What questions should you ask a granite countertop company before picking a slab and paying them to put new stone counters in your kitchen or bathroom?
The best way to make a decision about what granite countertop installation company to hire to put in your new countertops is to make sure you get as much information as you can.
Here are a few guidelines I like to give homeowners installing new counters, so they can make a knowledgeable decision.
- Watch for upcharges
Don’t be fooled by a low square foot cost. Some countertop fabricators will advertise cheap granite countertops based on a low price per square foot, but then they will upcharge you for sink and cooktop cut outs, edge profiles, template, installation and granite sealer.
If you compare the bottom line price when shopping for a granite countertop installation company instead of the square foot price, this will be a more accurate number.
- Get the right granite grade
Level 1 granite comes in three different grade levels: commercial or builder grade; standard grade; and premium grade. Advertised cheap granite countertops with a low cost per square foot could mean the installer will use a lower grade material, which may have unsightly pitting, veins or blotches in the granite slabs.
- Know what you’re buying
Make sure you can see the whole slab of granite before the counter is cut, so you know what you’re buying. This way any veins, blotches and pitting will not be a surprise when it’s installed in your house.
