Granite countertops installed in a kitchen.

Are Quartz or Granite Countertops Right for Your Home?

Posted by Jordan Beissel on

When updating countertops, there are many lovely and functional materials to consider. Among the two most popular options for Twin Cities homeowners are quartz and granite. Both are attractive and functional, so how should you choose between them?

Here are some helpful features of both quartz and granite countertops, so you can determine which material best suits your lifestyle, design preferences, and budget.

Appearance and Style

Both quartz and granite offer gorgeous designs and colors that can bring out the best in kitchen and bath layouts. To choose the right one, it may be useful to consider whether you prefer natural or manmade stone.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that is mined from quarries, then prepared for installation by being cut into slabs and polished before it is installed. The stone’s natural hues and mineral patterns are fully retained, and you can choose from a range of color families—beige, black, blue, brown, burgundy, gray, green, red, yellow, and white.

Because each granite slab is unique and not like another, especially ones that have striking veins, you can enjoy an exclusive, custom countertop. If you particularly like veining, granite is preferable, because quartz (though lovely) cannot replicate granite’s unique veining.

Quartz

If you prefer a wide variety of colors, styles and patterns, quartz offers more options than granite. While quartz begins as naturally occurring stone, it is engineered before being installed. The quartz is first crushed, then combined with pigments and resins that bind the stone into lovely hues and designs that offer undeniable charm.

Quartz countertops can mimic many looks—from industrial manmade materials to natural stone –and it offers a more uniform appearance than granite.

Durability

The lifespan of your countertops—including how well they hold up against the stresses of everyday use—is an essential factor in determining the right material for your household.

Granite

Granite is widely considered to be the most durable of natural stone counters. It is sturdy, tough, and resists chipping and cracking—meaning it fares well even with heavy use.

Its ability to resist high temperatures is so strong that you can place hot pots and pans directly on granite without worrying about scorching. However, it is a good idea to avoid subjecting it to extreme temperature shifts. If granite is exposed to the high heat of a steaming pot, then immediately exposed to any icy plate, the dramatic shift could cause the stone to be damaged.

Quartz

Because quartz is treated with resins to hold it together, this material is a bit harder than granite. It performs well under regular wear and tear, is non-absorbent, and does not easily scratch and stain. Its uniform makeup helps to protect it. However, you should take care to safeguard it from heat, as it can scorch if heated pots or hot hair styling appliances are placed directly on it.

Ease of Upkeep

Both quartz and granite are easily cleaned with a mixture of mild soap and water. Beyond that, their care is a bit different.

Granite

As a natural stone, granite can be affected by manmade chemicals, so it is best to avoid treating it with abrasive cleaning solutions and tools. Instead, use a cleanser specially designed for natural stone, and a soft sponge. Since granite is porous, spills should be quickly wiped up. If it stains, use a granite stain remover to pull up the mark without scrubbing.

Granite must be regularly resealed. An epoxy or resin can be used to fill in minor scratches, but if large cracks occur, a professional installer should make repairs.

Quartz

Quartz can be treated with gentle countertop cleansers. Its nonporous surface is great at resisting stains—though if you do notice staining, you can usually wipe it away with glass cleaner and a soft sponge. Avoid using abrasive cleansers.

Quartz counters also resist mold, mildew, and bacteria, and they do not need resealing. However if quartz becomes damaged, it requires professional care.  

Environmental Impact

Since granite and quartz both begin as naturally occurring materials, sustainability is a somewhat complex consideration. 

Granite

New granite slabs are quarried, which means that any fuel and labor required during quarrying affects its overall carbon footprint. While some have wondered about granite’s ability to emit radon, the Environmental Protection Agency has determined that any such emissions are minimal.

Quartz

Engineered from crushed leftovers, quartz countertops do not require the same amount of quarrying work as granite. That difference may be offset by the process of manufacturing the crushed stone into slabs with manmade pigments and resins. 

