Countertop Installation

Bathroom Remodeling / Kitchen Remodeling
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Countertop Installation

Countertop installation can be tricky.  Most people will only encounter a countertop installation two to three times in their life.  This is usually when they remodel their kitchen and bathroom.  Therefore, most folks decide on who to hire based on price.  This is the wrong way to approach countertop installation.

When performing a countertop installation, there are three equally important factors.

  • Color
  • Number of slabs
  • Skill of the fabricator and installer

Color

Countertop ColorsThe predominate countertop material installed in Orange County is granite and quartz.  The most frequently installed material is quartz.  Therefore, I will limit my discussion to these.  For more information of which is better, see What is Better Granite or Quartz.

The cost of all granite and quartz is determined by color.  The most popular colors typically cost more.  Granite slabs cost between $8 to over $200 per square foot.  Quartz slabs cost between $7 to $35 per square foot.  Do not try to compare one retailer’s color to another.  You can’t.  Although the color may be the same for a particular product, retailers name them differently.  This makes performing an apples-to-apples price comparison nearly impossible.  Be suspicious of anyone who claims they will beat anyone’s price for the same product.  They never will – it’s not possible!

Number of slabs for your countertop installation

Countertop InstallationThe number of slabs will do a lot for how your countertops are going to look and last.  Why?  The number and placement of seams (or joints).  When comparing fabrication and installation costs, make sure you understand seam placement.  A lower cost almost always means more seems in your countertop and a less than desirable appearance.

You want your countertops to look as much as possible as if they are one piece.  Not a bunch of connected sections with joints everywhere.  All these joints will open and attract food and dirt particles.  They will also harbor dangerous mold, mildew, bacteria, E.coli, and Salmonella.  I will say it again.  You want the fewest possible seams!  Where food preparation is regularly performed, you Countertop Installationabsolutely do not want any seams whatsoever!

Do the right thing and purchase the extra slab to make sure your countertops are safe and beautiful.  You will also be adding to the durability of your new kitchen.  Most importantly, that extra slab might be the difference between good health and a serious illness.

Does it really make good sense to save a $1,000 by not purchasing that extra slab and then spend thousands on medical bills?  Buy the extra slab and limit the seams!

Skill of the fabricator and installer for your countertop installation

Countertop InstallationA skilled fabricator and installer are worth their weight in gold.  A bad fabrication and the install will never be correct.

An inexperienced or low budget installer guarantees you will experience problems.  Investing in high quality cabinets and appliances requires an equal investment in your countertops.

Fabrication and installation are closely related.  The first step is the fabricator performing a template of the cabinet tops after being installed.  This is the most important part of the process and will largely determine how your countertops will look, feel, and last.  It is impossible to properly template before the cabinets are completely installed.  Expect 2-6 weeks after templating before your fabricated countertops are delivered for installation.

Best Kitchen RemodelAfter performing a template, the slabs are fabricated.  During fabrication, all sink, appliance, and edge detail is performed.  Once fully fabricated, your countertops receive a final polishing.

The installer will pick-up the countertops from the fabricator.  Upon arriving at you home, an installer typically needs a full day to install your kitchen countertops.  Bathrooms can take anywhere from several hours to a full day depending on the complexity.

Always Hire a Reliable and Dependable Contractor to Remodel your Home

Design Build Bathroom Remodel | Best Local Contractor DAD's ConstructionAlways work with a trustworthy contractor like DAD’s Construction.  We are experts in bathroom, kitchen, and interior remodeling.  We remodel and manage projects in an efficient manner.  DAD’s Construction will do everything to minimize the possibility of change orders.  Our team will make sure we have all the necessary information to prepare a proposal that meets your requirements.  Rest assured that we will provide you with a detailed, by line-item contract.  We will make sure that the contents of this agreement are properly and clearly communicated to you.  If you have questions or need updates regarding your project, we will always answer your inquiries.

How Can I Receive More Information on Remodeling my Home?

If you would like more information on enjoying the best bathroom, kitchen, and interior remodeling experience in Orange County, call Dan at (949) 380-0177 or at dan@dadsconstruction.com for a free in home consultation.  DAD’s serves all of South Orange County California.  This includes Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Foothill Ranch, Portola Hills, Ladera Ranch, Irvine, San Clemente, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Caza, Dove Canyon, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Aliso Viejo.

Best Local Contractor | DAD's Construction

“Taking Care of Your Home . . . The Way We Would Our Own”

Daniel A. Derkum is the owner of DAD’s Construction.  DAD’s is a leading South Orange County, California design-and-build remodeling and renovation Contractor.  See https://www.dadsconstruction.com.  © DAD’s Home Services & Construction, Inc.  All Rights Reserved.