We all understand that the more information you can get about countertops, the more chances you have of saving money in your countertop replacement project. For example, think about the amount of research you would do before buying a new car or house. You would want to know everything from the price to every safety feature, before looking at what is available near you. You will then look up the best deals, rebates and some reviews from customers with the same model. In some way, planning for a countertop upgrade or replacement needs the same amount of research and effort.
In the last decade, a lot of changes have taken place in the countertop market. There are a lot of options available. Artstone Atlanta Countertops Company, for example, has its own in house countertop fabricators. We specialize in different types of natural and engineered countertop, all at factory direct prices.
How to choose the right countertop to upgrade or replace your old counters
Just like we saw earlier on, buying countertops is just like buying a new car. You have to have some questions. You would want to know exactly what you are paying for. If you intend to buy the countertops from anywhere else other than a wholesale store, there are a number of things you have to consider before buying the slab. Just treat it like an interview where you are the interviewer. You have to be sure that you are making the right decision by approaching a particular fabricator.
countertop upgrade or replacement
Ask about the cost of fabrication for the new countertops
When planning for a countertop upgrade or replacement, the cost of fabrication should be number one on your list. With a cost estimate based on each meter square, your fabricator should give you a rough figure. The price range can be anything between $25 to $50 per every square meter to be fabricated. Remember, this is merely the price of fabrication, the price for the stone excluded.
If you are inquiring about anything else other than the cost of installation and fabrication, remember to ask about any additional cost associated with that. For instance, if you are thinking about a unique edge design, unusual cuts or layouts, ask your fabricator if they are able to do it than ask how much it would cost.
Have some edge designs ideas, preferably from your fabricator
Not every countertops fabricator can work on special edges. Some of them are only able to do the basics. This is quite possible if you are buying countertops from a big box store. If you are therefore looking for anything other than a rounded edge, make sure to ask your fabricator if they are able to do it. You do not expect a fabricator to tell you that they can work on other design edges straightaway. Asking them will be the best ways to know. Remember to ask if they charge extra for this service.
Know the kind finish you want for your new countertops
You can choose between different countertops polishes. The most common is the polished finish where the surface comes out shiny and smooth. The other two are leathered and honed
Honed is basically when the countertop surface is not shiny, but it is smooth. This allows for the stone’s natural colors to be more visible.
Leathered is when the surface is left in its natural state, both in terms of its texture and color. Although the surface will still be smooth, you can still feel the difference in the texture.
Most of our countertop customers at Artstone Atlanta Countertops Company for the polished finish. Ensure that you request for anything special if you want something different.
Ask for the best sealant for your new countertops
Before the installation phase, the stone slab is sealed, but not every fabricator is keen about this. Ensure to check and see if they have applied a sealant. If they haven’t, ask for it. There might be some extra charges for this though.
countertop upgrade or replacement
You have a right to the slab remnants, after the stone templating
Most people do not know that you have the right to demand for the remnants after installation of the New Atlanta Countertops. These are the little pieces left behind after the slabs have been cut during the fabrication. Unless you want to create a mosaic, these pieces are not big enough for anything. They should, however, be big enough for your bathroom vanities, or your coffee table. You can also sell them for an amount.
