FAQs for Countertop Companies
Q: How long does a typical countertop remodel take to complete?
A: This depends on the nature of your project. A simple refinish should only take one day. However, installing brand new fixtures or custom fixtures, changing the floor plan, or changing the style of your countertop fixture all dramatically increase the timeline. Selecting materials and finalizing terms can take 2 to 3 weeks, ordering and delivering materials can take 3 to 6 weeks, removing old materials can take 2 to 3 days, installing new materials can take 1 to 3 weeks, and finishing touches and clean up can take an extra week.
Q: Will my countertop contractor be able to help me choose materials and obtain permits?
A: Qualified, licensed countertop contractors will definitely offer creative and technical expertise in the decision-making process, steering you clear of materials that may not fit your budget or size-constraints, and lending their advice on various materials and manufacturers they’ve worked with. They will also most likely have a portfolio of design options you can peruse, and will know the ins and outs of obtaining building permits.
Q: Which materials have the best stain resistance, heat resistance, scratch resistance and crack resistance?
A: Any surface described as nonporous, such as stainless steel, laminate, solid surfacing, and ceramic tile will be stain resistant and easy to clean. Surface materials that require regular sealing, such as granite, marble, and solid surface, can also scratch easily. Stone, tile, and steel surfaces are the best for heat resistance.
Q: What are the most common countertop materials?
A: Engineered stone, granite, marble, slate, stainless steel, concrete, solid surface, ceramic tile, and laminate are the standard countertop surface materials.
Q: How expensive is a new countertop?
A: New countertops vary widely depending on the surface material used, and the size of the countertop. Expect most high quality materials to cost between $50 and $200 per square foot, with the exception of laminate and rule, which are typically under $50 per square foot. Add to this additional materials such as grout and the cost of actual installation, typically $40-50 per hour. The number of hours required once again depends upon the size of the job.
Q: What is a typical payment schedule?
A: Most contracting firms will require 30-50% up front at the time the contract is signed, an additional 30-40% upon delivery of the materials, and the balance upon completion.
Q: What information do I need about my sink before selecting and ordering a countertop material?
A: You should know the kind of material your sink is made of (stainless steel, porcelain, acrylic), the size of the sink, the style of sink (undermount, integrated, drop-in), and the amount of bowls in the sink.
Q: I don’t know much about interior design—can a countertop contractor help me find something that looks good?
A: Many larger contractors have a designer and interior decorator on staff who can help you select fixtures that will be an attractive fit for the rest of your kitchen or bathroom, or provide an optimal first step in a complete kitchen or bathroom overhaul in the future.
Q: What is a typical warranty for countertop fixtures and remodeling services?
A: Many contractors will guarantee their work for one to five years after completion of a countertop remodel, depending on the type of work. Countertop manufacturers typically offer a 10-20 year guarantee against defects.
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