Some problems that may be caused by poor countertop installation are:
- Countertop cracks: Although countertop cracks may occur in the sink area due to continuous moisture in that area, some cracks actually occur during installation. Most countertop materials are prone to cracks if not properly handled. Note that a crack may also be a symptom of a larger problem.
- Granite piece mismatch: Installing countertops requires extra attention as failure to do this can lead to the slabs being placed wrongly, leading to a mismatch. This will disfigure the design of the countertop and make it look unattractive.
- Extra-visible or uneven countertop seam or caulk: An expert countertop installer is expected to leave an inconspicuous and even countertop seam, but if not properly fixed, the seam will be bumpy, extra-visible seam, and will totally diminish the look of the countertop.
- Heat and sun damage: This occurs when the wrong material is used for a countertop project that will most times be exposed to heat or sun. However, there are some heat-resistant materials, therefore, ensure you seek advice from an experienced professional countertop installer before choosing a material.
How Much Does Countertop Installation Cost?
The cost of countertop installation varies between $1,859 and $4,149, depending on the size of the project. Some materials are more costly than others, hence, the type of material to be used may also affect the cost. Countertop installers may charge per hour or by area or volume. The costs range from $15 to $70 per sq. foot for the countertop material and $10 to $30 per sq. foot for labor, for a total of $25 to $120 per sq. foot. Countertop materials cost between $1 and $190 per sq. foot, with an average of $15 to $70 per sq. foot.
Listed below are some of the average installation costs:
Costs of countertop materials include:
Other associated costs include:
What are the Factors that Affect the Cost of Countertop Installation?
The cost of countertop installation is mostly determined by the materials used and the size of the project. However, other factors may also influence the cost of a countertop installation, such as:
What Qualifications Should a Countertop Installer Have?
A high school diploma or equivalent is sufficient qualification to start out in the countertop installation trade. Countertop installers typically learn the trade through apprenticeship and on-the-job experience. Apprentices learn skills like blueprint reading, design specifications interpretation, mathematics for measurement, building code requirements, and safety and first-aid practices. At the completion of apprenticeship, the technician may seek further training to ascertain the mastery of advanced skills with industry-leading institutions and manufacturers of countertop materials. Some of these advanced skills relevant to countertop installation include woodwork, stone cutting techniques, and plumbing. Inquiring about your installer's technical educational background helps determine their qualifications to handle your job.
Do I need a Countertop Installer or a Handyman?
The complexity of measuring and cutting skills required to perfectly install stone or other material countertops is one key reason to involve only a specialist. Secondly, countertop materials are quite expensive, hence, replacement cost due to mistakes will significantly impact the total installation expense. Most countertop materials such as soapstone and granite are fragile and can break or crack easily if they are installed incorrectly. Also, Handymen are not trained to pay attention to sealing or lamination and failure to do this appropriately will lead to quick damage or deteriorate your countertops.
Furthermore, a handyman's insurance policy may not cover for damages suffered on your project. Hence, you remain liable for property damage and medical bills for injuries suffered as a result of your project. Also, note that handymen, being jack of all trades, may not be conversant with the industry laid-out countertop installation standards.
What are Common Post Countertop Installation Expenses?
Basic countertop installations typically do not require any additional expenses after installation, as professional contractors properly clean up the finished work, leaving a flawless finish. However, for some, you may need to pay to remove and haul away the old material, move or replace any plumbing pipes, or rewire fitted appliances. Note that additional expenses are mostly covered by the client, except if the initial agreement with the contractor states otherwise.
Does Homeowner Insurance Cover Countertop Installation Problems?
Homeowner insurance provides indemnity in the event of accidental damage or loss to your property. However, a standard homeowner insurance does not cover damages caused by natural disasters like earthquakes, storms, floods, or routine wear and tear. Therefore, countertop installation problems that arise from a natural cause may not be compensated. A homeowner insurance policy only covers structural damages caused by vandalism, explosions, theft, or any other disaster listed in the policy.
Ensure to carefully read through your homeowner insurance terms and conditions to understand the extent of coverage, although in most cases, the extent of coverage is determined by the type of material used for the countertop installation and the age of the house.
Can I Use Digital Payment to Pay For Countertop Installation Services?
Yes, you can use digital payment to pay for countertop installation services. Like most small businesses today, more countertop installation contractors near you would accept bank transfers or eWallet or credit card payments as preferred options compared to cash. Electronic payments facilitate easy receipt and record keeping. However, it is important to note that not all countertop installers may accept digital payment services. Hence, if you intend to use a digital payment method, ensure to inform the countertop before hiring them.