Countertop Installation Process

Easy A-B-C Process

Elite Design Granite K&B LLC wants you to understand the details of the countertop process, so we prepared this page. This will help you know what to expect throughout the process. Additionally, we will gladly answer any questions you may have, just call (201) 704-9644.

A. Estimate

Measure the width, length, and depth of the countertops and e-mail your measurements to us. We need dimensions and the rough layout of your kitchen. With a simple drawing and measurements, including your sink, your cooking surface, and backsplash, we can provide you with the most accurate written estimate possible.

If you do not need a granite backsplash and are doing tile just let us know. This helps to give us a realistic idea of what your countertops will cost. This price will be subject to change after template, depending on your final measurements and material selections.

The more detailed the drawing – the more accurate your initial estimate will be. Also, please visit our stone yard- we will help you choose the countertop material that is right for you.

B. Scheduling a Template

Once you have received an estimate from us and have made your final decisions on the details, we will schedule a template date. What is the template? A template is an exact pattern-insuring a precise fit for your custom countertops. The template crew comes to your home to create the template. The same day we measure, we could begin the fabrication process. That is why we need to have all the final details in place before the template.

PRE-TEMPLATE CHECKLIST

• Countertops cleared
• Have sink
• Have faucet
• Have cooktop and downdraft, or stove on site. Check your cooktop/ downdraft combination to be sure it will fit in your cabinet. They rarely fit in the standard 24” cabinet against the wall.
• Cabinets are completely set in place and LEVEL*
• Old countertops have to be removed in most cases
• 40% deposit (if we have all the details set and a deposit, we can start fabricating on the same day.)

* Cabinets include end panels, refrigerator panels, decorative doors, drawer pulls, panels and any other item that will affect the shape or overhang of your countertops.



** We want to get the best possible fit to the wall if you choose to have no backsplash or a low profile backsplash. We will call you the day before your scheduled template date to confirm your appointment please advise us at this time if you will not be ready, as we will need to reschedule. Any changes made after this point may result in a delay in your project and could incur additional charges.

IMPORTANT:

All appliances that will be placed in the countertop (including sink, faucet, cooktop, downdraft and accessories) MUST be on site at time of template. Other appliances including dishwashers and refrigerators should be on site to insure proper countertop measurement.

Post Template Wrap-Up

Corbels, brackets, or steel supports may be required where countertops extend beyond the cabinet. All supporting structures (e.g. cabinets, columns, pedestals, etc.) must be installed prior to time of templating (except for corbels). Corbels should be on site for templating and installed as soon as possible after we install your countertops.

C. The Installation

Our process takes from 3-5 business days from the time that we have a deposit and picked out slabs. You will receive a 3 hour window of when our technicians will arrive with your countertops. The installation typically takes 2-4 hours.

PRE-INSTALLATION CHECKLIST:

• Have sink
• Have faucet
• Old countertop removed
• Items in lower cabinets removed to protect them
• Have cooktop and downdraft, or slide in stove on site.
• Schedule plumber to reconnect plumbing the next day after installation
• Schedule hook up of stove or gas after install

A WORD ABOUT SEAMS

It is our philosophy to have as few seams as possible and to give utmost consideration to the placement of seams. Input from the customer on seam placement is welcomed. We will attempt to accommodate the customer's wishes where possible.

Some factors that inform seam location:

• Size of countertop
• Layout of the project
• Consideration of WEIGHT, HANDLING, LOCATION LOGISTICS of moving pieces into your home (size of doors, elevators, hallways, etc.).

SINKS

Elite Design Granite K&B LLC's standard procedure for undermount sinks is to have a 1/8" to 1/4" overhang on the bowl, this is called a negative reveal. Deviation from this standard procedure if requested by the customer requires a signed request for custom labor. Aesthetics, hygiene and engineering factors are the reasons for standard negative reveal installation.

** Schedule your plumber's appointment for the day after your countertop installation in order to allow the adhesives to set.

The Manufacturing Process

Remove Old Countertops

Elite Design Granite K&B LLC can remove your old countertops and dispose of them for an additional cost. Please ask us to include this in your quotation. If you purchase removal services of countertops from us, we will remove and haul away your old countertops. We will not tear out remove or dispose of any of the tile backsplash, appliances, cabinets, etc., nor disconnect your gas.

If we are removing your existing countertops, you will need to have the cook top disconnected prior to our arrival. Our service does not include repair or replacement of moldings and trim that are affected by the tear-out or installation of the new countertops.
We are not responsible for any gas, plumbing or electrical work required to complete the installation of your new countertops.

Although rare, unforeseen conditions can appear as tear-out is completed. You will be notified immediately if any of these are discovered. Elite Design Granite K&B LLC does not provide any additional labor needed to repair your cabinets or walls.

If you have existing countertops and have not paid Elite Design Granite K&B LLC for removal, please be sure to have all work completed prior to our arrival for new countertop installation.

Miscellaneous