20 Questions to Ask Before Buying Stone Countertops
1 Do you hold any professional accreditations or industry certifications?
Make sure your stone fabricator / installer is not just a "dues paying" member of an industry organization, but that they hold some type of accreditation or certification for compliance, assurance, and quality craftsmanship.
2 What grade of stone do you sell? Is it First Choice or First Quality? Standard or Commercial?
There are different grades of stone just as there are different grades of diamonds. While they appear similar, there are color, structure, and quality differences that dictate how the stone is graded at the quarry. "First Choice" is typically the highest quality.
3 Is your stone dyed to enhance color?
Everyday, unsuspecting consumers buy stone from suppliers that dye the material to give it a more uniform appearance. These dyes will eventually wear off, leaving your counters with inconsistent color patterns. There is no easy way to re-dye and polish the stone.
4 Is your stone thinner than normal and the edge laminated to appear thicker?
1-3/16" is the most commonly sold thickness in the Northern Ohio area. Take notice of retailers and fabricators selling 3/4" thick stone with an applied strip of laminated (or bonded) front edge stone for the same price as a continuous thick slab. While edge laminating gives you the appearance of a thick slab, it is not. Customers should take note of this practice, and be aware of what they are buying. Applying edge lamination is a common practice, and consumers should ask their stone fabricator about their fabrication techniques.
5 What is the origin of your stone? Is it laminated and then fabricated into pre-fab pieces in another country, then shipped to the U.S. for installation?
Look for stone that is shipped to your supplier or fabricator in full, raw slabs for their on-site fabrication. Ask your fabricator about proof of accreditations or certifications.
6 Do you manufacture all of your products in-house at your location?
Check to see that your stone supplier is not outsourcing to unqualified or substandard fabricators. Make sure who is doing the fabrication work, and that they are a trusted and respected stone manufacturer.
7 Do I get to pick my actual slabs?
Quality stone suppliers should honor this request. Look for a stone fabricator / supplier where you can see actual on-site inventory to pick your own slabs. Make sure you are dealing with a trained stone specialist to guide you with your project and help with your final selection.
8 Do I have to buy an entire slab if I only need a small portion?
Make sure your stone fabricator owns their inventory and buys their stone in matched bundles. This gives them the flexibility to utilize the unused portion on future projects. If you request 25sq/ft, then you should only pay for 25sq/ft.
9 What kind of stone fabrication technology do you use?
Look for stone fabricators that use state-of-the-art CNC machines, polishing machines and digital templating systems to assure perfect quality and fit.
10 Do you hand polish edges with no additional waxes or enhancers to assure me a quality, lifetime edge?
Your stone fabricator should only use diamond tools and polishing pads to finish your countertop edge treatment. They should NOT take shortcuts by using waxes or resins to enhance the edge in order to save time during fabrication.
11 What kinds of warranties do you offer?
Ask your stone supplier about warranties on their stone products. Warranties should cover issues such as stains against food and beverages and damage. Make sure to discuss this so you know what the warranty entails and covers, and for what period of time.
12 Will you repair any cracks that develop over the life of the countertop?
Your stone installer should make repairs no questions asked. A professional stone fabricator will repair your counter if it is damaged as a result of abuse on the part of the homeowner.
13 Do you use the latest technology for seaming countertops to assure a flat and level seam?
The Gorilla Grip clamp from Monument ToolworksTM is a high-end, state-of-the-art clamp to level and pull the seam together to assure you a flat and attractive seam. Coupled with exacting CNC cut seams, this combination produces a seam that you will be proud to show off.
14 Do you offer your expertise, guidance, and help regarding the pros and cons of all the surfacing materials available?
A top-notch stone fabricator will educate, guide, work within your budget, and offer complete project consultation or free in-home estimates to its customers on different surfacing options, choices, and pricing to meet your needs.
15 Do you offer any other surfacing options such as quartz, solid surfaces, laminates, and green products?
Check with your stone source if they carry other products to choose from that might work better for your application and design style. A quality stone supplier or fabricator will provide its customers a wide variety of surfacing options and pricing.
16 Was your sales person recently working in the lawn and garden department at a big box home improvement store?
Ask your sales rep about their background and industry experience. Quality stone shops employ highly qualified, experienced sales staff who are knowledgeable professionals in their field.
17 Can I buy my sinks and accessories from you as well?
Look for a stone shop that also carries plumbing products. Offering sinks and bath accessories allows your fabricator to show you actual products in their showroom that can be coordinated to fit your needs, design style, and budget. It also makes it easier to purchase all of your accessories at one location.
18 Who does the plumbing for my kitchen sink and/or bath accessories?
Ask your stone fabricator who will be handling the plumbing installation and hook-up. This person should be a licensed, qualified plumber.
19 Will you help and guide me with my countertop project?
Your stone supplier should provide complete one-on-one project consultation, guidance, and design expertise. They should provide you hassle-free sales, service and support.
20 Who's actually handling the installation of my countertops?
Quality stone shops handle the complete delivery, installation, and the removal of your old countertops using their own expert personnel. Be aware of shops that rely on subcontracted workers to handle this. Make sure you understand who's doing the installation, and that they are not a questionable operation that performs shoddy work. If possible, request references.
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