Compare your granite bids – Few more things to consider.

Please follow my previous two posts to know more about this topic.

See if the backsplash is included in the bid or not - Many granite installers do not include the cost of backsplash and when you say you want it, they up charge for it. Make sure to consider bids that include backsplash install of at least 4-6" where the kitchen worktop meets the wall or wall cabinets.

Cut-outs – Granite cutting is a complex procedure and thus the cost of the granite also depends on the type of cut-out needed in the granite. Some of the cut-out examples are sinks, cook tops, holes for faucets etc. Thus you should explain the cut-outs requirements in your granite slabs and ask for the price including the charges per cut-out needed.

Installation Charges, Delivery Charges and Sales Tax – A company may offer you 40% discount or may look much affordable than the other ones so that you are tempted to grab the offer. But in my experience that bid won’t be actually cheap because in most of the cases such bids do not include the delivery charges of your granite, installation costs and sales tax. Look out for companies that include all 3 of these in their bids.

Complete kitchen granite installation will take three installer guys half a day to install it in place. The cost for time invested in installation and is figured in the overall cost. If you are buying a single granite vanity top and can install it yourself, there is no need to pay for the installation and hence make sure the bid reflects that.

What about the existing replaced tops? – Now that your new granite kitchen worktops are in place elegantly, what are you going to do with the old ones? If you have decided to give it away to the installers, make sure you ask for it on your bid to get some discount and save a few more pounds.

Warranty – I won’t put this to be the last one, instead it should be your first consideration to verify the quality of the warranty that goes with your new worktops. All good granite suppliers stand behind their granite, installation, and sealing. While comparing your granite bids, make sure you compare the warranties. Granite which is properly sealed and installed is so durable that most suppliers offer limited lifetime warranties on them.