Ask the Granite Expert

April 2012 Article

THIN….IS IN

We see it all around us, TV’s, computers, key boards, cell phones. With advances in technology, products become thinner or smaller over time.  Heck, we all WANT to be thin don’t we? Well, why should home improvement products be any different? I introduce to you GRANITE TRANSFORMATIONS! GRANITE TRANSFORMATIONS has found a way to improve upon ordinary natural slab granite and do it with a smaller impact on the environment. All the while minimizing the time it takes to install a beautiful new countertop in your kitchen or bathroom. Gone are the days of expensive (and risky) demolition, contending with dust and debris that impact your life for days if not weeks. Not to mention our proprietary product is permanently sealed making it a healthier alternative as well.

Did you know that traditional slab granite as a natural product has pores that can harbour bacteria if not sealed on a regular basis? This sealing can cost up to as much as $295 per application and be required annually. Factor that into your investment or take the risk in not sealing and see where that gets you. With GRANITE TRANSFORMATIONS proprietary product, you never have to worry about sealing as it is engineered with FOREVER SEAL, this protects you and your investment for the life of the product.

By this time your thinking sure, sounds good but it’s likely really expensive. Well, it’s not cheap but you wouldn’t want cheap in your home anyway would you? The truth is, it is generally less expensive than mid to high grade natural slab granite (when dealing with a reputable dealer) but with superior features to that of the ordinary slab granite.

See for yourself, go to Granitetransformations.com/southalberta or call today for a FREE in home design consultation.

March 2012 Article

Questions to Ask When Looking for a Contractor

When you’re in the market for a home renovation, the contractor you hire can be your best friend or your worst nightmare. While it would be nice to live in a world where every service field was run professionally by qualified tradesmen, it’s simply not the case. Many contractors are qualified but there are just as many that aren’t at all what they appear. Renovating or remodeling your home can be a stressful investment and one of the best ways to reduce stress and protect your investment is to work with a professional contractor. But how do you know you’re dealing with a professional? You have to ask the right questions.

Begin with professional credentials. Does the contractor have insurance? Every contractor that performs work on your property should have insurance. Whether they’re trimming a tree or building an addition, anyone who does work on your property without insurance is putting your home and finances at risk. While one of the advantages of hiring a professional contractor is to reduce the risk of accidents, bad things do happen from time to time. Unless your contractor is prepared to accept responsibility for an accident and carries insurance to cover any financial damages, you can become liable. The odds that anything bad will happen are slim but it’s best to be safe, not sorry.

Also, make sure you ask if your contractor is licensed and bonded. Without a license to perform the work, the contractor is putting you at risk. Unfortunately, licensing is a complicated matter that falls under different regulations depending on where the contractor works. Some areas and jurisdictions view licensing differently than others, making it confusing for contractors and homeowners alike. Licensing is also an added expense for the contractor, making it challenging for licensed contractors to compete with non-licensed contractors. However, licensing generally requires some type of insurance for the company and its employees. Ultimately, this means an injured worker can’t sue the property owner for injuries sustained on the job. Bonding protects the homeowner if the contractor should fail to complete the job, does shoddy work, or fails to pay subcontractors.