It is not terribly difficult to determine that granite might add value to your home. If you happen to take even the slightest look at interior design blogs, or magazines, you will soon discover the prevalence of this contemporary material. But, understanding how to purchase the perfect cut of granite is something different entirely. Some homeowners work well with a bit of general guidance on this matter. Others require advice that is a bit more concrete. What follows is a basic checklist of things to do when purchasing granite for your own home. It is our hope that this checklist will ground your search for a quality finish.
1-Shop in the Right Kind of Venue
When shopping for granite, visit a store that fully understands the complexities of this material. You will also want to visit a store where the sales associates can help you to gain a better sense of the stone you are hoping to bring into your home.
To make sure that a store meets these requirements, take a moment to assess their inventory. Does the store you visited carry a good range of granite? If not, the chances are that this is not an establishment that fully grasps the value of this beautiful material. This is especially true if you see this store carrying a good range of comparable stone, such as marble or soapstone. Finally, develop a sense of what you want to do with granite in your home. Once you have done so, you can know what sorts of questions to pose when in the store. On this note, follow your gut. If it seems that a sales associate does not fully understand your questions or your needs, seek assistance elsewhere.
2-Take in Many Different Samples
To purchase the ideal cut of granite for your home, you will want to expose yourself to a wide range of samples. These samples can come in many forms. You may want to start your investigating through images, for instance. Fortunately, there are a wide range of interior design blogs and sites where you can collect inspiration.
The next step is to interact with physical samples of granites that appeal to you. Interior designers flag this step as one of the more important ones in the granite-purchasing process. The reason this step is so important is because granite’s touch and texture are vital features of this material. By interacting with physical samples of granite, you will soon discover whether you prefer a matte or glossy finish. Once this conclusion has been made, you can narrow your search for granite.
3-Consider the Lighting
One important consideration that homeowners neglect is the lighting in the space where granite is being introduced. But, lighting plays a major role in how granite is perceived in your space. Interior designers suggest that if your room is dimly lit, a lighter hue of granite will be preferable. The reason for this is that lighter colors of granite work to lighten and brighten a space. Conversely, brighter spaces tend to benefit from granite in dark, bold colors. The key here is balance. You will want your lighting and granite to balance one another out, which helps to create a space that appears neither blindingly bright, nor dark and somber.
4-Think Ahead
When purchasing granite for your home, you will absolutely need to think ahead. It is not enough to simply purchase a cut of granite that meets your own, unique preferences. What happens when your granite countertop is interpreted as overly bold, and unique? The simple answer is this: People may feel less motivated to purchase your home. This can prove highly detrimental in a difficult real estate market.
With this in view, interior designers encourage intelligent granite purchases. You will need to think ahead and select a cut of granite that will have widespread appeal. One way of doing so is by selecting a cut that is neutral in color, and subtle in pattern and veining. Although there are many great granites that are bold and unique, you may want to save these for a home that you plan on living in forever. If you think you may want to sell your house at some point in the future, take the time to consider what the general public will appreciate.
When it comes to purchasing granite, you will want to follow the right steps to make sure your purchase is a good one. First and foremost, you will want to shop in a store that is well-versed in this luxury material. In so doing, you stand a better chance of securing a quality material. Next, you will want to peruse a wide range of granites. Make an effort to interact with granite in its physical form as well. After all, much of granite’s quality stems from our tactile experience of it.