More people than ever before are adding granite to their home. Whether it’s to improve the look of your kitchen or bathroom, or to enhance the look of your fireplace, there are many ways to use granite around the house. Before you buy your granite, however, you should make sure that you know all you can about the material and the business you are working with. Here are some questions you should make sure to ask before making a purchase:
What Charges Should I be Aware Of?
Oftentimes, the price you see when reading the advertisements are not the prices you will pay when you actually purchase your granite. Different companies have different ways to advertise prices, and many will show the absolute lowest price they can get away with, but will then add upcharges. These charges include edge profiles, cut outs for the sink and cooktop, installation, template design and sealing. Keep in mind, too, that some companies will certainly include these charges in their advertised price. Thus, it is imperative that you know what is included in the price, especially if you are doing some price comparisons from one company to another.
What Type of Granite Am I Buying?
You also want to ask about the type of granite you are buying. There are three different grade levels on the market: commercial/builder grade, standard grade, and premium grade. Though all of these are true granite, as with any natural material, some pieces are higher quality than others. In the case of granite, the commercial or builder grate might have a lot of pits in the stone, or it might have blotches or unsightly veins in the slab. Though commercial granite is less expensive, it often doesn’t look as nice. It also might be extra thin. Even though granite is one of the strongest, most durable materials on Earth, if it’s too thin, it is more susceptible to becoming damaged.
Is the Slab I See the One I Buy?
Additionally, you should make sure that you are buying the exact slab that you see in the showroom. Why? Because granite is a natural stone and all slabs are different. In fact, you will never see another slab of granite on Earth that looks exactly like yours. So, when you are buying granite, and you see a slab that has veining and color combinations that you like, make sure that’s the slab you get. Some granite retailers will use their most beautiful pieces as a display, and then actually install a piece that isn’t as bright, beautiful or dramatic.
Can I See Examples of Your Work?
You also want to see examples of the installations the company has done in the past. You can tell a lot about what the skills of a company is by simply looking at their work. Take a look at the beauty of the granite, the surface, and the seams. Good installers should be able to install a beautiful piece of granite that is virtually seamless. You should also ask to see testimonials and reach out to anyone you know who has worked with this company in the past.
What are Your Credentials?
Finally, you should talk to the installation company about their credentials and training. Ask if they are part of the Marble Institute of America, which is the authoritative source for standards for all stoneworkers, including those who work with granite. You should also find out if they are part of any home builder’s associations. Insurance is also important, so make sure to find out if they are bonded and insured, just in case something happens during the installation process.
Buying granite for your home is an investment, so you want to make sure that you are getting the best value for your money when purchasing this eye-catching stone. By asking the questions found here, you will find that it’s much easier to make an informed purchasing decision.