Choosing a Professional to Install Granite

When delving into a granite countertop purchase, you'll no doubt need some help making your choices with all the options available. A professional who specializes in granite can be a huge help in this department.

Don't Do It Yourself
It may be obvious, but granite fabrication and installation is not really a do-it-yourself project. The tools required to cut and shape granite are expensive. It requires practice and skill to fabricate granite with the level of quality you want. Even small slabs of granite (a bathroom vanity for example) can weigh over 100 pounds! So it's not really something you can expect to install by yourself. So let's see what a granite professional can help you with and how to choose the right professional for your situation.

Which Professional Do I Hire?
There are a lot of companies that specialize in granite fabrication and installation. No doubt you've come across many in your own area. Here are a few tips to help you choose which company to hire for your granite countertop installation.

A professional can help you make the right choices. If you pick a company that knows their product and craft, they can do more than simply fabricate and install your granite countertop. They can help you sift through the choices. Granite slabs or tiles? Rounded, beveled, or square edges? Thick or thin granite slabs? A professional who works with granite all the time should be able to offer practical advice and suggestions to help you make these decisions.

Choose a professional known for quality craftsmanship. Granite is a specialty and you'll want a professional who focuses on granite and other stones. Try getting recommendations from others who have had granite countertops installed in their home. Look at the work the company's done in the past, or the displays they have in their showroom. Also, check their credentials. Are they certified to work? Even if the laws are not the same in every state, builders and manufacturers need licenses to work.

Check the company's policies. Do they offer a warranty of any kind on their product? You're making quite the investment with a granite countertop so make sure of the company's policies before you hire them. Also, check into their insurance policies. Because of the weight of a granite countertop, accidents can happen. So you'll want to be sure of what their policy is in case something should go wrong during the installation.

Basically, there are four things to bear in mind before choosing a granite professional. 1. Don't do it yourself. This is never a good option with granite fabrication and installation. 2. Search for a professional who specializes in granite and can help you make good choices. 3. Look for a company known for quality work with good credentials. Ask around for recommendations. 4. Ask about company policies related to warranties and insurance.

Follow these four basic tips when shopping around for a professional. Find someone you feel you can work well with and who can help you with your design choices. Don't skimp on quality craftsmanship to save a few pennies. Invest in your professional as you are in the granite and you'll have a beautiful countertop for years to come.