the granite company about which granites work best for you needs.
- Consider your style– when it comes to granite countertops we want something that will match our style in terms of the feel, look and texture. Granite is wonderful for the many different color and pattern options. If you need help finding a granite to match a style, then take a look online to see which colors and patterns other have used and see if you like it yourself. You should always make a decision on the granite based on the big picture of your design scheme.
- Color combination in the room– you have to consider the colors in the room that you want to improve so that you can get the right countertops that will match the colors. You can bring in a cabinet door to the granite shop and even paint color strips to compare. Don’t worry it’s not weird or annoying to the sales people. A good granite company will encourage you to do so.
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Get an Estimate
Once you have chosen what you really want, now it is time to get an estimate. An estimate is based on the measurements of the space you want to improve. In this step, you will have an opportunity to discuss the options available to you. Remember and estimate is only as good as the information provided and the items included on the estimate. Some “sneaky” granite companies like to advertise a low square foot install price but then after you get started they surprise you with all the “not included” items.
Here are the basics you should have included on your estimate:
- Accurate total square foot & material required
- Granite color or group pricing
- Backsplash options (4”, full, or none)
- Sink & sink cutout
- Removal of existing if needed
- Edging options
- Sealing (is it included, what type, how long does it last, upgrade options)
- Delivery, Fabrication, & Installation
It’s best to also ask them if there is any additional cost that might incur that are not included.
Be aware to always compare “apples to apples”. If you get a quote from one company, make sure you are getting an identical quote from the other company. Same granite color and quality are very important. You may see the same “color” at 2 or more different granite shops but that doesn’t mean they are the same granite. You need to look at the actual slab for quality, color, and pattern.
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Sign a contract
First, you need to read the contract carefully. If you have any questions, just ask for clarity or if there is a need to make some necessary changes. It’s a good idea to have a detailed estimate and work order to ensure that everything gets down the right way. Some companies will even ask you to sign off of the color, template, or other items to ensure everything is correct. As long as you have a detailed document then it is easier in the end to make sure everything was done as agreed. If there happens to be a mistake and it’s the granite companies fault then they will be obligated to fix the problem. Remember, granite countertops are not something to easily or cheaply replace. If the wrong color gets installed then someone is going to feel the pain. It’s always best to prevent problems then fight over who’s at fault later.
Conclusion
Now you are equipped with the right steps to follow in order to buy the best granite countertop in Atlanta. Doing your research is important so that you can narrow down your list of countertop providers and arrive on the well-established most reputable provider. Also, you want to consider the quality of the granite and its functionality.
If you’re looking for the best countertop installation in Atlanta, you want experienced professional installers to get the job done. All of Art Stone Granite and Marble Inc countertops are done by Master Installers, and they guarantee you a perfect end result. Few companies offer a true 100% Customer Satisfaction Guarantee but Art Stone does. They will work with you to help you get the best granite countertops money can buy and ensure everything goes smooth.