Home Services Overview
Soapstone Countertop Installation
Options, costs, tips and FAQs - information you need to get trustworthy Soapstone Countertop Installation work
June 2010
When deciding about Soapstone Countertop Installation, homeowners need to know: What are the important options? Can I do the Soapstone Countertop Installation myself? What issues do I need to watch out for? How much will it cost? How do I make sure that the Soapstone Countertop Installation is done right?
Use the costs, expert advice and quality checklist below to ensure satisfaction and success of your Soapstone Countertop Installation project.
Soapstone Countertop Installation - FAQ and Basic Information
| Is a permit usuarlly required for Soapstone Countertop Installation work? | Design approval and permits from your local building authority are usually not required for Soapstone Countertop Installation. If your home is subject to homeowner association covenants, you should verify that the Soapstone Countertop Installation complies with association guidelines. |
| What should I expect to pay for Soapstone Countertop Installation? | Labor costs vary with size of project and level of detail/quality. For typical Soapstone Countertop Installation expect to pay between $7.35 to $3.85 per square foot. A minimum fee equivalent to 1.5 - 2 times the base wage rate may apply for small jobs or initial consultation. |
| What are the advantages to hiring a professional to perform Soapstone Countertop Installation work? | The appearance, performance and useful life of the soapstone countertop may be compromised by inexperience or poor installation practices. Hire the service provider carefully and tie payment milestones to appropriate quality checks (use the list below). |
| Is Soapstone Countertop Installation something that I can do myself? | This is not a project recommended for the do it yourselfer. A successful Soapstone Countertop Installation requires the work of skilled trade contractors as well as special materials, tools, fabrication and installation techniques. Do it yourself mistakes may be expensive to remedy and will likely reduce the marketability and value of your home. |
| How many days are typically required to complete the Soapstone Countertop Installation work? | This work can be completed in 6 days. |
Soapstone Countertop Installation - Options, Quality Checks and Details That Matter
Use appropriate items from the list below to communicate your expectations for level of detail and quality for Soapstone Countertop Installation. Use the list to when having professionals bid for the work. Make sure that this information is included in any written contracts or work orders. Before any Soapstone Countertop Installation work begins, review the checklist with the service provider. Tie payments to satisfactory completion of this checklist.
- All soapstone countertop from the same manufacturers lot
- The layout, location, style and finish of ALL finish materials to be used in Soapstone Countertop Installation will be approved by owner, before work begins
- All soapstone countertop seam / joint location(s) must be approved before work begins; typically, seams should not be located in areas of high traffic exposure, visual prominence or bright lighting
- Patterned soapstone countertop seams will be installed so that patterns match to within 1/64 inch along the entire length of each seam
- All soapstone countertop edges at surface and trim intersections are sharp and crisp, forming a clean, straight line
- All holes, cuts and notches necessary to complete the work will be no larger than 25% of the object routed through the opening; cuts will be clean and uniform; all framing holes, notches and modifications will fully comply with local code guidelines
- All corner soapstone countertop joints will be cleanly mitered; There will be no visible gap along the joint edge and the soapstone countertop profile will be completely aligned along the joint edge
- Installed soapstone countertop will be level to within 1/64 inch in any 2 foot direction
- All visible soapstone countertop surfaces will have a consistent texture and uniform sheen
- The soapstone countertop and its finish will be free of manufacturing defects, irregularities and any physical damage
- Finished soapstone countertop will feel uniformly solid and rigid under pressure
- Installed soapstone countertop surface variations along a 2 foot straight edge will not exceed 1/16 inch - from any location along any direction
Soapstone Countertop Installation - Work Steps and Project Reminders
The following list summarizes work tasks commonly performed during Soapstone Countertop Installation. These tasks help ensure proper completion of the soapstone countertop work and compliance with common manufacturer and vendor warranty requirements. Make sure that either you or your service provider takes responsibility for each of these tasks. All service provider task responsiblities should be clearly called out in the written contract or work orders.
- Complete written contract, including scope of work, quality checks, warranty, timing and payment terms; ensure that contract is signed before work begins
- Review and approve detailed layout / plan that shows location, orientation and placement of soapstone countertop, before any work begins
- Select, specify and order soapstone countertop; verify that model # , grade , finish, size, options, and quantity are clearly identified in the order; make sure that delivery date, terms and damage provisions are included in the order
- Manage delivery of soapstone countertop; verify that delivered model #, grade, finish, size, options, and quantity match the order precisely; thoroughly inspect all items for damage and proper operation; make or authorize final payment only after complete order is delivered
- Prepare flat, solid, firmly supported mounting surface/base for soapstone countertop
- Prepare area for safe, efficient work; move items that restrict work access or are vulnerable to damage; completely cover and protect items that cannot be moved
- Install soapstone countertop using construtcion adhesive, in compliance manufacturer recommendations and applicable local building code(s)
- Scribe edges to match contour of mounting surface
- Inspect Soapstone Countertop Installation and verify that all quality requirements and punch list items are completed correctly
- Apply sealing compound to surface
- Cover and adequately protect the installed soapstone countertop from damage during completion of additional work
- Submit final payment; pay with a check to ensure expense can be verified for tax purposes
