Have you been dreaming about remodeling? Maybe you want to turn your bathroom into a luxurious home spa; transform your kitchen into a cooking/entertaining center; or maybe you need more living space and a dramatic renovation like adding a room, another level to your house or combining apartments. Whatever your dream, you should include natural stone.
First, let’s acknowledge a well-known truth about remodeling – you’re scared! Or, you’re apprehensive or nervous. With good reason; your most intimate space – your home – will be turned into a construction site, leaving you wondering when your life will ever return to normal. You may have already experienced a previous renovation with natural stone or heard horror stories from someone who has. Let’s face it; the future of your dream home lies in the hands of a stone fabricator and installer.
The NSRA members have tackled the problems that come with remodeling and developed the following guide for you to follow – whatever your budget may be.
Step One - Envision Your Dream
Use your imagination to see the ideal look and layout of the space you’re planning to renovate. Try to visualize it on your own, first, without using magazine photos or showrooms. Make a wish list.
Step Two - Define Your Dream
Visit kitchen and bath showrooms as well as tile, plumbing fixture and appliance stores to get ideas of what’s out there and how it will fit into your lifestyle. Take notes on specific models and styles you like. Go on the Internet. You’ll find a wealth of design ideas you can tap into. Browse home design magazines. They’re an excellent source for finding beautifully detailed spaces that appeal to your sense of style. Find a picture of one or two specific marble and granite slabs – that’s enough to begin the design process.
Step Three - Price Your Dream
Your research will give you some idea of how much the materials for your dream will cost. But what about the labor? Many people have no idea how much fabricating natural stone costs unless you’ve been through it already or know someone who has. You need an estimate. This is the best way to get an idea of the scope and cost of your renovation
Step Four - Design Your Dream
Take a shot at designing your space. Measuring, of course, is the first step in the design process. Determine how much space you have to work with. Will the materials you’re contemplating fit in the space? Will they look good? Try to draw the basic layout of how you’d like things to look, do not forget your edge profile and shape.
Alternatively, you can hire a designer. They will charge a fee to meet with you and prepare drawings, either based upon the project or an hourly basis. Be sure to check credentials before hiring a designer and look at his/her portfolio.
Step Five - Purchasing Your Materials
With your design in place, it’s time to start buying that natural stone you admired. Be sure to make a materials list and pick out everything you’ll need. Chances are you’ll have to go to numerous stores and/or deal with many different sales people. Make sure you bring your designs so the various store clerks can, hopefully, help you with your selections. When setting up the deliveries, remember that someone will have to be available to accept them. Try to arrange the deliveries so you don’t have too many workers in your home.
Step Six - Making Sure Your Dreams Come True
Typically, some loose ends must be tied up at the end of every project. These are called “touch-ups.” Common touch-up items may include replacing a door handle or cabinet panel. Make sure your contractor takes care of these touch-up items before you pay the final bill. Sometimes it’s hard enough to get a contractor to complete a job, even when there is a balance, because they are likely on to the next project. If you pay the balance before the touch-ups are done, you may never see the contractor again.
When it comes time for touch-ups or modification of your natural stone, do no trust anyone that is not a restoration expert.
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