What to expect from your fabricator, before the installation of your new countertops
Most of our clients at All Quality Marble and Granite, want to know what they should expect in terms of the quality of their new kitchen countertops.
Before the fabricator actually visits your home, make sure you discuss your sink and faucet options and any edge detail that you might require. There are vast options out there to choose from so do not feel limited by this in any way. This is the most fun part of the entire process.
new kitchen countertops
After this step, your fabricator will visit your home to take the measurements of your new countertops, only if this step was not covered before the issuing of the quotation. This is another opportunity for you to ask more questions.
Most probably, the fabricator will return in 5 or 6 weeks to install the new kitchen countertops. If you had a carpenter who did a great job with the cabinets, your countertop installation should be a smooth process.
Most people find it annoying that the cabinets have to be in place before the countertops installation is done. This means that you will have some time staring at cabinets that do not have any countertops installed on them. This should not discourage you because as you are about to find out, this is totally worth the wait
Below are some tips to make sure that you are content with your new kitchen countertops
Have Realistic Expectations
Have realistic expectations of the countertops material. For example, although a good seam should be inconspicuous, you do not expect it to be totally invisible. Engineered stone countertops seams will always be a little visible and can be felt by touch
Choose Colors and Patterns carefully
The color and pattern of your choice counters can determine the entire outcome of your new kitchen countertops. Light colors (white, beige, light grays) will sit and blend in better than a slab with multiple colors and patterns.
Look at some Samples
Make sure that your choice countertops fabricator has shown you several samples of their previous work. The fabricator should have a showroom location that you can visit to see some samples or have some willing previous clients who will let you visit their homes to see some of the complete jobs from the fabricator.
Consider the countertop installation location
There are some controversies as to whether new kitchen countertops should be installed between the sink and your cooktop. Some fabricators feel that countertops will be at more risk of damage if installed in these areas. If you however really want your countertops in these areas, make sure to ask your countertops fabricators if the material can withstand this environment.
The countertops’ Seam Layout
The seam layout should be done before cutting of the material. Your countertops fabricator knows the length and width of your material and is in a position to determine the precise position before trimming. If there is a preference, you can talk about the seam location when the fabricator is making the template on your countertops. Make sure that you are present when the final measurements are being done so that you can discuss the seam layout.
Lippage
A good countertop surface should be level. Most times, fabricators are forced to work with un-level cabinets, slabs with different thicknesses warped or bowed materials. These situations force fabricators to shim the countertops, and at times, modify the material so that the end product is as perfect as possible.
The Final Positioning
When it is time for the fabricator to install your new kitchen countertops, you do not expect the countertops to sit perfectly with the first trial. Your Orlando countertops fabricator will layout the tops of your countertop and “dry fit” the first time before taking the tops out of the installation site to make the needed changes. This step might be repeated a few time to achieve the best results. This is a very normal process that should not alarm you in any way.
new kitchen countertops
See It Yourself
On the day when your Orlando Countertop Fabricator is to do the installation, make sure that you are present. This is so that in case you have any concerns to raise about the appearance of the countertops, the mistake can be rectified immediately.
Talk to All Quality Marble and Granite for any other concern you might have about your upcoming countertops project. We have consultants available on call, and you can also book an appointment to visit our showrooms in person.
