If you’re facing a kitchen remodel and are looking to add granite countertops, your first concern may be cost.Granite can be costly, so it’s important that you shop around before settling on a solution.You don’t want to rush the process because you may end up spending more than you like. Overall, plan on spending between $40 and $60 per square foot.
Check out these tips to consider when buying granite kitchen countertops:
Do Your Homework
Granite kitchen countertops are everywhere: you’ll find them in big box stores, at countertop fabricators, in kitchen and bathroom design studios, and at other shops specializing in countertop materials. In order to get the best price, don’t settle on the first company you come across. Take your time, do your homework, and reach out to several companies. See what they have to offer and at what prices.
Ask friends and family who have recently undergone kitchen renovations where they got their countertops. Were they satisfied? If yes, why? If no, why? Get quotes from at least three different prices, then compare. Don’t be drawn in by dirt cheap prices, as this could signal sub part materials or a contractor without a license.
Buy Wholesale
As with any other part of your home remodel project, buying in bulk will save you money. This option will work if you have a large kitchen or you’re planning to do a fireplace surround of bathroom counters with granite as well.
Don’t Waste Material
In order to ensure a uniform countertop, you should buy the entire slab in one piece. This is a common practice, but often times, it leaves you with leftover materials. Don’t throw it away! You can use this stone in a multitude of ways, covering your backsplashes and sides of your kitchen island, or even as a flooring transition between your kitchen and dining room.
Visit Your Local Boneyard
Got a small kitchen? Is color consistency not really a big deal for you? No need to buy premium granite from a countertop store. Simply visit the local boneyard and get your countertops at a much lower cost. Boneyards are parts of stone yards where homeowners can return any stone slab leftovers they may have after a project.
Choose a Common Color
Granite countertops are much more affordable these days than they used to be, and it has a lot to do with improvements in manufacturing technology. However, granite countertops in rare colors are still quite expensive. To save money, go with more affordable colors, such as blacks and grays. When you get fancy with unique colors, veining, and patterns, you will spend a lot more.
Choose a Prefabricated Material
A prefabricated stone is one that has already been cut and polished – great for simple counters that don’t need a lot of cuts. These are available with three finished edges and a polished surface, and while they’re just as nice as new, they cost about half.
Buy Local
It’s wise to buy from a local supplier. When you purchase stone from a large national company or distant supplier, you must take on the shipping costs. These can get pretty steep, especially when coming from a different state. Buying local means you don’t have to pay much, if anything at all, for shipping. And when you place a large order, you can get it delivered at no cost.
Partner With Fabricators and Designers
Perhaps the best piece of advice we can offer is to partner with a local professional fabricator and installer of natural stone, like Granite Guy. We are a full-service company, meaning we design, supply materials, and install, saving you from having to hire many different people to achieve the same result. Plus, we’re local, with services throughout Boston and Central MA.
Contact Granite Guy
To visit our local indoor showroom and personally choose the perfect stone for your project, or to get a free estimate, contact us at 508-460-7900.