Art That Comes Naturally

"Building a house can be extremely frustrating!" So says Lisa Steinberger, a Fort Mill resident whose refrain can be echoed by homeowners across the Charlotte area.

But amidst all the "surprises," she experienced at least one pleasant surprise. "I have stone on just about every surface of my house where you could apply it-the kitchen, the bathrooms, bar area, and fireplace. It was like choosing a piece of art."

The stunning results are among the most satisfying aspects of Steinberger's new-home experience. But choosing the right granite, she adds, "starts with choosing the right supplier." As it turned out, she got good advice when her homebuilder recommended Heritage Stone in Charlotte. "They really wanted to get to know me and my decorating style," Steinberger recalls, "and wanted me to bring pictures of how I envisioned my house."

Heritage Stone owner Jeff Lyons says his company often "surprises" clients with its personal service "plus the fact that adding natural stone upgrades throughout a home can be less expensive than you think. If you look at stone as an investment, getting a natural product doesn't have to cost that much more" than synthetic alternatives. With an array of options-including granite, marble, quartz, and slate-plus an experienced showroom staff to help sort through the choices, "You can find a product that goes with your budget and lifestyle," Lyons states.

Steinberger's personal favorite, a slab of granite that now graces her custom kitchen island, is a credit to the personal touch she received from Heritage Stone. "The salesperson got to know my tastes," she explains, "and called me when new slabs arrived I might like. The slab I chose came from Brazil and perfectly complements my cabinets and tile." That kind of service has also encouraged Steinberger to add granite to her laundry room and media room.

Once a homeowner selects a product, Lyons relates, fabrication and installation takes less than two weeks. "We help you understand the nature of the stone and what it requires for maintenance," he continues. Steinberger agrees that customer education is crucial. "Heritage helped me learn a lot about the stone, while also pointing out ways I could save money," she recounts. After all, she believes, "Great service is also an art."

To see how natural stone can complement your home, visit www.heritage-stone.com, call 704-373-3255 or visit the showroom of Heritage Stone at 921 Woodward Avenue, Charlotte.