What You Need To Know About Countertop Installation
Everyone wants granite countertops, and for good reason. They are beautiful and durable and make every room they are in more exciting. Once they are installed, they just go on looking amazing for years, with almost no upkeep required. The process of installation is simple enough but there are a few things it is helpful to know ahead of time.
First, choose your granite supplier and installer wisely. Aside from picking out the color and design of your granite, this is probably your most critical step. The right installer will make sure that the pieces you choose will look great in your kitchen or bathroom.
There are a few differences in putting in countertops in new construction versus old construction. With new construction, the process is pretty straight forward. The installer will want to measure and install the granite after the cabinets are in place. The construction of cabinets after granite countertops have been installed can result in shifts that might be noticeable, marring the perfection of the process.
With an existing kitchen, it is often best to allow the contractor or another professional to tear out the old countertops. Also, be aware that if any electrical or plumbing work needs to be modified, you will need to hire help for this, too. This is normally done after the countertops are installed, so it is up to you to coordinate the timing of this.
There are a few other pitfalls to avoid, and having a quality granite fabricator is your best ally. It might not hurt to ask if the installer needs to place stainless steel rods under the granite, especially around the area of the sink. The rods can prevent cracking of pieces that had to be cut to fit around the sink and other plumbing attachments.
With a few precautions, granite countertops will look great in your home. You can enjoy their beauty for many years.