If you are a homeowner who is considering stone, such as marble, quartz or granite, for your home, you are making an excellent choice. Most homeowners in your position know that there are many benefits associated with buying stone for the home, and also know that there is a lot of research involved before you make this investment.
Why You Need to Do Your Research
As you shop, it is important to keep several things in mind and make sure that you are asking the right questions. After all, comparing stone countertops is more complicated than you may realize. If you choose to add a new range, for instance, you know that the appliance has been built by a manufacturer to meet all of the legal codes and specifications, and then it is sold by a retailer. This retailer displays, promotes and sells the item, and the manufacturer of the range backs it up.
This makes it easy to find the best price of the range and allows you to compare apples to apples. Why? Because regardless of what retailer you choose to shop at, the product is the same, it is built by the same manufacturer on the same assembly line, and it comes with the same warranty.
Shopping for stone isn’t quite as simple, however, and there are two main reasons why this is the case.
First, the retailer you buy the stone from is also the manufacturer, or fabricator, which makes it difficult to compare one finished project to another, or look at the experience you will have from one company to another. Second, though there are quality standards set for the industry, there is very little oversight and almost zero enforcement of the materials.
As a result of this, the quality of the stone is defined by the fabricator, and as the consumer, there is little recourse if you are not happy with the work or the material. Therefore, it is important that you follow two simple rules when comparing stone quotes: Check the online reviews, and ask each fabricator a series of questions, making sure to document the answers you receive. This helps you remain objective, and not base a decision on impulse.
The Questions to Ask a Fabricator Before Buying Stone
Here are a series of questions to ask your fabricator before buying stone for your home.
Do You Use Digital Measuring When Installing Countertops?
Precision is one of the most important aspects of countertop installation, and the only way to ensure this precision is to use digital measurements.
Will You Guarantee Accuracy During Installation?
Another thing that you must ask before choosing a fabricator is if they will guarantee accurate work before they install the countertop. Remember, a granite, marble or quartz countertop will last a lifetime, but if it is not installed correctly, you could have problems with it for many years to come.
What is the Turn-Around Time from Purchase to Installation?
You also want to make sure that you are aware of how long it will be between the time you purchase your stone to the time it will be installed. In most cases, this will depend on the type of stone you purchase and whether or not it is in stock. Keep in mind that you may only receive a ballpark figure, too, as if the stone needs to be shipped, the shipping time may be out of the fabricator’s control.
How Long Does the Installation Take?
Since the installation of a stone countertop will disrupt the use of your kitchen, it is important to know how long it will take to complete the installation. Many installations only take a day or so, but more complex installations, or installations into a large room, may take longer.
Will You Remove My Existing Countertops and Coordinate the Connection of Appliances?
Once your old countertops are removed, what happens to them? Many trustworthy fabricators will take care of the removal and disposal of the old countertops, but not all of them do. Additionally, during the installation process, the appliances will likely need to be disconnected and then reconnected. Make sure that a licensed plumber is performing this work, as it must be done perfectly.
Will You Use the Latest Technology to Manufacture my Countertops?
Finally, you must ask if the fabricator uses the latest technology to manufacture the countertops. If the countertops are not manufactured correctly, they cannot be installed correctly, and thus, they will not last as long as they should. Also, an incorrectly manufactured countertop can harm the cabinetry, which was also likely an investment into your home.
As you can see, there is a lot that goes into choosing a fabricator for a stone countertop including research and asking the right questions. Remember, you will only get the most out of your investment when you choose the best fabricator.