You tell them where to drill. Our installers last week didn't have the proper drill size for one of our holes (1/2 in) - you may want to tell them in advance what sizes you need.

Check that the overhang of the granite is consistent throughout

Verify granite edge to wall has an acceptable gap (none)

The day is long and tense but at the end make sure they clean it, with a clean rag (sigh) then seal it, note the sealer they use or ask

Check the reveal around the sink is consistent and what you want.

Be very sure where you want your holes.. take your time ( I should have moved my insta hot forward)

Ensure any dry wall damage is noted and repaired.

Inspect cabinets for an6 damage before they leave

Stay out of there way during the heavy moving.

Simoneb - Here's a great checklist. It has info from slab selection to installation.

Buehl compiled the list from some of the stone experts on this forum.

HTH!

Here is a link that might be useful: Stone Information and Advice (& Checklists)

Hey everyone -- this is great, thanks!
A few questions:
1) franki1962 suggested that there should be no gap behind the back edge and the wall. They told me when they templated there might be a little gap because our walls are crooked. Is this acceptable? I was hoping it would be so small you wouldn't notice once the tile was in
2) How do I know where to put the holes for the faucet/sprayer. I feel so stupid, but I really haven't given any thought to this.
3) How do I know if the granite needs to be sealed. I am using Golden Black, so I assume it does...

Thanks, everyone!

Gaps are a sign of a cheapo/quicky/incompetent installation. The granite should be scribed so there is no gap.

In my opinion as a customer, if the gap is small enough that my BS tile will cover it, I would not say a word about it. And I consider myself to be a picky customer! I would save your energy and worry about stuff that DOES matter, like nice seams and sink cutouts.

Ccombs1...that's assuming Simoneb is putting in a backsplash...

We did not so the gap was concern to us.

Oh yes, without a doubt! If no BS is being used, then insist on a good tight joint. I actually had one installer tell me that he always used a 4" granite BS on all of his jobs. I told him I didn't want that...I was using tile. He tried his best to talk me in to it....said EVERYONE is doing that (even though I rarely see anyone doing that anymore). He finally sort of admitted that HE wanted to use it so the gap would be covered. I didn't hire that guy!!

Hi, we had a small 1/8 to 1/4 inch gap on one side of the range area and yes we eventually put up tiles so no biggie.
In another area the gap was more noticable 1/4 - 1/2" so our compromise was to countersink some of the granite on the other side into the dry wall to take up the gap.

yes walls are crooked but that's what the templating is for. Just be sure if your OK with it our should you say something.

Where to put the sink fixtures? We also did not give it much thought and if I had to do ir over again I would try harder to put the soap dipensor on the left side. There wasn't enough room at the back of the sink on that side but we could have played a little more with it's position. Here's what we ended up with .

This is all WONDERFUL advice. Thank you GWers. You guys are the best! Wish me luck today!

LUCK! : )