Paramount Granite Blog » Industry News http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog Just another WordPress weblog Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:43:58 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Let’s Delve Into 2012! http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2012/01/02/lets-delve-into-2012/ http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2012/01/02/lets-delve-into-2012/#comments Mon, 02 Jan 2012 21:17:27 +0000 Barb http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/?p=5627

It is good to be back after a nice, long holiday break between Christmas and New Years. It was nice to relax with family and friends and have some time to do a little reading, something I enjoy.  Isn’t it funny how a little down time can spark some renewed energy? And…just in time for the new year!

While 2011 was a better year for some in the remodeling and building industry, others still found it challenging. At PGC, we are confident the year 2012 will be one of continued growth and we are ready to delve in. We all have to keep in mind that there is good news out there. In fact, according to 8 Cities With The Best Home Price Recovery, “Minneapolis is one of cities in the country that has seen the biggest recovery in home prices.” That is good to hear and many builders are also feeling confident. “Despite the obstacles and challenges that remain, a large number of builders are feeling optimistic about their prospects for 2012, and for valid reasons. While the road to a housing recovery has been a bumpy one, several key market metrics, including housing starts, have steadily trended higher during the past 12 to 18 months,” that according to the article, 2012 Home Building Outlook: Builders Largely Optimistic About Growth found on HousingZone.com. The outlook for the remodeling industry is improving, as well. In Model Year, an article found on the NARI website, Jonathon Smoke, Executive Director for Research at Hanley Wood in Washington, said that “he believes in the the future of the remodeling industry and that many factors show growth.” And… let’s not forget that consumer spending was up during the holiday season. That’s more good news! 

We all certainly have plenty to be thankful for. At PGC, we are committed to our customers, and are looking forward to a busy year, fabricating and installing beautiful countertops for your home!

Happy New Year to all!

Thanks for reading!

Barb

]]> http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2012/01/02/lets-delve-into-2012/feed/ 0 2011 Coty Awards—Another Success http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2011/11/22/2011-coty-awards%e2%80%94another-success/ http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2011/11/22/2011-coty-awards%e2%80%94another-success/#comments Tue, 22 Nov 2011 20:26:42 +0000 Barb http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/?p=5385 The 15th Annual COTY Awards, which were held Friday, November 18th at the McNamara Alumni Center on the University of Minnesota Campus proved to be yet, another successful event. Fellow  NARI members attended the event to recognize colleagues that stand out in the remodeling industry, as well as other associates in the organization.  We would like to take this opportunity to extend our congratulations to the following companies who won this years awards:

Congratulations to all:

Residential Project Under $15,000 

Winner: Closets for Life 
Honorable Mention: DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen 

Residential Kitchen $60,000 and Under 

Winner: Posch Builders, LLC 
Honorable Mention: w.b. builders 

Residential Kitchen $60,001-$75,000 

Winner: James Barton Design-Build, Inc. 
Honorable Mention: DiGiacomo Homes & Renovation, Inc. 

Residential Kitchen $75,001-$90,000 

Winner: Structural Dimensions Inc. 
Honorable Mention: J Carsten Homes 

Residential Kitchen $90,001-$120,000 

Winner: Bluestem Construction 
Honorable Mention: DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen 

Residential Kitchen Over $120,000 

Winner: White Crane Construction 
Honorable Mention: Streeter & Associates, Inc 

Residential Bath $30,000 and Under 

Winner: Metamorphosis Group, Inc. 
Honorable Mention: J Carsten Homes 

Residential Bath $30,001-$60,000 

Winner: James Barton Design-Build, Inc. 
Honorable Mention: Knight Construction Design, Inc. 

