Saturday, May 23, 2009

Six Top Tips to Select the Best Granite Installation Contractor

The granite countertops are preferred by many homeowners for their pristine looks and durability. They are solid and last the regular wear and tear for a long time. The granite tiles and countertops lend a touch of elegance to the interior of a house. They are easy to clean and maintain and offer several advantages over traditional marble and ceramic countertops. However, for proper installation of the granite slabs in the kitchen or bathroom of a house hiring the professional granite installation contractors is essential.

As a matter of fact, the granite slabs that are bought by the homeowners cost them a lot of money. Granite is not cheap and so the buyers need to hire a veteran contractor to make sure that the countertop and tiles get installed properly. Otherwise, he will have to spend additional money later. There are several factors that a person needs to consider before he opts for the service of a granite installation contractor.

First of all, a homeowner needs to find out the experience of the contractor. It is always advisable to choose a granite installation contractor who is in the industry for several years. The consumer protection officials would be able to verify if a contractor has any complaints lodged against him.

Secondly, a person should verify the number of projects that have been completed successfully by a contractor in his career. Some contractors possess a portfolio of their works. This can give a person a clear idea about the quality of the work. He will be able to make out if the contractor is suitable for the requirements he has.

A person can also ask for a number of references from a contractor and verify them all. If the contractor appoints sub contractors for project completion then the person should meet them as well.

Another way to ensure the authenticity of the granite installation contractors is checking their licenses. A professional contractor should possess a personal liability insurance which comes in handy if one needs to cover any damage done to a property.

Another important criterion for selecting a contractor is his rate or the amount of money he is going to charge you. The method of payment can also be taken into consideration. Installing granite slabs is not cheap by any means. Therefore, a person can compare the rates asked by several installation contractors. The down payment can be negotiated by the homeowners. There are some contractors who also take payments in installments. The client should make sure that the contractor agrees to clean the house after completing the installation work.

Apart from these, a homeowner should avoid paying the contractor by cash. The job of the contractor needs to be defined. He should make a contract with the contractor that clearly specifies what type of works he would do before and after the installation.

The cost of installing granite countertops many vary upon the size of the slabs and the expertise of the contractor. The countertops should not be installed personally since any mistake may result in spending over the budget.

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