Selecting and istalling a granite countertop is not as simple as selecting a manmade material. Knowing what to expect will ensure that you get what you pay for and that the project turns out fine. On the positive side- you won't have to dlo this for a long time to come.

Granite countertops are installed through a process that takes several steps:

1. Getting an estimate.
2. Drawing a layout or templating.
3. Picking out the right granite for your counters.
4. Fabrication or cutting the pieces.
5. Cleaning/preparing your kitchen and finally.
6. Initial inspection
7. Installation
8. Final inspection

You can work with your granite counters tech to decide on the counters layout, overhangs, and seams. You shall decide on the color of granite you would like to use for your granite counters. Every slab of granite comes with a certain pattern or grain. When choosing from multiple slabs of granite you can point out that all of the waves in the patterns match up. If you are installing yourself, you must carefully match these pieces to flow correctly in your kitchen. If you don't then the completed project might look strange. Sometimes, it's best to choose a granite that does not have a wavy pattern. If you are having a professional install your granite counters, you should work with him or her to agree on the best series of slabs for your kitchen area.

You may make the counters template on your granite slab before the slabs are cut. When you meet with your installation tech (or the next step in your do it yourself preparations) you will be undergoing the measurement process. Your existing counters must remain completely free of appliances and other items in order to get a precise reading. Granite measurements must be correct to the furthest degree. During this time, the layout, overhangs, sink and stove drop in options will be discussed, and you will decide what other accessories are going to be involved in this installation.

When are granite countertops installed?
If you are going to have new cabinets and new appliances installed, you must make arrangements for these to be done first. Granite countertops are often the last step in renovating your kitchen. After installing the granite some touch up of walls may be needed so save the extra paint from your kitchen. Last of all, before the installation day arrives, your installation tech is going to ask you to remove all of the wall hangings and loose items from your kitchen cabinets so the work can go smoothly and your pots will not get dusty.Sometime the installer will have to smooth out edges right in your kitchen if the piece is too heavy to carry outside. It is best to seal off the kitchen and turn off the heat and AC to keep any dust from circulating through the entire house.

The installer may even ask you to clear the way from the entrance to kitchen, as some countertops pieces may be quite large. Sink cutouts for undermount sinks are cut in the granite shop, but if you have a cooktop the installers will make a cutout at the job site. That will prevent breakage of granite during transport. Be sure to read the information that the granite shop is providing to ease the installation process.

Speak up if something does not look right
Some times mistakes are made and order get mixed up. Sometime fabricators switch pieces. Go out by the truck and look at the pieces, if something is not right-- a crack, a black spot that was not there before or the color is off from what you choose, the edge is not right (you specified bull nose and you got pencil edge) then Speak Up. Don't allow the installation to proceed. The causes of the above may be damage during transport or from loading and unloading the slabs. Then again, the fabricator might just get the order mixed up. Bottom line--- don't allow the installation to proceed. We actually had this happen on some bathroom marble tops we ordered. There was a big black spot on each finished piece. Obviously these were switched by the fabricator. Of course we no longer do business with that company and eventually got what we wanted by complaining. 

Before you sign off on the completed job, check the counters carefully and make sure you are fully satisfied. The countertop should be level. Especially check for any chips and edge polish. Run your hand lover th edge to do this. Also check the seams and make sure they are tight before the installers set the pieces with adhesive in place. Finally, stand back and deternine if things look right. 

The installation crew is there to finish the job and they can fix most of the problems while they are still there. After they are gone it may be difficult to determine the cause of any chip or scratch. Usually the granite is sealed in the shop and then again right after installation. Make sure you keep sealing your granite once a year to preserve it and make it look like new. For more information please visit: www.FactoryPlaza.com