I am looking to install a new granite countertop in my kitchen. Is there an easy & cheap way to do this?
Question:
Answers:
we initially wen thru places like home depot, lowes', etc. and found that by going through wholesalers we got a much better price - many wholesalers will also do installation much cheaper than the "big box" stores.
This is a custom job, so its hard getting hold of a "wholesaler". My recommendation is going to a big box store, let them come out to your house and do the measurements and drawing, pick up the granite colour you like. I would at this time like to add, the big box store doesnt do the work, it all gets contracted out, so look for companies in the yellow pages that do granite in your local area, send them the diagram for homedepot and then you got yourself a deal!
First of all, draw out your existing countertop dimensions. Make note of any ends that need to be finished and where you would like back & endsplashes. It doesn't have to be perfect or to scale but use measurements by the inch. Photocopy and submit this to several diff't places to get the best overall pricing.
Be wary of the big box stores - they rarely back up their installation and if you have an issue with a fissure, fault-line cracks (in the veining), or seaming problems you probably won't get a lot of service.
Some questions to ask multiple vendors:
1) Do they carry a less expensive "stock" line? Some granites are relatively inexpensive and abundant, ie; uba tuba, new caledonia, etc.
2) If you have a small enough area do they have any remnants they could use - leftovers from other jobs.
3) What are their no upcharge edges? Usually flat polish, bullnose and eased top & bottom are standard edges.
4) Do you have the option of going with a drop in sink instead of undermount to save $$. The cutout and polish of an undermount sink is the most expensive part of the process. Although, I always recommend an undermount - it's a cleaner look and easier to maintain.
5) Can you keep your sink cutout or will they polish it so you can use it as a cutting board?
6) Ask if you can go to the local granite supplier to select your granite slab. This saves them (and you) a lot of time.
7) If there is any leftover from your job, how much will they charge to polish it for one of your bathrooms? This is a no-brainer for resale of the home and most fabricators will give you an awesome deal just so they don't have to handle getting rid of scraps.
Depending on the area you live in there may be several granite yards around. Do an internet search first and then call or request a fabricator in your area.
Hope this helps and God bless.
This all depends on how much square footage you have. Average granite can be about $60 a square foot. If you don't have a lot to do then go for it if you have a big area then I would look into Granite Transformations. It is a granite that slips over your existing countertops. It can save you about $6 a square foot on average. Good Luck!
Nobody will ever install granite without doing their own measurements and cardboard template, so having Lowes or Home Depot do it would be a pointless.
Don't nickel and dime the whole project. If you use outdated designs to save a couple of hundred dollars, you will regret it.
Take measurements and draw it out, then get estimates from different places. Wholesalers are better, or find out who does the work for Lowes, Home Depot, etc. and contact them yourself. It's either going to be in your budget or not in your budget. If you find that the price is far beyond your budget, consider granite tile. It will be about 1/3 of the cost, maybe less, if you can DIY. Whatever you do, do not say that the project is $500 past budget, so where do I cut costs? If you are going to do it, do it right. Make up to the minute, modern choices to maximize value and appearance.
More Related Questions & Answers...