Page 24 THE VILLADOM TIMES I, II, III & IV • April 14, 2010 Spring Home Improvement (NAPSI) After a year of belt tightening and “making do,” Americans are again investing in their homes by redecorating, remodeling, and generally sprucing up. With mortgage money still restricted, consumers are improving rather than moving. In the past, many families would trade up to homes that offered appealing amenities like nicer kitchens or baths. This year, consumers are looking for ways to get the appealing kitchen or bath upgrade without the expense of moving. And homeowners are finding that luxury enhancements like natural stone countertops can be very affordable. Stone is unsurpassed in bringing warmth and richness to any room, and immediately becomes a focal point. While the makers of synthetic countertops have tried to convince consumers that their manufactured products are as good as granite, natural stone remains unbeatable for enhancing the value of a home. Consider what the experts advise. Each month, HGTV’s FrontDoor.com, in partnership with DIYnetwork.com, identifies “maximum value projects” for improving different areas of the home. The partnership recently offered tips for getting the most value out of kitchen and bath renovations. The recommendation to add beauty, value, and buyer appeal to a kitchen, is to consider upgrading countertops to natural stone. Granite, marble, limestone and soapstone are popular options. The recommendation for bathroom improvement was simpler: Upgrade to granite countertops. Stone countertops have become more affordable as demand has increased and as new technology has made it easier to cut and polish the stone. The selection is unparalleled -- greater than any other countertop surface. “Granite countertops are becoming all the rage,” writes KitchenKool.com, a consumer information guide that does not sell products directly and is not affiliated with any individual manufacturer. “They’re almost as hard as diamond, easy to maintain, heat resistant, and come in a range of over 3,000 colors to enhance the beauty and usefulness of your kitchen or bath forever.” Studies show that consumers overwhelmingly prefer natural stone over synthetic materials, and it remains the gold standard for real estate resale. Why? Because natural stone looks good forever, while some countertop materials look old and tired within a few years, and the artificial dyes in many synthetic stone counters can look dated quickly. Natural granite countertops are absolutely unique, made by Mother Nature -- not in a factory that manufactures the same material over and over all day long. Natural stone can be an affordable luxury Decorating & Here are some options that can help you get the most bang for your buck for granite countertops: • Color. Select a more popular variety of granite and it can be more affordable. Select a more exotic and rare variety and it can cost a bit more. • Edge profile. More intricate profiles require more work and can increase the cost of the stone. A simpler style still looks elegant, but will cost less. • Thickness of slab. The most popular is the 11/4-inch slab, but check on the availability of other sizes that provide the same beauty and durability, but will likely cost less. The Marble Institute of America is the industry’s nonprofit trade group. If you are looking for a supplier or fabricator of fine granite or have any other questions about natural stone countertops, the MIA’s website is a great place to research stone and stone providers. Visit www. marble-institute.com. Garden State Landscape LLC Is your landscape tired? Are you looking for some quality work? Call today for free, no-obligation estimate. Some of the services we provide... • Patio Installation • Retaining Walls • Shrub and Tree Plantings • Perennial Gardens • Weekly Lawn Maintenance • Drainage Work A FULL SERVICE LANDSCAPE COMPANY 201-670-7641 ������������������������������ Horizon Landscape & Irrigation Craftsmen has been creating and maintaining beautiful landscapes for over 35 years. Call today for a complimentary consultation and proposal. � LANDSCAPE NJHIC#13VH00630200 COMPANY ������������������ ����������������� LANDSCAPE DESIGN | LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION | I R R I G AT I O N | LIGHTING | MAINTENANCE ������������������� �������������������������� 201.848.0022 � WWW.HORIZONLANDSCAPE.COM � WYCKOFF, NJ