Residential Bath Over $60,000 
Honorable Mention: w.b. builders 

Residential Interior $150,000 and Under 

Winner: Finished Basement Company 
Honorable Mention: Schrader & Companies 

Residential Interior Over $150,000 

Winner: Jones Design Build LLC 
Honorable Mention: Streeter & Associates, Inc 

Residential Interior Specialty 

Winner: Structural Dimensions Inc. 
Honorable Mention: Closets for Life 

Commercial Interior, Exterior or Specialty 

Winner: Pure Design Environments 

Residential Addition $200,000 and Under 

Winner: TreHus Architects+Interior Designers+Builders 

Residential Addition Over $200,000 

Winner: Awad + Koontz Architects Builders Inc. 
Honorable Mention: TreHus Architects+Interior Designers+Builders 

Residential Historical
Renovation/Restoration 

Winner: Vujovich Design Build 
Honorable Mention: DiGiacomo Homes & Renovation, Inc. 

Residential Exterior 

Winner: Sicora, Inc. 
Honorable Mention: Southview Design 

Residential Exterior Specialty 

Winner: Mantis Design & Build, LLC 
Honorable Mention: Knight Construction Design, Inc. 

Entire House $250,000 and Under 

Winner: College City Design/Build, Inc. 
Honorable Mention: Building Arts Sustainable Architecture + Construction 

Entire House $250,001-$500,000 

Winner: Streeter & Associates, Inc 
Honorable Mention: Sicora, Inc. 

Entire House Over $500,000 

Winner: Northway Construction Services 
Honorable Mention: TreHus Architects+Interior Designers+Builders 

Universal Design 

Winner: Jones Design Build LLC 

Associate of the Year 

Winner: All, Inc. 
Honorable Mention: Granite Tops, LLC 

Best Newcomer 

Winner: Metamorphosis Group, Inc. 

Best of Show 

Winner: Northway Construction Services

Thanks for reading!

Barb

]]> http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2011/11/22/2011-coty-awards%e2%80%94another-success/feed/ 0 Taking It To The Streets… http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2011/11/15/taking-it-to-the-streets%e2%80%a6/ http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2011/11/15/taking-it-to-the-streets%e2%80%a6/#comments Tue, 15 Nov 2011 20:35:11 +0000 Barb http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/?p=5363 From time to time, we get asked for pricing information on “scrap” material. Most customers however, are not really looking for “scrap” granite, but rather are looking for pricing and information on partial slabs, (material that is left over from a full slab), for a smaller project such as a bathroom vanity, a fireplace surround, a bar top,  a shelf, etc. 

Scrap granite is the “actual waste” from a project and tends to be smaller pieces, or chunks that typically have no further resale value. Our scrap, in most cases, is thrown in our dumpster and picked up by Veit, our Waste Management service, who then ships it to a sand and gravel company for crushing. Our granite is typically mixed with concrete rubble and then re-used for road bases, driveways, and who knows…maybe your street?

Thanks for reading!

Barb

]]> http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2011/11/15/taking-it-to-the-streets%e2%80%a6/feed/ 0 Natural Stone—Beautiful, Durable & Sustainable! http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2011/03/03/natural-stone%e2%80%94beautiful-durable-sustainable/ http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2011/03/03/natural-stone%e2%80%94beautiful-durable-sustainable/#comments Thu, 03 Mar 2011 16:01:55 +0000 Barb http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/?p=4294 The Green Building movement has become a popular topic of interest over the last couple years, as more and more people are becoming aware of the need to help sustain the environment. Natural stone has been used for building for centuries because of its durability and beauty, but its sustainable properties will allow it to progress in the building industry for centuries to come. While there are many misconceptions about stone and sustainability out there, the MIA, Marble Institute of America, is working hard to help over come them. They recently produced a Sustainability video to help educate architects, designers, contractors, and consumers on how natural stone is the natural choice when it comes to sustainable building products. I hope you take some time to watch it and learn more on the subject.

Thanks for reading!

Barb

]]> http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2011/03/03/natural-stone%e2%80%94beautiful-durable-sustainable/feed/ 0 It Is Not Too Late Save On Your Home & Garden Tickets… http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2011/03/01/it-is-not-too-late-save-on-your-home-garden-tickets%e2%80%a6/ http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2011/03/01/it-is-not-too-late-save-on-your-home-garden-tickets%e2%80%a6/#comments Tue, 01 Mar 2011 13:00:45 +0000 Barb http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/?p=4269 The Minneapolis Home & Garden Show starts tomorow, but you still have time to save on your tickets. All you have to do is visit the Minneapolis Home & Garden website, to purchase your tickets in advance and enter the Promo Code: PARAMOUNT for a $4.oo savings!

