The higher cost of natural stone for countertops is enough to stop consumers in their tracks; confusing contracts with unscrupulous companies increases the head-ache
Detroit, MI - Mark Maupin, college instructor with over 25 years experience in the real estate and property management business knows what being ripped off by contractors is all about. "I've been ripped off by contractors in more ways than I thought were possible," said Mark Maupin of National Real Estate Network. "When I hire a contractor to do a job, I have my own contract that they must sign. But, when you're dealing with big companies, for example, kitchen and bathroom remodeling contractors, they have their own contracts that you must sign. Sometimes these contracts are very difficult to read and understand," Mark explained.
Kitchens and bathrooms are the most expensive rooms to remodel. Consumers invest a lot of time and effort in research before choosing a product and hiring a company to do the job. Mark has done the research; he has put together a great report containing links to many consumer reports on the internet with great information. Mark said, "I really need to do some serious updating to my home and the research took hours to complete. I thought it would be nice to provide the results of my time and effort to others who need a start in making the same decisions. I have posted the report to my blog at http://activerain.com/blogsview/781542/Avoid-Rip-Off-Reports-on-Rock-Tops-Natural-Stone-and-Granite-Countertops-can-Help-Consumers-with-Choosing-a-Marble-or-Granite-Countertop-and-Hiring-the-Company-to-Fabricate-and-Install-it for anyone who is interested."
Mark Maupin runs a real estate investor club where they have monthly meetings. The National Real Estate Network is a group that meets to network with and learn from others. Mark encourages vendors who service real estate investors to also attend the meetings and set up vendor tables where they can market themselves to the people who need their services. Mark said, "I'm looking forward to having a representative from Rock Tops Granite attend my meeting on November 20, to show their product. I have several members of my group who are interested in remodeling the kitchens and bathrooms in high-end homes where lower-grade material would not be acceptable. These homes are in neighborhoods where Formica or other low-cost countertops are not generally found."
Mark finally decided to go with Rock Tops Granite for his kitchen and bathroom countertops. He visited their showroom in Macomb County, Michigan and took a tour. He learned about the newest technology for fabricating the granite countertops. Mark was also able to observe the rigid background checks performed on their installers and employees as well as their quality control policies. Mark recommends everyone do thorough research before choosing the company they use for extensive remodeling projects. "You can learn a lot by visiting the 15,000 sq. ft. showroom of Rock Tops, even if you don't choose to hire them for your project," said Mark. Visit http://www.rocktopsgranite.com to learn more and locate a showroom in your area.
Contact:
Charlie Thiede
17411 23 Mile Road
Macomb, MI 48042
Phone: 586-263-6621
Toll Free: 1-877-ROCKTOP
This press release was submitted by Right Now Marketing Group, LLC
Kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects are the most expensive and they offer the highest return on one's investment
Ann Arbor, MI - Charlie Thiede, owner of Rock Tops Granite, recently agreed to a series of interviews. During one of these interviews, he discussed home remodeling projects and he explained that kitchens and bathrooms are not only the most expensive, but they offer the highest return on one's investment. He said, "Your countertop is one of the most noticeable features in your kitchen; it's also one of the most used and abused surfaces in your home. This is why the choice of material used for your kitchen countertop is very important. There are many types of materials, colors and designs to consider."
Rock Tops Granite specializes in the fabrication and installation of marble and granite countertops. As he was handing out copies of a report that he wrote, he said, "Granite and Marble are, in my opinion, the highest quality surfaces that one can choose for a countertop; however, in all fairness, I will say this choice is not for everyone and there are other options." Following are the twelve choices of countertop material that were in Thiede's report:
Granite is by far the most popular and one of the highest quality countertop materials available today. The natural stone material is strong, durable, heat tolerant, stain resistant and a very elegant addition to your kitchen. With a wide variety of colors and styles no two slabs will be exactly alike, so you can be assured your granite countertop will be one of a kind. There are a variety of techniques to use for finishing for a matt, rough, or very smooth and glossy look. The cost is high, but so is the quality. You can lower the cost by selecting granite tiles instead of a slab, but you will sacrifice looks, strength and durability offered by a complete slab. Granite is easy to maintain with sealers and cleaners specifically designed for use on granite.
Marble is also a very popular, high quality material that comes in a wide variety of color choices, and is available in slab form or various size tiles. There are also several finish techniques available for marble; smooth polished for countertops or a rougher finish for floor tiles to minimize slip and falls. Marble is also heat and stain resistant, but not as resistant as granite. Like granite, it is easy to maintain with cleaners and sealers specifically designed for use on marble surfaces.
Soapstone is a softer material, easy to work with, and its texture feels kind of like a bar of soap when you run your fingers across it. It is very strong and durable, easy to clean and maintain and less expensive than granite or marble. With soapstone, you are limited to a matt finish in either gray or black.
