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Choosing a Granite Contractor |
 Honesty and communication are invaluable qualities in
any home improvement contractor. Given the limitless stone options available,
hiring a knowledgeable granite contractor who you can trust will help you
choose the stone installation that meets your expectations for appearance,
durability, and price. You should look for a granite contractor who isn't
afraid to give you his or her expert opinion but will also, ultimately, empower
you to make the final decision and give you want you choose.
The Nature of Granite and
Other Stone
Granite is the most popular
stone choice given its extreme durability and reasonable price. There are often
wide variations in the quality of different granite. Different quarries produce
different quality of stone, both in appearance and durability. Even the section
of the quarry where the granite was mined can have a dramatic effect. Stone
near the top of the quarry is likely to have a substantially weaker
constitution and voids in the stone.
This type of stone, called
over-burden stone, is easy to pawn off on homeowners as it often has a unique
and stunning appearance. Granite from each section of a quarry should be tested
to ensure minimum performance standards. These tests can be expensive and it
may be impractical to test the specific granite for your installation. Still, a
granite contractor should be able to give you some assurances that your stone
is up to par. |
Hiring a Contractor
Do your homework. Talk to at
least three contractors about your project. Discuss your ideas and your price
range. Ask about the relative advantages and disadvantages of each stone and
installation option. Then, get written estimates from each contractor. Get
recent references from each contractor and follow up on them. This process will
allow you to balance the price difference in their estimates with whom you feel
most comfortable working.
Before you hire a contractor
make sure your stone installation is set in stone. Make sure your written
estimate is comprehensive and doesn't involve any undisclosed costs. A
reasonable timeline should also be agreed upon to avoid any lengthy
inconveniences. Good granite contractors are likely to have a backlog of work.
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Marble and Granite
Contractors
You may think you've decided
on granite but, finding a marble and granite contractor or a general stone
contractor will enable you to hear from a reliable source about alternative
stone options. Most granite contractors have expertise in other stone
materials. Discussing how other stone installations have turned out for these
contractors and their clients can only help make you more informed and more
confident that you're making the right choice for your home. |
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