Granite slabs vary in size but on average are between 110 and 130 inches long by 60 to 75 inches tall. Slabs of Quartz are a smaller at 120 x 55 inches. We will work with you to ensure the fewest seams as possible however seams are required based on slab size and may be needed to maintain the structural integrity of the countertop.

The visibility of seams will vary depending on the colour of the stone. Granites with a lot of movement may have more visible seams.

All of our granite is 1 ¼” thick, while quartz is available in ¾” or 1 ¼“ thicknesses. 1 ¼” slabs of granite are not only aesthetically pleasing but are also more structurally stable.

Pencil edging comes standard with all granite provided by Granstone. Other edging options are available including: Straight, Eased, Full and Half Bull nose, Bevel, and Ogee. Alternative edging is priced separately.

For 3cm stone, supports and braces are recommended for overhangs greater than 8″.

Granite is a natural, organic stone and just like any item in nature, no two pieces will look exactly the same. The composition of minerals and the deposit it was quarried from impact the colours, spots and veins.

Viewing and approving material prior to fabrication may be recommended depending on the color. If your project is being completed in stages it is recommended you pre-purchase the materials to ensure your granite is all from the same slab and to avoid any major variations.

Marble is not recommended for use in the kitchen as it is easily stained and scratched. Marble is an excellent choice for vanities, wet bars and fireplace surrounds.

Yes, granite is an extremely tough and durable stone which can be used as a cutting surface without fear of scratching the stone. You should be aware though, that cutting directly on the granite will not only dull your knives, but overtime it will also dull the surface of the granite.

Although both are stones and both are quarried from the earth, granite and marble are very different from each other. Granite is formed deep in the earth’s mantle at extremely high temperatures, and is a very hard, resistant stone made of crystallized minerals.

The marble family – limestone, travertine, marble, and onyx – starts out as sediment – animal skeletons and shells, plant matter, silt – at the bottom of bodies of water. After millions of years this solidifies into stone. Because its main component is calcium, acids such as vinegar and citrus beverages will etch it.

Under normal conditions, granite and marble will not be damaged by hot pots or open flames. It is not however recommended to place hot pots, pans or flames on quartz as the pigments and resins can discolour when exposed to extreme heat.

Countertops made of natural stone add resale value to your home. As granite lasts a lifetime, after the cost of the initial installation (with proper maintenance and care) they never need to be replaced.

Quartz countertops are a man-made product containing approximately 93% quartz mineral and 7% pigments and resins. The resins give quartz countertops their non-porous properties but also their sensitivity to heat. Additionally, overexposure to ultraviolet rays can result in subtle discoloration and as such, quartz countertops are not recommended for outdoor applications.

While not absolutely necessary, all of the granite countertops installed by Granstone are sealed as an added layer of protection. Although the sealer will not affect the colour of the stone, it will penetrate the natural pores in the stone to help prevent any permanent stains. The sealer does not however completely stop the penetration of moisture.

Granite needs to be cleaned with non-abrasives material to keep the finish. Low acidity cleaners such as mild dish detergent and warm water are the best to use, and there are also commercial granite cleaners available. It is important to wipe up any spills and liquids quickly to avoid absorption into the pores.

To check if your granite needs to be resealed, sprinkle water on your countertops. If the water soaks into the stone and does not form a bead of water on the counter, then we would recommend resealing your granite. We can recommend granite sealing products to help maintain your granite for years to come!

In most cases, if granite is cracked, it will need to be completely removed and replaced.

The cost of any renovation project depends entirely on the needs and wants of the customer.   Granstone works very closely with its customers to keep projects within their budget while allowing them to get the most out of their renovation.    Below are some  benchmarks for potential renovation costs, but the final cost really depends on the design, size of the room and choice of materials.

Bathroom:  the average cost of a bathroom renovation is between $20,000 to $50,000 but can increase substantially depending on the size of the room and the type of finishes you use and will be greatly impacted by the brands you select for your toilets, showers and fixtures. 

Kitchen:   most kitchens cost between $100 to $250 per square foot for renovations.  Like bathrooms, the total cost will greatly depend on the quality of the finishes, whether you are changing appliances and light fixtures or just changing cabinets and countertops.

Basement:   renovations can be as little as $10,000 to $70,000, depending on if your basement is unfinished, if you want to put in a kitchen or bathroom,  or run wiring for a state-of-the-art sound system.

Project length is dependent on the scope of work involved, availability of our trades as well as availability of material and supplies. We will prepare a project schedule to give you an estimate of the time line.

Yes, Granstone is a fully registered company with $2 million liability insurance.    

It is also registered with WSIB.   Granstone is also fully licensed to do renovation work in the Gatineau/Hull area.  

Granstone’s  master electricians are ESA-certified and are unionized.

The first step is to figure out what rooms need to be renovated and what you want these renovations to accomplish

After that, it is really important to develop a budget so that you can understand the type of finishes you want.  

Plan for a contingency.   Even though renovation companies are good at estimating the cost of renovations, once you open walls, you can discover things that were not expected and planned

You may also want to visit our “plan a project” section to get a detailed step by step of our countertop and home renovation projects.

Yes, having a clear idea of your budget allows us to design within clear parameters.

If we overestimate your budget, time is wasted by proposing something that you cannot afford, while underestimating your budget leads to a proposed project that may not live up to the potential of what could otherwise be made.

Our designs and plans are customized for you in accordance with your budget.

Planning is the most important factor for a successful completion of the project.

If the project is launched on the right foot, issues and corrective measures will be reduced during the demolition and construction phases.

No matter what, stressful situations will arise in a renovation project. With the right planning in place, this stress will be minimized.  

We will only go forward with the project when you are fully on board with the design.  

We will also keep you informed at all the key steps in the project so that there are never any surprises.   

A Master Electrician is trained to deliver professional, safe, reliable service at the highest standard.

Master Electricians must carry out ongoing training to ensure they continue to be at the forefront of their trade.

We don’t recommend it.

In Ontario, you must have an ESA inspector review your work if it’s not done by a professional.    

By hiring a licensed master electrician, you ensure that the work is done to code and that all necessary ESA permits are pulled for the job.    

This is important as future home buyers often want to see permits for renovation work undertaken by the seller.

An outdated electrical panel, often found in older homes, isn’t designed to meet the electricity demands of modern living or major renovations.

Today’s demands from electronics, appliances and electric vehicle chargers require a larger electrical panel.

For those reasons, you should consider upgrading your home’s electrical panel to 200 amps.

Yes you should.  

Charging your EV in a standard outlet can take up to a full day to charge a vehicle.  

Our master electricians will make sure that your home is up to the standard to safely handle the charging of your EV.

Fuse boxes are ok but they are not as reliable as breakers. In addition, the fuses need to be bigger to accommodate the larger demand of houses, which could become a safety issue. 

We therefore strongly recommend you upgrade to a breaker panel.

Normally, all our electrical work as part of a larger renovation project will be part of the estimate and charged for the job.  

In cases where you need minor electrical repairs such as replacing lighting fixtures, bathroom fans, etc, then we would charge you by the hour.  

Please contact our office for details and scheduling.