R&A Magazine: Ask the Experts » Kitchen & Bath

Being cautious with your home improvement selections is a good thing. It's wise to do your homework and find out in advance the pros and cons of various product options. In this case, I think you'll be pleased with my answer.

Regarding burning, granite is formed by extreme heat and pressure combined underneath the earth's surface, so no, it cannot burn with ordinary use.

As for staining, as a natural stone, granite itself is 95–98% stain resistant. There are a few colors, however, that may absorb moisture with prolonged contact easier than others, and a problem may arise with darker pigmented liquids. To reduce this risk and for added protection, however, our company re-seals the countertops after fabrication with a specially formulated stone sealer which impregnates the granite. We also recommend a product called Dupont Revitalizer, for daily use as a cleaner formulated with a sealer that actually seals your granite every time you clean it.

Because of its natural beauty, durability and ease of maintenance, granite continues to be a very popular choice for kitchen countertops as well as various applications in the bath.

Should you have any questions regarding its maintenance or repair, or if you would like to discuss possible applications within your home, I invite you to call me at 717.333.2133, email me at gomarble@gmail.com, or better yet, visit me at our Lititz showroom and design center at 569 Furnace Hills Pike. Our showroom hours are Monday thru Friday 9–5:30, and Saturday 10–3.

Yes there is! The GRUNDFOS hot water circulation system is a great solution for this problem and it's available for both new construction as well as existing homes like yours.

You are right...why wait for hot water? Not only is it an inconvenience, it wastes time and money not to mention a lot of water! Hot water recirculation, on the other hand, means a continuous flow of hot water in the hot water supply line of your home––without a separate recirculation line. Without this system hot water in the line cools and must be evacuated before hot water can reach the faucets. This system uses the cold water supply line as the return line to the water heater and a circulator pump is installed on the hot water supply line of the water heater — a patented thermostatically controlled valve (comfort valve) is then mounted under the sink furthest from the water heater. The circulator pump is also equipped with a timer so that you can set it to run when you desire. This system not only adds value to your home, but delivers comfort and convenience of instant hot water when you expect it.

Think of it this way...what happens to the two to three gallons of water that goes down the drain during the wait? Those gallons are wasted and in an average household that can add up to thousands of gallons a year. GRUNDFOS has developed this system specifically for the existing home market and it is very energy efficient––using less energy than a twenty–five watt light bulb and can save up to sixteen thousand gallons of water a year per household! Hot water recirculation is a cost-effective method that can help the community and the environment by controlling additional waste of water.

For more information, give me a call at 665.5555

First of all, you are making a great choice in using granite. I've been in the granite countertop business for over twenty years, and it is such a pleasure to see how this countertop surface has evolved. Back in the day, we used marble. Then along came granite, a much more durable stone that is highly heat, scratch, and stain resistant. Just like any new product, though, it has taken years of educating the consumer for granite to rightfully be recognized as the best investment in countertops. To me, granite goes way beyond the value; it is a piece of art created by nature. You as the homeowner have the opportunity to show your style and personality through your unique stone.

Getting Started There are several ways to buy your granite countertops. Your best path to new granite tops depends on several factors: the scope of your project, your time, and your desire for professional design coordination throughout your home.

If you are simply :popping off the old tops," and replacing them with granite, you may wish to go directly through a granite fabricator. Some granite fabricators, like Natural Stoneworks, offer free design services to coordinate countertops, backsplashes, and flooring. On the other hand, a personal interior designer would help you to pull together other design elements throughout your home. Your designer would utilize the fabricator's stone yard and showroom. Well-appointed showrooms display stone and ceramic tiles to allow design of floors and backsplashes with slabs. Most likely, your designer will take you along to approve selections.

If you are replacing cabinetry or doing other renovations, you will probably employ a quality cabinet maker or general contractor. They will coordinate the installation of your tops with the fabricator. However, even in these instances, you should have the right to select your fabricator, visit the fabricator's facilities, and look at your granite slab in person.

Comparison Shopping
The best answer I have for this one is: Reputation, Reputation, Reputation. You are probably accustomed to researching a product; making a choice on make, model, and color; and then looking for the lowest price on the internet or store-to-store. Because granite is a product of nature, comparison shopping for what may appear to be the same color and edge treatment is a mistake. It will not be an "apples for apples" comparison and you may end up with a bad investment. As with any business, there are ways to cut corners and use inferior materials in order to give a low ball price to an unknowing customer.

The intrinsic beauty of granite is its uniqueness. No stone is alike and may go by various names. So the best way to make the right choice is to use a fabricator with many actual granite slabs on display. A good fabricator will also offer that you may visit his importers to hand-select your stone if you wish. If a fabricator will not let you see your individual granite that is a red flag.

