7questionstoask

7 questions to ask your Granite and Quartz fabricators while shopping.

June 6, 2022

Dina K.

Granite and Quartz Countertop Expert

Importance of questions!

Questions are essential, therefore after years of working with people who are planning, designing and moving I have noticed a pattern of questions that arise when customers come in to select their new countertops. Having the right questions to ask can help point us in the right direction, more over without questions we may be left frustrated for no reason.

I know remodeling can get a bad rep and even to this day we have customers that are extremely nervous about remodeling anything all this considered, I want to ease your nerves! We have all experienced new adventures before and this process can be the exact same.

Here is a list of questions and answers that I have put together that would be essential if I were to go shopping for countertops.

1. Do you fabricate locally?

Shopping local is always beneficial not only for the specific companies but as well for the economy of your community, with this said in the fabrication world you will generally see smaller companies offer very custom work.

Say you have an old table in your garage that you would like turned into a couple cutting boards, in this way the process will be much faster if you take it to a local fabricator rather than going to a big store. As well as if there are any issues with a project it may be easier to handle them with a local fabricator than one who is in another state.

2. How long will my project take?

This will all depend on your specific project design. As well as how extensive your project is. If you are only replacing your countertops, this will only be the duration of the fabrication process itself. Fabricators all have different factors that will play into this answer. Generally you can expect your new countertops installed 4-8 weeks. To learn more about how Quality Marble does they process, click here. After all, this information is essential.

3. Do I get a sink from you or somewhere else?

Pick your sink wisely as well as your plumber!! Many fabricators will offer various types of sink such as, stainless steel, granite composite, copper and any of the hundreds of other types of sink there are out there. Sometimes they may be used as one of the free items on the estimate to entice you to go with one fabricator over another. Be mindful of this, as it may not be bad, just another marketing effort.

If the fabricator does not offer this or you do not like their sink options then often times they will allow you to bring in your own sink. You will have to provide the sink itself and often the template that comes along in the box. During fabrication of particular sinks this template may be essential to getting you the perfect cut on your future countertops. As I have noted, it is important to ask the right questions.

4. Do I have to hire a plumber?

This is an important question and your fabricator should give you all the specifics on their process. Sometimes fabricators will have plumber that they can schedule around your projects install. That way they do the scheduling and allow you to sit back and your plumbing will be coordinated through them. Other times the plumber will have to be scheduled on your own. This will mean that you will be shopping for plumbers. In this case, ask your fabricator if they perhaps have a list of plumber you can call.

Remember that you will need to get your old sink and faucet unhooked, and then hooded up again once your new countertops are installed. This may be two trips for plumbers and may require two days to finish. Keep in mind that once your new countertops are installed you should wait at least 4 hours to let all the glues set before having the plumber hook up your faucet and sink. After you are hooked up again wait until the next day to use your countertop and sink fully.

5. Do I take off my old countertops?

This will split fabricators in half, those who remove old countertops and those who do not. Generally this is a service that is offered as an add on prior to installing new countertops. This works in harmony with installation of new countertops, leaving you with a usable kitchen the whole duration of fabrication.

Imagine doing a project and not having a usable kitchen for a couple of weeks! Sure you can go out to eat, but who wants to add another expense on top of an investment? If they do remove old countertops ask your fabricator what they do with them. It is always a pleasant surprise to know that your old surface may be donated.

6. What are some things I can do to save money?

Be knowledgeable! Do your research! Know what you are looking for. Let the fabricator confirm everything you already know! And if they have the ability to guide you through the process than even better! Being that these 7 questions to ask your granite and quartz fabricator before shopping are essential, get familiar with them.

7. Do you have any references?

Maybe the point is not to get the references themselves, but instead simply to see if the fabricator in question is willing to give it to you. Why may this be important, I simply say its to ensure that the fabricator is as excited to do your project! If they are excited to speak of other projects then they will surely have a joyful time working with you on yours.

In conclusion...

There are a lot more questions to ask of course. Many of which can be found with one search. Here is another article that may peak your interest. These 7 questions to ask your fabricator are only a few of the important ones! Give us a call and we can certainty help answer any further questions you may have regarding your Granite and Quartz countertop purchase! Asking questions is always free. 🙂