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Calculating granite kitchen countertop installation expenses

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How much does it cost to install granite countertop?

Cost of granite kitchen countertop installation determined by number of factors and total expenses primary depend on granite prices per square foot and labor cost to complete the work. But calculating total expenditures for installing new kitchen countertop number of additional factors should be taken into account. Contractor will calculate the cost after in-home inspection, taking detailed measurements and analyzing work complexity. Itemized estimate will reflect all charges and fees associated with granite fabrication, delivery and installation as well as materials expenses.

Estimating granite countertop installation cost

Granite prices comparison materials-prices

Granite color and country of origin will define the cost of granite at a first place. Local fabricators will set the price depending on what was spent on purchasing a granite slab. As prices for any other products, granite prices are not constant and can be adjusted within a year a few times. All granite colors normally divided into groups with certain price range. Some popular granite including Uba Tuba or Tan Brown which normally available in stock from local distributors can be sold at significantly lower price per sq ft comparing rare colors like Black Galaxy, New Venetian Gold or Emerald Pearl Blue. But still, to generate sales fabricator can offer discounts on any type of granite slabs. Size and shape of the kitchen is also matter. If it will be possible to cut a countertop from a slab(s) with minimum waste the cost will go down.

Determining labor cost for granite countertop installation labor-cost

There are three main aspects which affect the cost of labor while estimating installation expenses for granite countertop: fabrication, delivery and actual installation.

Each and every contractor will price the work differently, but there are always charges for cutting slab, polishing edges, making kitchen sink cut-out, delivering prefabricated pieces and installing new counter. Prepare to pay additional fees for removal and disposal of old countertop. Typically kitchen sink installation is a responsibility of a contractor who installs countertop, but connecting drains, installing garbage disposal and kitchen faucet will be calculated as separate charges.

Shopping for granite countertop shopping

Granite is one of the most expensive countertop materials, and homeowners who cannot afford to invest much into kitchen remodeling usually exclude natural stone from the list of options. Home improvement stores which selling stone countertops normally have a price-list per square foot including or excluding labor expenses and significant discounts are not very common. But there is still ways to save on kitchen counter. Smaller local fabricators much more flexible with price and can offer much better deals. While shopping for granite do not be mislead with a cheapest price per square foot, but always discuss whether there are possible additional charges and fees.

Estimating installation time estimating-time

In-home work process normally doesn’t take long. Crew of three professional installers should be able to complete installation of a 45 – 50 square feet granite countertop in L-shape kitchen with a 12 – 15 sq ft kitchen island within 4 – 5 hours. It will normally include demolishing old laminated countertop, installing new 1 1/4” thick granite, undermount kitchen sink, drill certain diameter holes for kitchen faucet and apply sealer on countertop surface.

If the installation is a half day project, fabrication might take longer. In case the desired color slab is available in stock, installation typically will be scheduled in 3 – 4 days after taking measurements. It might take longer if the slab has to be ordered from other warehouse or purchased from a distributor.

Work complexity work-complexity

Granite countertop installation is not a do it yourself project and even a handy homeowners should think twice before considering cutting labor expenses and trying to install it by self. It is very heavy - one square foot of 1 1/4" thick granite weight about 18 lbs and depending on kitchen layout 1 piece can easily exceed 200 lbs. Special equipment should be used for transportation. Even though, granite is one of the most durable materials for kitchen countertops improper installation can cause significant reduction in the lifespan and cracks might develop overtime. Unprofessionally connected pieces will make seams look far away from any expectations.

It is not typical to order granite countertop for pickup. Local fabricators, contractors and home improvement retailers offer a full service from getting measurements to installing a new stone kitchen counter.

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