Like anything else in kitchen re-do’s, remodels, or small home projects of any kind, preparing for them can be time consuming and worrisome. That is where organization comes into play along with step-by-step guidelines to make a project go smoother and faster. The same thing is true with preparing your kitchen for new granite countertops, which usually involves either removing old kitchen countertops, or preparing a whole new space for the new countertops to be placed.

There is nothing like new granite countertops to transform a kitchen from just okay to luxurious, and granite is the perfect solution to a kitchen area that has passed its prime, so just how should the preparation go, and what needs to happen?

Preparation and Organization

A homeowner should assume some responsibility with the preparation aspect, and if a contractor is involved, he or she should handle the general installation and particulars with the job, but a homeowner should be organized to tackle a number of pre-installation items that require finalization before the installation actually occurs. Here are a few steps that should be taken ahead of time, which will alleviate a host of problems:

• Existing Countertops

Any existing cabinetry should already be installed and any countertops should be checked for weight limits for granite slab pieces.

• Sink, faucets and accessories

If a new sink, faucets and other accessories are part of the installation, they should be purchased ahead of time and made available for placement. The contractor and countertop installers will need these items in order to size and cut the necessary dimensions (from patterns or templates) for each sink item to guarantee a precise fit.

• Countertop Height

Always check the height of the countertop areas to make adjustments for any height differences for family members using the countertops or an island area.

• Open Areas

Make sure that any open spaces, such as those alongside or next to appliances are able to withstand the weight that a granite countertop creates. Also, check where a countertop comes close to or over a dishwasher, as placing granite slabs together can be awkward and will require exactness to create a clean seam and evenness. Installers will need to be made aware of this and any other problem areas.

• Sink opening

Inform your installer ahead of time as to the kind of sink opening area that you want exposed or not exposed, or whether you want the sink edging completely closed off so there is no exposure, or whether you want an under mount installation or another installment variation.

• Seaming

Seaming is another question that needs to be addressed. A granite countertop will need to have seams and asking where those seams will be located is necessary. The seams will be hidden with an epoxy tint that matches the granite, which will hide the seams.

• Scheduling

Make sure that the date for countertop installation is exact so other contractors can be scheduled, such as a plumbers, electricians, or others. They need to be available for any under the sink water line hookups or any other work related to the countertop installation that requires pre-scheduling. Also, remember that the sink installation will likely involve use of glues and epoxies to set it in place, so be prepared to ventilate the kitchen for lingering fumes.

Final Preparation

Once your new granite countertops are installed, a backsplash selection, which either continues with matching granite or another material should just about complete your countertop project and bring the finishing and final touch to your new or remodeled kitchen.

If you have further questions about preparing your kitchen for granite countertop installation, or need general information concerning granite countertops, fill out the contact form and a granite expert will get back to you as soon as possible.