incsiodsetco
Fashions
at home
FRANCE FREEMAN
Costco’s Special Order kiosks
make home improvement easy
BuyingSmart
Consumer
reporter
Pat Volchok
gives a
behind-the-scenes look
at Costco
products and services.
Send your questions to:
buyingsmart@
costco.com
THE NIP-TUCK METHOD of residential quality and value, scrutinize craftsmanship,
remodeling, where just one or two improve- research market trends and ink the best deal.
ment projects are taken on at a time, is a This leaves minimal work for members,
favorite of mine. Such undertakings are eas- who need only call the toll-free phone num-ier to manage and less invasive than a total ber printed on each program’s brochure to
home face lift and, if done sensibly, offer a lot check local availability and set up a free in-of bang for the buck. home appointment with a professional con-
A good example is hiring a professional to sultant, if needed.
replace old, scratched laminate countertops I strongly suggest taking advantage of the
with gorgeous granite. Presto! A tired complimentary consultant, if one is available.
kitchen suddenly comes to life again—at a This person is an expert who can offer sound
pittance of the price of a total redo. advice, take measurements and provide a
Unfortunately, even the simplest renova- comprehensive Costco bid.
tion usually requires taking the time to find Here’s a rundown of home-improvement
reputable professionals and materials, gather categories that may be available through your
numerous bids and follow up on references. local Costco (not all services are available at
I’m the designated fact-gatherer in our fam- every location).
ily, and let’s just say that such tasks can tax
one’s patience and love of hearth and home. Custom countertops
This is why I’m thrilled to learn that many Replacing countertops is a popular
Costco warehouses are now offering a grow- home-renovation project. Costco now offers
ing variety of customized home-improvement (in many locations) customized, do-it-for-me
programs through Special Order kiosks. countertops in luxurious natural granite as
Costco’s buyers do all the legwork. They well as Zodiaq® (engineered stone) and
meet with suppliers, investigate products for solid-surface Corian®, both by DuPont®.
