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    Category: Upkeep

    Upgrading Your Vacation Rental Kitchen

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    Are you considering updating the kitchen in your rental property? We know it’s a major decision from a business and financial standpoint, but some of the benefits of a kitchen update include increased occupancy, better income, a higher average daily rate and a great resale value if you are thinking ahead.

    Improvements can also make your vacation rental a nicer place for you and your family. Some people wonder just how nice their house should be. We think the answer is always the same, if you walk into your rental and are wowed, then your guests will be wowed as well. This results in better revenue.

    Where should you invest in your vacation rental ?

    Our advice is to start in the kitchen. One of the main reasons people choose vacation rentals over a hotel-type property is that they want to cook. And, if you are planning on cooking, you want a nice kitchen to cook in – possibly even cooking in a kitchen that is nicer than what they have at home.

    Next, remember all parties end up in the kitchen. A kitchen is more than a place to prepare meals, it is the primary gathering place in every home and this includes rentals. Since this area gets a lot of traffic, a rental property kitchen renovation might get you the highest return on your investment. When renters are shopping for vacation rentals they want a stylish, updated kitchen and if they don’t see that they may move on to the next listing.

    Here are some kitchen countertop options for your rental property.

    Quartz Countertops

    According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (link https://nkba.org/) man- made quartz is one of the top selling materials for kitchen surfaces. It is more scratch and stain-resistant than granite, which is the second most commonly utilized material. Quartz is made by combining mineral fragments with heavy-duty resins. It is durable and chip resistant, and it is fairly priced at slightly above granite but still below marble.

    Quartz countertops are also considered to be environmentally friendly as they are created by combining waste stones and not mined. Overall, quartz is functional, affordable and practical. The only downside may be some people find the look of quartz to be too uniform, missing the mark for people who like the natural irregularity of marble. New improvements in manufacturing have allowed quartz production to become more advanced with more sophisticated patterns.

    Granite Countertops

    People notice countertops, especially granite counters when they are shopping online. If you go online and look at pictures of vacation rentals, you will see how granite countertops “pop” in the pictures. They scream “quality.” And, even though there is some initial expense, it is a hard-wearing surface that will outlast most other countertops making this a solid long-term investment.

    Granite is not as durable as quartz; however, it still is scratch, stain and chip resistant. Manufacturers explain that darker-colored granite is denser, which increases their durability. For this reason, lighter-colored varieties of quartz might require sealing procedures. That also means those varieties are going to be more demanding when it comes to upkeep over the years of your rental property.

    Marble

    Marble is quite elegant and can be fairly affordable. Often times it can be cheaper than quartz and granite. People who are enthusiastic about cooking and baking are drawn to marble’s naturally cool temperature.

    Unfortunately, marble is quite porous which makes it vulnerable to scratches and permanent staining. If you choose marble countertops you have to be incredibly careful and mindful of foods and condiments which means this probably isn’t the right choice for a vacation rental. No one will take quite as good care as you!

    Kitchen countertops take up the majority of the kitchen space. They impact the look and feel of the room, it is one of the first things renters use when selecting a vacation rental. Property managers like countertop materials that look appealing and are easy to maintain. Kitchen countertops should aim to combine aesthetics, practicality and affordability.

    Need advice selecting a countertop for your rental?

    Reach out to the professionals at C and C Stoneworks. We are happy to talk with you and find a way to make your property more attractive to renters. Give us a call today at 252-902-5535.

    Keep Your Stone Countertops Looking New

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    If you’ve just completed a kitchen remodel or a new build, we know you want to keep your kitchen looking perfect for as long as possible! The good news? Stone countertops, like quartz and granite, are very durable! So, with little effort and upkeep it is possible for your countertops to stay looking wonderful for years and years.

    To help you out, here are four easy tips to follow to keep your countertops looking new!

     

    1. Watch Out for Heat

    Quartz and granite are among the most durable countertop options on the market today, but that doesn’t mean they are indestructible. While both are heat resistant, unfortunately they are not heatproof. This means that they can be damaged when exposed to high temperatures. At C and C Stoneworks, we recommend never placing hot pans directly on your countertop. To keep your countertops looking new, always use hot pads or trivets, instead of placing hot items directly on your countertop surface.

