Re-modeling costs can really add up these days...
Hiring a professional interior designer like myself can really help you not make costly mistakes in the details of a design project. Even if you are a (do it yourself) type person their are countless tricks of the trade I share when working side by side until a project is completed.
Many clients become overwhelmed with the little details and selecting a suitable countertop for bathrooms and kitchens. They are usually looking for something different... not what everyone else has and little unique for their surroundings. I enjoy explaining the process of how you go about selecting a countertop and stone counters are still the most popular today. I understand how a consumer can see thousands of stone slabs... marble, slate and granite stacked in a warehouse and feel overwhelmed the moment they walk in, but for myself it's just another day at the office.
I like to bring samples of wood, paint and tile when I am selecting a stone counter top for a client. The samples really help narrow down the search fairly quickly. I also suggest not to select your stone counter from a small 2x2 square sample. Many contractors get very busy an do not have the time to go into the warehouses with clients. You and your designer should be able to personally visit the granite yard anytime and tag each slab and make sure they all have the same dye-lot run number before purchasing. If the granite says book-matched that means two slabs will need to be lined up together with a pattern. You can have the warehouse display them so you can see if you like that look before making a decision to purchase.
Bathrooms or smaller surfaces may not require a full slab of stone... make sure and check out the remnant or "as is" section of the granite yard. Broken of slightly damage slabs can be found in this area. You will be quite surprised the selection you can find if you just take the time to look.
This counter top shown above came from a broken slab I found at stone yard. I was able to buy a broken piece for a fraction of the cost of a full slab and save alot of money for a very happy client.
A helpful interior designer can make a job run smoother in the world of contractors and warehouse purchasing. Even if you just need a few hours of assistance the knowledge and creative ideas you will gain are priceless!
I hope you gained some valuable decor 101 for your next shopping trip to a granite yard!
Thank you for stopping by,
:Kay Ellen