Stone work firm finds more room

[Huligar]

Dushi Marble & Granite LLC in Stamford is three months shy of its third anniversary, but this fabricator and installer of natural stone is already expanding.
The business at 12 Largo Drive has increased its capacity to about 7,000 square feet of space by taking over the adjacent space once occupied by Conetta Brothers Floor Covering Co. because it needed more room.

"In the last three years we've grown drastically. We needed more room because we purchased a CNC (computer numerical control) machine and wanted to add showroom space as well," said Paul Dushi, who co-owns the business with his brother Pjeter.
The Dushis, who have more than 15-years of experience in stone fabricating, have grown their business to 16 employees. They handle stone work throughout Fairfield and Westchester counties, as well as in New York City and Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, Mass.

"We only had one rack of stone in the back and not even one kitchen lined up, but we had confidence," said Paul Dushi, remembering the companies humble beginnings.
The added space was needed to house a 25-by-13-foot finishing and edging machine to prepare stones, he said.

The new machine reduced the need for strenuous hand finishing and edging. Additionally, the machine quickens production time for the stone, often used for counter tops, fireplaces and Jacuzzis.

The brothers also hope to complete a showroom by next month to display samples of stone and demonstrate how their products can enhance a home. Seeing the stone work in place can help customers picture how it will improve the appearance of their homes, Paul Dushi said.

"The stone makes a kitchen brand new. Different stones have different variation in colors and movement," he said, pointing out characteristics of different slabs.
While the new machine and showroom space will enhance the business, Paul Dushi thinks that it is the quality of workmanship and service that has allowed the business to flourish.

"What people like about us is our quick turn around, and when we make a promise we deliver. Once we schedule the templating (measurements and shape for a specific piece), we schedule the installation," said Paul Dushi, who came to Stamford from Kosovo in the late 1990s.
"I take customers to other houses that we've done to show how the cuts and seams are. We say 'take us for granite,' " he said.

John Mikulak, service manager with Hobbs Inc. in New Canaan, a custom residential home builder for 60 years, has been using Dushi's services for about six months. He said that he enjoys having access to high-end stone nearby and the company's prices are very competitive
"I found out about them by accident and was very impressed with their attention to detail, they're very knowledgeable and have extremely high level of customer service. They spent a lot of time with me making sure it was right and that it met my expectations," Mikulak said.

Mike Banks, president of Banks Brother Services Inc., a contractor in Greenwich, agreed calling Dushi's customer service "fantastic."
"They're a big outfit in terms of the way they operate, but they're good with contractors and subcontractors. They make you feel like part of the family. They're also the quickest around in terms of fabrications," Banks said.

According to Bill Pell, manager of market research with the National Kitchen & Bath Association in Hacketstown, N.J., marble and granite remain the top choices for kitchens and bathroom applications.
"It's still very strong for 2008. About a third of counter tops will be granite and another 10 percent will marble," said Pell, estimating that U.S. consumers will spend roughly $120 billion on their homes this year.

"It appears that the market will be down, but we seem to be doing better than other segments of the construction industry," Pell said.

	Marble MARBLE: CHARACTERISTICS This standard includes general information on the characteristics and common uses of marble and identifies typical problems associated with the material. INTRODUCTION Marble is an extremely hard, metamorphic stone composed of calcite (CaCO3). It is formed as a result of the recrystallization of limestone under the intense pressure and heat of geologic processes. The effect of this process is the creation of a stone with a very tight crystalline structure and small but definite porosity. Because of its structure, marble can take a very high polish and is a very popular decorative stone for architectural and sculptural uses. The limited porosity of marble, especially polished marble, makes it less vulnerable to the leaching effects of water. Calcium carbonate, however, of which marble is composed, is highly susceptible to attack by acidic agents. Marble is readily dissolved by acids, even very dilute acids, however the actual results of acidic exposure will vary with the nature of the acid. Chlorides, nitrates, sulfates and other chemical compounds react differently with marble and produce various by-products, which have a wide range of solubility and impact on the durability of marble. For this reason, it is always important to determine the exact type of pollutants causing marble deterioration. Marble itself can be of two types, one composed of calcite and the other of dolomite. Dolomitic marble is much more resistant to acid attack than calcite marble. The color of marble ranges from the brilliant white of calcite to black, including blue-gray, red, yellow and green, depending upon the mineral composition. TYPICAL USES Marble has many decorative and structural uses. It is used for outdoor sculpture as well as for sculpture bases; in architecture it is used in exterior walls and veneers, flooring, decorative features, stairways and walkways. The way in which the stone is used may be a factor in limiting or controlling the severity of exposure. The use or function of the marble may also affect the feasibility of applying certain treatments, but type of use is not the primary factor in the major types of deterioration and damage to which marble is susceptible.