Why not take advantage of the offer? Feel free to check out the Exhibitor List, to map out your route.

Minneapolis Home & Garden Show

Make sure you stop by and visit us at:  Booth: 2946

We  look forward to seeing you there and answering your questions about granite countertops, and our products, including engineered stone. Remember…Spring is just around the corner and the perfect time to renew your home!

Thanks for reading!

Barb

]]> http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2011/03/01/it-is-not-too-late-save-on-your-home-garden-tickets%e2%80%a6/feed/ 0 2011 Builders Product & Service Show—A Success! http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2011/02/25/2011-builders-product-service-show%e2%80%94a-success/ http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2011/02/25/2011-builders-product-service-show%e2%80%94a-success/#comments Fri, 25 Feb 2011 19:58:34 +0000 Barb http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/?p=4254 The 2011 Builders Product & Service show sponsored through BATC, Builders Association of the Twin Cities, proved to be another successful event. Many remodelers and builders in the twin cities were excited to get out and see the latest trends in the industry, and what new items they could offer the consumer.  Paramount Granite Company participated in the show and was eager to partake in the camarade, as well as show some of our products including granite, Dupont Zodiaq, Casesarstone, Silestone, Hanstone, etc.  The PGC booth was staffed by several members of our team including some sales and customer service personnel.

The show was held Thursday, February 24th at the Minneapolis Convention Center and was open to builders and remodelers throughout the area.

Dan Harlander at PGC Booth

Blair Gostonczik and Troy Godeman of PGC

Dan Harlander at PGC Booth

Thanks for reading!

Barb

]]> http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2011/02/25/2011-builders-product-service-show%e2%80%94a-success/feed/ 0 Purchase Your Home & Garden Tickets Now & Save! http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2011/02/18/purchase-your-home-garden-tickets-now-save/ http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2011/02/18/purchase-your-home-garden-tickets-now-save/#comments Fri, 18 Feb 2011 19:11:39 +0000 Barb http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/?p=4207 The 2011 Minneapolis Home & Garden Show is aproaching  fast. Save by getting your tickets ahead of time. To save $4, enter promo code:

PARAMOUNT

Make sure you visit us at:  Booth 2946

See you at the show!

Home & Garden Show

Thanks for reading!

Barb

]]> http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2011/02/18/purchase-your-home-garden-tickets-now-save/feed/ 0 Visit Us At The Builders & Remodelers Product & Service Show… http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2011/01/31/visit-us-at-the-builders-remodelers-product-service-show%e2%80%a6/ http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2011/01/31/visit-us-at-the-builders-remodelers-product-service-show%e2%80%a6/#comments Mon, 31 Jan 2011 19:05:23 +0000 Barb http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/?p=4090 Visit us at the show!

The 2011 Builders & Remodelers Product & Service Show will be held February 24, at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Builders & remodelers are invited to come see the latest trends in the industry. Why not stop by and see what this year’s show has to offer for countertop options including granite, Dupont Zodiaq, Casesarstone, Silestone, Hanstone, and Rinato.  We will be happy to answer any of your questions about our product offerings, and provide a bid for any prospective upcoming projects you may have.

Please make sure you visit us at:

Booth 824

Thanks for reading and hope to see you at the show!

Barb

]]> http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2011/01/31/visit-us-at-the-builders-remodelers-product-service-show%e2%80%a6/feed/ 0 2011 Color Predictions… http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2011/01/19/2011-color-predictions%e2%80%a6/ http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2011/01/19/2011-color-predictions%e2%80%a6/#comments Wed, 19 Jan 2011 21:31:17 +0000 Barb http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/?p=4060 When it comes to selecting colors for your home, it is always interesting to see what is in the marketplace. Another thing to take note of is the latest color trends. While some colors are timeless, others seem to come and go, and then come around again down the road. Funny how that works.

