Granite Countertops For Your Kitchen

If you are getting ready to either update your countertops or completely redo your kitchen, you may want to consider using granite countertops for your kitchen. Getting granite countertops has become more affordable in the last few years so it is no longer out of reach for the average homeowner to afford.

When you are deciding whether granite is the way to go for you, there are some things that you should keep in mind. When choosing a fabricator, you really need to do your homework. Look for a company that has been in the business for over five years and specializes in granite countertops. This is a specialty trade and not everyone can do it well.

Look for a fabricator that will give you references and, if at all possible, let you go on to their last job site and look at their actual work completed and installed. A good and reputable company will try to accommodate your request.

One of the most important things to look at is the way they do their seams. It does not matter if you buy the cheapest or the most expensive granite for your countertops ... if the installation is not perfect, it will not look good.

Seams should be virtually invisible. You should really have to look for them to find them, and when you do locate them they should be smooth, meaning both sides should be level. Because granite is a solid material, it has to be butt-seamed and the installers need to be very experienced in order to make your job look good.

When hiring a granite company here is what you should expect from them:

• They should help you choose a color and finish that is complementary to the cabinetry and kitchen layout you have chosen.
  
• They should explain to you the process from beginning to end. For example, most granite companies will wait until your cabinetry is installed to template the top. This way there are no mistakes and no surprises, but when they do it this way you could be without a kitchen countertop for up to ten days.
  
• They should allow you to hold back a small percentage amount for the job. Most reputable companies allow you to hold from 5% to 10% until you are completely happy with the job.
  
• Your sink cut out is yours to keep so if you want it, make sure you inform them at the time they are installing your countertops.
  
• Most companies will give you a care kit for your new granite countertops. This usually includes cleaner, a soft cloth and a variety of pertinent information. This will include information such as, granite is a porous material so you will need to properly disinfect it, and when water no longer beads up on it, you will need to reseal it. Your care kit should come with the sealer that your fabricator recommends.

When buying granite countertops you should always go with a reputable company. This will help to insure that you get a well installed job. Granite usually does not come with a warranty because it is not a man made product, but it does have other advantages like being heat resistant and it does not scratch.