Few home improvement projects surpass the excitement and dramatic change that comes from installing new countertops, especially if its granite or quartz. Luckily for you, making the design decisions is the hardest part. After you’ve finalized your countertop selections with our team, there are only a few steps required of you to be ready for our arrival.
Everyone wants an impeccable countertop installation so it’s best to leave it to the contractors.
But there are some things you can do as the homeowner to help things go smoothly. Here are some tips to prepare for your new countertops and always reach out to us with any specific questions.
Before the Install
Expending a little extra effort on preparation can help ensure your installation goes seamlessly. While it may seem obvious, it cannot be stressed enough that everyone is on the same page regarding materials, measurements, and any other project specific requests. Cutting and installing countertops is a complex and individualized task, meaning any miscommunications are not easily fixed.
The countertop fabricators at Wisconsin Granite Design in Oak Creek are pros that get it right.
Once those agreements are finalized, the physical preparation can begin. The universal first step is removal and disposal of the old countertops. While it is possible to DIY this step, we highly recommend enlisting professionals to avoid damage to your home or the structures that will support the new countertops.
You should also plan to have the water and appliances safely turned off to mitigate the potential for issues. While our installers are trained experts and the chance of mistakes are extremely slim, it’s a precautionary step that helps protect everyone involved.
Some homeowners try to limit post-installation cleanup needed by covering the area. For example, you can protect furniture with plastic, place tarps along the groups, and cover vents to keep the HVAC system from sucking up and distributing any debris. (Of course, our countertop team will also be prepared to clean-up the area upon completion).
Day of
You’ve finally made it to installation day! We do have a few final requests to prep the space before arrival. First and foremost, do one last check to confirm measurements and design choices match the agreed specifications.
Then, please check that the walkway between your driveway and the install area is clear of any bulky items, trip hazards, or belongings that may be easily damaged. For example, remove any fragile items such as vases that may be placed along the path.
And while we love animals, pets should be secured to avoid any accidental collisions that could result in disaster. Countertops are heavy and it can be hard to balance with a sweet pup trying to spring through your legs!
Follow-up maintenance
Once the crew has cleaned the space and answered your questions, it’s time for you to enjoy your new granite or quartz countertops! But you also need to regularly maintain them to keep them looking brand new, after all it’s a big investment. We will advise you on after-care specific to your chosen material, such as resealing granite or marble.
But there are some general guidelines to follow no matter what countertop material you’re having installed.
Address any spills immediately to prevent liquid from soaking in and potentially staining, particularly with beverages like red wine or dark coffee. Performing a daily wipe down removes food debris and any missed liquids that can cause mold or mildew to grow, especially in more porous materials like marble. It also starts a good routine to check for early signs of damage, such as chips, cracks, or separation that occurs at any seams that are present.
Finally, you can implement extra measures like placing hot pans on protective pads rather than directly on your new granite countertops. While many materials are highly heat resistant, some homeowners get extra peace of mind from taking these additional steps.
Oak Creek’s Countertop Installation Experts
Hopefully we have appeased any fears that your countertop installation will be a headache. With these few behind-the-scenes steps, you can be basking in the look of your new countertops before you know it. And we would love to be the team to help you meet your vision. Give Wisconsin Granite Design in Oak Creek a call today to get your project started!