There are so many considerations when starting a renovation project, that it can be daunting to even know where to begin. When it comes to choosing a countertop from The Granite Place, however, we go out of our way to make the process as easy as possible. With our beautiful showrooms, our huge selection of stone, and our friendly staff, we have both the knowledge and resources to answer your questions and assist you no matter where you are in the process of selecting a new countertop for your home.
What exactly is the process a homeowner goes through when choosing a stone countertop? We’ll walk you through it so you don’t have to feel lost when it’s time for you to do the same!
What is the Overall Process of Choosing a Stone Countertop?
While it could vary slightly depending on the project, the process usually starts with finding the inspiration for the room and deciding on the stone to be installed. Once a design aesthetic is chosen, it is time to visit one of our three showrooms to view the inventory. Our large showrooms cover various stone types, designs and colors, allowing the homeowner to see how the stone can be used within the design. After a stone is chosen, the fabricator has the order and is ready to install! Your new kitchen, bathroom, or other space will be ready before you know it!
Choosing a Countertop Stone that Fits Your Budget and Lifestyle
When choosing a stone for your kitchen, bath, or other space, it’s important to consider a few things. First and foremost, your budget. No remodel is ever easy on the pocketbook, so thinking long-term is your best strategy. Investing in quality products that will last a long time and also fit your lifestyle will give you the biggest bang for your buck. Do you use the kitchen a lot? Do you have children? Are you looking for function, luxury, or both? Answering questions like these will help zero in on the right type of stone for your project.
Choosing the right finish for your stone can also affect the tone of the room. Whether you choose a polished, honed, leathered, or another finish, be sure that it works with the stone you’ve selected and that it fits with your chosen aesthetic.
Finding a Granite Countertop Fabricator
Due to the costly nature of a kitchen or bathroom renovation, one of the biggest challenges to success is finding the right countertop fabricator. This is such an important part of the process, that if you find you’re having trouble finding a fabricator, don’t hesitate to ask us for help.
If you meet several fabricators, get itemized estimates for the project, and compare the results. While it’s great to keep costs as low as you can, be aware that low-ball estimates may not be what they seem. This project is for the long-haul, and ending up with lower quality products or inferior work can cost you more in the long run.
Finding a Kitchen Countertop Installer
Most times the fabricator will also act as the installer, but in the cases where this does not hold true, the same process for finding a fabricator applies to finding an installer. Meet with a few, ask about their past and current projects, get itemized estimates, and trust your instincts. If you can visit a current project in process, even better.
The Installation Process
After choosing the stone slab, the fabricator/installer, the finishes and accessories, the day has finally come to have your new countertop installed. For the most part, you won’t have to do anything other than maybe keep the children or pets out of the way!
The installation team will remove the old countertop and prep the area for install. Once everything is installed, then it just takes time for it to be properly sealed. Since no two installations are alike, it could take up to eight hours before the countertops can be used.
We hope this offers some insight on the process of choosing and installing a new stone countertop. If you have any questions or need help finding a fabricator for your next project, contact The Granite Place today and please feel free to stop by one of our showrooms!