Affordability

As premium natural stone and engineered stone options, granite and quartz are both heavy and difficult to handle. Both must be carefully installed by experienced countertop professionals—which can make the labor costs higher than for other countertop materials.

In terms of sourcing, granite and quartz are similar in pricing, though granite may cost slightly more due to limited availability. Hard-to-find colors and patterns will likely be more expensive. If you desire to lower the cost of your project, ask your installation team about using slab remnants for small counter spaces. 

Beautiful Countertops Await You with Beissel Renovation

Ultimately, the choice of quartz or granite—or any other type of countertop—comes down to deciding what material delivers the right blend of style, upkeep, and affordability for your personal goals. There are many options to offer the colors, looks, and durability you desire.

Fortunately, you do not have to explore your options on your own.. Our friendly design team at Beissel Renovation can help you navigate your options and provide guidance as you compare countertop selections. Start envisioning what is possible for your home by perusing our countertop installations. We’re here to serve you!

Benefits of Beautiful Custom Cabinets

9 Benefits of Beautiful Custom Cabinets

Posted by Jordan Beissel on

Your kitchen serves as a hub for so many everyday activities from the moment you get up in the morning to the moment you retire to bed. Personalizing your space is therefore a smart move, and one of the best ways to do so is to install custom cabinets.

Tailor-made cabinetry can be crafted to suit your unique needs to perfection, and you will enjoy the extra level of convenience, beauty, and value they provide. Read on for a closer look at the many advantages they offer.

How Custom Cabinetry Adds Value to Your Kitchen Renovation

There are many positives to investing in kitchen cabinets that are tailor-made for you. Homeowners in the Twin Cities area appreciate these nine advantages:

1. Gives You Full Control Over Your Kitchen’s Style

Your dream kitchen likely includes features that are crafted precisely to your preferences—and your cabinets should be a part of your vision. Custom-made cabinetry allows you the flexibility to control your kitchen’s visual and functional design down to the last detail, including the color scheme you choose, cabinet door styles, intricately carved designs, specialty hardware, and more. With this level of customization, you can achieve a kitchen that reflects you and your needs.

2. Ensures an Elegant, Beautiful Appearance

One of the pleasures of choosing custom cabinetry is that you can select unique features that cannot be found elsewhere. The look of your kitchen can be curated down to the smallest elements, such as the use of vintage hardware you discovered while antiquing, wood designs etched into the cabinet doors by your favorite local artist, or any number of other creative approaches to design that delight you.

3. Aligns Smoothly with Your Kitchen’s Specific Layout

Whether your kitchen is a traditional square or rectangular shape, a roomy open layout, or filled with narrow nooks and crannies, you can maximize every inch with cabinets built to fit the exact dimensions of your room. Unlike mass-made cabinets that are available only in certain sizes, tailor-made cabinets can be built to any specifications to make the most of your available space.

4. Invites Ecofriendly Design Possibilities

Tailor-made cabinets offer great versatility when it comes to environmentally green renovations. While mass manufacturers typically use laminates that may not be recyclable or sustainable, custom cabinets can be crafted beautifully from previously used wood, materials you wish to recycle from around your house, or other sustainable options that allow you to lower your carbon footprint as you redesign your kitchen.

5. Provides Optimal Storage Space

Ideally, your kitchen should be organized so that every utensil, cooking tool, and more are stored in easy-to-reach, clutter-free locations. By having your cabinets hand-crafted, you can enjoy unique storage solutions that are simply not available on the mass market. Shelves can be made to different depths, heights, and widths. Drawers can include built-in organizational features—all to allow you a highly customized and spacious storage system.

6. Delivers Durable, High-Quality Performance

While standard cabinets are manufactured in bulk, tailor-made cabinetry is lovingly crafted by hand, one by one, by skilled artisans. As premium products, custom cabinets are handmade with high-end materials and construction techniques, including strong dowels, precision-fitted quality wood, and superior hinges. The exacting attention to detail ensures your cabinets are built to last for decades with practically no maintenance other than normal cleaning.

