M/I Homes DC Extends "Really, Really Big DEAL" Promotion; Supports Local Charitable Organizations

In a statement issued today, M/I Homes , one of the nation's largest residential homebuilders, announces the " Really, Really Big DEAL" promotion will extend through the end of July 2011 in their Maryland and Virginia communities. As part of the summer promotion, which officially launched June 1, 2011, homebuyers will receive a free Option Package on to-be-built homes , valued up to $37,000*. Complimentary upgrades will include birch cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, hardwood kitchen floors, and half-price sunroom or 3-level extensions. In addition, five iPad 2s will be given away to people who "like" M/I Homes on Facebook and/or register in an M/I Homes sales office .

Due to the notable success and increased traffic the promotion has already generated, M/I Homes will have charitable donation boxes at each of its onsite sales offices to accept gently used clothing in its continuing support of HomeAid Northern Virginia and Women Giving Back.Founded in June, 2007, by a core group of building industry sales and marketing professionals, Women Giving Back (WGB) aims to supplement the great work of HomeAid. Thanks to WGB, transitionally homeless women and children can shop for professional clothing and accessories without charge, providing them with confidence and motivation to enter the workforce. Women Giving Back has distributed over 50,000 items of clothing to women from over 100 shelters in Northern Virginia. For more information on both HomeAid and WGB, visit www.homeaidnova.com .*See sales associate for complete details. Really, Really, Big Deal promotions cannot be used in addition to or be combined with any other M/I Homes promotion, offers or programs. Free option savings amount will vary per house-type. Hardwood, appliances and granite Level 1 upgrade only. Prices, featured promotion and availability subject to change, terminate or extend at any time and without notice. Offer and savings varies by community and house-type. Free Option Package available on to-be-built homes only. Not valid on prior contracts. Valid on sales contracts written between 6/1/2011-7/31/2011.HomeAid Northern Virginia builds and renovates homeless shelters, transitional houses, food banks, medical clinics, counseling centers, and other facilities in order to help homeless people achieve stability. Established in 2001 by the members of the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association (NVBIA), HomeAid has completed over 45 projects valued at over $10 million.M/I Homes is one of the nation's largest residential homebuilders, committed to providing buyers with high quality homes of enduring value and innovative design. Since 1976, the company has built homes in the most desirable locations possible, surpassing the expectations of over 78,000 homebuyers. Every M/I home is 100% Energy Star® Certified, and strictly adheres to the rigorous Energy Star® construction standards that only 20% of new homes in built in America today meet. As a result, an M/I home saves as much as 30% on energy bills when compared to a house built to code. M/I Homes is defined by personal pride, dedication to superior craftsmanship and commitment to homeowner service. For more information, please visit www.mihomes.com .Media Contact: Stephanie Orton Lynch Public Relations Director Delucchi slynch@delucchiplus.com 202.248.5855About M/I Homes"MI homes is delighted to continue to support HomeAid and Women Giving Back. I have been both personally and professionally involved with both of these organizations, and am confident our customers who participate will feel as rewarded as we do," says Mr. Dennis Kelleher, Area President for M/I Homes DC. "The donation boxes are a great way to get the community involved while bringing awareness to two great causes. With school right around the corner it's a great time to clean out your closets and support a wonderful cause."

Media Contact: Stephanie Orton Lynch Public Relations Director Delucchi slynch@delucchiplus.com 202.248.5855

Kitchen Granite Countertop Cleaning

Among many home owners and contractors, granite is the countertop material considered the best choice. Its easy care and cleaning make it extremely versatile, And its natural beauty is unmatched by manufactured materials.

