Granite, wood flooring, and paint recommendations (Portland: countertops, buy, contractors)

[Jimbodawg]

Hi,
My wife and I just bought a great place in Portland. We will be moving soon, but need to do some remodelling first. We are thinking of installing wood flooring, granite countertops, and having the interior repainted.
Can you recommend installers and or painters?
Thanks!

[Nell Plotts]

The fellow we used to install wood flooring is on Agnie's List, I forget his name at the moment.

We just installed granite countertops. Our initial choice was the Costco contractor. When it came to measuring we discovered that their installers are sub-contractors who basically work as individuals with (maybe) a buddy. Our install was challenging (large multi-story building with elevators) and they insisted in making a 4-piece install 7 pieces. There was no way to assure that seams would be top quality. Canceled contract. On the recommendation of a friend we contacted Stone Center Inc. They measure, cut, polish and install granite. You find the granite slab you want, they buy it wholesale, bring it to their shop and work their magic. All the folks involved in the project are employees of the Stone Center. They brought enough guys to our install to maneuver our 4 pieces into the building, up the elevator and into our unit. You buy your sink(s) and bring it to them before the slab is cut. They were actually cheaper than Costco but keep in mind the fact that the slabs were not the same so it isn't an apples for apples comparison. I notice that Costco has sinks in their website, we purchased ours online before I was aware of that. I can give you the name of the sink provider if you PM me as that will take some digging. FWIW have them cut a backsplash out of your slab. That is A LOT CHEAPER than tile.

Painters.. can't help you. DH paints like a mad-man.

Specialty craftsmen are really booked at the moment!!!

[Jimbodawg]

Nell,
Always a good source of info! Thank you. I will check out this granite company as soon as I get there!

[Squidlo]

Ditto on the granite back splash. I went with a 4 inch on all wall edges.

Cost of granite will vary. I got mine done in Houston for 35$ per square foot with all cut outs and back splash. I picked my slab at the wholesaler. Portland will likely be double that. I went with a granite composite sink. Looks pretty spiffy installed under the granite counter top. 2 seams on a large u shape. 1 seam is almost impossible to find. the other is right at a corner. I expect to find one there.

[Nell Plotts]

Angie's List is worth the $ if you are doing much remodeling.

[Mossy]

I have been thinking of using Angie's list for a while now. Worth the membership price?

[Nell Plotts]

If you are planning on any extensive remodeling I think it is, particularly if you don't have a local network of upgrading homeowners. Your other option is to find a friend who is a member who will research on your behalf.

We aren't members because we have that network. I sent an e-mail recently to my neighbors when a tile-setter canceled at the last minute. I got three recommendations. One was booked until September, one came over late the next day to look at our project, the other three days later. As it turned out the 2nd guy had a small hole in his schedule and other work to do in my building. He was fantastic.