Not All Granite is Created Equal

In today’s market, when granite companies are a dime a dozen and prices are all over the spectrum, you may wonder if there is really a difference.  Is granite granite, and if you’ve been to one granite company, have you been to them all?  Trust us when we say– you get what you pay for.  A poor granite job can result in a whole host of problems; including unsightly seams, uneven edges, unstable sinks that could potentially fall out, and lesser quality, un-reinforced stone that could fracture around seams or sinks.

At Pizazz Floors & Interior Design, we work with the leading granite fabricators in Metro Atlanta and the industry, and offer the most up-to-date equipment and technology to ensure the highest quality job.  Here are some of the technologies you can find assurance in when you partner with Pizazz:

SlabSmith- this software takes high resolution pictures of your selected slab and shows what it will look like on your countertop layout.  This allows for patterns in your granite to be matched for smooth seams and the most visually pleasing layout.  View a brief SlabSmith video for more information.

Digital Templating & Cutting of the Stone- a template of your countertops is programmed into a CNC (computer numerical controlled) machine, and the stone is then cut using a water saw controlled by the computer.  This ensures a precise cut, as opposed to cutting by hand with a grinder (a common practice among granite companies), which can lead to imperfections and uneven edges.

Superior Seam System- To minimize the size of your seam, a technology known as Gorilla Grip is employed, which uses air pressure to pull the seam together.  Once the seam is as small as possible, we use a special under mount stitching method with high-quality glue and Corian blocks to ensure the seam will stay in place.  An industry-approved specialized paint mixture is then applied to match the color of the seam as closely as possible to your countertops.

In addition to these technologies, when you select Pizazz for your new granite countertops, you can also expect:

- Premium, 3cm stone (no seconds, 2cm stone, or remnants pieced together from different lots)

- Steel-rod reinforced cutouts

- PermaShield stain protectant and sealant

- Certified, licensed, English-speaking installers that have been background checked and drug tested

You may also have been hearing a lot lately about granite resurfacing.  This procedure places a manufactured overlay on top of your existing countertops.  As this is an engineered product, you do not have the character or movement of natural granite, it is less durable, and it does not add the same value to your home as solid granite.

With countless colors and styles of stone available, there is sure to be a granite countertop for you and your budget.  And with Pizazz, you only pay for the square footage of your job, not the whole slab.  Your Pizazz “Granite Concierge” (as we like to call it), can help you select the perfect granite for your kitchen renovation, educate you on the entire process, and answer any questions you may have along the way.  For more information on granite countertops, please call us at 678-687-6893.

Top 6 Home Improvements that Pay Off

Are you ready to upgrade your home but are worried about sinking money into investments that may never see a return?  Well here are a few home improvements that experts say will pay off now and in the future:

                

1.  Kitchen & Bath Remodeling

Kitchen and bathroom remodeling is a sure-fire investment that often returns more than 100 percent of the cost.  People spend a significant amount of time in kitchens and baths, so you want to make them inviting and tranquil for yourself and future buyers.  Buyers are beginning to expect upgraded kitchens and baths now more than ever before.  Upgrades to consider include: tile or hardwood flooring, granite countertops, new or resurfaced cabinets, and stainless steel appliances.  For the master bath, floor-to-ceiling, walk-in showers are a hot commodity (literally).  Sleek, walk-in showers have actually replaced whirlpool tubs on buyers’ wish lists, so if you have to pick one or the other, go with the shower.  Keep in mind, if your home only has one bath, the upgrade you’ll want to make is adding an extra bathroom.  While buyers are still charmed by older homes that may only have one bath, functionality and practically may be a concern.  If you have a three or four bedroom home with one bath, it will certainly pay to add a second bathroom.  For more budget-friendly upgrades, try adding a tile backsplash, updating light fixtures, or replacing cabinet hardware and faucets.

2. Home Maintenance

While not the most glamorous of home improvements, this is one of the most important.  Buyers won’t be enamored by your beautiful new kitchen if there is a musty smell coming from the basement or the siding is rotting.  A top priority should be making sure your home is structurally sound on the inside and out.  Essential home maintenance projects include repairing the roof, replacing the siding, and correcting water leaking from the foundation, just to name a few. 

3. Curb Appeal

Before you can get buyers inside to see your interior improvements, your home has to be appealing on the outside.  Upgrades can range from simple, such as pulling weeds, to more complex, like building a front porch to add interest and charm.  You may also consider planting shrubs and flowers, pressure washing your driveway, painting the exterior, or adding walkways and extra parking space.  If you have outdoor living space (deck, patio, or porch), stage the area with comfortable seating and dining furniture.  In a nutshell, your exterior should convey a sense of welcome.

4. Paint

Painting is an affordable home improvement that can give any home a facelift.  Paint makes a home look and feel younger and better taken care of.  When selecting paint colors, go towards the warmer, more neutral tones in order to appeal to a wider range of buyers.   Try textured or faux paint in a focal space like the dining room for a distinctive, unique touch.