     

    2. Don’t Sit on Your Countertops

    As we mentioned before, quartz and granite are very durable! But they can be prone to damage when you place a lot of weight and pressure on them. Sitting on your countertop edges can cause cracking and leave you with a piece that you have to replace to restore the look of your countertops. To ensure this doesn’t happen, don’t sit or stand on your countertops, and remind you children of the same!

     

    3. Use a Cutting Board

    Some people make the mistake of treating their stone countertops like a cutting board. While chopping an onion for a quick party dip on your countertop once in a while is fine, you shouldn’t make a habit out of this. Certain foods contain acids that can damage or even stain your countertops, especially grapefruits, lemons or limes. Additionally, due to the tough nature of your countertops, they can even dull your knives. To protect both your knives and your countertops, we recommend always using a cutting board.

     

    4. Quick Clean Ups Go A Long Way

    As you may know, stone countertops are pretty low maintenance. A simple wipe down of your countertops each day can keep stains, bacteria and spills from penetrating the countertop seal and seeping into the natural pores of your stone. Regular cleaning also prevents your countertops from getting foggy! Remember, you don’t need fancy cleaning products. Just warm water and a mild detergent is enough to do the job.

    Following these few easy tips can help you love your countertops for many years to come! If you have any questions about stone countertop maintenance, give C and C Stoneworks a call today!

    How to Properly Sanitize Your Granite Countertops

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    Now, more than ever, folks are concerned with sanitizing and disinfecting surfaces within their homes! It is imperative to many to keep every space in their home clean and disinfected. It is no surprise that studies have shown that the kitchen may be the dirtiest room in the home. This is due to the fact that it can harbor bacteria from food preparation, food waste and more.

    You use your kitchen countertops every day, so it’s important to clean them properly and regularly. Here are a few tips on how to keep your countertops sparkling clean – and free of harmful bacteria.

    1. Keep Granite Countertops Properly Sealed
    Although granite is a durable surface, it is a porous natural stone that needs to be sealed. If unsealed or weakly sealed, your granite countertops can absorb oils and other liquids that could cause stains and lead to countertops that are prone to harboring bacteria, mold and mildew. If you are unsure about the status of your granites seal, leave a few drops of water on the surface. If it beads up, rest assured that your granite countertops are securely sealed. If the water is soaked into the stone, it’s time to contact C and C Stoneworks to have your countertops resealed.

    2. Immediately Clean Up Spills
    One way to prevent bacteria on your countertop surface, is to clean up spills as soon as they occur. If you let spills and food residue linger on your countertop, you’ll end up having more bacteria hang around than a simple cleaning can tackle. Clean spills immediately and you will have less countertop disinfecting to do on a regular basis.

    3. Keep Countertops Dry
    Mold, bacteria and fungus thrive in moist environments. Take extra precaution when cleaning your countertops and be sure to dry them with a clean cloth after washes.

    How to Sanitize Granite Countertops
    The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using warm, soapy water to clean your countertops before and after food preparation. Mild dishwashing soap has antibacterial properties, which makes it ideal to use for disinfecting granite countertops. Do not use bleach, Clorox, or ammonia because these harsh cleaners will dull the surface of the countertop over time.

    If you have any questions, comments or concerns, contact C and C Stoneworks today!

    Cleaning Tips for a Germ-Free Kitchen

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    With everything going on in the world right now, sanitation and cleaning are at the top of everyone’s mind. Not to mention, it’s also spring, which means a lot of folks are getting into the spring-cleaning mood! So, here are a few kitchen cleaning tips that will help keep your family healthy, your home germ-free, and bring that sparkle and shine back to your kitchen!

    1. Cleanse and Clear Your Countertops
    Start by decluttering your kitchen countertops. Put away any small appliances, kitchen utensils and décor. You can put those back later, but you will get a much more effective clean if these items aren’t in the way when you wipe down your countertops. After removing everything, give your countertops and backsplash a deep clean using a soft microfiber cloth, mild liquid soap and warm water. If soap scum is an issue in your kitchen, be sure to use a non-acidic soap scum remover. For more difficult stains, use a non-abrasive soft bristled brush and scrub lightly. Be sure to towel dry in order to prevent spotting and prevent the countertop from absorbing any of the leftover liquids.
    Tip! If you’re looking for a way to make sure that your stone countertops always look beautiful and are well maintained, check out our stone sealer available for purchase on our website! This sealer can be used on any stone surface. It penetrates deep in the stone to provide a great seal and food-safe barrier from spills and spotting!