And it's gorgeous! The countless colors and patterns can make it difficult to choose just one. Many samples have large clear crystals that give a depth and texture unmatched. The color textures mix with the depth textures to make a canvas you can stare at all day long, and constantly find new features.Granite needs to be sealed annually. Although it's a highly polished stone, it is still porous, and those pours need to be kept sealed. Sealing the granite helps it resist stains and keep its shine. Sealers can be applied by anyone, since no special skill is required. You can always call a local granite shop to do this work if you prefer, but either way, mark you calendar and get it done each year.Not that a granite countertop doesn't need any care, it does. But with just a minimal amount of proper care, any granite countertop will maintain the sparkle and shine that it had when you chose the slab from the supplier.To summarize, granite is the most beautiful, durable, and versatile countertop material on the market. Brand new, it's sparkle will draw the attention of everyone you invite into your home. But fail to care for it, and the shine will eventually dissolve into a dull boring surface that can never be repaired. So do seal your granite each year, never use ammonia based cleaners, and try to be aware of anything that might have grit that can scratch.Granite is so easy to clean, and annual sealing is a breeze. But there are some things to be considered when caring for your kitchen granite countertops.Cleaning your granite countertop is an issue too. Obviously don't use an abrasive like Comet or Ajax - that's common sense. But did you know that ammonia based cleaners - used over time - will dull that amazing shine and luster of your granite. Never use an ammonia based cleaner. If you're not sure, don't use it. You're better off using warm soapy water for the time being - that is, until you can locate a good source specifically for granite cleaners.Even the pickiest of consumers can find a granite countertop pattern, color and texture that will compliment their kitchen decor, making for a kitchen they will love for ever, until the day they move on.Imagine that horrible sound of a scratch being formed as you innocently slide something from here to there, the sound that tells you - oops it's too late, it's already done.And granite countertops are impervious to kitchen heat. Imagine taking a boiling-over pot of water from the stove to settle, and you place it on the Formica counter top - Oops, you could have discoloration or even a burn mark. Even if you're more careful than that, other household members might not be.One of the biggest problems you can face with all countertop materials is grit or sand. Any object you place on your countertop might have some grit stuck to the bottom. A cooler from the garage, or even a glass of ice-tea from the patio table could contain abrasive grit underneath - grit that can dig in and scratch even your granite quartz given the worst circumstances.Granite is also extremely stain resistant and durable. It stands up to acids and other harsh elements commonly found in any 'cooks' kitchen. This means less upkeep and care are additional benefits to the kitchen owner.

To summarize, granite is the most beautiful, durable, and versatile countertop material on the market. Brand new, it's sparkle will draw the attention of everyone you invite into your home. But fail to care for it, and the shine will eventually dissolve into a dull boring surface that can never be repaired. So do seal your granite each year, never use ammonia based cleaners, and try to be aware of anything that might have grit that can scratch.

Author: Scott Hares

This is why people Should consider Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are among the most beautiful things you can add to your kitchen. Kitchen countertops gain a beautiful glow from these pieces of art. They are made in nature and, once harvested by people, are refined into beautiful kitchen countertops that will add value to any kitchen. They come in many colors, colors that are made in nature and of true iridescent quality.

The good news are that there are many different colors to choose from, and that you can create almost any color theme in kitchens these days, and that the cost of all that is not too high when thinking about the overall cost of remodeling a kitchen. If you plan to keep some parts of your old kitchen and integrate the new features into the old, existing ones, you should pay extra attention to the colors and the granite counter top appearance in the room.But most of us know that this comes at a price, not only the price for the work being made on the kitchen, the workers working to remodel the whole space, but also the cost of the materials used, while its true that the end result is indeed very satisfying most times, this is not something that you can plan and execute in a very short time, and it is almost impossible for one person to do this by himself, as in many other home improvement tasks. This is a work for the experts and its costs according to the quality and the material being used.Only soft rags should be used. This will help prevent damage. Never use scratch pads or scrub brushes. These will leave unsightly blemishes on your countertop and waste the investment you have made. How you use your countertop can be as important as what you use to clean it.

Lastly, while considering your choices, choose whatever fits your budget and tastes. With so many choices and options available, it is definitely worth the investment of time in choosing kitchen countertops that you will love for a lifetime.

Author: Mike Yeager

What's the Best Way to Clean Granite Countertops?

The best way to clean granite countertops is not a safely guarded secret, but rather a simple matter of understanding the composition of the granite itself. Granite is a naturally porous substance. Any porous material can be broken down by acids or long standing liquids. Keep your prize clean and looking new by following two simple instructions.

