Considering a Remodel Project?

With the problems in the housing market, more and more people are opting to stay in their present home and remodel instead of going to the expense and effort of purchasing a new home. We have written this handy guide to help you through the remodeling process. Here are some things to consider when deciding on a remodel:

What is your budget?
The amount of different materials available is sometimes overwhelming. We recommend you begin your shopping with a firm amount in mind. Givens Granite & Tile has products through all price ranges to satisfy every budget.

How Should I Pay?
You have a variety of options to fund a remodeling project. Home equity loans, credit cards, cash are all forms of funding a project. Givens Granite & Tile also offers 12 month, 0% financing to qualified buyers as a cost effective way to fund your project. Givens Granite & Tile can also help you obtain the best interest rates possible from our trusted partners in the mortgage industry.

How quickly do I want my project completed?
Many customers come into our showroom with a very specific deadline to complete their wishes. During the Christmas season it is very common to have a number of projects in our scheduling department that need to be completed for a dinner party, social gathering etc. In most cases we can accommodate these wishes. A realistic assessment should be undertaken however when deciding on a project. To do a complete kitchen remodel in less than 10 days is probably not feasible. Also, it should be assumed that you will have clean up for 3-5 days after the project is complete and we have left due to settling dust, etc.

Choosing a Contractor

A contractor can make or break your project. Things to ask your contractor:

1. Can you supply references?
2. Are you insured and for how much?
3. Are the workman employees or subcontractors?
4. If they are subcontractors, do you have up to date insurance info for them?
5. Is your workman’s comp insurance up to date?
6. How long have you been in business and have you done business under any other names?

How Much Should I Remodel?

Remodeling projects tend to snowball once you start to find all of the incredible things available to update your home. Some things to consider:

1. Are the possible additions in my budget?
2. Should I spend a lot on one area or spread out my budget amongst a number of areas? When you begin to introduce different colors into your decorating, you may come to find that other areas of your décor don’t fit. We have customers come to us on a regular basis and pick an absolutely beautiful piece of granite that, on it’s own, is stunning but doesn’t look good with other color’s in the area. Givens Granite & Tile has interior decorators that can help you make color and material choices that are stunning and, more importantly, that will fit your budget.

Starting the Project

A. Starting a remodeling project is an exciting and nerve racking time. Some planning and preparation before workers invade your home can go along way toward having a smooth project. While we do our best to inconvenience you as little as possible, we will be having our workers in your home for a period of time. Some simple planning steps will help your experience tremendously.

Countless hours can be saved by prepping the work area for the workers.

1. Making sure counters are clear and miscellaneous cooking appliances and utensils are put away will help speed up your remodel.
2. While we do our best be unobtrusive as possible, this is a construction project. Plan for noise, dust, clutter, and lost space.
3. Plan for an area that the workers can stage products as well as tools. A garage or out of the way room is a good solution.
4. Let the workers know where they can take trash and cardboard boxes.
5. Cover all appliances. Heating ducts, and cold air returns. This will minimize the dust that will be reintroduced into the room after the project is completed.
6. Don’t forget to have someone available or keys available for entry into your home. Countless days are lost a year because workers can’t gain entry into a home.

Finishing the Project

1. Make sure and tour your project as soon as it is completed and make any concerns known at that time. While all products are warranted, normal wear and tear is not.
2. Make sure and do all things that are listed in your owners manual or instructions for your products. Sealing granite, etc. ensure you will enjoy your remodel for years to come.

FAQ

Do you supply plumbing and electrical services or do I need to find them on my own?
Givens Granite & Tile supply all services necessary to complete your project.

Can my granite be seamless or will I have seams?
This is wholly dependent on the shape of your counter top. We make every effort to have seamless pieces but sometimes this is not possible. When a seam is necessary, we ask that you let us know if you want the seam in a specific location when you order your granite. Once the granite is cut, it cannot be redone.

Does Givens Granite & Tile clean up the job site when they are through?
Absolutely! We leave your house as we found it. Having said that, you will find residual dust for up to 5 days after we leave as things settle.

What geographic areas does Givens Granite & Tile cover?
We work throughout the metro Atlanta area. Our service radius is 75 miles from our shop in Conyers. Any jobs outside of this perimeter are charged $1.66 per mile for travel.

How best can I care for my granite and can I damage or scratch my granite with hot pots, knives, etc?
Please see our Granite Buyers Guide