1. How do we pick out the granite color we want to install?
2. Typically, how thick is the granite?
3. What edge profiles are included  in my estimate?
4. Is the price per square foot a good indicator of what the final price of my project will be?
5. Will I have to contact and schedule other contractors to:
    Remove my existing countertops?
    Disconnect and reconnect my sink or cooktop?
    Install a tile backsplash instead of a granite backsplash?
    Offer a full line of stainless steel and granite composite sinks?
6. If I have an existing tile backsplash, can I keep it?  
7. What is templating and why is that important to me?
8. What do I need to have on site when someone comes out to template?     
9. How long does the process take from start to finish?
10. What can I expect during the install process?
11. Will my granite be sealed when it is installed?
 

How do we pick out the granite color we want to install?

We provide examples of what different colors look like on our website.  However, the best way to know exactly what is going to be installed on your next project is to look at and choose granite directly from the area slab yards.  We prefer that our clients choose their granite from the slab yards since the selection is larger there than anywhere else
 
Typically, how thick is the granite?

We work with the thicker 1 ¼” (3CM) thick granite rather than the ¾” (2CM) thick granite.  The thinner granite is used sometimes in bathroom vanities but in a kitchen or a bar area, the thicker granite not only has the thicker look but it’s also important structurally.    

What edge profiles are included in my estimate?

Our estimates include one of four edges to choose from.  We can provide an edge specific estimate for our other edges if requested.  

Is the price per square foot a good indicator of what the final price of my project will be?

Let’s look at one scenario.  A granite countertop company quotes a very low square price per square foot for their lowest level granite.  What the client does not know however, is that that price will not include installation, may be the thinner ¾” thick granite, may only have a flat polish on the edge or the polish may not be included, and there may be a host of other charges that the client does not find out about until a final estimate is worked up.  
This is a common practice in the industry.

Here’s how it is done at Austin Counter Measure.  Based on measurements provided or on our own measurements we will give an estimate of the final cost to complete the project with the granite selected.  If there are different options that may affect the price, they will be listed under optional costs.  We do not consider installation of your granite, optional.   

Will I have to contact and schedule other contractors to:
    Remove my existing countertops?
    Disconnect and reconnect my sink or cooktop?
    Install a tile backsplash instead of a granite backsplash?
    Offer a full line of stainless steel and granite composite sinks?

No.  Many granite countertop companies require that you contact and schedule anywhere from one to four additional contractors to facilitate the granite installation.  At Austin Counter Measure, we can either provide all of these services for you or we can work with the contractors that the client has chosen.  .

If I have an existing tile backsplash, can I keep it?  

Whether we do the tile backsplash or not, we recommend replacing the tile backsplash when having granite installed.  At minimum, the industry standard is to remove the bottom row of tiles prior to measuring or installation.  During the removal process, many of these tiles may break and unless there are a sufficient number of extra tiles from the original installation, it may be challenging to find an exact match.   Most clients take advantage of this time to get a new tile backsplash that compliments the new granite color they have chosen.

What is templating and why is that important to me?

Templating is a measuring method using materials such as wood or plastic to make a mock version of the granite pieces that will be installed later.  Once the template is complete, the granite pieces for your project will be cut and polished based on the size and shape of the template.  
It is important to the client because it is extremely accurate and leaves very little room for error.  It also reduces the chances of the granite breaking due to having to make multiple adjustments in the field which allows for a smoother installation.

What do I need to have on site when someone comes out to template?     

Once we arrive to make the templates, we will need to have the faucets, sinks, cooktops, and any other appliance or fixture that is mounted into the granite.  We will take the sink with us for fabrication if it is an under mount sink.  


How long does the process take from start to finish?

From the time that a granite color is selected and the templates are made it takes approx two weeks to return with the fabricated countertops.  However, it’s best to ask at the time of templating, as our turn around is sometimes shorter or longer than that depending on current demand.  

What can I expect during the install process?

During the installation process, it is safest to avoid the area where the installation is taking place.  Children and pets should not be present nor should persons with sensitivities to fumes or dust.  If the client has chosen a self-rimming sink or has a cooktop to install, we will have to make cuts in the home to minimize the risk of breakage.   Although we use vacuums, plastic, and other methods to minimize any dust that may result, some will still accumulate.  The materials we use to set seams, clean your granite, and seal your granite can also temporarily have strong fumes and the area should be avoided by those with sensitivities to these types of fumes.  

Will my granite be sealed when it is installed?

Your granite will be sealed prior to or during intallation.