Limestone is available in various kinds; some are too porous to be suitable for a kitchen countertop. It will require more frequent sealing to maintain the surface to prevent staining.
Slate is generally used for floors but could serve as a natural stone countertop. It is not as desirable because it can be very porous and rough in texture.
Ceramic tile, like slate, is more suitable for floors but has been used as a countertop. The grout joints tend to stain easily and the tiles could chip or crack when heavy pans are set on or slid across them.
Stainless Steel is an interesting choice, but plain and limited in color and texture. It looks OK in restaurants, but most people prefer a little more creativity and design for their kitchen.
Concrete is popular in some areas, available in soft colors, strong and durable, but it is too porous to be stain resistant.
Corian is a plastic slab material that looks like a natural stone, but is losing favor because it just doesn't hold up to the rigorous use of a kitchen countertop. It is easy to clean, but not as durable or scratch resistant.
Engineered Stone, like silestone, is a slab material made of stone pieces held together by plastic. It is similar to corian and the stone chips give it a more natural look.
Formica is a plastic laminate that is affordable and comes in a wide variety of colors and designs. In earlier generations, it was the popular choice for builders and housewives, but has become outdated.
Glass is gaining in popularity as a slab type of countertop. Slabs are made of glass chips bound by plastic. EnviroSlab is an example. Another example is Icestone, a colorful countertop with ice chips bound in concrete.
As the interview was concluded, Charlie said, "Remember, nothing outdates your home more than an old countertop, except the ugly green or gold appliances from the 60's; remember those? A new countertop can be an elegant, beautiful upgrade to your kitchen, adding immediate value to your home. When considering your choice of material, don't forget about style and durability as well as how much your budget allows. You get what you pay for, so be sure to give this a lot of thought before choosing your countertop material. This is not something that is changed as easily or as often as paint and carpet; it is meant to be a part of your home for a long time."
Rock Tops Granite specializes in fabricating and installing granite and marble countertops. They have installed over 10,000 countertops in 2008 and are expanding their business and plan to open several new locations in the US during the next couple years. Their use of modern technology combined with old world stone craftsmanship is what sets them apart from other granite and marble fabricating companies. Charlie encourages people to visit a showroom to see over 400 full slabs of granite and other products available and to learn more about the technology of cutting and polishing the stone to perfection. Visit http://www.rocktopsgranite.com to learn more and to locate a showroom in your area.
Contact:
Charlie Thiede
17411 23 Mile Road
Macomb, MI 48042
Phone: 586-263-6621
Toll Free: 1-877-ROCKTOP
This has turned out to be a myth; consumers can rest easy as the EPA has no substantial evidence of a health threat from granite countertops
Macomb, MI - Reports have been published about granite countertops emitting radioactivity. Some reports have said that even though most granite countertops tested were nothing to be worried about, some have had "hot-spots" that emit levels that can be life threatening. You may even read reports that claim some colors of granite pose more of a threat than others. Another report showed higher test results in exotic granite and recommends that anyone who is concerned should have their granite countertop tested. So, is there a danger of radiation exposure from granite countertops or is this myth?
During a recent series of interviews, Charlie Thiede, owner of Rock Tops Granite addressed the issue of radon and radiation exposure with granite countertops. He explained, "Radon is a radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless and tasteless. It is formed by the breakdown of uranium, a natural radioactive material found in soil, rock and groundwater. When radon escapes from the ground into the outdoor air, it is diluted to low concentrations and is not a concern; however, in an enclosed space it can accumulate to high levels and break down to form additional radioactive particles called progeny that can contaminate the air you breathe."
Charlie went on to say, "Knowing something about radon and its origin, it is understandable that consumers may be concerned about exposure from granite countertops. Granite countertops have been a very popular addition to homes since the 1990's. If any reputable studies showed that they were a serious health threat, then they would have either been outlawed by now or necessary steps would be taken to cure the problem."
Charlie made another good point during the interview. When asked why so many reports published he said, "Some of the reports that have been printed were later proven to be marketing scams by companies who sell synthetic products rather than natural stone. The hype and panic caused by this competitive marketing has proven to be more harmful than the threat they are claiming against granite being used in homes."
Charlie also provided some valuable information to put consumers at ease about granite countertops in their homes. He pulled up a web page from the EPA website that showed the following: According to the EPA, "There is radiation all around us and we need to be aware of the various sources--when to be concerned and how to protect ourselves from harmful exposure. Radiation has been part of the earth since its beginning. Construction materials such as concrete, cinder blocks, bricks, and granite contain small amounts of radioactive materials that are found naturally in the materials used to make them." These quotes were taken from the web page at http://www.epa.gov/radiation/sources/index.html#construction
Though there have been many reports to generate concern, studies have failed to produce evidence that granite countertops pose a significant health risk. The EPA believes that the main source of radon in homes is soil gas that is drawn indoors through a natural suction process. The EPA has no reliable data to conclude that countertops are increasing indoor radon levels.
