Calculating marble kitchen countertop installation expenses |
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How much does it cost to install marble countertop? Cost of marble kitchen countertop installation defined by number of factors and total expenditures primary depend on marble slab prices and labor cost to complete the work. But calculating total expenses for getting new kitchen countertop installed number of additional factors should be taken into account. After detailed measurements during in-home inspection contractor will calculate the cost based on work complexity. All charges and fees associated with marble countertop fabrication, delivery and installation as well as materials expenses will be reflected in itemized estimate. Estimating marble countertop installation cost
Marble color and country of origin will determine the cost at a first place. Actual price will depend on what fabricator spent on purchasing a marble slab. Prices of stone per square foot are not constant and can be adjusted within a year a few times. All marble colors normally divided into groups with certain price range. To generate more sales local fabricator can offer discounts on any type of marble. Kitchen size and shape is also matter. Marble slabs about 50 sq ft each and if it will be possible to cut a countertop from a slab(s) with minimum waste the cost will decrease.
Cost of labor while estimating installation expenses for marble countertop will be affected by three main aspects: fabrication, delivery and actual in-home installation. Every contractor will price the work differently, but excluding materials costs there are charges for cutting slab, polishing and creating desire edge profile, making kitchen sink cut-out, delivering pieces and installing new counter. Additional fees might be for removal and disposal of an old countertop. Installers normally mount a kitchen sink, but connecting drains, installing a garbage disposal and kitchen faucet will be calculated as separate charges.
Marble is one of the most expensive materials used for kitchen countertops, and homeowners who cannot afford to invest much into kitchen remodeling usually exclude natural stone from the list of options. Home improvement stores which specialize in 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 reduce the expenses while still consider marble as a counter material for kitchen. Smaller local fabricators are more flexible with price and can offer much better deals especially on popular stone which they carry in stock and purchase from distributors in larger order sizes. While shopping for marble make sure you clarify what is included in the price per square foot, and always discuss what possible additional charges and fees might be for. Even though, marble is one of the most beautiful natural stone it might not be the best option for kitchen countertop. Because of porous natural marble can be stained and it is susceptible to scratches.
Crew of four installers should be able to complete installation of a 45 – 60 square feet marble countertop in U-shape kitchen with a 14 – 16 sq ft kitchen island for about 5 – 6 hours. It will normally include demolishing of an old laminated countertop, installing new 1 1/4” thick solid marble, drilling certain diameter holes for kitchen faucet, installing an undermount kitchen sink and apply sealer on the countertop surface. While in-home installation is a half day project, fabrication or even ordering desire color might take longer. If the slab is available in stock, installation typically will be scheduled in 3 – 4 days after taking measurements. Additional couple days will be necessary if the marble slab has to be delivered from other warehouse or purchased from a distributor.
Marble countertop installation is not a do it yourself project and cutting labor expenses by trying to install it by self is not the best idea. Because of weight and possibility of cracks, special equipment should be used for transportation. Poor installation can cause significant reduction in marble countertop lifespan and cracks might develop overtime. Seams might look far away from any expectations if pieces of marble will be connected improperly. Contractors, home improvement retailers as well as stone countertop fabricators offer a full service from getting measurements to installing a new kitchen counter. |
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