Don’t Get Burned on a Kitchen Remodel

Your kitchen is the hub of your house. It’s where you make lunches before dashing off to work and school, it’s where you congregate to cook after a long day, and it’s where you make holiday magic happen. Kitchen remodels often mean a whole lot of takeout until renovations are complete. Don’t swing the first sledgehammer until you have a kitchen remodel plan in place.

How to Start a Kitchen Remodel

  1. couple cooking in modern kitchenPartner up. The first step to a successful kitchen remodel is finding the right person for the job. Unless your spouse is a contractor, you’ll want to find a reputable professional to help manage the project.
  2. Build a budget. Make sure there’s an “emergency fund” built into your budget. Remodels often go over cost because of mishaps with materials, additional labor, or other unforeseen issues.
  3. Prioritize. Do you want to install quartz countertops, update the appliances, tear out the cabinets, add an island, and maybe install a wine fridge while you’re at it? Prioritize your wish list so you don’t overspend.
  4. Minimize risk (and cut costs). What’s an easy way to speed up your remodel (and save some dough while you’re at it)? Keep the general layout of your kitchen intact, focusing on easy updates like new cabinets and countertops. Moving the oven across the room isn’t only costly, it’s also probably pointless.
  5. Simplify the process. You may splurge on replacing cracked formica counters with sturdy, elegant quartz, but a simple coat of paint may breathe new life into the cabinets. Consider low-cost solutions before splurging for a major renovation.

Do you want to install durable countertops in the kitchen? Natural stone countertops are beautiful, clean, and made to last. Call Williams Fabrication to learn about your options for installing stone countertops.

5 Tips for Maintaining Granite Countertops

When you invest in a granite countertop, you want to protect it. The good news is that granite is durable, easy to clean, and most colors naturally conceal spills. Keep your granite gleaming with these maintenance tips.

5 Maintenance Tips for Granite Countertops

  1. Choose wisely. Granite is tough enough to take hectic holiday cooking, kooky kids art projects, and plenty of spills. Choose a color of stone that will conceal any messes until you can clean them up.
  2. Consider the coat. We recommend sealing natural stone counters. Granite countertops only need resealing every few years. How can you tell when it’s time? Leave a wet rag on the countertop for 10-15 minutes. When you pick it up, check whether the stone is discolored. If so, it’s time to reseal your granite countertops.
  3. egg broken on counterKeep it clean. Just because your counters can take the abuse doesn’t mean you have an excuse. Protect granite counters by wiping up spills quickly, especially if they’re acidic substances like citrus or vinegar.
  4. Give it some TLC. Steer clear of gritty cleaners, which will leave your granite looking lackluster and dull. All you need to keep your granite glistening is warm, soapy water and a soft sponge. For best results, clean your counters at the end of each day in addition to mopping up spills as needed.
  5. Be gentle. Granite countertops are strong, but frequent abuse may lead to chips, cracks, or stains. Think twice before you shove pet kennels, yard equipment, or heavy boxes onto the counter “just for a second.” The floor may be a better option.

For more information on installing and caring for granite countertops, call Williams Fabrication.

Benefits of Using Stone in Bathroom Remodels

Remodeling your bathroom can be an exciting, fun project. You have an image in your head of your ideal bathroom, and you can’t wait until that picture becomes reality. But remodeling can also be a challenge. What contractors should you use? Are your grand ideas feasible? What materials should you use? There’s always another option, another flashy redesign to inspire you. But the secret to a successful bathroom remodel is starting with the basics: stone.

Stone has quickly become a choice building material for bathroom remodels. Of course we all know that stone has a natural beauty and tangible quality that takes bathroom décor to the next level. And there’s nothing better than falling in love with your shower again every time you step inside it. But beauty isn’t the only benefit of incorporating stone into a bathroom remodel. Why does Williams Fabrication love stone for bathrooms?

  1. pile of stones on beachVersatility. Stone comes in a variety of colors, textures, shapes, and sizes. Find a rose quartz, classic natural stone, or patterned stone that matches your personal style and the overall look of your bathroom design
  2. Sanitation. Stone is more hygienic than tiles and other bathroom remodel options.
  3. Durability. Stone will last far longer than other common bathroom remodel materials.
  4. Cost-effectiveness. Because it’s so durable and attractive, incorporating stone into the bathroom often increases home value.
  5. Eco-friendly. Natural materials, no chemicals required.

You can’t go wrong with using stone when remodeling your bathroom. Here at Williams Fabrication, we make sure that we take the time to do the job right. Your satisfaction is our number one priority, and we work hard for you!

5 Ways to Love White Quartz Countertops

Are you about to do a kitchen renovation or are already in the midst of one? Find out just what a white quartz countertop can do to inspire your kitchen renovation. White quartz countertops have a beauty and magic all their own. They also have a practicality that will inspire your inner chef, giving your kitchen a traditional essence, modern flow, and warm glow like no other. It’s as simple as that. Since the kitchen is often considered the most central room in the home, it only makes sense to liven up this space with its own distinct style. White quartz countertops do this. What are some of our favorite ways to use quartz in the kitchen?

  1. quartz rock crystalWhite quartz countertops paired with teal accents make the kitchen look grander, much brighter, and bigger to the natural eye.
  2. White quartz countertops paired with wood give off a look that is beautiful, bold, and masculine.
  3. White quartz countertops incorporated into cottage style decor promotes a feminine look with a touch of vintage flair.
  4. White quartz countertops in an elegant kitchen mixes sophistication and simplicity to create an understated, luxurious appearance.
  5. White quartz countertop with a bit of sparkle can create a jazzy, lavish, and eclectic vibe for a fun, modern kitchen.

