Are you wondering how to help your GTA client choose the
right marble slab? Home renovators and fabricators across the Greater Toronto
Area (GTA) are lucky because they have a great selection of marble slab
available for their clients, but, especially because of the vast selection, it
is essential to pair the client with the right pieces.
Know Your Client
It’s no surprise that many people want the unmatchable
beauty of marble slabs. Marble is distinct, elegant, and prestigious. You just
don’t find the same awe-inspiring beauty in man-made materials.
The first step is to find out what your client knows about
marble. Once
clients are well informed, they may change their mind. Many people think of the
classic look of
Carrara
marble when they visualize marble, not realizing that there are other
styles available—some that may even be more reasonable for their budgets. By
showing your clients different
types of marble,
you’re allowing them to make a more informed decision. Doing research online is
no substitute for seeing the marble first hand.
The type of room and how the clients use that room is also
important. Will the marble be walked on everyday? Will the marble have items
placed on it? Will it be just for display as a mantle? For example, a baker may
enjoy how cool a marble countertop remains as baker’s racks cool down cookies
and other treats. If the marble is going into an area where it will experience
heavy use, remind your customer that it will need to be sealed at least once a
year. They are responsible for watching for wear and tear since frequent use
may result in the need to reseal more frequently.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Marble
Since marble is porous, it will stain easily. If your
clients are wine or soda drinkers, there’s a chance their favourite acidic
beverage may leave pits in the marble over time. Even the smallest splash or
fizz from pouring a glass of pop could leave its mark forever. If this has
happened for one of your clients and they can’t afford new marble or repair
costs, you may have to advise them to just cover the spot with a trivet or
appliance.
With the choice of colour and pattern, marble is good fit
for most home renovation projects. Your client can find finely veined patterns,
solid colours with minimal veining, or bold eye-catching patterns. Given that
variation, it’s important to have your clients visit a showroom and pick out
their actual slabs. You don’t want them to be disappointed by your selection,
which can happen even if you follow their directions to a "T.” Plus, once they
see the different patterns, they may totally change their minds and fall in
love with a different style.
Once the countertop, tiles, or other designs are cut, talk
to your client about the remnants. They may be useable for you and worth
buying. Your clients may also want to create matching bar stools to go with
their new marble countertop in the kitchen, or create small shelves in the
bathroom to match their tiles. An unplanned backsplash may also be in the
cards.
When clients come to you from across the GTA, help them
decide what to do with their marble slab to increase the beauty and value of
their home.