5.  Adding Extra Living Space

According to a study by the National Association of Realtors, every 1,000 square feet added to a home can increase the sale price by 30 percent.  This can include adding a sunroom, bathroom, attic bedroom, or even a deck for outdoor living and entertaining space.  Or if your home has a basement, you may be able to take advantage of a whole extra level of living.  Basements are great for game rooms, guest suites, bars, or play areas.  For some of the more trendy, high-end housing markets, there is a demand for the luxury of home theaters, wine cellars, and yoga rooms, but be sure to consider your housing market and neighborhood before embarking on one of these upgrades.

6. Flooring

Flooring is one of the first things that will be seen (and felt underfoot) by a potential homebuyer.  The most in-demand flooring choice is hardwood floors, which is a proven resale value booster.  A classic like red oak is always a good choice, while trends are also moving towards exotic woods like bamboo and wider-planked boards.  If you already have hardwood, refinishing your floors is a great way to bring back their luster and brilliance.  Tile is also a popular flooring solution for bathrooms, kitchens, foyers, and laundry rooms, and should replace any existing vinyl flooring.  Lastly, the softness and comfort of carpet or areas rugs is perfect for bedrooms and play areas.  If new flooring is not in the budget, be sure to have your carpets cleaned before putting your house on the market.

When considering all home improvements, be sure to keep in mind a few key factors.  What you'll get back on your investment is dependent on how soon you sell after making improvements, the value of your house, the value of houses in your neighborhood, the housing market in which you live, and the quality of the project itself. 

Code:  JPWFVHBBYG9S

8 Ways to Get Your Home Ready to Sell

1. Plant flowers. You’ve always heard first impressions are the most important.  Well the same holds true with your home.  Pull those weeds, trim those bushes, and plant some flowers!  Flowers can add a pop of color and make your home more appealing from the onset.

2. Limit the number of personal items you have on display. You want buyers to be able to envision themselves in your home, and too many pictures of Grandma Jean or drawings from little Johnny can make that more difficult to do.

3. Paint. A fresh coat of paint can take a drab room and make it beautiful for less than a hundred bucks.  When selling your home, try to stick with neutral, earth tones that will appeal to a wider range of buyers.

4. Make use of ambient lighting. Get rid of any fluorescent or bright lighting and replace with softer, more inviting light.  Make use of your natural light by pulling back curtains or opening blinds, and light a few candles for a calm and warm ambience.

5. Update with home improvements. This of course is a little more costly, but can really enhance your home and pay off in the long run.  The two improvements that yield the highest return on investment are granite countertops and hardwood floors.  Homebuyers see the value in these updates, and they can make your home stand out from comparable houses that are lacking.  If granite and hardwood aren’t in the budget, consider a tile backsplash or adding trim, like crown molding or a chair rail.  These can make a room look grand without even spending a grand!

6. Organize and Clean, Clean, Clean. This one is a given, but nevertheless very important.  Always make sure your home is clean and tidy before a showing, and remove any clutter.  You want potential homebuyers to see the beauty in your home, and unorganized clutter can cover that up and give buyers a sense of anxiety when viewing your home.

7. Change out any outdated light fixtures. Outdated light fixtures can make a room look and feel old and dingy.  This is an affordable and quick update that is especially important in bathrooms, where it’s hard to miss a light fixture that’s been around since the 70’s.

8. Add some indoor plants. Plants are an easy and affordable way to decorate.  They are a great way to fill space, and they add life and color to any room.

Valentine’s Special- 50% Off Backsplash with the Purchase of Granite

What better way to surprise your sweetheart or treat yourself this Valentine's Day than with a kitchen transformation from Pizazz Floors.  Right now, with the purchase of granite countertops, we are offering 50% OFF your tile backsplash.  That's a value of up to $1000!  Choose from a variety of styles and colors and transform your kitchen into a culinary retreat.  Who ever said "Diamonds are a girl's best friend"?  Don't miss out-- this special ends February 28th!
Visit http://conta.cc/g0Cmez  for more details.

Discover the Pizazz Difference

Hi, I’m Eric Barany, President of Pizazz Floors and Interior Design.  Our family owned and operated business has been serving Metro Atlanta for over 15 years with the very best in flooring and home design.  Our services include:
-Hardwood installation with unfinished, pre-finished, engineered, and exotic woods.  We also specialize in custom hardwood creations using borders, inlays and mixed media designs.
-Hardwood refinishing, where we offer a dust-less system that cuts down on 90% of dust
-Carpet
-Tile
-Vinyl
-Kitchen and Bath remodeling; including granite countertops, custom backsplashes and tile design
-Laminate, and
-Commercial flooring.
We even offer faux and antique painting, stone work, trim and cabinetry. Whatever your home design dream is, we can make it a reality.
At Pizazz Floors your satisfaction is our top priority.  We offer a Free In Home Consultation where we’ll meet with you in the comfort of your home and educate on the product and the process and help you pick out a design that best fits your lifestyle.  And once you partner with Pizazz, we will communicate with you every step of the way.
You can be confident knowing that I will personally oversee your project and make sure it exceeds your expectations.  I invite you to browse our website at www.PizazzFloors.com and call us today to schedule your free in-home consultation.  I look forward to working with you!