Granite counter tops can serve you well, in its durable usability and its clean and elegant looks, most people find that designing the space so that the granite counter top will seem like it is integrated into the kitchen makes the space looks complete and constant, which is a superior quality when talking about kitchen design.Lastly, while considering your choices, choose whatever fits your budget and tastes. With so many choices and options available, it is definitely worth the investment of time in choosing kitchen countertops that you will love for a lifetime.Most people find it easier to purchase a mild cleansing solution. Check the label carefully for any high acid ingredients. Remember to avoid these at all cost. They will damage an eventually ruin your granite as will allowing liquid to stand on the surface.I always find that combining all the elements in the kitchen to create a general flow of color and design is the best way to go, if you use this concept while thinking of your new kitchen you could avoid a terrible clash of colors, that is sometimes a real problem that is discovered only once you have finished working on the kitchen and most of the money has been spent.Some information about each of your choices is here. Corian countertops, also known as DuPont, are a blend of natural materials and acrylic polymers that together create a smooth, clean, seamless work space. It is available in 90 colors and will need to be specially ordered. They also boost of their nonporous surface that is easy to clean and stays new looking for years. Or, if you want something more art like, look into concrete countertops. Basically in any shape or style you can imagine, they are what their name suggests, made out of concrete. It is a completely different look then the granite or corian. Here you are only limited by your imagination.Never cut directly on the surface this will scratch or dent your countertop and dull your knives. Placing acidic foods like citrus fruits or tomatoes directly on the countertop is also a big no-no.

Keep these easy to remember steps in mind daily. When you work on your countertops follow the steps suggested. You will be happy with the appearance and surprised by the ease, because now you know the best way to clean granite countertops.

Author: Vince P. Platania, Jr.

Granite Counter Tops Colors

One of the most impressive things are walking into a newly remodeled kitchen, with its lovely colors and the elegant look of a granite countertop you can easily think you walked into a professional kitchen, or the home kitchen of some fashionable chef.

Yet another choice is laminate countertops. This is the most common kitchen countertop available. It is synthetic, made up of colored plastics. It is available in many colors and even patterns and finishes. It is easy to upkeep and tends to be less expensive then the others mentioned.When liquid is allowed to stand on a porous surface such as granite it begins to fill in the pores. Eventually the pores get deeper and wider. This causes the granite to appear scratched and may lead to cracking if let go long enough. If a counter top becomes wet, dry it immediately with a soft cloth. Remember that the tools you use are as important as the cleaner you use.The light is a huge issue, and this is certainly something that is very much connected to the colors that you choose for you granite kitchen counter top. The color that you pick for your granite counter top is going to have a dramatic effect on all the kitchen and you may find yourself adjusting the whole space to go with the counter top color. This is not a bad thing, but it is important that you are aware o fit, before you start looking for a color, and it is also important to remember that granite counter tops have a very strong presence in the kitchen.In order to create your own cleanser, mix rubbing alcohol and liquid dish detergent. Be sure that the detergent you use is not abrasive. Any abrasive substance can scratch your surface. In addition be sure to mix the substance appropriately or you may end up with a dulling film covering your countertop.Keep these easy to remember steps in mind daily. When you work on your countertops follow the steps suggested. You will be happy with the appearance and surprised by the ease, because now you know the best way to clean granite countertops.

Granite counter tops can serve you well, in its durable usability and its clean and elegant looks, most people find that designing the space so that the granite counter top will seem like it is integrated into the kitchen makes the space looks complete and constant, which is a superior quality when talking about kitchen design.

Author: Daniel Roshard

Granite Tile Countertops For Beauty and Savings

The two alternatives for homeowners who have made the decision to install granite countertops are granite slabs and granite tiles. Granite slabs are particularly what they seems like � huge items of granite that lay on best of cabinets, with the slab of granite comprising the countertop. Granite slab countertops are just about indestructible, as very well as particularly gorgeous. Even so, the issue with granite slab countertops is twofold. Initial of all, due to the fact a slab of granite is so serious, most cabinets will need to be reinforced to stand up to the weight of a slab currently being placed on best of it. This adds time and dollars to the expense of a kitchen area remodel. Secondly, since granite slabs have intricate patterns, and all those patterns are not able to be replicated, all of the granite slabs in a kitchen ought to arrive from the same granite quarry. This limits the selections of property owners, based mostly on the dimensions of their countertops, and would make granite slabs incredibly expensive.

