All Forum Posts by: Jim & Michele Wilcox

Hi - I don't know costs of laminate. We never use it. I suggest you get on the phone and do some calling around in your area. That's the only way you will know true costs - which is of utmost importance in rehabbing. Generalizing costs will only get you in trouble down the road.

Not knowing what area you are in - you and the other party can enter into a contract and then bring it to a title company to handle all the details of the sale. They will do the title search, prepare the deed, closing statement, etc. That easy.

If you are in a state where an attorney is required (hate that because its a slow process sometimes) - you'll have to find one to handle the deal. That not easy. :crying:

Hi - Corian and other solid materials can be just as expensive as granite. If you want to save money - laminates have some really great looking samples now - even many granite looks that are pretty nice for a mid-range home. Ad a nice edge and it will look great. Spend some money on the edge to "rich" it up.

You're right not to try and tackle granite. It is not for the novice installer. If you ever do get granite - watch the installers ... you'll learn a lot.

Hi - Are you saying you want to "install" it yourself? I wouldn't try it unless you've done it before. There's a lot of grinding and fitting work involved even after its fabricated. It is not a job for a novice. There's just to much invested in the material for a do-it-yourselfer.

There are several places in California & AZ that sell "pre-made" tops for straight counters in baths, etc. But anything that has any diagnal cut corners to it will need to be cut and grinded and seamed. The pre-made counters run about $150 for a 2'x10' run. They have installers too.

As for granite slabs purchased in the yard - here they run around $700 - $800 per slab. That's the lowest grade and go up from there. Frabrication can run from $50 SF and up. But check your area out. It's a good education.

We are general contractors and would not buy from Home Depot. I'm not sure about their prices. The per square foot seems low, but if I remember the fabrication is high. Usually a granite yard has several fabricators you can work with. You can even give them your budget and they will try to accomodate you. Yes, the edge is to be considered. And remember any island needs 4 edges which can be costly if you use an high dollar edge. For resale value - the rounded edge is best.

I suggest you go over to the yard and talk to them.

Isn't it always the same - there is no one to help you at Home Depot! LOL I love the place, but it is so true.

Hi - I have an opportunity to purchase land that would be excellent for a Motor Home RV Park. Does anyone know the width and depth of a motor home hook up space? I am trying to figure out the layout and how many motor home RV's I can put on this property and if its feasible and profitable.

Has anyone developed one of these before? TIA

Hi - I got curious about this and found the following:

http://www.radiantwraps.com

http://www.go-overboard.com

http://www.accufabinc.com/gal_bb_heat1.htm

Take a look .. there may a solution for you.

Good luck...

I saw that show too and thought the same thing. Who's cleaning that place? LOL The house did turn out nice though. The dumpster idea is good but they can cost quite alot per month. But you may need one for the total project anyway.

It would be best to find someone who would clean it up and haul it away for you. I'd want it out of there!!!

Can you take them off and sand them down and re-paint them? Or have someone sandblast them for you and re-paint with a powdercoating. That would look nice. Sanding and painting would be cheapest - a couple sheets of sandpaper and couple can's of spray paint.

PS - I don't mind the covers at all.

Good luck ...

Solid granite is usually priced per slab at the yard - plus fabrication costs. Buying granite can be tricky since you can only get so many feet of counter from one slab. Many times you will need two slabs for a couple feet and the rest of that slab is waste - but you still pay for it.

Find a company where you can pick out your slabs - and have them tell you how many you'll need for the square footage you have. Sometimes you can find a way around buying that extra slab and save money. They can help with that. Talk to the fabricator too...he can do some creative things as well. Both of these people may have end cuts or remnants that cold work for a small bath counter.

There are different grades of granite too - most of the cheaper #1's are ugly. Usually, the more you like it the more expensive it is.

As for tiles - if they aren't done correctly, they don't look good. Any unevenness will ruin the look. It is cheaper though. If you want the look and the house doesn't warrant full solid granite counter tops, go with the tile. If the house does warrant it - opt for the solid granite.

Good luck ...