So rest assured, your elegant granite countertops do not pose a health threat. Rock Tops Granite fabricates and professionally installs over 9,000 countertops per year. They have a 15,000 square foot showroom in Macomb, Michigan where people can take a tour to learn more about this natural stone product and how it is harvested, cut, polished and installed to form countertops and tile. Visit their website at http://www.rocktopsgranite.com to locate a showroom and learn more.
Contact:
Charlie Thiede
17411 23 Mile Road
Macomb, MI 48042
Phone: 586-263-6621
Toll Free: 1-877-ROCKTOP
This press release was submitted by Right Now Marketing Group, LLC
Let Rock Tops Bring Mother Nature's Art Gallery into your home
Rock Tops Granite's Goal is to artfully merge the latest technology and old world stone craftsmanship to create elegant countertops and professionally install them in your home.
Rock Tops expertise allows us to offer a large variety of products including:
Rock Tops has over $3 Million dollars of the most up to date computer controlled cutting equipment to deliver an unmatched, polished edge and a perfect cut and outline every time.
At Rock Tops Granite, Your Satisfaction is Set in Stone
Visit one of Rock Tops beautiful showrooms to view over 400 unique slabs of natural stone granite; this is a completely natural product; no two slabs are alike.
Rock Tops will customize your one-of-a-kind countertop - no one else will have one exactly like yours. Rock Tops Granite's product has natural color variations which are the source of the granite's natural beauty.
Rock Tops offers a Variety of Finish Techniques:
Visit one of our Rock Tops Granite showrooms and take a tour of our gallery of natural stone. Many customers have described Rock Tops Granite showrooms "like going to a fine art gallery." Visit http://www.rocktopsgranite.com to locate a showroom near you.
Rock Tops Granite
1410 E. Michigan Ave, Ste A
Saline, MI 48176 - Across Michigan Ave from Ruby Tuesday's
Phone 734-429-2222
Email: Info@rocktopsgranite.com
Service area: Ann Arbor, Bridgewater, Chelsea, Dexter, Manchester, Salem, Saline, Superior Twp, Whitmore Lake, Whittaker, Willis, Ypsilanti, and neighboring cities and communities.
Rock Tops Natural stone and granite provide organic beauty, indisputable strength and ultra durability. Granite is one of the oldest and most respected building materials, and the ideal material chosen by architects and engineers when permanence, enduring color and texture, and complete freedom from deterioration and maintenance are paramount.
Rock Tops Granite is ideal for indoor and outdoor use. When used outdoors, granite's mineralogical composition can endure freeze and thaw cycles. The diamond-like hardness of granite makes it impervious to extreme heat, ultraviolet light, acids and abrasions.
Rock Tops expertise allows us to offer a large variety of products including:
Rock Tops Granite Natural Color Variations:
Rock Tops Granite is a natural product with naturally occurring variations in color, tone, granularity and pattern. These variations are expected and are the source of Rock Tops Granite's natural beauty. The samples you see will not be the same when compared to the slabs you receive. We recommend you visit our showroom to view and choose a slab for your countertop. Rock Tops has a huge selection of full slabs.
Visit one of our Rock Tops Granite showrooms and take a tour of our gallery of natural stone. Many customers have described Rock Tops Granite showrooms "like going to a fine art gallery."
Visit http://www.rocktopsgranite.com to locate a showroom near you. Let Rock Tops show you how to bring Mother Nature's Art Gallery into your home.
Rock Tops Granite
1410 E. Michigan Ave, Ste A
Saline, MI 48176 - Across Michigan Ave from Ruby Tuesday's
Phone 734-429-2222
Email: Info@rocktopsgranite.com
Service area: Center Line, Chesterfield Twp, Eastpointe, Fraser, Harrison Twp, Macomb Twp, New Baltimore, Roseville, Shelby, St. Clair Shores, Sterling Hts, Utica, Warren and neighboring cities and communities.
Rock Tops Granite artfully merges the latest technology with old world stone craftsmanship to create quality products adding beauty and elegance to any home or commercial building.
Rock Tops Granite's goal is to artfully merge the latest technology and old world stone craftsmanship in creating quality products, professionally installed. At Rock Tops, with over three million dollars of the most up to date computer controlled cutting equipment, we deliver an unmatched polished edge and a perfect cut and outline every time.
At Rock Tops Granite your satisfaction is set in stone.
