Q: What is a template?

A: A template is a pattern made of your future countertops that will be used to produce your countertop to your specifications.  We template using a Digital Laser Templating System.  48 hours after your template, shop sheets are available for your review and approval.

Q: Do I need to be there during the measure / templating of the countertops?

A: Yes. The customer must be present during this process to review items such as seam locations, overhangs, radius corners, and other such issues which commonly arise. You will be asked to sign the drawing of your countertops which will indicate the approximate location of the seams and other specific information of your project.

The appointment to template is the last chance to make changes to the original order.  Changes must be made in writing and either faxed or emailed to your Project/Sales Coordinator.

Q: Do I need to have the existing countertops removed prior to the templating date?

A: Not always. Walls are rarely straight, and corners are rarely square.  To ensure the highest degree of accuracy, we prefer your existing countertops be removed.   However, Southeast Stone recognizes that being without a working kitchen for several weeks would be very difficult. Although it is more accurate to measure with the existing countertops removed it is not mandatory. However, occasionally the templater will not see something that becomes visible after the existing tops are removed. This may mean that a piece has to be remade or reworked. No financial compensation will be given due to delays in installation caused by measuring issues.

Q: What other items do I need to know prior to templating?

A:

• Final pricing will be based on actual field measurements and conditions.

• Granite, Marble, Quartz & Natural Stone are high-end countertop selections with certain colors and slabs costing thousands of dollars. For this reason, installed countertop pricing may vary based on material yield and number of slabs required.  Southeast Stone cannot and will not be responsible for slab overages based on having to cut extra slabs to complete installation.  Confirm all pricing after template and slab selection/layout.
• Undermount sinks, faucets, and cook tops MUST be onsite during templating.

• Farm or apron sinks must be mounted in their final location prior to templating.

• It is the CUSTOMER'S responsibility to make sure the sink, faucet, cook top, and down draft fit into their respective cabinets.

• Cabinets must be fully installed including finished panels prior to the template. No finished panels may be added after the template has been made.

• Existing countertops should be cleared of items which may interfere with the measuring process.

• Overhangs at the cabinet are designed to cover or hide inconsistencies of the cabinets. Overhangs will vary slightly over the length of the tops.

• Gaps behind the splashes and the tops are caused by irregularities in the walls. Southeast Stone will not caulk any gaps between the walls and the granite.

• Some of the walls are bowed and inconsistent. No wall is perfectly straight. There will be areas where small gaps are visible. The size of these gaps is determined by the severity of the bows in the walls. Countertops cannot be scribed in an attempt to follow the irregularity of any wall. Countertops will not be replaced due to gaps between the walls and the countertops.

• Caulking is done where stone meets stone. We caulk the top splash to the wall and the ends.

• Standard backsplash height is 4”. Southeast Stone will not be responsible if the backsplash does not cover paint or wallpaper lines. It is the customer’s responsibility to have electrical outlets moved up or down to miss or fall within splash. This should be done prior to templating.

• Southeast Stone will install a metal strip for your dishwasher attachment so your appliance company can attach your dishwasher. Should a dishwasher become unattached at a later date it will be the responsibility of the homeowner to correct.

• Undermount sinks may be reconnected 24 hours after installation of the new countertops. Reattaching the plumbing before the sink has had time to set may result in the sink moving or dropping. If this occurs it will be the homeowner’s responsibility to correct.

• The tear out and installation of countertops is a MAJOR construction process. Cook tops and surface sinks will be cut in place, inside the home to avoid breakage. THERE WILL BE SIGNIFICANT DUST CREATED DURING THIS PROCESS. Owners should remove or protect any items left under the cabinets. You should turn off your ac / heat. You may also want to drape or cover the construction area to reduce the amount of dust and debris that reaches other areas. Construction site will be left broom clean. Dust will continue to settle for several hours after the installation has been completed. This cleanup will be the responsibility of the homeowner.

• Mirrors in bathrooms that are permanently affixed to the wall and rest on or within 1" of the existing backsplash or countertop must be removed prior to the tear out of the existing tops. Any damage to mirrors or cabinetry not removed will be the responsibility of the homeowner.

• Templates, Installers or service technicians are not expected to move, install, adjust appliances or move furniture.

• Upper cabinets must be installed if the job requires a full height back splash. It will take 48-72 hours after the initial install for a Full Height Backsplash to be installed. We have to take measurements and fabricate backsplash after the initial countertops are installed for correct measuring. If you have under cabinet rim the return pieces need to be removed for proper measurement and to aid in the installation process. It is helpful to have a cabinet trim piece to cover any spaces between cabinet backsplash.

 

Q: Can I have Southeast Stone remove my existing countertops?