Granite countertops which have become dull, unsightly and seemed to be dirty even with all the kinds of granite cleaning you pushed through can still be brought back to life. After all, cleaning granite is not a very daunting undertaking unless you have truly taken your countertops for granted that it already became useless. With the most appropriate cleaning products or granite cleaners combined with dedicated and thorough granite cleaning, you can definitely bring back the shine and sanity of your granite-made surfaces.Granite countertops add warmth to the kitchen. It can also make the kitchen elegant, stylish and unique.And because granite has a cool polished surface, it is perfect for rolling out pastry dough. It is also highly resistant to stains and discolorations, especially when properly sealed. It does not get affected by hot grease and oil, particularly if the sealing agent used is a silicone-based impregnator.

To protect granite tile countertops from harm, it does pay out to understand how and why troubles can arise. Granite is acknowledged and cherished for its stunning flakes of color, unusual line formations and exceptional general appearance. It is specifically these things that result in troubles with physical appearance transform around time. While granite counters will be sealed prior to ultimate turnover to a home owner for use, this sealant that is meant to guard surface area injury can at times turn into damaged by itself. If this comes about, moisture and stains can set into the granite alone.

Author: Albert Alvarez

Do You Need Info On Using Granite Countertops?

If you are doing renovations in your kitchen, you might want to consider shifting to granite countertops. Besides exuding the appearance of your kitchen, granite, as a natural stone, offers many benefits, when used as a kitchen counter top.

The dullness of its finish is caused mainly by sands, dust, dirt and other abrasive substances that make any surface to become worn. People who use granite for flooring make certain that the granite is cleaned regularly.Sealing the granite is easy. It can make your countertop look new through the years. Sealing does not have anything special about it; sealing is simply a common measure to seal a stone because of its porosity. In sealing, it is best to follow the instructions or recommendations of the stone fabricator.It also has many uses. Besides the kitchen granite countertops, there are also granite bathroom countertops that grace not just the residential community, but even the business sector. The stone is also used as a shelf, or fireplace, which can really improve the aesthetics of the room.There are also houses and commercial establishments that use granite for flooring. In fact, it is the next favorite stone after a marble. However, since the floor is always subjected to high foot traffic, its finish will easily dull out, although it does not affect the texture and color.Although slabs can have similar colors, their patterns, color textures, depth and distribution of features vary; they can complement every design and style within the kitchen. The variation can only mean versatility and does not breed familiarity.See to it that you properly clean your granite countertops, have it sealed and polished and then maintain regularly. You should be aware of the things you do over your countertops to minimize damages and cleaning troubles such as tough stains and dirt. Avoid putting hot pots or slicing through the surface even though granite pieces are durable enough. As a result, you get to ensure yourself that your countertops will remain as shiny, clean and durable for a long period of time.To protect granite tile countertops from harm, it does pay out to understand how and why troubles can arise. Granite is acknowledged and cherished for its stunning flakes of color, unusual line formations and exceptional general appearance. It is specifically these things that result in troubles with physical appearance transform around time. While granite counters will be sealed prior to ultimate turnover to a home owner for use, this sealant that is meant to guard surface area injury can at times turn into damaged by itself. If this comes about, moisture and stains can set into the granite alone.Kitchen area is an crucial place where your specific another person spends valuable time cooking tasty food for the overall household. It has to glimpse very good as it not only adds price to your residence but also generates appropriate ambience. Granite countertops are one these issue that can make your kitchen area glimpse classy and also add appeal to your property. This is the explanation why it is well-liked with home entrepreneurs and interior designers. Granite countertops are the top quality choice for residences and industrial buildings in the US. It is admired not only mainly because of their intrinsic beauty and design, but far more so since of their resistance to harm and their long lasting high quality.Granite tile countertops are the decision of several for their unique splendor, exceptional designs and overall sturdiness. These counters are not, nevertheless, immune to complications. Although they will resist stains, chipping and cracking much more than many other possibilities out there, granite counters are not without their flaws. Fortunately, there are items individuals can do to boost the natural durability of this making content.

Granite countertops add warmth to the kitchen. It can also make the kitchen elegant, stylish and unique.

Author: Rudy Silva