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How It Works

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be part of your project! To help with the understanding of HOW THE PROCESS WORKS we have put together the following overview of the general sequence of events for a typical project. Most projects will have the following steps: the initial pricing, agreement to proceed, material selection, templating, slab layout, fabrication, tear out & installation. As all projects differ some of the information below may not be necessary for your project or alternatively, additional steps not mentioned here will be necessary. Still having questions? – Please feel free to ask any of our staff for help.

    Confirmation to Proceed

    Once the estimate has been accepted we will send a E-contract for your review & signature before we proceed with the project. Please review the contract carefully, initial the terms & conditions, confirm the layout on the shop drawing then sign the contract. We will look for a deposit on or before the agreed template date. The deposit payment can be provided online in our payment portal or in person with a check, credit card, or ACH. Our operations Manager will then be in touch to arrange the dates with you for the template, tear-out & installation.

      Stone Machine cutting slab

      Material Selection

      A critical part of your project is the material to be used. We generally prefer that all final slab or tile color selections have been made prior to the template date. If natural stone is part of your project we will need you to make the final slab selection & sign off for this material. Please refer to our supplier list for information on where to select slabs if not using our stock material. If a quartz product has been selected, then a slab selection is not normally required, our showroom has on display most major brands of quartz for your convenience.

        Template

        A template is when we make field measurements for your project as well as review all details. We will require that a responsible party 18 years or older be present who can review and sign off on all the details. To help us do the best job possible we ask that you have cleared your countertops of all objects. Typically we use a laser template machine to create a digital image of your cabinets/walls. The template process can take one or more hours to complete depending on the size of your project and complexity. During our template visit, we will also review:

        All sinks/cooktops/faucets are checked for compatibility & fit so we request that these items be on site for the template, if these items are not on site this can delay the process. In some cases, we may take these items back to our shop for review during the fabrication process. If your project includes a farm-style sink, then the sink must be dry fit in place with proper supports prior to the template date. Any large appliances that will but against new countertops must be in place.

        Cabinets are checked for a flat, level & secured to the wall configuration, and if any adjustments are required prior to the countertop installation we will let you know. If you are installing new cabinets then all cabinets & end panels must be 100% installed prior to the template date.
        Overhangs, radius edges, or any other details will be discussed & agreed to with our sales staff. Edge profiles are selected with your salesperson.
        General seam placement will be discussed with our sales staff and or fabrication staff. However, our fabrication team will make the final determination as to the location of any seams. That being said we strongly encourage you the customer to be a part of this process to help you understand the reasoning behind the seam location placement and overall pattern arrangement, We welcome questions…

        If after our field template, there have been significant changes to the countertop square footage or changes to other details from the original quote our sales staff will be in touch with information on any additional cost adds or deductions.

        Under some circumstances, our techs may request an additional visit to the project to confirm the physical template fit on the cabinets. Please note that after the template has been completed if there are changes to your project there may be additional charges and/or delays to your project.

          Workers cutting slab

          Slab Layout

          Any natural stone or quartz material that contains flow, movement, or veining will need a layout sign-off approval. We recommend a visit to our workshop as the best opportunity to see all the features of the slabs. Alternatively, we can do the layout and have an approval request sent to you via email. This layout usually will take place 1-3 days following our field template date, our CNC tech will contact you to arrange the date & method for this layout.

            Fabrication

            Before any fabrication can begin all the above must be completed. Depending on the size and complexity of your project the fabrication time can be 7 or more business days.

              Tear Out

              If we have been contracted to remove & dispose of your existing counter materials this demo will take place on the same day as the installation of your new countertops (If there are any complications during the disconnect such as leaks or frozen valve stops we require that your plumber take care of these items). The tear-out can sometimes produce noise, dust & debris. We recommend that base cabinets be emptied or the interior contents covered, Sink cabinets must be completely emptied. Drywall damage can occur especially during the demo of the backsplash. Our installers will take every precaution to minimize any dust during the tear-out. (William Stone & Tile will not be responsible for any residual dust from the tear out).

                Installation & Job Completion

                At the time of installation, we ask that you clear the work area of any objects and clear a path to allow our installers to bring the new countertops into the project area. Depending on what your installation includes this process can produce dust, noise, heavy traffic thru the work area & strong smells. Please keep children & pets out of the work area during the installation process. Please arrange any plumbing, gas, or electrical reconnections for the day following the countertop installation. When completed our installers will remove all installation related debris and return the work area to broom-clean condition, some residual dust can result even though our installers are equipped to catch most of it. (William Stone & Tile will not be responsible for any residual dust resulting from the installation process). Natural stone countertops will be sealed after the installation. Depending on the size of your project the installation can take a half day to a full day or in some cases multiple days.

                  Final Inspection By The Customer

                  Your inspection of the finished job is very important! Please take a moment with our install team to inspect your new installation. Besides a visual inspection, we encourage you to run your hand over the surfaces & edges and check caulk joints and seams. Please bring up any concerns with our installers so they can be addressed at the time of installation. A responsible party 18 years of age or older must be present during the installation and available for a walk-through sign-off at the completion of the project. Upon completion, the final balance is due & can be paid directly to our install team or called in. You will also be given a Care & Maintenance brochure so be sure to read through it prior to using your countertops.