The Stone Fabrication Process: What to Expect
Step One: Getting an Estimate
There are several ways to receive an estimate. One is to email a drawing of your layout including dimensions, location & type of cutouts, finished edges, and any other important information about your project. (or just bring the drawing along during a visit to our studio) If you prefer, we can come to you to look at your space instead. There, we will take measurements, hear your vision, make suggestions, and share more about our company and our work. Based on the information we collect, an estimate will be sent to you, via e-mail, within the next several days. (Your quote will be adjusted after the final details have been decided) Please contact me if you would like to schedule a visit to our shop or set up a time for a free in-home consultation.
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Step Two: Choosing a Stone
We strongly recommend that you hand pick your stone by viewing full size slabs, rather than small samples.
If you are intereted in soapstone, quartzite, or a basic granite, please plan to visit our shop. Visits are by appointment only. Here, we stock an extensive inventory of soapstone slabs, as well as a small selection of granite and quartzite for viewing. Our studio has the largest supply of soapstone in the tri-state area! If you would like to visit our Batesville shop, please contact us to schedule an appointment. Monday-Friday is preferred, but alternate arrangements can be made if necessary.
If an exotic granite, marble, or limestone is what you have in mind, you may want to visit one of our numerous supplier's showrooms. These warehouses offer hundreds of choices and are open to the public for slab selection. Each supplier location has a knowledgeable staff happy to guide you in the stone selection process. Please feel free to contact us for additional assistance, as well. Once slabs have been selected and design details solidified, we will provide the final quote for your countertop.
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Step Three: Placing an Order
Should you decide to proceed with an order, you will be given an agreement form outlining project specifications and an invoice for down payment. We require a signed contract form and a 50% deposit at the time the order is placed. Once agreement from and deposit have been received, a place for your project will be reserved on our schedule. Payment must be made by check. We do not accept credit cards.
Our Customer Checklist informs you of preparations needed to be in place before the template can be scheduled or the countertops can be installed. We will schedule the template when everything on the list is ready, and new cabinets have been installed.
Step Four: The In-Home Template
State-of-the-art laser equipment is used to measure countertops with precision. The measurements are then transformed digitally into exact templates. This process makes it possible to create templates with minimal disruption to the homeowner--no plumbing disconect or countertop removal until the day of installation.
Please note, the person responsible for decision-making must be present for this scheduled appointment.
Step Five: The Installation
What to expect:
-Installation of a typical kitchen will take the better part of a day. In some cases, a two part installation will be required--kitchens with a full height backsplash or a two tier bar are two examples in which this may be the case.
-For your information, application of the adhesive produces a very strong smell. If you are sensitive to smells, you may want to make arrangements to be elsewhere during this short part of the process.
-Small tasks, such as drilling of faucet holes, may be done on site, producing a minimal amount of dust.
-Although our installers are careful, it is possible that the installation process will result in a few nicks on the walls around the countertops. Some touch-ups may be necessary after the stone has been installed.
Final payment is due at time of installation
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