Most importantly, granite countertops are not created in a factory sense. They require the expertise of craftsmen who use the proper cutting machinery and tools, who know how to lay out your tops in the most attractive manner, who can make needed seams go almost unnoticed, and who take pride in their work.
All projects, no matter how much you think will be simple and straight forward, have issues and nuances. You will want to be sure that your granite fabricator is prepared and willing to deal with whatever challenges arise. If your cabinetry isn't quite level or if your existing backsplash is a smidgen too high above the countertop, you want your installers to know how to make adjustments.

Enjoy Your New Granite
I hope that I have given you some direction to get you started and to make you feel confident and excited about getting your new granite countertops! As I said, you will be pleased with this rugged yet beautiful surface. Just remember that no matter what path you take, whether it is on your own, with an interior designer, or through a cabinet maker or contractor, you should ultimately be able to rely on your quality fabricator. He will provide the showroom, slabs, and expertise to help in your selections. Then he will coordinate with you or your designer/contractor to install your countertop (along with the tile backsplash and floor if included). From your first showroom visit to actual installation, the granite countertop portion of your kitchen remodel will be a fascinating and pleasant journey. Enjoy!

Regarding burning, granite is formed by extreme heat and pressure combined underneath the earth's surface, so no, it cannot burn with ordinary use.

As for staining, as a natural stone, granite itself is 95-98% stain resistant. There are a few colors, however, that may absorb moisture with prolonged contact easier than others, and a problem may arise with darker pigmented liquids. To reduce this risk and for added protection, however, our company re-seals the countertops after fabrication with a specially formulated stone sealer which impregnates the granite. We also recommend a product called Dupont Revitalizer, for daily use as a cleaner formulated with a sealer that actually seals your granite every time you clean it.

Because of its natural beauty, durability and ease of maintenance, granite continues to be a very popular choice for kitchen countertops as well as various applications in the bath. Should you have any questions regarding its maintenance or repair, or if you would like to discuss possible applications within your home, I invite you to call me at 717.333.2133, email me at gomarble@gmail.com, or better yet, visit me at our Lititz showroom and design center at 569 Furnace Hills Pike. Our showroom hours are Monday thru Friday 10-6, and Saturday 9:3-3.

Many people are inspired to start new projects with the new year. If you are looking to start a remodeling project, there are definite things to consider as you put your dream into a concrete plan. First, make a list of your expectations/desires and then be willing to do some legwork and actually interview construction firms to see if they can match your expectations. Main expectations that need to be discussed are quality, contracts/payments, and communication/scheduling.

More important than any of these concerns, however, is that you feel comfortable with — and not intimidated by — the company you choose for your construction project. Trusting your contractor is critical. You can build that trust with open and honest communication through every step of the process. You want to be sure that your contractor is a trusted advisor, not a salesman.

Quality: No one intends to hire a less-than-qualified contractor, but how do you identify one who will be able to provide the level of quality you desire? The best referral comes from a satisfied customer — so asking friends and family is definitely a good option. Granted, what your friend may consider quality or exceptional service may not match your standards. If you find a contractor that you feel might work, you should ask to see a complete list of his clients to broaden the scope of your sampling. A quality company should have available a list of clients who are willing to invite you into their home to view the craftsmanship or at least be willing to discuss their experience by phone.

In 2008, the Pennsylvania Legislature passed the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act. The law requires that all contractors who perform at least $5,000 worth of home improvements per year register with the Attorney General's Office. You can check to see if a contractor is registered by calling the toll-free hotline, 1-888-520-6680.

Contracts and Payment: Once you have established that the quality of craftsmanship meets your expectations, you should discuss contractual agreements and payment guidelines. Nothing will sour your dream remodel as fast as finding out deep into the project that it's costing you more than you can afford! At the onset, ask whether your contracts are guaranteed. Guaranteed contracts mean that the construction firm has taken the proper precautions when bidding the job to assure that the labor time included in the contract is sufficient for the job to be completed within the contract price. Make sure to make allowances for special materials like cabinetry, custom windows, plumbing fixtures, electrical fixtures and items that may need to be special ordered. This allows you, the homeowner, to have the freedom to spend or save as much as you would like while selecting the products you want. Items such as lumber, drywall, paint, insulation and other construction materials that don't have as much of an aesthetic appeal are usually automatically included in the contract price. If the cost of these items or the labor to install them exceeds what is estimated by the contractor, the construction company eats the cost, not you. In the event that you want to change the floor plan or select a different item than was originally selected, the contractor should have a system in place to inform you of any extra costs that might be associated with the changed order. These steps will allow you to stay informed as money is spent to ensure you don't exceed your budget.