    2. Make Your Appliances Shine
    After you’ve cleaned your countertops, you don’t want to ruin all of your hard work by placing dirty appliance back on them. Give small appliances a good wipe down to remove any leftover food or dust that has accumulated over time. Make sure to clean your larger appliances too, like the stove, oven and refrigerator. If you have enough time, consider scrubbing your burners and cleaning out refrigerator drawers.

    3. Floors and Final Touches
    ​Finally, make sure to vacuum and mop your kitchen floors to complete your kitchen cleaning! Also, here are few more small areas in your kitchen you may want to clean too.

    • Wipe down bar stools, tables and chairs.
    • Dust light fixtures.
    • Wipe down cabinets, doors and switch plates.
    • Clean trash cans and recycling bins.

    If you have any questions about the best way to clean your stone kitchen countertops, contact us at C and C Stoneworks! Or, if deep cleaning your kitchen has made you wish for an update, we can make your dreams come true! Give us a call today.

    3 Ways You’re Accidentally Ruining Your Countertops

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    Kitchen countertops are the most important work surfaces in your home. They are custom-made and fabricated to withstand regular cleaning, food prep, daily use, and so much more! But, despite the durability of even the toughest, top-quality stones damages can still happen over time if you are not careful. Many homeowners are unaware of a few things, that they often do every day, that can potentially affect their countertops in the long run.

    1. Hot Pots and Pans
    Yes, we said it! Hot pots and pans can damage your countertops. It is true that certain countertop stones like granite and quarts can withstand high temperatures. But we strongly advise homeowners to use placemats, hot pads, or trivets. Remember, that the better care you take of your countertops, the longer they will last. In some situations, placing hot pans directly on the stone without protection can result in discoloration, burn marks or cracking.

    2. Cutting and Chopping
    ​Even if you have invested in one of the most durable and long-lasting countertop surfaces, like granite, that doesn’t mean you should abuse them more than other surfaces. We see people slicing, cutting, dicing and chopping directly on their countertops. Although this is okay most of the time, why increase the chances of damaging your counter AND your knives? We recommend using cutting boards.

    3. Water Build Up
    If your countertops are sealed, water build up shouldn’t be an issue. Right? Wrong! Sealing countertops only prevents liquids from seeping through and staining the stone. But, when you leave spills on your countertops for too long, you increase the chance of damage. Pools of liquid can cause white crusty build up when left on the stone. We recommend always wiping up any spills and drying your countertops off after cleaning.Take care of your countertop investment! Remember that although granite and quartz countertops are durable, they aren’t indestructible. Be mindful of how you care for your countertops, and they will remain beautiful for many, many years to come. If you have more questions about how to care for your countertops, contact C and C Stoneworks in Greenville, NC today! Also, check out our blog “How to Keep Your Countertops Looking New” for more tips and tricks!

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    Crack in Countertop? Or, Could it be a Fissure?

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    Knowing what to look for can help you determine if you have a crack or a fissure. Cracks usually only appear in one location of the stone’s surface and will have noticeable unevenness that you can feel. Whereas fissures often appear in more than one place on the slab and are rarely straight. Your fingernail can also run smoothly over a fissure. Remember, fissures will not impair or effect the integrity of the stone. Fissures do not change the plan of the surface. For example, if you were to place a level over a fissure you shouldn’t be able to slide a business card underneath it.

    Fissures are a beautiful reminder of the natural journey your stone slab took to get to your countertop. But, if you aren’t a fan of the way they look, make sure that you inspect your entire slab for any characteristic that you don’t like (or want on your countertop). Our stone yard is the perfect place to do this! All in one location, you can see many different stones, colors and patterns, and see your FULL slab before you purchase. Other retails may only show you small samples of the stone and you won’t be able to see all the characteristics that may lie on the surface.

    If you’re looking for the perfect stone slab, contact C and C Stoneworks today! We’re there for the entire process – from stone selection and design to custom fabrication and installation!