7. Tailors to Ergonomic, Accessible Living

To create a comfortable kitchen, every feature—including appliances, countertops, and yes, cabinets—should fit the physical needs of those using the space. Customized cabinetry solves this problem by offering height-adjustable shelving, specialty hardware for easy opening and closing, convenient pull-out drawers, and more. These accessibility features ensure anyone who uses the kitchen can do so with ease, no matter their age, height, or mobility needs.

8. Integrates Easily with Smart Home Features

Handcrafted cabinets are ideal when you desire to customize your kitchen with the latest in elegant home lifestyle features, allowing you to integrate different kitchen elements smoothly. A smart hub that controls all your appliances could be built into a cabinet, hidden away until you are ready to use it. Motion-sensor lighting, built-in charging stations, interior cabinet lighting that comes on when doors are opened, and other automated cabinet systems can all be incorporated with ease to make being in the kitchen a delight.

9. Offers Optimal Long-Term Value

Because custom cabinets are considered a premium feature, having them in your kitchen can raise the appeal of your house should you put it on the market. Their installation indicates a caring attentiveness to details that can be attractive to buyers. In addition, while tailor-made cabinets require an initial investment, they retain their high performance and withstand the tests of time with minimal maintenance, so you can enjoy them for years to come.

Achieve Your Dream Kitchen with Gorgeous Custom Cabinets Crafted by Beissel Renovation

As you plan your kitchen redesign, take advantage of the ample benefits that come with modern, convenient, elegant custom cabinetry built specifically to suit you and your kitchen to perfection. Tailor-made cabinets offer exclusive, accessible designs that make your home lifestyle even better than ever—especially when you have them crafted by local experts who care about the littlest details to ensure premium workmanship on every cabinet.

At Beissel Renovation, a part of Beissel Window & Siding, we are committed to providing top service and superior solutions that give you the kitchen of your dreams. As we craft your cabinets, we customize our designs to your specific needs and approach your project with caring attention. Reach out for a free consultation, and imagine the possibilities for your new kitchen cabinetry and more!

Beautiful bathroom Remodel

Where to Save and Where to Splurge for a Bathroom Remodel

Posted by Jordan Beissel on

As one of the most utilized spaces in your home, your bathrooms should please you. If they are outdated, dysfunctional, or lacking in high-quality features, it is time to consider a remodel. Fortunately, transforming your bathroom can be both effective and affordable too, especially when you carefully consider your options.

To make the most of your bathroom renovation, these tips can guide you on places to be conservative with your investment and where to stretch for premium value. 

First, Identify Your Goals

Are you clear on what you desire to achieve with your bathroom remodel? Your vision can help direct you as you choose where to spend and where to save. Consider questions such as:

  • What do I need most in my new bathroom?
  • What do I wish that I already had available to me?
  • What would I be disappointed not to have?
  • What parts of my bathroom could I comfortably compromise on?

Speak with your remodeling team about striking a balance between your goals and your budget. Keep in mind, a bathroom renovation is a complex process, so it is best to work with a trusted, professional team to ensure you receive the high-quality results you deserve.

Weigh Repurposing vs. Gutting the Space

A bathroom renovation does not automatically mean a complete tear-down. If your space is well designed but just outdated, you can likely save by keeping the room’s current footprint. If you have moisture damage, however, it is worth investing to do repairs. If you have the flexibility to expand a small bathroom, gutting will likely be a necessary—but worthwhile—splurge if you prefer a spacious layout.

Consider Each Feature of Your New Bathroom

Often, you can make your remodeling budget go further by choosing more affordable materials and options for some fixtures, while treating yourself to something special for comfort and visual charm. Of course, quality and performance matter too—because your renovated space should be long-lasting and low-maintenance. Here are some practical tips:

Tile

Tile is one of the most practical parts of a bathroom, yet replacing it can add up quickly. Balance the cost of it by going with a simple, affordable tile for walls and out-of-the-way spots. Then, consider colorful, specialty tile to create a statement in highly visible spots, such as a vanity backsplash or as a portion of the wall in your shower.

