We all understand that the more information you can get from your granite countertops fabricator, the more chances you have of saving money. For example, think about the amount of research you would do before buying a new car or house. You would want to know everything from the price to every safety feature, before looking at what is available near you. You will then look up the best deals, rebates and some reviews from customers with the same model. In some way, buying granite countertops is similar, the same with finding a granite countertops fabricator.
Before we look at the granite countertops fabricator, you first have to find the right stone that suits your budget.
In the last decade or so, a lot of changes have taken place in the granite market. There are a lot of options available currently. Particular natural stone showrooms have their own in house granite countertops fabricator, there are several big-box showrooms where you can shop around for the ideal granite slab for your living space, and then there are wholesale stores.
Questions to ask your granite countertops fabricator
Just like I mentioned before, buying granite countertops is just like buying a new car. You have to have some questions. You would want to know what exactly you will be paying for. If you intend on purchasing the countertops from anywhere else other than a wholesale store, there are a number of things you have to consider before buying the slab. Just treat it like an interview where you are the interviewer. You have to be sure that you are making the right decision by going with a particular granite countertops fabricator.
Ask about the pricing
The cost of fabrication should be number one on your list. With an estimate based on each meter square, the granite countertops fabricator should give you a rough figure. The price range can be anything between $25 to $50 per every square meter to be fabricated. Remember, this is merely the price of fabrication, the price for the stone excluded.
If you are inquiring about anything else other than installation and fabrication, remember to inquire about any additional cost associated with that. For instance, if you are thinking about a unique edge design, unusual cuts or layouts, ask them if they are able to do it than ask how much it would cost.
The edges
Not every granite countertops fabricator can work on special edges. Some of them are only able to do basic practices. This is especially applicable in most big box stores. If you are therefore looking for anything other than a rounded edge, make sure to ask if the fabricator is able to do it. You do not expect a fabricator to tell you that they can work on other design edges straightaway. Asking them will be the best ways to know. Remember to ask if they charge extra for this service.
The finish
You can choose between different countertops polishes. The most common is referred to as polished where the surface comes out shiny and smooth. The other two are leathered and honed
Honed is basically when the countertop surface is not shiny, but it is smooth. This allows for the stone’s natural colors to be more visible.
Leathered is when the surface is left in its natural state, both in terms of its texture and color. Although the surface will still be smooth, you can still feel the difference in the texture.
Most Milwaukee countertops fabricators go for basic polish without asking the customer. Ensure that you request for anything special if you want something different.
The Sealant
Before the installation phase, the stone slab is usually sealed, but not every granite countertops fabricator is keen about this. Ensure to check and see if they have applied a sealant. If they haven’t, ask for it. There might be some extra charges for this though.
The Remnants
Most people do not know that you have the right to demand for the remnants from your Milwaukee Granite Countertop Fabricator. These are the little pieces that are left behind after the slabs have been cut during the fabrication. Unless you want to create a mosaic, these pieces are not big enough for anything. They should, however, be big enough for your bathroom vanities, or your coffee table. You can also sell them for an amount.