White quartz countertops give homeowners options. They look crisp and fresh, whether paired with sleek modern fixtures or soft, traditional kitchen decor. Don’t think twice about quartz countertops for your kitchen renovation. Call Williams Fabrication for all of your granite and marble needs.

Should You Install Stone Countertops Before Selling Your Home?

When you’re selling your home, of course, you want to make sure that you do everything you can to bring the highest offer possible. It’s common knowledge that the kitchen is one of the most important areas of a home when it comes to making your home market ready. So, the question is: Should you install stone countertops before selling your home?

home for saleBefore you break out the checkbook and empty your savings for that new top of the line stone countertop, there are a few considerations you should keep in mind. Stone countertops will make your home more appealing to buyers, but the condition of the entire kitchen should be considered. It doesn’t make sense to make such a large investment in your countertops if the rest of your fixtures are older and in need of repair or replacement.

Secondly, you should consider the cost of the stone countertops. Depending on your specific material choices, the cost of the stone can be high. And, this cost may not be recouped in the sale. Consider the rest of your kitchen. If your cabinets, flooring, or appliances could use some repairs or updating, a home sale renovation using stone countertops wouldn’t make much difference.

These kinds of countertops shouldn’t be looked at as a quick fix when selling your home. Showing some love to the rest of your kitchen might be the best financial decision if you want to sell your home sooner than later. If you plan on staying in your home for a while, stone countertops are certainly worth the investment.

Making the best choice that suits your specific needs can sometimes be difficult. So talk with a professional. Contact us today for answers to all your questions, and to schedule your in-home consultation today with Williams Fabrication in Woodstock, GA!

Why You Shouldn’t Think Twice About Quartz Countertops

Granite and marble material have been high-quality, high-end fabrication choices for as long as we can remember. But if you’ve been in a kitchen showroom recently, chances are you took a second glance at those quartz countertops. There’s a ton of reasons it catches our eye, and here’s why you shouldn’t think twice about splurging on quartz.

quartz countertop woodstock ga

It’s Durable!

Quartz is stain repellent and impervious to acidic foods. Granite and marble are also great material, but if you’re looking for something that’s going to withstand all your kitchen endeavors, you can’t go wrong here. It’s also resistant to scratches and chips, and it doesn’t require any sealing, which is a huge deal. Granite and marble often require yearly treatments.

It’s Stylish. 

It’s hard to make a kitchen countertop stylish, but with quartz it’s been no problem. Something about it’s stone aesthetic takes us back to a classic look, and because manufacturers have figured out a way to remove overly flecked and non-uniform patterns, it looks a lot more natural.

It’s Affordable!

Quartz hits a price point right in between granite and marble, however prices vary everywhere. It’s great for something you want to be long-lasting, not high maintenance and at a price point that’s doable.

Visit our products page for more info on the quartz we offer! You can also take a look at our portfolio, services or give us a call at (770) 845-0900. We’re the professionals and can consult you based on your wants, needs and style of your home. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

2017 Home Improvement Resolutions

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. hardhat and renovation blueprintsBudget 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.

4 Reasons to Install Granite Kitchen Countertops

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. natural granite stone slabStrong 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.

Prepping Your Home For Cooler Temperatures

WinterAt Williams Fabrication, we believe the inside of your home should be beautiful, bring you joy and peace, but winter will soon be here but is your home ready to take on the bitter cold? Take a look at 3 things you can do to make sure your home is ready for the winter. ‘

Prepare Your Plumbing

Drain the water from your outdoor faucets and garden hoses and arrange to have any in-ground sprinkler pipes blown out. Roll up your hose and store it in the storage – you won’t be needed it during the winter. Be sure to do this because when temperatures drop below freezing, if you leave the water in your hose they could freeze and burst. If the worst happens, ensure everyone in the family knows how to turn off the water at the source. This will minimize leaking when and if a pipe bursts.

Heat Things Up

It’s almost time to snuggle up next to the fire. Ensure your fireplace is ready to provide warm nights all winter. Be sure to have the chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional before the first snow. Also, be sure to have a routine inspection completed on your heating system before turning it on.

Seal The Deal  

In order to keep cold drafts down this winter, you must SEAL the deal by sealing any leaks in window seals, entry ways and doors – don’t forget windows in the basement. Add or replace worn weather stripping around the doors and windows and caulk any gaps. If doorstops are worn, replace them.

For more information about our products and services at Williams Fabrication, please visit our website or give us a call at (770) 845-0900. Are you a Williams Fabrication customer? Rate and share your experience with us in the review section of our Facebook page today. We always enjoy hearing from you!

The Quartz Craze

quartzQuartz solid surfaces are also sometimes referred to as engineered stone and are taking homeowners on a new journey. Their attractive appearance and durability are just two of the reasons many homeowners are talking about quartz solid surfaces, but take a look at why we love quartz at Williams Fabrication.

Wide Color Selection

Quartz is a manufactured product which allows a wide range of colors for customers to choose from. The Color selection is much wider than ones you’ll find in granite or marble solid surfaces.

Durability

This manufactured stone also has the same durability as concrete and granite, however, it will not chip or crack as easily. Quartz is also non-porous so it resists staining to juice, oil, wine, tomato, coffee and other sources of stains in the kitchen much better than granite, marble and concrete.   

Theses are just a couple benefits of quartz solid surfaces. If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of a quartz solid surface, stop by the showroom in Woodstock, Georgia,  Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,  and ask one of our friendly team members; we’re more than happy to assist you with finding the perfect surface for you.

For more information about our products and services at Williams Fabrication, visit our website or give us a call at (770) 845-0900. Have you shopped with us before? Rate and share your experience with us in the review section of our Facebook page today. We always enjoy hearing from you!