Summary: Investing in new stone countertops can make a significant difference in the level of enjoyment you have in your home. But there is a lot to learn. It is important to know exactly what you are doing before you book an installation project.
It is easy to find yourself overwhelmed at a Bedrock Quartz showroom after having dreamed about stone countertops for so long. The showroom experience makes realizing those dreams a reality. But in your excitement, it is easy to forget that there is a lot to know before booking installation.
The Bedrock Quartz team is always ready to answer questions and offer advice. Never be afraid to say what’s on your mind when visiting one of our Utah showrooms. Most importantly, make sure you know the following seven things before you sign on the dotted line, whether you work with Bedrock Quartz or another fabricator:
1. All Your Material Options
In terms of materials, you might not be thinking any further than your choice of stones. Bedrock Quartz offers marble, granite, quartzite, and quartz. Other fabricators might offer different choices. Each material has its strong and weak points to contemplate.
As you discuss materials with the showroom rep, think also about colors and veining patterns. How they fit into your overall kitchen design will matter after installation is complete. Note that you will be able to see slabs in the showroom, so that will help a lot.
Finally, ask your showroom representative about edge profiles. An edge profile can affect both function and aesthetics. Ideally, you want a profile that works best with the way you use your kitchen. You should be able to see examples in the showroom as well.
2. How Measurement Accuracy Is Guaranteed
Measurement accuracy is everything in stone countertop installation. Stone materials are not very forgiving. Generally, we fabricators only have one shot at getting it right. So ask the showroom rep how accurate measurements are guaranteed.
A competent fabricator will not rely on tape measure numbers alone. Templating will be the tool of choice, and often that means digital templating tools combined with laser measuring devices. In the fabrication shop, precision is guaranteed by way of advanced CNC or waterjet cutting equipment.
Precise measurements and cuts translate to minimal modifications on the job site. Installers should be able to carry the slabs inside, set them down, level them, and complete the installation. Excessive trimming or filling should not be necessary.
3. Installation Team Experience
Even the most precisely measured stone countertop can be damaged by an inexperienced installation team that does not know how to properly handle stone. So it is important that your installers have the knowledge and experience to do things correctly.
Here at Bedrock Quartz, we do not leave installation to chance. We install everything we sell ourselves. That way, we can guarantee that the installation goes off without a hitch. You get the job done right the first time. That is important not only in terms of protecting your new stone countertops, but also in guaranteeing that you are still happy with the installation years down the road.
4. Proper Licensing and Insurance
It is also important to know beyond all doubt that your installers are properly licensed and insured. State and local licensing ensures that installers are competent. It ensures that they follow the rules. As for insurance, it is non-negotiable. Any contractor you hire to do work in your home needs to carry enough insurance to cover both liability and property damage.
Utah requires a combination of general liability insurance and worker’s compensation. Both protect you from financial loss if something goes wrong. Also note that the law requires contractors to provide proof of insurance upon request. Do not be afraid to ask.
5. Total Cost, Broken Down
Before you book your project, you will want to know the total cost. Do not stop there. Ask for the costs to be broken down in an itemized statement. If you are getting multiple quotes before deciding on a fabricator, itemization can help you better understand what you’re getting for your money. You obviously want the best value possible.
A comprehensive quote includes:
- All materials
- Fabrication costs
- Finishing costs, including edge profiles
- Delivery costs
- Installation costs
- Old countertop removal
Be sure to press your fabricator so that you are not left with hidden fees. You might also consider asking the fabricator to include payment options in the estimate. You definitely want the estimate to include any potential deposit you might be required to put down.
A total cost breakdown protects you against financial surprises. It also represents a valuable tool for comparing estimates among multiple fabricators.
6. Project Timeline
Next up, you will probably want to know the project timeline. A typical timeline begins with templating and concludes with installation. Templating occurs when a fabrication representative comes to your house to take measurements.
Although there are no hard and fast timelines, the average project timeline is 2-6 weeks in total. Templating can take 1 or 2 days, while fabrication can take up to 2 weeks. Installation is usually a single-day process.
The actual work doesn’t require a lot of total time. But there are delays built into the system. That is why it could take up to 6 weeks to get your new stone countertops installed. Just be sure you know the timeline so that you are not left wondering what’s going on.
7. Warranty Details
Finally, don’t be afraid to dig into warranty details with your fabricator. A typical fabricator offers a workmanship warranty of 1 to 10 years. The longer, the better. Lifetime warranties on seams (especially on quartz) are pretty common. Warranties for detailing, sealing, and maintenance can vary.
While you’re talking about warranties, also ask your fabricator how they handle post-installation chips and cracks. It is an important discussion to have because improper installation can lead to damage you don’t see right away. You might not notice it for a couple of weeks. How will your fabricator handle such issues?
You Should Always Be in Control
You now know the seven most important things to understand before you book a stone countertop project. Above all else, know this: you should always be in control of the project. It is your home and your money being spent on new countertops.
FAQs
What could go wrong if measurements aren’t accurate?
Inaccurate measurements could mean that your new stone countertops don’t fit correctly. They could require excessive modifications, which could ultimately ruin the aesthetics.
Do stone countertops require new cabinetry?
No, most existing cabinetry can handle stone countertops. If anything, cabinets might have to be reinforced a bit. But they shouldn’t have to be replaced.
Do certain edge profiles add to the cost?
Each fabricator has its own policies regarding edge profiles and their costs. Some charge extra for certain profiles, while others do not.
Is it absolutely necessary to visit a showroom?
Customers are not required to visit a showroom before purchasing. But showroom visits are highly recommended so the customers can see slabs, feel edge profiles, and ask questions they might have.
Can I install stone countertops myself?
While DIY installation is technically possible, it is not advised. Stone countertop installation is complicated. It’s also difficult work. It is work best left to experienced professionals.
