Building a house or any component in it can be very costly. Even if the repair goes only to one area of your house, the expenses could take quite a big fraction of your savings. This is the very reason why home owners have to make the wisest decisions when they want something to be fixed or they desire something to be replaced in their homes.
One area to look into would be the kitchen and its countertop. You have to know the costs, the benefits, and the drawbacks if you settle on a type of countertop. To help you with the cost issues of granite countertops, here are the things that you need to know about it.
Granite Countertop Cost Depends on the Size
Granite countertop cost depends on its width and length. The larger and the wider the material, the more it will be expensive. Since the material is made of granite, which means it is strong enough, you do not need to go more than an inch for the width. I
f you go more than an inch thick, the granite countertop cost would turn out very expensive for you. So to make you save more on this, you need to settle on something which does not go below one inch and which does not go higher than one inch in width. Remember, even a small difference can make a big change on your expenses.
Granite Countertop Cost Depends on the Source
Granite countertop cost also depends on where you purchase it. If you choose to do the trade on big malls, then the costs would most likely be high. But if you choose to do the purchase in a factory, then it can save you a lot of money. However, if you opt to go to a factory, it can take a bit of your time. So you really have to be prepared not only financially but with time as well.
Another good source for a fair granite countertop cost would be the internet. If you go over some sites and you choose to make the deal there, you'd definitely make good discounts because sites do not pay big rentals unlike that of a store. The sources for granite countertops can actually be seen everywhere. You just have to look for the one which gives you the best deals at a reasonable cost.
Granite Countertop Cost Depends on the Installer
Lastly, the granite countertop cost depends on the person installing it in your homes. If you choose to do it yourself and if you have the time for such, then it will definitely save you a lot. But if you're going to hire somebody for the job, then the granite countertop cost could definitely go higher. Again, the choices are all yours; just remember to decide on the one which can give you quality outcomes at a lesser cost.
Whether you're installing new granite counters yourself or just looking for an estimate, measuring your counters is an important step. Many granite countertop shops offer in-home measurements and installation. However, handy homeowners can save money by measuring and installing the granite themselves.
For these installations, your fabricator will ask for the measurements of your counters. However, fabrication sometimes requires full-size templates. If your kitchen is made of 90-degree cabinet sections, templates are usually unnecessary. Any angled, round, or unique counters require a template.
Measurements
First make a layout to keep track of your measurements. When measuring your kitchen, start at the wall and work your way to the end of the counter or the opposite wall. If your existing counters are still in place, remember to adjust for the thickness of your backsplashes. When working with bare cabinets, measure from the wall to the end of the cabinet. Then, indicate where the overhang will be located. The fabricator will help you determine the correct overhang measurement.
Mark the measurements on your layout in inches. Indicate where the finished edges, backsplashes, and appliances will go. You should also measure from the wall to the center of your sink. If you're unsure of the sink's center, measure to the point where the cabinet doors meet in the middle.
Templates
Many kitchens have counters that are angled or rounded. For such counters, fabrication requires templates. Professional template-makers use thin strips of plastic to outline the area. However, cardboard boxes are a handy substitute. Lay the flattened cardboard boxes on the surface. Then, from underneath, trace the outline of your cabinet or counter. Mark the top so that the fabricator will know which way is up. This is an important step: if this isn't clear, you may end up with a mirror image of your actual counter!
If you traced your existing counter, mark the template as such. If you traced bare cabinets, indicate where the overhang will be and how much overhang you would like. Clearly mark the finished edges, the locations of any adjacent appliances, and the backsplash areas.
Conclusion
When you have finished measuring and making templates, take a look at the final result. Would someone who has never seen your kitchen be able to figure out what it looks like? Make any necessary corrections that would help the fabricator. Remember, small details can lead to large mistakes.
That's it! Once your fabricator has the templates and measurements, talk to him about the details of your project. It helps to plan ahead. If your home has obstacles, like stairs, elevators, or difficult doorways, your fabricator can cut the pieces to fit. Always inspect the finished product when you pick it up or receive it. Follow instructions for transporting the granite, and it's ready to install.
Both Charlie Reese & Mary Bosz are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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