The time has finally come! You have taken the right steps, done your research, and chosen to purchase a granite countertop for your home. Now, of course, you have to wait for the installation.
You might think that granite is easy to install, but it actually takes a lot of skill, experience, and precision to get everything right. This is often the reason there is a bit of a wait before you can get your new countertop installed…you have to wait for a skilled installation team to do the work. Though you might have seen some granite tiles or even slabs that look like a DIY job, this is certainly not a job for the average homeowner.
There are, however, some things that you can do to make the process of installing your granite countertop easier than you can ever imagine. You can prep your kitchen ahead of time, and this will help the installation team when it comes time to place your countertop. Here are some ways to prep:
Talk to Your Installation Team
The first thing you should do is talk to the installation team and find out what they need from you. Some teams will simply ask that you clean up the area where the granite countertops will go. Others, however, might have more detailed instructions. Try to do whatever the team needs you to do ahead of time. This will help the job get done much faster on installation day.
How to Clean and Prepare
Depending on the set-up of the kitchen, you might have to do some prep work like moving appliances or cleaning off your existing countertops. If you are building a home and choosing granite countertops, you will likely not have to do much prep work at all. However, keep in mind that if you are buying appliances and new countertops at the same time, you will want to get the appliances installed first…and then have the countertops installed. This will help make sure the installation team can get the most accurate measurements. It will also help them to create the best template for cutting.
When Installation Day Arrives
When installation day arrives, it is important that you make sure there is an open path from the door the installers will use directly to the kitchen. There should not be any debris or furniture, if possible, as granite slabs are long and heavy. If there are tables, chairs, or even baskets or toys on the floor, the installation team could trip or drop the countertop. Also, keep in mind that you will likely need to be home, and present, during the installation process. This is usually a ‘must’ for most contractors. This not only ensures that you are aware of everything going on with the installation, it will give you peace of mind that the installation has gone off without a hitch once the team leaves.
After the Installers Leave
When the granite is installed, keep in mind that you will not be able to use the countertop immediately. In most cases, you must let the slab sit for about 24 hours before you can start putting things on it, or installing features, such as the sink. It is also important that you take a look at the installation, too, as you should make sure the slab looks perfect. If you notice any issue, its best to call the installation team immediately. You definitely don’t want to take a chance on waiting.
Choosing granite countertops is an excellent choice that will add value and beauty to your home. By helping to prep the area for installation, you can ensure that the process goes smoothly.