Communication and Scheduling: Communication and schedule expectations are key to any relationship with a contractor. Find out if the contractor guarantees his schedule. This guarantee should include a detailed, written schedule that spells out what will take place each day. The power of preparation and having a written plan is essential for a remodeling project to be completed effectively and efficiently. In addition, a detailed job schedule will ensure the proper products will be ordered and the right construction applications will be completed.

If you have any questions or concerns about your remodeling project, contact one of the experts at AB&K — Affordable Bathrooms and Kitchens at 717-715-9488.

You aren't alone. Many homeowners realize that their bathroom isn't functional but don't know where to begin when trying to make it better.

Your remodeler will tell you this, too, but the first thing you should do with any remodeling project (not just your bathroom) is to take an inventory of what you'd like to change about the room. Think about the times of day when you use your bathroom (how many people are trying to get ready in the morning and at what times) and what changes can be made to make it functional for you. This process will also help you solidify what you are truly looking for from your bathroom remodel.

Once you've made an inventory of changes, my next suggestion is to research what products are on the market. There are literally hundreds of vessels, tubs, showers, and faucets to choose from, so your best bet is to visit a showroom.

Showrooms are also an excellent resource for learning about the new products. When consumers visit our showroom, there are two design specialists on hand to help them through the often overwhelming process of picking out the components of their new bathroom.

Let's say you know you want a soaking tub, but there are dozens of soaking tubs on the market from which to choose. By visiting a showroom and speaking to a design specialist, you can find out the differences between each manufacturer and discover what amenities are available.

For example, one tub on the market is the new Release Bathtub Series by Pearl. The Release tubs are ergonomically shaped to offer you two comfortable sitting positions—designed for relaxing at one end and reading at the other. This series also offers a wide array of therapies including hydrotherapy with True Whirlpool®, air therapy with Aerofeel®, thermotherapy with ThermaZone ™, Chromatherapy (colored lights) and the new aromatherapy with AromaScents™ to lavish you with total relaxation. A skilled design specialist can walk you through this selection process to ensure you pick the tub that's right for you.

Or perhaps you want to remodel your bathroom to accommodate your parent's needs when they come to town for a visit. Handicapped accessibility is more than grab-bars, although those are certainly important. But did you ever consider replacing your current shower unit with one that doesn't have a lip to step over? There are several great showers on the market today that will match the existing floor height of your bathroom. Furthermore, today's ADA bathrooms do not have to feel sterile like a hospital. There are plenty of choices to make your bathroom attractive, yet still ADA accessible. Again, a skilled design specialist can help you through these choices.

Perhaps the biggest benefit to visiting a showroom is this: Many showrooms are laid out into vignettes, and these "mini-rooms" help you visualize what the bathroom will look like when completed. The vignettes allow you to see and touch all of the components that go into making your bathroom complete.

Making your selections from a catalogue is okay, but when you visit a showroom (rather than making your selections online), you can actually see and touch the various finishes first hand. This is an important step in selecting the right colors, textures and styles for you, and ultimately you will create a bathroom that you'll be happy with for years and years.

YC Design Center is a division of YC Company. The YC Design Center in Lancaster offers a full array of bath and kitchen products and presents contractors and homeowners the opportunity to consult design specialists in developing the baths and kitchens of their dreams. Creating your dream bath is a collaborative effort between you and your designer. Visit or contact us at (717) 569-8616 and together, we can begin your innovative and unique process.

This is one of the age-old questions when it comes to any kind of home renovations. And with a kitchen or bath remodel, the answer is perhaps even more important, because these are two areas of your home that provide the greatest return on your investment.

Home is… your castle, your sanctuary, your shelter from the storm. In addition,
your home is most likely the largest single investment you’ll make in your lifetime, so when making a change or addition, you want to be sure it's done right!

You can get the most out of your time and money by hiring a reputable contractor and having them supply all the materials for the job. I remember an adage that I heard many years ago, which still rings true today: “The bitterness of poor quality will remain long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.” There's a certain comfort and satisfaction that comes from knowing your renovation has been done professionally and with the highest quality products available.

The best recommendation we can offer is that you start with a professional plumbing contractor. They can help with layout and design, while providing safe, practical and legal applications of the plumbing system. You can rest assured that a professional plumber will use the most dependable products available, because they warrant what they install. They do it right the first time and contrary to some advertising, it's more than a one-day, bandaid job. Good things take time!

