Choosing to install natural stone in your home is a big step. You are investing time and money in your home. To ensure your project has a beautiful finish, choose a quality natural stone fabricator. One with experience and high-quality craftsmanship can improve the look of the natural stone, while others can ruin the appearance of a quality slab. Research can be overwhelming, and you may not know where to start. Here is a simple guide to begin your search and ensure your project is in the right hands.
What is a Stone Fabricator?
In short, they take a rough granite slab and turn it into a finished product. They are crucial to any natural stone design project, turning the stone of your choice into countertops, cladding, or whatever you can dream up for your home. It is imperative to find trusted industry professionals to make sure your vision becomes a reality.
Do More Than a Google Search
Starting with a quick online search is the best way to get a list of fabricators in your area. Search something like “granite fabricators in Denver” and go from there. The information on their website, or lack thereof, can tell you a lot about who they are.
- Time in the Business: Everyone has to start somewhere, but it takes time and experience to become an expert natural stone fabricator. One with fewer years of experience may be the right person for your project, but be sure they have completed plenty of previous projects with your stone of choice.
- Check Their Affiliations: Fabricators with professional affiliations show their effort to be up to date on best practices and continue to improve their craft. They may collaborate with specific brands for quality reasons, so research any brands they work with exclusively.
- Identify Their Typical Clients: Most fabricators have a mix of commercial and residential clients. If they work on commercial projects primarily, they may take a more cookie-cutter approach to your more customized project. Check their website for testimonials and reviews on various business recommendation pages.
- Look for Pictures: They should have some form of a portfolio on their site of previous projects. See if they have pictures of similar projects and your stone type.
Check Out Their Facilities
They should have a slab yard or showroom, which is more than a convenience for buyers. Inventory is a financial investment for the fabricator, showing their stability, investment in their customers, and good relationship with their vendors. Make sure to have a list of prepared questions specific to your project. Ask about their insurance policies for installation and product warranties. They should have their professional license on display or be willing to show you on upon request.
Bring example pictures of your project so they know what you would like. They should be able to provide previous examples, references, and pictures to show they are up to the task. Someone just looking for the fees will promise they can do the job, but a fabricator with experience will take the time to hear what you are looking for and provide the necessary evidence to earn your trust and business.
Remember, The Best Deal Rarely Is
Your final question should be about price. It does influence your decision, but it shouldn’t be the top factor. Competitive pricing is standard, but you are paying for more than just the time spent on your project; You are paying for the years of training and experience to ensure your project looks beautiful for many years. The cheapest bid may not always be the best for you. If you find someone quoting a price that sounds too good to be true, it typically is. Natural stone is an investment in your home, and a fabricator can make it worth it or ruin it before it’s even in your house.
Go With Your Gut
Ultimately, you aren’t looking for the number one fabricator in your area, although that can’t hurt. You are looking for the best fabricator for you and your home. After meeting, you should feel like you can trust them. Clear communication, in whichever form, will prevent mishaps further into the project. You should feel good about choosing them to work on a focal point in your home. If you feel uneasy after the initial bid, keep looking.
You have the vision to improve your home with natural stone, and your chosen fabricator will bring it to life. You will have to live with their work, good or bad, for as long as you live there. You want the job done right the first time. Follow these guidelines for choosing the right fabricator to set up your natural stone project for success.
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Are you planning to install a natural stone in your home? This is a big step that requires only the best natural stone fabricator. Anyone who is in the position of finding a fabricator for such a project can feel lost and pressured, not knowing where to start looking. No need to worry anymore. With this simple guide, you can find a fabricator suitable for your project.