Home Services Guidelines and Best Practices
Granite Countertop Installation
Granite Countertop Installation guidelines, FAQs and unit pricing information
January 2017
Are you looking for independent, trustworthy advice about Granite Countertop Installation? Do you need to understand common installation options? If your project calls for Granite Countertop Installation work, the following guidelines and best practices will help you understand: Is a subcontractor really necessary for Granite Countertop Installation work? Will a permit be required? What are common problem areas? How much will Granite Countertop Installation labor cost? What are the important Granite Countertop Installation quality checks that should be included in the work requirements?
Granite Countertop Installation - Frequently Asked Questions
| What is a fair price for Granite Countertop Installation? | Costs vary with project size, job quality and time of year. For typical Granite Countertop Installation expect to pay between $6.10 to $3.05 per square foot. Additional fees are typically charged for small projects or rush jobs. |
| Is a permit needed for Granite Countertop Installation work? | Design approval and permits from your local building authority are usually not required for Granite Countertop Installation. If your home is subject to homeowner association covenants, you should verify that the Granite Countertop Installation complies with association guidelines. |
| Is it worth using a professional to perform Granite Countertop Installation work? | The appearance, functionality and useful life of the granite countertop may be compromised by poor installation. Hire the service provider carefully and tie payment milestones to appropriate quality checks (use the list below). |
| Is Granite Countertop Installation something that I can do myself? | This is not a project recommended for the do it yourselfer. A successful Granite 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 Granite Countertop Installation work? | This work can be completed in 5 days. |
Granite Countertop Installation - Options, Quality Checks and Important Details
Use the list below to document your expectations for level of detail and finish quality for Granite Countertop Installation. Make sure that relevant information is included in any written contracts or work orders on your project. Before any Granite Countertop Installation work begins, review the checklist with the service provider. Tie payments to satisfactory completion of this checklist.
- All granite countertop from the same manufacturers lot
- The layout, location, style and finish appearance of ALL materials used in Granite Countertop Installation will be approved by owner, before any work begins
- All granite 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 granite countertop seams will be installed so that patterns match to within 1/64 inch along the entire length of each seam
- All granite countertop edges at surface edges 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 granite countertop joints will be cleanly mitered; There will be no visible gap along the joint edge and the granite countertop profile will be completely aligned along the joint edge
- Installed granite countertop will be level to within 1/64 inch in any 2 foot direction
- All visible granite countertop surfaces will have a consistent texture and uniform sheen
- The granite countertop surface and surface finish will be free of surface defects, irregularities and any physical damage
- Finished granite countertop will feel uniformly solid and rigid under pressure
- Installed granite countertop surface variations along a 4 foot straight edge will not exceed 1/16 inch - from any location along any direction
Granite Countertop Installation - Work Milestones and Project Reminders
The following list summarizes work tasks commonly performed during Granite Countertop Installation. These tasks help ensure proper completion of the granite 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 granite countertop, before any work begins
- Select, specify and order granite countertop; verify that type, grade, finish, size, color, any 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 granite 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 granite countertop
- Prepare area for safe, efficient work; move items that restrict work access or are vulnerable to damage; cover and protect items that cannot be moved
- Install granite countertop using construtcion adhesive, in compliance manufacturer recommendations and applicable local building code(s)
- Scribe edges to match contour of mounting surface
- Inspect Granite 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 granite countertop from damage during completion of additional work
- Submit final payment; pay with a check to ensure expense can be verified for tax purposes