Due to the escalating prices for artificial hard surfaces you can enjoy the natural beauty and durability of granite and other natural stone for almost the same price. At Rock Tops we have a huge selection of full slabs. Many of our customers have described the viewing of the stone in our showroom "like going to a fine art gallery."
So if you're ready for the most perfect countertops at the best possible price, or if you simply enjoy looking at beautiful things, stop by Rock Tops brand new showroom and manufacturing facility.
Bring Mother Nature's Art Gallery into your home.
No other granite and marble fabricator can beat the experience of Rock Tops. The owners of Rock Tops and its management team have over 100+ years of combined /specialized experience.
Owners
Charlie Thiede
Bob Gasiorowski
Management Team
Jeff Rogers - General Manager (Michigan Home Operations)
Gary Wiley - General Manager (Out-state Operations)
Scott Smith - Installation Manager
Don Ott - Master Fabricator/Installer
Sales Team
Sal Delacasa - Macomb, MI - Sales Manager
Gary Wiley - Wixom, MI - Sales Manager
Mike Eubanks - Saline, MI - Sales Manager
John Baird - Holly, MI - Sales Manager
John Caterina - Grand Rapids, MI - Sales Manager
Gary Wiley- Noblesville, IN - Sales Manager
Gary Wiley- Columbus, OH - Sales Manager
Computer Controlled Cutting Technology
At Rock Tops we have invested over one million dollars of the most up to date computer controlled cutting equipment. We deliver a superior polished edge, and a perfect cut and outline every time. The use of computer numerically controlled stone cutting and shaping equipment delivers unmatched accuracy, quality cuts and a superior polished edge - over and over again. Then our skilled stone craftsmen hone our products even further to deliver superior customer satisfaction.
This system also expedites the field measuring process, and it is especially attractive for remodels because the technology allows for detailed measurements to be taken, and accurate data to be collected, without having to remove the existing counter tops. Now you don't have to live without use of your kitchen while your replacement counter tops are being fabricated. It also helps to map uneven wall surfaces for an accurate fit and finish. Again, our skilled stone craftsmen finish the job to your complete satisfaction.
Natural stone, and granite in particular, provide organic beauty, indisputable strength and ultra durability. Granite is one of the oldest and most respected building materials. Traditionally, it is the ideal material chosen by architects and engineers when permanence, enduring color and texture, and complete freedom from deterioration and maintenance are paramount.
Granite can be used indoors and outdoors. Both eye-catching and ageless, Granite is available in a slew of striking colors, textures and finishes that will complement any dècor. Granite is the ultimate material for interior design on countertops and bath vanities, reception desks, conference tables, fireplaces, pedestals and bistro tables.
As an architectural stone, granite can be installed on stairs and copings, window sills and moldings, columns, interior and exterior cladding panels. Granite can hold up in the most demanding situations, such as commercial kitchens in restaurants and institutions. Its inherent strength makes it highly resistant to wear and tear on interior flooring applications.
When used outdoors, granite's mineralogical composition can endure freeze and thaw cycles. The diamond-like hardness of granite makes it impervious to extreme heat, ultraviolet light, acids, and abrasions. However, it is somewhat porous and requires a penetrating sealer to deter stains. Elite sells the stone care products for household use to carry out this annual maintenance procedure.
Product Variety
Our expertise allows us to offer a large variety of products - from kitchen island tops and corporate conference tables, to hotel counters and building exteriors.
Finishes
Granite surfaces may be finished in a number of ways. In general, smooth finishes tend to emphasize color and veining, whereas rough finishes tend to subdue the veining or markings. Typical finishes are:
Polished - A glossy surface that brings out the full color and character of the granite.
Honed - A satin smooth surface with little or no gloss.
Fine Rubbed - Smooth and free from scratches, no sheen.
Rubbed - Smooth, flat, non-reflective surface, with occasional light trails or scratches.
Sawn - A comparatively rough surface.
Thermal (flamed) - Rough surface produced by application of high temperature flame to the surface.
Other finishes such as shot ground, sand blasted, and bush hammered are available. Some stone finishes can affect strength and durability. Examples are bush-hammered and thermal finishes which initially reduce a stone's thickness and also make it more vulnerable to weakening from exposure to freeze and thaw cycles. The type of finish desired bears some relationship to final cost.
Natural Color Variations
Granite is a natural product, with naturally occurring variations in color, tone, granularity, pattern, etc. These variations are expected and are the source of its natural beauty. The samples you see will not be the same when compared to the slabs you receive. A sample is a piece from the slab, and since granite is a product of nature they ought to differ.
Granites such as absolute black, black galaxy, and a few more are similar through out having no or very little variation. It is always wise to see the slab and not judge by the sample.
Click here for color samples.
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
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