Some homeowners believe their job is finished after they select their new granite countertops. However, this isn’t the case. At this point, you need to start getting your kitchen ready to ensure installation goes smoothly. Don’t worry, the process to get ready for granite countertop installation is fairly easy. In fact, there are only three steps you need to follow. If you don’t follow the steps outlined here, you may find your new granite surfaces are not everything you imagined. This may leave you disappointed and with a serious case of buyer’s remorse.
Select the Best Contractor
When you choose your granite countertop, many retailers offer installation services. However, this isn’t always the situation. It is necessary to find and hire your own contractor if the retailer doesn’t have one on staff. While you can ask around and look on social media to find granite installation contractors in your local area, this may not give you very much confidence in the individual. After all, granite countertops are a big investment, so you need someone who “knows their stuff.”
Before hiring anyone, it is a good idea to meet them in person and ask several specific questions about the job. For example, how many granite surfaces have they installed in the past? Do they have photos from past customers’ homes? Do they have references you can contact of past projects?
If they provide this information without hassle or hesitation, chances are you have found a quality contractor for the installation process of your granite countertops. However, if the contractor is hesitant or resists providing this information, then it is an indication you need to find service elsewhere.
Put all Your Appliances in Place for Templating
Once a contractor is hired, place all your appliances where they need to go. It is important to have your appliances and sink in place before the contractor arrives to create the template. The template helps ensure the contractor has accurate measurements for the project. If you don’t do this, the counters may have a few issues, such as gaps in between the top and cabinets, or uneven surfaces. Also, having the appliances in place allows the contractor to see if they need to make cuts or openings in the granite for placement of these items.
If your sink and appliances aren’t in place, the creation of an accurate template is impossible. As a result, the contractor may not know where to cut, how much to cut, or other important factors that can impact the installation process.
Set Aside Time for the Installation of Your Granite Countertops
Once the contractor is hired and has had the chance to see where the counters are going in, it is time to prepare for installation day. This requires a bit of work on your part. Make sure to take the following steps prior to the contractors arriving to install the granite countertops.
Clear a Path to the Kitchen
The first step to getting ready for granite countertop installation is to clear out a path to the kitchen from the front door. Granite is heavy, which means the workers need to have easy, unobstructed access to the kitchen. Remove any furniture, toys, or other items that are in the way.
Understand the Process Takes Time
If you work, it is often necessary to take off for the day to allow plenty of time for granite countertop installation. In many situations, based on the size of the kitchen, the entire installation process takes between two and six hours. There are some contractors who won’t install the surfaces if you aren’t home, which is why carving some time out of your day is a must. When you are home, you have the opportunity to oversee the installation process, too. This minimizes the potential for the contractor to cut corners.
Enjoy Your New Granite Surfaces
In most cases, the contractors can let you know of any issues that may arise with the installation process ahead of time. This can help save everyone time. However, as long as you use the steps highlighted above, the process of installing granite surfaces is going to be hassle free.
Make sure you clean the surface regularly, but besides that, granite is pretty low-maintenance. Once proper installation is complete, all you have to do is enjoy the aesthetic beauty and durable surface the counters offer.