When remodeling an outdated kitchen or bathroom, choosing to upgrade to granite countertops is a great way to bring that “wow” factor to your home. Granite counters bring elegance and beauty to any space, which has made them a popular choice amongst homeowners for many years. However, if you are considering choosing granite countertops for your kitchen or bathroom, it is important that you take the time to find a qualified, experienced granite countertop installer in your area.
Should you accidentally choose an inexperienced installer, you may end up with counters that are not level or have unsightly gaps, which could throw off the look of your entire remodel. Yet, how can you find a reputable countertop installer that you can trust to work on your home? As you begin the home remodeling process, here are a few steps that you can take to help you find an expert granite installer for your project.
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1. Ask Around
A great place to start when looking for a reputable granite installer would be to ask around. It is likely that a friend, family member, neighbor, or coworker has had their countertops replaced in the last few years. If so, you should consider asking them who they worked with and whether they’d recommend them to you.
Blindly calling countertop installers is rarely the best way to go as it can be difficult to know where to start. However, by asking people you know and trust, you can get personal reviews and first-hand accounts from people who have worked with a contractor before you hire them. This can be a great way to find a quality contractor in your area. Of course, if you are unsuccessful at finding recommendations, a quick internet search can provide you with information and reviews of countertop installers near you, which can be helpful in narrowing down your options.
2. Meet With Multiple Contractors
As you begin to narrow down your options, it is important that you meet with, and get estimates from, at least 3 countertop installers. Do not make the mistake of immediately choosing the first contractor that you meet with. While you may still find that the first contractor was your best option, getting multiple estimates will allow you to compare your options to make sure that you are getting the highest quality installation at the best price.
When meeting with granite installers, make sure that you take your time and ask as many questions as possible, as this is your chance to find out about the quality of their work. Additionally, asking questions will allow you to learn more about a contractor, and it gives you an opportunity to assess their customer service skills and whether or not they would be easy to work with.
3. Ask For References and Samples
When interviewing potential contractors, do not hesitate to ask them about their previous work. Take this opportunity to assess the quality of their work by asking to see samples or their seams and installations. This is not an unusual question for a granite contractor to be asked, so do not hesitate to do so. Depending on the installer, they will likely either have a portfolio of pictures from recent jobs, or they may even have a showroom where you can view their work firsthand. This can give you an idea of the quality of their seam and edge work.
You can also ask prospective countertop installers for references from previous customers who have been satisfied with their work. This will allow you to speak to previous customers who can give you a first-hand account of their experience. Most experienced contractors will be more than happy to provide references, so do not be afraid to ask. A contractor who is more than willing to provide multiple references is likely to be confident in the quality of their work.
4. Find Out About Their Equipment and Techniques
Next, you will want to inquire about a contractor’s equipment and approach, as this can give you great insight into their experience and the quality of their work. A high-quality granite installer will only use top-of-the-line, up-to-date equipment, as this helps to ensure that cuts are clean and accurate. A low-end granite installer may try to cut costs by using outdated equipment, however, this may result in unsightly seams and a less-than-ideal final product.
Make sure that you also ask about their approach to installing granite. For instance, ask how they plan to protect your home from granite dust and how they determine where to place seams. An experienced contractor will be able to give you a detailed account of how they plan to protect your home throughout the installation, and they will have a plan in place to ensure that your finished countertops look beautiful and do not have seams that stand out.
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5. Ask To See The Slab
Before you agree to anything, it is critical that you make sure that a granite installer will allow you to look at the entire slab. When picking out granite, it is important that you see the entire piece first, as a small sample may not truly represent the slab. The last thing that you want to have happen is for your finished countertops to have splotches, veins, or colors that you were not expecting. A reputable installer will understand this and will be more than happy to let you see the full slab to ensure that it is up to your liking. If an installer won’t let you see the slab, they may be trying to sell you low-end products that have lots of pitting or splotches, and you will want to look elsewhere.
6. Make Sure There Aren’t Any Hidden Fees
When choosing a granite installer, it is also important that you read the fine print and make sure that you are aware of any additional fees that may come with the installation. Many budget-conscious homeowners will be lured in by an advertisement for low-cost granite, only to find out that there are additional fees for installation, cutouts for sinks or cooktops, or other miscellaneous fees. The fact is that if a price looks too good to be true, then it probably is. You should then ask for a detailed estimate for your installation. A quality installer will be upfront about what they charge and what your install should cost you.
Contact us for additional tips on how to choose a qualified granite installer in your area as well as to find out how we can transform the look of your kitchen or bathroom.
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