A: Yes. Southeast Stone offers this service. Please contact your sales consultant for pricing.

 

Q: When will the tear out/removal happen?

A: The tear out is normally done the same day of the installation. On rare occasions, especially with large tear outs, it may be done the day before. If this is required you will be notified in advance of the situation. The homeowner will be responsible for all plumbing, gas or electrical disconnects prior to the removal.

 

Q: What are some things I should know about the tear-out of my existing countertops?

A:

The removal of existing countertops and the installation of new countertops is a major construction process.  There will be minor damage to surrounding areas and some amount of dust and debris will be created.

The sink, faucets, and dishwasher will need to be disconnected prior to removing your old countertops.  Most homes have shut-off valves under the sink.  If your home does not have shut-off valves, a plumber should be contacted to have them installed.  A countertop installation may take a few days to complete and shut-off valves for kitchen faucets must be in place to avoid having the water completely shut off to your home during this process.

There will be some unavoidable minor damage, dust and debris done during the countertop installation process and tear out to surrounding walls, existing tiles, and possibly cabinets.  Countertop installers are not responsible for this damage.  This type of damage occurs with most installations and the customer should be prepared to make touchups and repairs once countertops are installed.

Southeast Stone will not discount, credit, or in any way reduce the price due to minor scratches or construction damage.

Q: Are my cabinets structurally sound enough to handle the weight of granite countertops?

A: Most cabinets can easily handle the weight of granite countertops. It is often not possible to assess cabinet problems prior to the removal of the existing tops. If significant problems are detected after the removal of the existing tops, either in structure or levelness, the installation of the new countertops may be delayed. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to have the cabinets repaired to within industry standards. If the installation must be rescheduled and a new appointment day is needed return trip charges will apply. Countertops can be shimmed and installed with out of level cabinets up to 1/4". Beyond 1/4" the cabinets must be repaired. Countertops sit directly on the cabinets and are held in place with silicone/acrylic caulk.

Q: What are some things I should know about the installation of my new granite countertops?

A:

• Owner or designated representative must be onsite during the entire installation process. Owner's representative must be able to make decisions on issues which may arise during this process. They will be required to sign the completion forms at the conclusion of the installation.

• All seams will be placed at the discretion of the fabricator. Every effort will be made to indicate the seam locations during the measure. The fabricator reserves the right to move seam locations as needed to cut around inclusions, cracks, or other major irregularities within the slab. No financial compensation will be given due to seam movement.

• When two pieces of granite are seamed together there may be slight differences in the thickness of the stones. This is very common. These areas will be "feathered" to blend the pieces together. This happens with roughly 80% of all installations.

• Cut outs for undermount sinks will be made to have overhang. This overhang reduces the risk of food particles collecting on the rim of the sink and molding. Overhangs WILL vary as no two bowls are exactly the same. Overhangs should be between 1/16" and 5/16".

• The installation process can create large amounts of dust. No one other than the installers should be in the immediate area of the work being done unless requested by the installer.

• It is the responsibility of the homeowner to provide a safe area for our installers to work. There will be many trips between the installation jobsite and the installation vehicle. The pathways should be clean and clear of debris as well as items of value such as statues, painting, vases, and other items which could inadvertently become damaged. Granite pieces are very heavy and difficult to maneuver. Children and animals should not be allowed near the jobsite. Homeowner should indicate what area is acceptable for use in cutting and staging material.

• The removal of existing countertops and the installation of new ones is a major construction process. There are often delays in projects such as these. Countertops can break during transportation or installation. It is important to understand that delays are possible. Granite required millions of years to achieve its natural beauty and Southeast Stone is committed to installing it correctly so that it may provide years of enjoyment in your home.

 

• Q: Some of the walls in my kitchen are bowed and inconsistent. Will the granite bend to follow this bow and conform to the wall? A: A: Granite is extremely rigid and cannot bend to follow the irregularities of walls. No wall is perfectly straight. There will be areas where small gaps are visible. The size of these gaps is determined by the severity of the bows in the walls. Southeast Stone will not caulk any gaps between the walls and the granite. Countertops cannot be scribed in an attempt to follow the irregularity of any wall. Countertops will not be replaced due to gaps between the walls and the countertops.

 

• Q: I would like to increase the overhang of my new granite countertops on my island to allow for bar stools. Can I do this?
• A: Unsupported overhang cannot exceed 1/3 of the supported top, to a maximum of 6" on 2cm material and 10" on 3cm material. Supports, such as corbels or brackets can be installed by the homeowner or contractor after the granite has been installed. Southeast Stone sells both wood and metal supports these situations.  Please discuss with your sales consultant and templator prior to fabrication.