Kitchens and bathrooms should fit your lifestyle. A visit to a local showroom, such as HAJOCA, will be time well-spent, as you will get the benefit of dealing with knowledgeable, highly-skilled consultants who are offering the best, state-of-the-art products available in today's industry, personally tailored to suit your needs or desires. And that is worth making note of, because in a world where consumers are lured into buying goods sight-unseen over the Internet, or at a “You-get-what-you-pay-for” big-box retailer, the old-fashioned, hands-on assistance of a qualified sales person provides the comfort of helping you know what it is you’re buying. And there is definitely a difference in the quality you buy through the experts!

This is a very simple, yet tried-and-true process for Kitchen and Bath remodeling. By visiting our showroom and then hiring a professional contractor to handle your project, start to finish, you will absolutely save yourself time, money, and even aggravation in the long run! The oldest rule of buying will always apply- You Get What You Pay For! Make your remodeling investment a sound one! To find out more, contact us at 717-299-3611

Granite's timeless beauty, lasting durability and ease of maintenance make it the perfect choice for indoor or outdoor applications. Adding granite countertops to your kitchen and outdoor living space will enhance the appearance of your home and improve its value. That being said, it makes sense to do some research and planning up front. Time spent now can ensure your ultimate satisfaction—both with the process and the final result.

A word about granite: Granite comes in an array of colors and styles, varying in appearance from granites with small crystal patterns that tend to be more uniform to granites with more “movement” or veining. Surfaces or finishes also vary. Traditionally granite was only available as a shiny, highly polished surface. It is now available in a number of beautiful alternate finishes such as: honed (a smooth, matte finish) and brushed or antiqued (a matte finish with texture). Choose an experienced granite fabricator displaying a large selection of granites, a knowledgeable sales staff, and an in-house design consultant who can guide you as to the best stone for your application and lifestyle.

Granite quality also varies. Make sure your fabricator offers only the finest quality granite. Look carefully at the slab you are considering. If you can see light swirl scratches remaining from the polishing process, it is of inferior quality. Also, the granite should have depth and richness of color. If it looks dull and flat, it is not a good quality slab.

Other things to consider before you move forward: Make sure that you will be able to view the actual slab used on your job. This is critical, especially if you’ve made your granite selection based on a small sample and have never seen a whole slab of your chosen material. Granite colors, shading, veining and crystallization vary from lot to lot and in some cases even from one slab to the next within the same lot. A reputable fabricator will not only encourage you to see and approve the slab(s) that will be used on your job, but they will also welcome your participation as they determine how your templates will lay out on the slab. They will also discuss in advance where seams will be placed. If the fabricator tells you there will be seams every few feet, he is using remnants rather than full slabs. Make sure you see previous work that the fabricator has done. Seams should be tight and veining should match up. If the fabricator is good, seam visibility should be minimal.

Granite countertops are an investment that will last a lifetime. You should be comfortable and confident throughout the whole project and proud of the end result. If you are considering updating your countertops, whether inside or outside, we invite you to call or visit our well-appointed showroom. See our web site at www.bantatile.com for more information, hours and directions.

Replacing your existing bathtub with a shower is becoming increasingly popular for its convenience and style options. Depending on the age of the house, different sizes and materials are used for the new shower but generally a shower can be installed right into the existing tub space with very minimal disruption to the rest of the bathroom, even the existing flooring. Usually only a small amount of drywall patching is necessary around the new unit.

Options for the shower range from fiber-glass units to solid surface surrounds to ceramic tile. Most showers are done in tile because it offers the most design flexibility, best compliments the style of the house and offers lifetime durability. Trends in tile lean towards 6”x6” to 12”x12” sized tile installed to the ceiling to hinder mildew above the shower. FireplacesColor and style are brought in with decorative tiles in many shapes and materials including metal and glass accents.

Available add-ons to the shower are plentiful. Many people find recessed lighting above useful. Corner or recessed shelves can be installed for shampoo and soap. Corner or bench seats can be added and tiled in to match the surround. While a standard shower head is always available, many clients choose to use their new shower as a true spa experience by adding handheld showers, rain heads and body sprays. Grab bars in complimentary finishes can also be added for the safety conscious. Shower doors vary from pivot to sliding by-pass doors with multiple finishes to match the faucets and a myriad of glass options. Doors are also now available with minimal framing for a cleaner, simpler look.

The average cost of a tub to shower replacement is $3,000-$5,000 depending on size and the materials chosen. The project generally lasts about 3 days from start to finish and your shower will be unusable during this time.

A new shower can be an excellent investment in the convenience and beauty of your bathroom. Brubaker Inc. will custom design your shower to meet your desires. Call us today to schedule an appointment for this exciting renovation. Brubaker Inc. 717-299-5643 or email us at remodel@brubakerinc.com and ask for Nicole or Mike.