Granite Countertops Add Beauty and Value

by Kevin Smith Author

There comes a time in every home's life when an upgrade is in order. You want to put your own decorating stamp on a room, but you don't want to spend your design budget foolishly. HGTV ranked the best renovations in terms of return on investment, and minor kitchen remodels came in at #3 on the list. One of the easiest and best ways to see a marked improvement in your kitchen is to install a new countertop. If a new kitchen surface is an upgrade you'd like to make, you should definitely consider granite kitchen countertops in Atlanta and the surrounding areas.

Benefits of Granite

It's never too early to consider resale value for your home, and granite countertops help sell homes. They are the ultimate in kitchen surfaces with their one-of-a-kind beauty. Each slab of granite is different, so your kitchen will never look cookie-cutter. Granite is a natural product, adding charm and beauty to the kitchen. It's durable, and is highly resistant to heat and scratching. Clean-up is accomplished with soap and water, and an annual sealing will keep the surface stain-free and looking like the day it was installed. There is also an extensive palette of color choices, from black to white and every variation in between, so granite will mesh seamlessly with any decor.

How to Buy Granite

Since there are so many color variations available, bring a kitchen drawer or door for reference when you go shopping for granite. Make a sketch of the countertop area and take some photos of the existing room. Browse the slabs available and find the one that best suits your color scheme. Once you've selected the slab you want, the dealer will price it per square foot for you. The next step is for the dealer to send out a template crew to provide an accurate layout of the area. You'll return to the dealer and position this template on the slab they way you want it cut, and then pick the edge profile you want. The granite will then be cut and processed before arriving at your home for installation. Make certain the company you're dealing with has been in business for a number of years, is a member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and at least one professional organization, such as the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). You want to work with a company who specializes in residential remodels and is current on the latest trends in the market when selecting granite kitchen countertops in Atlanta.