Since painting plays a big part in the remodeling process, and is an affordable option for many home owners, I thought it would be interesting to share what some of the color experts at Pantone, and Benjamin Moore are predicting for 2011. Pantone selected the color honeysuckle, (a pretty pink), as its’ 2011 Color of the Year. This mauve color tone was also popular in the early 90′s. I remember it well because I happened to purchase some “pretty mauve” carpeting for our livingroom then, (something I would never dream of doing now.) Who knows if I’ll change my mind when it comes around the next time.

According to, Benjamin Moore And Mythic Paint Offer Their Predictions For 2011’s Colors Of The Year, an article found in the January, 2011 issue of The Cutting Edge newsletter, an MIA publication, “color experts at Benjamin Moore, see deep smoky wine, to pumped up fuschia as a predominant color in home decor in 2011. Mythic Paint says that this year’s palette will offer both warmth and an ethnic influence. Some colors they predict will be hot include: Coral, Green, Yellow, Gray, Blue, Red-Cast Blue.”

If the paint predictions are correct, you can look for a variety of granite colors to go with them. I’ve listed a few below:

  • Coral: If you are looking for a coral tone, you might want to look at Viara Classic, which has a lot of flow and movement, along with a variety of other tones.
  • Green: If you are looking for a green tone, you have quite a number of options including the classic Labrador green, Verde Butterfly, Tropical Green, Verde Peacock, Cosmos, etc.
  • Yellow: If you are looking for a yellow tone, you might want to look at Yellow River, Golden Beach, Harvest Gold, etc.
  • Gray: If you are looking for a gray tone, you might want to look at Azul Bahia, Iridian, or Impala Black.
  • Blue: If you are looking for a blue, you might want to look at Mahogany Blue, Blue eyes, Blue Storm, or Cinderlla Blue.
  • Red Cast Blue: If you are looking for some purple tones, you might want to look at purple dunes, fusion, paradiso, palidio, etc.

No matter if you are looking for a trendy color, or more of a classic for your granite countertops, we always happy to help you with your selections. Please stop by our showroom and see for yourself.

Thanks for reading!

Barb

]]> http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2011/01/19/2011-color-predictions%e2%80%a6/feed/ 0 Everything’s Coming Up Granite… http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2010/12/03/everythings-coming-up-granite%e2%80%a6/ http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2010/12/03/everythings-coming-up-granite%e2%80%a6/#comments Fri, 03 Dec 2010 12:00:21 +0000 Barb http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/?p=3847 Obviously I notice granite more than the average person, since we work with it everyday, but lately it seems that no matter where I go, or what I do, everything is coming up granite (or natural stone). Let me give you a few examples. I don’t watch TV much, but I do watch a little from time to time. The other day, as I was surfing with my remote for something to watch, I came across several commecials that just happened to have granite countertops featured in them. One was for Pledge, another for Senodyne toothpaste. There was a third one for some cereal too, but I’m drawing a blank on the brand right now. It really doesn’t matter. The fact that I saw 3 commercials with granite countertops in them, when I barely watch TV, stunned me. If I watched more TV, I bet I could come up with quite a list.

The other week, I attended the John Mellencamp concert, held at the Orpheum Theatre, in downtown Minneapolis, with my husband Chris, and my brother and sister inlaw. Before the show, we decided to get a drink and guess what I saw? A beautiful bar top made with Forest Brown marble!  Thanksgiving weekend we went out to dinner with a bunch of my family members at Amazing Thailand restaurant in uptown. Afterwards, we stopped at a bar near by for an after dinner drink and guess what I saw? If you guessed a granite bar top, you are right.

Ok—I know I am a granite geek, but I don’t think I’m the only one noticing all this stone anymore. It is evident that the general public is seeing it too and they are requesting it for their homes. Over the years, granite has become quite popular and is now found in all sorts of places…and why not? It beautiful, durable, and timeless. Hope you are noticing!

Thanks for reading!

Barb

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