Flooring

Since moisture is always a concern in bath spaces, flooring must at least be slip-resistant. That said, you do not have to spend heavily on practical yet attractive tiles. One splurge worth considering, though, is radiant floor heating, which will make your bathroom cozy on chilly mornings. It is a highly popular feature that pays off in daily comfort.

Cabinetry

Storage is of the essence in any bathroom, and it is well worth your investment to choose top-quality for your cabinetry. You will be opening and shutting your cabinet doors and drawers daily, and they will need to stand up well to steamy showers and splattered moisture from the sink. Beautiful, prefabricated vanity cabinets that include a slab and a sink can create visual appeal at a comfortable price point. For luxurious indulgence, have custom cabinetry built to perfectly fit your vision.

Lighting

To be truly functional, bathrooms require ample lighting. At a minimum, invest in enough lighting to properly illuminate the space, especially around mirrors where you will need to see clearly. If you want to achieve a unique designer feel, this is a good place to spend a little more to add visual style. Consider pendant lights in bright colors, modern black metal sconces, or vintage chandeliers—choices like these can create an undeniable personality for your house.

Countertops

As you evaluate different countertop materials, it is smart to strike a balance between looks and upkeep. Beautiful quartz creates undeniable style, but it can be costly. Granite and marble offer unique looks, but they are hard to maintain. For a bathroom that hardly gets use beyond the occasional guest, elegance may be worth the investment, while spaces that receive heavy use may benefit from a low-maintenance material with an attractive pattern.

Tub, Shower, Sink, and Toilet

Plumbing fixtures are at the heart of making your bathroom serve you. Choose high-performing brands that give you a soothing, spa-like experience along with trusted durability. Ideally, you can focus on the features you want most (built-in smart tech, perhaps, or a bidet), while compromising on others that matter less to you (such as a spa tub with jets that you might not use very often). 

Hardware

When you are looking for ways to save, hardware is a good place to start. Today’s styles are attractive, yet affordable, and a simple matte black finish is both easy to find and provides casual elegance. Chrome is also lower on the cost spectrum. If you have your heart set on a premium faucet, you might look for other places to save, such as using reclaimed furnishings elsewhere in the room.

Mirrors and Other Decorative Items

This is an area where you can save by being inventive or keeping things simple. Vanity mirrors, for example, simply need to be hung at eye level and look new. Your existing mirror might work just fine, or your space may benefit from a small, affordable upgrade like a sleek, moisture-repellant frame. Additional décor can be pulled from around your house. Feature fresh flowers weekly from your garden or show off scenery photos from your favorite vacation. 

Achieve Your Dream Bathroom for Your Twin Cities Home

Whether your bathroom is outdated, damaged, or simply is not serving you, a transformation of your space is within reach, especially when you work with the right team. At Beissel Renovation, we are a part of Beissel Window & Siding—with 75 years of expertise in delighting Twin Cities metro homeowners with superior interior and exterior remodeling. Discover how we can help transform your bathrooms to bring your vision to life.

Design a Kitchen That Grows With You

How to Design a Kitchen That Grows With You

Posted by Jordan Beissel on

It is often said that the kitchen is the heart of a home—and for good reason. It is the space you use every day for cooking, as well as the area where you and your guests gather during parties. For some, it can be a hub where bills are paid or schoolwork is done.

For these reasons, it is good to have a kitchen that can evolve with you. As you plan a kitchen remodel, let these tips guide you in designing a beautiful, functional space that will delight you for years to come.

Define What You Need

As you envision your dream kitchen, think about the features you would love to have right now, as well as what may become important in the next five, ten, or fifteen years. Consider questions such as these:

  • Who lives within the home at this time? Who else may live with you in the future?
  • How does everyone in your household use the kitchen?
  • Do you have children or pets that could benefit from special areas of their own?
  • Are you planning to age in place?
  • What types of gatherings do you host? How large are they?
  • Do you wish your kitchen to have indoor-outdoor access?
  • What currently works well within your kitchen? What does not work for you?

