Definitely go see as many projects as you can, and #s for referrals are a good idea too -- even if you don't call them all, a fabricator's willingness to provide them could be an indicator of how far he's willing to go for customer service. Ask for a copy of their typical contract up front and make sure you're ok with everything in it, particularly the extent to which you have recourse if there are any problems at any stage.

Do you have your slab/edge/etc picked out yet? Definitely pick your slab by hand -- it's well worth taking the time to do it so that you get precisely what you want. And when looking at edges, be sure to take into consideration whether the samples you're looking at are done with the same thickness of stone as your slab, since edge treatments can look a lot different on a 2 cm slab vs. 3cm.

My #1 best advice is to ask for a holdback of 10-20% to be included in the contract, so that the fabricator isn't paid in full until you're fully satisfied with the final installation. I truly wish we had done that!

Good luck :)

Hi Kelleg,

I chose a fabricator (for kids' bath) first by using a guy who'd done a great job at my sister's house. I don't know if you saw any of the threads that related, but they ended up being jerks and ripped me off; not reputable guys at all.

After that I checked only NARI fabricators. (I looked online to see who was a NARI member). I also asked a few friends and my very pickiest friend recommended the same fabricator that my GC recommended. That is who I used for the bathroom redo and also the kitchen and I was very happy. FYI, it was Sheryl Calvin at Dimensional Stoneworks in Overland Park.

Good luck,

Anita

Thanks both of you!

Anita, I was thinking of calling you. Maybe I will get a quote from your gal and come see your soapstone someday. BTW, not sure if I ever said, but we are building (a mile from here!).

1. Go to friend's house: look at their job: look at seams: and placement: look carefully to see if they are acceptable to you.
2. Get 3 estimates: Lowes or HomeDepot will be high : but get them to come out anyways: they use various fabricators.
3. Ask for references: or pictures of other customer jobs.
4. How long have they been in business?
5. Are they giving you anything free? Clearners or sink?
6. Trip charge fees?
7. Template fees?
8. Have a budget in mind
9. All areas are different but: my boss will go as low as "out the door" $45 installed and that includes "everything" on 3cm granite install : including cut outs and undermount sink and edging. I have seen her do it: but that was customers that really worked her! LOL (I mean everything including free sink) Has to be on a lower-cost of granite to my boss or when she has granite left over from another job then she only has to buy one slab vs two for new job. I could tell you what is low: but might be different in each state.

10. Do your homework! Find out about granite: read all you are able by Googling Granite where does it come from ? How do you take care of it? Do's and Don's. ect.

there are so many people on here that will give advice.
You do not want a bad experience or "after" the fact issues!
Also: if you get a fabricater: ask him where your seams will be: never by DW or Sink: and Ask to see your slab before it's cut: and if you have cardboard or wood templates made of your kitchen: ask if you can watch them being laid out on your granite before the granite is cut. A good fabricator that cares won't mind the request.
Be there during install! Take pictures or video.
Only my opinion from experience:
(BBB may not always be the best tool: sometime the people who report on there are cronic complainers and create their own drama: and sometimes the installers attempt 100% to fix problems if they have a great reputation that they want to up-hold: Only my experience!)

Forgot to mention: keeping your existing backsplash "can" cause issues: something to think about: when you get new granite! You should get a fresh new backsplash : remember to use Durock boards and tear out your old builder sheetrock for splash! Smart!

Also: can't forget: 2cm vs 3cm granite: 2cm gets a bad rap: I have seen installed several times this years and the customers have never had problems in the 18 months that I have been employeed here and I answer all the calls! It will save you about 400-500$ if you go with 3/4" granite vs 1 1/4" granite

Best wishes!
Happy Holidays!

Forgot: if you go to the stone yard to pick you slab: ALL granite has a serial Lot number: write it down!!!!! and make them slap a hold tag with your name on it: maybe put $100 right there on it: if you are serious.
When the granite is moved to fabricators warehouse: go check the slab: tell them : "do not cut my granite until I inspect it" look for cracks: that might run through to the other side: or anything you don't like.

We looked at area model homes, talked to friends and never found a fabricator that did the kind of work we were looking for. I lurked on Stoneadvice.com for about a year in the meantime and got a feel for some shops that were further away, but not really out of my area. Stone Advice was basically my referral and it worked out very nicely.