Planning to remodel your kitchen? Use this guide to learn all about your countertop and stone options. Familiarize yourself with the maintenance requirements of certain materials, learn what to look for in a contractor and more.

The Homeowner's Guide to Countertops & Stone

WALNUT CREEK — There are a lot of decisions to make during a kitchen remodeling project, one of which is choosing a countertop material. Below, we’ll briefly look at three potential options: quartz, quartzite and marble. Quartz As an engineered (man-made) stone, quartz is very durable and affordable, but it does have some downsides. Because it’s made in a factory, it lacks the unique natural beauty that other stones possess. Also, while quartz is tough, it’s not indestructible. Most notably, it’s very sensitive to heat. If you took a pot off of the burner and placed it directly on the countertop, the heat could actually cause it to crack. Quartzite This option has a similar name as quartz, Read more

<h1>Avi Edri: In His Father’s Footsteps</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
WALNUT CREEK — When asked how he got into the construction industry, Avi Edri credits the instruction and inspiration he received from his father. “My dad is a contractor, so I learned pretty everything I know from him,” he affirms. “He’s not only extremely professional, he’s an artist in his trade, so I was lucky to have him as a teacher. I started learned the trade from him when I was 14. It was difficult, but I loved it, and I knew early on that this would be my lifelong career.”
After accumulating several years of experience, Avi started a contracting firm with his business partner, David Tejeda. Today, as owner of Edri Construction, Avi says his favorite part of his work is the satisfaction of a job well done. “I love to see the client happy at the end of the job. For me, there’s no better feeling than that.”
A resident of Walnut Creek, Avi spends his time outside of work on a variety of pastimes. “My girlfriend, Elvira, and I have two dogs, Josan and Maximus, and we like to travel with them. Also, we both have big families, so we enjoy visiting our relatives and hosting them at our home.”
When asked about a professional philosophy, Avi espouses the importance of doing right by others. “I believe that if you do good, good things will come back to you,” he explains. “That’s why I’m always straightforward with our clients and follow through with my promises. Some contractors take a ‘hit and run’ approach, where they take advantage of their customers. Not only is that wrong, it also doesn’t bring any good. You can’t get another referral or opportunity from doing people wrong—it’s a dead end. It’s much better to do right by people, because you can sleep well at night and get more opportunities.”
When asked what he would do if he were to retire tomorrow, Avi says he would relax and enjoy his free time. “I would move to Hawaii and just enjoy life. I’m actually planning to retire young if I can. I don’t have any children yet, but if I do, I’d like to retire when they’re between six and 10 years old. That way, I would be able to give them extra attention.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: Coffee or tea? 
A: Coffee.
Q: What was your first pet? 
A: A black German Shepherd named Sandy.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day? 
A: Watch movies and hang out with my puppies.
Q: What kinds of movies do you like? 
A: I like action movies and crime thrillers. My favorite actor is Denzel Washington, and a couple of my favorite movies are “Man on Fire” and “American Gangster.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? 
A: Africa.

Avi Edri: In His Father’s Footsteps By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter WALNUT CREEK — When asked how he got into the construction industry, Avi Edri credits the instruction and inspiration he received from his father. “My dad is a contractor, so I learned pretty everything I know from him,” he affirms. “He’s not only extremely professional, he’s an artist in his trade, so I was lucky to have him as a teacher. I started learned the trade from him when I was 14. It was difficult, but I loved it, and I knew early on that this would be my lifelong career.” After accumulating several years of experience, Read more

Avi Edri is owner of Edri Construction, a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (925) 488-0900 or by email.

Avi Edri: In His Father’s Footsteps

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Installing custom countertops can significantly enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your kitchen or bathroom. Here's a guide to help you understand the process.
1. Planning and Design This phase involves selecting the material, color, and finish of your countertop. Popular materials include granite, quartz, marble, and laminate, each offering unique benefits in terms of durability, maintenance, and appearance. Engage with a professional designer or use online design tools to visualize your space with the new countertops. Accurate measurements of your existing countertops or the area where the new countertops will be installed are crucial. This ensures a precise fit and helps avoid any costly mistakes.
2. Choosing the Right Fabricator Once you have your design and measurements, the next step is selecting a reputable fabricator. The fabricator will create the custom countertops based on your specifications. It’s essential to choose a fabricator with experience and positive customer reviews. They will guide you through the selection of slabs, ensuring the color and pattern match your vision. During this phase, you may visit the fabricator’s showroom or slab yard to handpick the exact pieces of stone or material for your countertops.
3. Templating and Fabrication The templating process involves creating a template of your countertops to ensure a perfect fit. The fabricator will use these templates to cut the slabs accurately. This step may include accounting for cutouts for sinks, faucets, and appliances. Precision is key to ensuring the countertops fit seamlessly into your space. The fabrication process also includes edging and finishing, where you can choose from various edge profiles to enhance the countertop’s look. The fabricator will then polish and seal the countertops, preparing them for installation.
4. Installation Professional installers will carefully transport the custom countertops to your home. The installation process involves removing existing countertops, if necessary, and placing the new ones in position. The installers will secure the countertops using adhesive and ensure they are level. Seams are minimized and often filled with resin to create a smooth, continuous surface. The installation process typically takes a few hours to a day, depending on the complexity of the project.
5. Final Touches and Maintenance After installation, the installers will perform a final inspection to ensure everything is in place and meets your expectations. They will also provide you with maintenance tips specific to your countertop material. Regular cleaning and occasional sealing (for certain materials) will keep your countertops looking beautiful and extend their life span.&nbsp;
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Related Articles <a href="https://stage.diamondcertified.org/Guide/countertops-and-stone/" target="_self">The Homeowner's Guide to Countertops &amp; Stone</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Get Expert Advice From Owners of Top Rated Local Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/membership/" target="_self">Become a Diamond Certified Preferred Member (Always Free)</a>&nbsp;

Installing custom countertops can significantly enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your kitchen or bathroom.

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