A new year is on the horizon. A year filled with goals, resolutions, possibilities . . . and those grimy counters you’ve been threatening to get rid of for years. Isn’t it time you gave your home a fresh start? Try these home improvement resolutions for the New Year.

New Year’s Resolutions for the Home

1. Budget for renovations. Does your home need a facelift? Add renovations into your annual budget. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, home maintenance usually costs around $3,300 per year. If you’re planning a major renovation like upgrading your shower siding, add it into your home improvement budget at the beginning of the year.
2. Lower home costs. Unnecessary energy and water usage increases most homeowners’ monthly bills. How can you limit energy and water waste in the home? Seal HVAC ducts, replace weatherstripping on doors, and plug any holes that may let temperature-controlled air escape. Invest in low-flow shower heads and toilets to lower your monthly water bill. Use your dishwasher, which uses less water than hand-washing dishes, and fix leaky faucets and running toilets ASAP.
3. Invest in your future. Installing high-quality, low-maintenance home materials saves homeowners time and money. Stone like quartz and granite is durable, attractive, and easy-to-clean. Investing in better home materials improves both home value and quality of life. Consider adding new kitchen counters, kitchen backsplashes, or shower siding to this year’s annual to-do list.

Williams Fabrication is your solution for granite and quartz countertop installations in Atlanta. Our New Year’s resolution is to help you reach your home improvement goals. Call today to get started.

If you’re thinking about installing new kitchen counter, granite is the way to go. This elegant stone is tasteful in any color, and its unique vein patterns guarantee your kitchen looks as unique as the rest of your home. Granite countertops strike the perfect balance between beauty and function. Why do Woodstock homeowners choose granite in the kitchen?

4 Reasons to Add Granite Countertops to the Kitchen

1. Strong and durable. Kitchen counters get a lot of abuse, from spills to stray knife slashes. A granite kitchen countertop is strong enough to handle heat, sharp edges, and whatever messes you throw at it. In fact, you can cut veggies for dinner or place hot pans from the stove right on the counter without worrying about scratching or damaging its surface. When you install granite kitchen countertops, you’re set for life.
2. Mess-free. Say goodbye to scrub brushes and heavy-duty kitchen cleaners. Granite is tough enough to handle heavy cleaning, but with its smooth surface and antibacterial properties, major scrubbing isn’t necessary. Just a quick clean and you’re done!
3. Style to complement any kitchen. Granite comes in a variety of colors and patterns, giving homeowners the ability to match their existing kitchen fixtures, floors, and backsplashes. Choose neutral tones with subtle veins or pick a one-of-a-kind pattern in black, gray, white, brown, or gold.
4. Investment. Upgrading your home fixtures is a great way to increase your home value, and updated countertops is the first thing many home buyers look for. Because granite is so durable, it doesn’t deplete in value the longer you use it. Install granite countertops today, and it will offer the same ROI in two years or twenty.

For more information on installing granite kitchen countertops, call Williams Fabrication in Woodstock, GA.

When it comes to your home being your castle, then your master bath is of course your master retreat. Trends come and go, but when you’re investing in such an important area of your home, it’s important to make smart improvements that pay you back in beauty, usefulness, and—eventually—resale.

Advances in glass finishing and installation offer endless options for customizing a shower or tub surround. From modern and minimalist to custom engraving or sandblasting, the options are truly limitless. Glass surrounds can be installed frameless or framed, with a wide range of fixture options: stainless steel, bronze, gold, and chrome are only the basics. The way you design your glass can complement the decor in the rest of your home or be a unique expression of your personality.

Experienced tile installers can make beautiful patterns and inlays with custom tile work. Many tiles can be cut with an exposed edge for a more modern look as opposed edge tiles, which typically look more ornate. For those who prefer an ornate look, mosaics and inlays add interest and cache, conveying your unique style. Rough-cut stone tiles lend a more rustic look, while glass or glossy-finished ceramic tiles can look polished and cutting-edge.

Upgraded shower heads can make every shower a spa-like experience. Whether you prefer rain showers or body jets, many configurations of shower head systems are available. Shower head systems also come in many finishes to coordinate with your other fixtures and custom tile work. Many shower heads also come in eco-friendly, water saving types.

Your master bath is one of the most important place you’ll invest in your home. Many bathroom finish options are available to suit your budget and style and make your bathroom a relaxing retreat that you can enjoy every day.

There is no doubt that granite countertops are a sound investment in any kitchen. They serve as a centerpiece that brings in color and texture. For some, choosing granite is simple. They know what they want, and they go for it. For others, the amount of options and varieties can simply be overwhelming. In an effort to help identify some of the pros and cons of granite, we wanted to address three points to consider.

1. Color

Many people believe that granite is easy to care for, and more often than not, it is. However, there is a reason that granite is sealed and that there are special suggestions for caring for it and cleaning it. The fact is that granite is a porous material. This means that if it is not sealed properly, or if the sealant is not maintained, it is not immune to absorbing liquids. As a result, we have heard horror stories of beautiful white or light gray granite becoming discolored with red wine or spaghetti sauce stains. When choosing the color of your granite, consider what food items you tend to have in the kitchen. If you do a lot of cooking with red sauces, it may not be a good idea to go with a light granite.

2. Texture

Granite is an igneous rock, and it comes from all over the world. We think that part of the fun in choosing your granite is knowing the backstory on where it comes from. After all, any geologist will tell you that your granite countertop tells a story. This story often comes at a price as granite that is more rare, or has veining or unique features, tends to come with a price premium. Ask us for details about more common granite and more rare varieties with unique features.

3. Temperature

While not associated with the look of the granite itself, it is a good idea to think about the cooking that you will be doing on your granite countertop. Specifically, are you planning on placing straight out of the oven baking dishes directly on the countertop? Keep in mind that the granite can withstand the heat, but you might want to take precautions using a trivet. This will help reduce any risk of cracking or chipping as a result of heat exposure. Again, this is highly unlikely, but it is better to be safe than sorry.

You’ve got a few things to think about as you consider your kitchen install, and if you have more questions about your new granite countertop please give us a call.