Also, peruse websites and magazines to gather additional ideas for what you would like your kitchen to incorporate, including the layout, fixtures, appliances, flooring,cabinetry and countertops.

Design with Flexibility in Mind

Consider building spaces within your kitchen that can be used in several different ways, so that they are easy to transform. For example, counters at different heights are handy, because they can serve you as a work area when you are alone, and then become places for people to gather around when you are entertaining.

Invest in Ample Storage

Kitchens benefit from having as much storage as possible. Make the most of your redesigned space with flexible storage options that adapt to your changing needs. Hidden drawers, corner cabinets, pull-out pantries, hanging pot racks, and vertical shelving are all practical ways to maximize your space, with room to grow.

Custom Cabinetry Is a Smart Solution

Sometimes, standard cabinets simply do not meet your ideals or needs. For a truly personalized feel or to enjoy specialty storage spaces, our team can craft custom cabinetry with exactly the features and aesthetics you envision for your kitchen.

Install Durable Countertops

One of the best ways to help your kitchen stand the test of time is to choose long-lasting countertops that handle wear and tear with ease. After all, counters get frequent use, and they are also one of the first things visitors notice. Durable countertops made of quartz or laminate, for example, can keep your kitchen looking new and attractive, long after they are first installed.

Add a Multi-Use Kitchen Island

Islands and butcher blocks are practical, and they can incorporate many multi-functional features, such as built-in seating, extra storage, built-in refrigeration, a pull-out wine rack, and more. With these added features, it becomes easier to repurpose the space whenever you like.

Invest in Smart Features

Updating your kitchen to the latest in tech-savvy features and fixtures can serve two purposes—it gives you great convenience, and it means you will not have outdated features you regret. Make your kitchen a delight with smart appliances, eco-friendly water faucets, and more. 

Factor in Special Events You Like to Host

Whether you welcome a huge family into your house every year for an enormous holiday dinner, or plan small gatherings with friends for potlucks, or host others for snacks and drinks during the big sports game—your kitchen should make it easy to entertain the way you like best. Features such as large windows for passing meals to your deck, walls of windows, comfortable counter seating, open designs that incorporate room for large tables and more can all be useful both now and in the future. 

Add Universal, Accessible Fixtures

The ability to comfortably, safely age in place is increasingly important to people. Whether you are designing a kitchen for your own long-term use or you plan to put your house on the market in the next few years, accessible design matters.

Ensuring universal access can benefit everyone, so it is well worth the investment to incorporate these features into your kitchen redesign. Different accessible features can include:

Child-Friendly Workspaces

If you have or host young children in your home, a kitchen space specially designed for their use is a smart investment. Durable counters with rounded edges will stand up to hard use and help prevent bumps and cuts. Place surfaces and drawers at child height for their easy access. 

Spacious Layouts

Design your kitchen so that it is easy to move through, with lots of room between appliances, counters, and furnishings. A roomy, open layout is convenient for everyone to navigate, at all stages of life.

Universal Fixtures

To create more comfortable use for everyone using your kitchen at different stages of life, including those who are aging in place or have other needs, you might consider installing these elegant and accessible features:

  • Islands with multiple counter heights
  • Floor-level lighting
  • See-through cabinet doors
  • Pull-out shelves
  • Thick, easily gripped knobs and handles
  • Grab bars near sinks and appliances
  • Impact-absorbent flooring

Create a Versatile Kitchen That Grows With You for Years to Come

Considering how vital your kitchen can be to your lifestyle, choosing a kitchen remodel that pleases you both now and in the future is a smart investment. You can get as creative as you desire, especially when working with a team (like ours!) that can bring your dream to life.

Our design-build approach is a streamlined way to achieve your vision for your new kitchen. We work closely with you to ensure your remodel has the fixtures and features you desire, with room to evolve over the years right along with you. We invite you to check out our kitchen remodeling services so you can see for yourself how a new kitchen from our team can give you years of enjoyment.