Consumer Checklist for Purchasing Natural Stone Countertops

Ensure that the company youʼre dealing with is registered with the local Better Business Bureau.
Obtain referrals from at least 2 clients. Testimonials speak volumes about a companyʼs workmanship, products and service reputation.
Obtain the final price, in writing, before agreeing to begin the work at hand.
Know your installerʼs time guidelines.
Determine who will deal with the plumbing - i.e. sink disconnect and re-connect. Not all companies cover that service. You may have to obtain and pay for a plumberʼs services on your own. Also, ascertain the number of faucet holes required by your sink system to ensure a proper fit and avoid installation issues.
Determine whether there are any electrical issues involved in the removal of your existing countertop and ascertain if the countertop company covers that service.
If you have an existing backsplash will it accommodate your new countertop? The new countertop may be thicker than your original wooden one. The tiles may have to be altered to integrate the new stone countertop.
Obtain documentation illustrating exactly how and when payments will be expected.
Most companies will require half of the total price as a deposit to initialize the job. Make sure to allow for this in your planning.
Any natural stone product sales and installation company should be able to answer all of your questions, offer helpful advice and handle all aspects of your purchase and installation.

EDUCATION IS KEY - ask questions before you put stone in your home!