FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS
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Please contact us
with any question you may have that is not
answered here. |
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Your
expert guidance, attention to detail and masterful
execution not only inspired confidence, but also
transformed what would've been a huge headache into a
fun filled experience. My new kitchen is absolutely
stunning. Thank you for taking such good care of us.
Christine B.,
Alpharetta, GA
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If
I hadn't found Affinity, I would have had to
have been my own general contractor --
making all the decisions, coordinating
literally hundreds of details and multiple
vendors. Affinity handled my entire project
from design to completion and I could not be
happier with the outcome. Each morning, when
I walk into my kitchen, I simply can't
believe that this is my kitchen.
Thank you Affinity Stoneworks! You did an
excellent job!!
Debra D.,
Alpharetta, GA |
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In
the beginning, you don't know what you don't
know. If you haven't talked to someone who
is really experienced in selling granite and
kitchen solutions, then you've totally
missed the boat. I'm so lucky to have found
Affinity.
Dianne R., White Columns |
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In a
time where impersonal and unprofessional service is
commonplace, it is very refreshing to find a company of
such unsurpassed excellence.
David G.,
Atlanta, GA
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I
shopped other vendors and, despite their claims, didn't
find one company that had all the resources to translate
my wishes into an integrated solution and then provide
logical decision and execution steps. I didn't know what
to do until I found Affinity. Thank you for providing so
much talent and service in one place!
Carla B.,
Alpharetta, GA
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1. |
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My kitchen needs new countertops and
I'd like to make some changes in the design and layout. What is the
most cost effective combination of services you offer to accomplish
this and how long does it generally take? |
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If I plan to get new countertops,
refinish my hardwood floors, buy new appliances and paint my
cabinets and walls, what sequence should I follow? |
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I want to replace my old countertops
with new granite, but I think my existing tile backsplash will be
OK. Can I keep the old backsplash and won't this save me money? |
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4. |
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What are the differences among
granite, marble, limestone and travertine? |
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5. |
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How do I maintain my granite tops? |
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6. |
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What is the difference between
granite and engineered stone? |
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7. |
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Do I get to select the specific
slabs used in my project? |
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8. |
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What type of edge finish is
recommended? |
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9. |
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I want to put granite on my island
today and perhaps put granite in the rest of the kitchen in a year
or so. Is that possible? |
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10. |
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How much does granite cost? |
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1. |
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Generally, kitchens get the greatest
enhancement -- and you achieve the best value -- from an appropriate
combination of new countertops, new backsplash, new sink &
faucet, minor cabinet embellishment or modification, lighting
additions or substitutions and appliance replacement. Having worked
with literally thousands of clients since 1997, there is a right
answer unique to you that will generate a best value end result.
There is also a proper sequence for project execution that clients need to know before they begin. Our design and project
scope phase is crucial and is a service valued very highly by our
clients. Typically, once all specifications of the project are
complete, the transformation can occur within 10 working days from
start to finish. Of course, if your project includes custom
cabinetry and significant renovations, timelines will be longer.
Regardless of project scope, we work very closely with our clients
to ensure the most timely project execution.
Go to
Top of Page |
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Final hardwood floor refinishing and
painting should be done after new countertop and appliance
installation. However, kitchens are the most detailed room of the
house and each project should be coordinated within its unique
scope. This is where Affinity's project management expertise is
invaluable. Go to Top of Page |
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Installing new countertops against
existing tile backsplash is not a viable, budget wise solution.
Dimensional changes in the placement of the new countertops, however
minor they may be, countertop leveling and support, as well as
the existing layout of the tile, make achieving an acceptable seam
between the new countertops and the existing tile backsplash
virtually impossible. In essence, this type of approach is "the tail
wagging the dog" and is not recommended. Looking at your project
from a big picture perspective and making informed design
decisions based on expert guidance is the best way to ensure that
you achieve the very best value for your budget.
Go to Top of Page |
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Granite is unique among natural
stones in hardness, composition and origin. Geologically, granite is
an igneous rock, meaning that it was formed from a molten state.
Most marbles, limestone and travertine are significantly "softer"
than granite. High in quartz and feldspar, granite is highly
resistant to scratching and heat. In the industry, natural stone is
designated as a granite versus a marble or limestone or quartzite
based on industry (versus geologic) testing regarding durability
characteristics. Because of its durability, granite is recommended
for use in kitchens over other natural stones. Go to
Top of Page |
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Affinity supplies each customer with
a very thorough and easy to follow care & maintenance guide. The
care of granite is very simple and doesn't require a lot of time.
Ask your Affinity representative about care & maintenance products
sold by Affinity. Contrary to the claims of engineered stone
marketers, granite is not prone to holding bacteria and is not
easily stained when sealed properly. Go to Top of
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Engineered stone is a manmade
product that is a combination of quartz, resin and colorants to
mimic the look and performance of natural stone. Affinity is a
licensed fabricator and installer of the Caesarstone®
line of engineered stones. Depending on the style one desires, there
are circumstances that engineered stone makes sense over natural
stone. Ask your Affinity representative for more information.
Go to Top of Page |
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Yes. Absolutely -- and we provide
expert guidance for this very important part of your project. In
fact, Affinity requires a formal, written slab approval for all
projects prior to production to ensure only the best results.
Go to Top of Page |
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Just like each stone has a unique
look, from casual to formal or sophisticated to "hip", edges should
be chosen in relation to the overall visual result intended. Some
edges lend themselves more to casual styles, others are more formal
or more contemporary. Affinity has samples of all edge profiles in
the showroom. The choice of an edge style should be made in the
specification phase of the project and Affinity always provides
expert guidance in this important phase of your project.
Go to Top of Page |
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You should view natural stone slabs
like snowflakes. There are no two that are identical. Although
matching slabs are available for your full project today, those same
slabs will not be available in a matter of weeks, much less a year,
so the chances of matching color and crystal pattern is slim.
Additionally, it is typically more cost effective to execute a "full
scope" project all at once than it is to break it up over multiple
sessions. Go to Top of Page |
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10. |
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Due to the popularity of granite
countertops, the granite countertop industry has experienced
explosive growth in the number of so-called "professional" granite
countertop fabricators and installers, and that has led to the
perception that granite should be bought primarily on a price per
square foot basis. One sees price per square foot advertisements all
the time, usually touting "the lowest prices anywhere!" While it is
true that the prices of granite slabs generally follow a commodity
driven range, quality and service are not commodities - and
those are the factors that make the difference between a wonderful,
high value result and a disappointing outcome. Therefore, it is a
mistake to make a purchase decision based solely on quoted price per
square foot. Rather, pay careful attention to the expertise and
service being provided for the total project quote. (Please see "Before
You Buy" for more information.) Go to Top of Page |
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