When it comes time to remodel your kitchen or bathroom, a new countertop is a great way to add that “wow” factor to those spaces. Granite will bring beauty and elegance to the project. If you are ready to update the look of your home, you need to find an experienced and qualified fabricator for the job.
Unfortunately, an inexperienced fabricator could leave your counters with unsightly gaps or unlevel surfaces. For these projects, you need an experienced installer for the job. Here are a few steps to help you choose the right person for your granite installation.
Ask for References
If you want to find a reputable fabricator, you must choose only those qualified individuals. Your family members, friends, and neighbors can provide references for the job. Some people will recommend calling random companies to find a fabricator. However, that is rarely a good idea. You want to find a fabricator who has excellent recommendations. These first-hand accounts and personal reviews can help you make the right decision.
You don’t need a personal recommendation to find a qualified person. A quick internet search can provide you with plenty of reviews and information about local granite countertop installers in your area. With those facts, you can narrow down your options.
Meet With Multiple Contractors
You want to meet and get estimates from at least three countertop fabricators. Don’t ever meet with the first one and sign them to the project. While that first installer might be your best option, getting multiple estimates will allow you to compare several companies. With that, you can get a professional granite installation at the best price.
During these meetings, you want to take your time and ask plenty of questions. Talking to a fabricator is your chance to learn about them and their quality of work. Along with that, you can assess their customer service skills. If the contractor doesn’t have time to answer your questions, you might want to find someone else for the job.
Always Ask for Samples and References
When you are interviewing fabricators, you should always ask them about their previous work. Use this time to assess the quality of their past jobs by looking at photos of previous installations. Don’t think that these questions are an unreasonable request. Many professional fabricators will have pictures or a portfolio from recent jobs. Some might even have a showroom where you can look at their past and current projects. With that, you can get an idea of the type of work they will perform at your home.
In many cases, the prospective countertop fabricator will often have references from previous clients. Take time to speak to these previous customers so that you can have a first-hand account of their experience with the contractor. Most granite fabricators will be more than happy to give you a few references. You should never be afraid to ask for these details. If the fabricator is hesitant to provide photos or references, then that could be a sign that they don’t perform high-quality work.
Learn About Their Equipment and Techniques
After checking out their references, you will want to talk about the contractor’s equipment and approach to the project. With these questions, you can gain some insight into their quality of work and experience. A professional will use high-quality, modern equipment to ensure accurate and clean cuts. Some low-end fabricators might cut costs by using outdated tools. As a result, your granite countertops could be left with unsightly seams and an unlevel surface.
Fabrication is more than making a few cuts. You want to ensure that the contractor will protect your spaces during the installation process. A professional fabricator will provide a detailed explanation about how they will keep your walls, floors, and other areas from sustaining damage. You never want to hire someone who will put a hole in your walls while maneuvering the large granite slabs into place. An experienced fabricator uses methods for a seamless and hassle-free installation.
Ask To See the Slab
Before you sign the fabricator to the project, you need to check out the materials that will be` used in your home. When it comes time to pick out the countertop materials, take a look at the granite slab. In many cases, a small sample is not enough to represent the whole piece. Without looking at the slab, you might end up with unexpected veins, splotches, or colors on your countertops. A reputable fabricator will be happy to show the entire slab so that you know what to expect for your project. Any installer that doesn’t want you to see the slab may be trying to sell you a lower-end product with splotches and pits. A high-quality installer will have no problems showing the full piece of material.
Make Sure There Aren’t Any Hidden Fees
When it comes time to choose a fabricator, you always want to read the contract’s fine print. It is important to check if there are any extra fees associated with the installation. Some homeowners will select an installer for a low price, but then they find out there are additional fees with the project. If the price looks too good to be true, then you might want to be skeptical. You always want to ask for a detailed estimate of the project. Any high-quality installer will be upfront with the prices, providing you with an estimate of the costs for all aspects of the job. These costs should be clearly outlined so that they are never a surprise to you. When you get an estimate, make sure to read through it thoroughly.
Choose a Professional Granite Countertop Fabricator
If you need a qualified installer for your stone countertops, choose Marble Concepts. We have over 30 years of experience, and our inventory includes a wide variety of granite slabs. Our team will ensure that your installation meets our high standards. When you are searching for granite companies nearby, make sure to contact Marble Concepts for an estimate. You can schedule a consultation by calling 215-396-7393.
