Posted on October 18, 2011 by Tom Robinson

All sinks like all components of your pluming system are required by codes to be certified to meet building codes. Here is a video about certification and stainless steel sinks.

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Today is the First Day of the Rest of Our Blog

Posted on October 18, 2011 by Tom Robinson

Today is the first day of the rest of our blog. Beginning October 18, 2011 we have brought the writing of the Eclipse Blog in house. Thank you to Jeremy and the other writers at OneSocialMedia for getting us started and for all their efforts.
The Blog should reflect more expertise regarding stainless steel sinks and Lead Free Healthy Choice Faucets®. As always we welcome comments.

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Behind the Scenes With a Granite Supplier | What is Granite Sealer?

Posted on October 11, 2011 by Tom Robinson

We are on part 12 of our behind-the-scenes series. Today we have a short video you about granite sealer, especially in regards to etching. Learn all about it and share it with your friends! YOU are now the expert in granite and stone countertops!

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Bathrooms on a Budget

Posted on October 6, 2011 by Tom Robinson

Bathroom renovations are almost always some combination of cosmetic and functional. They can also be costly. Especially with a bathroom, because of the unique stress they see between lots of use, high heat and moisture – many issues within plumbing or structure can be missed until you are in the midst of the renovation. You can plan for that by budgeting out some items before you even start. Here are a few tips to get you started, and you can click here to read the full article.

Go classic

As with any redesign, going with classic styles is best for your permanent fixtures. Bold and flashy may be “in”, but it won’t add any lasting value to your home, especially when you try to sell.

Use tile selectively

Tile can really add some pop to an otherwise boring bathroom…but it can also add great cost. Consider finding a cheaper tile if using large amounts, coupled with more expensive pieces as accents.

Evaluate your needs

Consider annexing a closet or some other extra space to give your bathroom more room. Do you really need a bath, or do you just like the idea of having one? Make a plan and stick to it – don’t get lured in by bright and shiny objects!

Put your money where it counts

Plumbing and permanent storage are the thing that are hard to replace in a bathroom – so when you spend your money, put  a large percentage into those things versus the more vanity (no pun intended) pieces.

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5 Most Common Roofing Problems

Posted on October 5, 2011 by Tom Robinson

Winter, whether it be snow or rain, can wreak havoc on your roof. Moisture (and ice) do all kinds of damage. Here’s a helpful graphic that shows you the most common problems with roofs and how you can spot them before the issues get serious.

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Behind the Scenes With a Granite Supplier | Finish Types

Posted on October 4, 2011 by Tom Robinson

Today we continue our series with a look at the different types of finishes for your stone countertops and what they mean. Have any questions about finish? Let us know!

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Prepping Your Home For Winter

Posted on September 29, 2011 by Tom Robinson

We officially welcomed Fall just last week, but Winter is peeking in right around the corner. If you live in colder climates, that means prepping your home for snow and cold temperatures. There are lots of different things to keep track of to keep your home in optimal health, so here is a handy list!

  • Clean gutters
  • Remove leaves and branches from downspouts and window wells
  • Concrete sealer on the driveway
  • Caulk cracks at doors and windows
  • Repair broken glass, doors, windows
  • Roof inspection to seal and replace missing shingles
  • Check flashings at doors, windows, roofs–any penetration to the home should be sealed
  • Drain exterior water spigots if needed.
  • Change furnace filters
  • Drain a gallon or two of water from the water heater
  • Check the humidifier for proper operation
  • Get some blown in insulation if needed
  • Repair/replace loose or missing railings, steps, concrete
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Behind the Scenes With a Granite Supplier | Marble vs. Granite

Posted on September 27, 2011 by Tom Robinson

We’re continuing our series this week with a look at some of the differences between marble and granite. You may have thought they were the same thing, but think again! Watch and enjoy!

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How to Budget for a Kitchen Remodel

Posted on September 22, 2011 by Tom Robinson

Doing a kitchen remodel is one of the more popular home renovations out there. We’ve said this many times before, but it also has one of the highest returns on your investment, and can help sell your home faster if that’s the situation you’re in. Today we have a few tips to help you budget:

1. Establish priorities versus wants.

Take a look around your kitchen and make a detailed top 5 list. Do your cabinets need replacing, or simply a clean paint job? Do you need all new appliances, or maybe just a couple? Are new windows completely necessary, or perhaps just new treatments? Be honest, not necessarily cheap.

2. Shop within your budget

It’s not worth going thousands and thousands of dollars into debt, especially in our current economy. Make a realistic budget before you do your shopping. You’ll help yourself by not even looking at things that you know you cannot afford.

3. Visit showrooms.

You don’t want to do all your shopping online, or just at Home Depot. Visit the showrooms. Touch the appliances. See the colors under different lighting. You’ll see much more variety than you ever realized and you’ll be able to get exactly what you want.

4. Consider a contractor

There are various piece of kitchen work that simply should not be done DIY. Anything dealing with electric or gas lines is dangerous. Heavy countertops shouldn’t be a project for you and your buddies. Consider putting some of your budget towards professionals. You’ll be happy you did.

Do you have questions about budgeting for your kitchen remodel? Let us know!

 

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Behind the Scenes With a Granite Supplier | Numbering the Slabs

Posted on September 20, 2011 by Tom Robinson

Today we continue our series that takes an in-depth look at the life cycle of your granite countertop, from quarry to kitchen. Watch and enjoy! If you have questions about your granite countertop, let us know here in the comments, or over on Facebook and Twitter!

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