Doing a renovation project can create a lot of stress in a relationship. It is important to recognize the milestones along the way and celebrate the aspects of the project that will make it unique when you finally move all your belongings into the home. Yesterday in the midst of an impending snowstorm and all the preparations that we New Yorkers make to combat such an event, my wife and I woke up early, got a nice cup of coffee, piled into our little Subaru, turned the seat heaters to high and headed out to New Jersey to visit the slab yards in what I would describe as a winters dream. It was lot a fun and very impressive.

They are open to the public, but it helps to know which ones are indoors…

Walking in between the slabs can be impressive in and of itself. Staring into giant hunks of the earth hewn from different parts of the world is mesmerizing. The variety and colors of stone to choose from can be overwhelming. Granite, marble and slate all have distinctive properties and attributes that make each one unique. While there is no right or wrong answer in choosing stone it ultimately is a personal choice that will dramatically impact the color and design of the room it which it is placed.

It also helps when you realize that both you and your partner have similar aesthetics in choosing stone. There is an implicit amount of trust and understanding in these moments of where you learn a lot about each other and it is thus that a renovation need not become a source of stress, but a bonding experience which makes the final product all that more enjoyable. Otherwise one needs to have a delicate hand in approaching these conversations.

Sourcing the stone yourself is also a great way to save a few $$$. It takes a bit of work, but it can be done and the payout can be considerable. It helps to be an architect or know one that owes you a favor, but it is not necessary.