How to Buy Your Kitchen Granite Countertops

Granite increases the resale value of your kitchen.

A kitchen goes from standard to sleek when granite replaces old or builder-grade countertops. A stone that forms when volcanic magma cools beneath the earth's surface, granite's strength is eclipsed only by the diamond. Although granite can vary slightly in its composition, it is typically composed of quartz, mica, hornblende and feldspar, with crystals easily detected with the naked eye. The stone's durability adds to a kitchen's functionality and its natural colors add to its beauty. It's essential to do your homework before you make an investment in granite.

Things You'll Need

• Home decor magazines

Instructions

1. Find an accredited contractor who is a member of the Better Business Bureau and the Marble Institute of America. The MIA accepts membership based on a contractor's skill level and his commitment to excellent service. Because of the price and weight of granite, it's wise to let professionals protect your investment by cutting and installing the granite for you. Local home improvement or hardware centers and design showrooms typically keep a list of their favorite contractors for recommendation.

2. Ask for a list of references from your top three favorite granite companies. Contact all of their references to ascertain quality of work, timeliness, hidden costs and overall experience.

3. Negotiate with your selected contractor and granite dealer to achieve the best possible price. Do your homework to determine the local market price for your chosen granite, and then use your best negotiating skills to obtain the optimum price. You must be willing to walk away from the table if the professionals don't meet a reasonable counteroffer. Remember that your contractor and stone place must also make a living, so be fair when you counter.

4. Sign a contract for the contractor only after you read the document thoroughly and ensure that everything you've agreed to and requested are explicitly enumerated. Make sure that the contract includes a payment schedule that stipulates a down payment, an installment for partial work completed, and the final payment upon a walk-through with the contractor once the work is finished.

5. Study home decor magazines to determine which type of granite and color appeals to you. If you have dark-colored cabinets, light-colored granite will naturally complement the cabinets. If you cabinetry and walls are light-colored, then a darker granite will provide a striking balance. Remember that granite is a composition of various minerals, and it will have natural "imperfections" and color variations within the same slab.

6. Visit quarries or stone warehouses with your builder to inspect the granite slabs available before making your final choice. Take paint chip, flooring and cabinetry samples, if available. Make sure that there is enough granite available for your kitchen countertops, allowing for unplanned projects or mistakes. Ask to inspect the entire slab from which your countertops will be cut to determine that there aren't any unacceptable imperfections. If the warehouse allows, ask to take home samples so you can assess how the granite will look in your kitchen.

7. Choose granite that not only complements your kitchen decor and taste, but consider what will also appeal to buyers if you plan to sell your home in the future.

8. Determine whether you want an undermount or drop-in sink, as the price will be greater if you choose an undermount. Before you place the final order for your granite, you must have new sinks and appliances chosen so the contractor can take proper measurements, or mistakes and remeasuring will cost you more money.

9. Supervise the installation to make sure decisions are made while you are present.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that your granite contractor includes a warranty for breakage or improper installation.

• Your contractor or installation company should include transportation and installation in their bid. Make sure you get this in writing.

References

• United States Geologic Service: Granite
• Marble Institute: How to Select a Natural Stone Contractor
• The Granite Shop: Frequently Asked Questions

Resources

• Stonecrafters: Frequently Asked Questions