Choosing natural stone for your counter tops, as simple as it may seem, has several considerations to keep in mind. Color, material, price tier, edge profiles, and usage are all part of the Selection Process.  Kasco Stone will be with you every step of the way to ensure that your visions become reality.  We have outlined below some of the steps necessary to transform your design ideas into a working piece of art!

GETTING AN ESTIMATE

• To start, we suggest that you get a quote for your project.
• Even if  you are in the process of getting new cabinetry  installed, it is best to begin planning your countertop installation at the same time or before.  Surprisingly, the stone countertop process requires a minimum two week lead time.  
• Getting a quote can be done at your home, if your cabinets are in place, or in our showroom (both free of charge).  If visiting our showroom, having a rough drawing of your layout will allow us to estimate your total square footage.  You may print out our Quick Quote Form to bring in, as well.  Actual square footage will be determined at Template (explained below) but this will give us and you a pretty good idea of price.
• Because our clients usually have no idea what stone they are interested in at this stage of the process, we will base your quote with an average price-ranged stone.
• Other than determining square footage, we will also measure linear footage.  The purpose of this is to determine how to calculate your edge profile.  The selection of the edge will help determine the proper overhang to give your counter tops. There is no right or wrong edge for your project; its just a matter of personal preference.  We offer three edges at no charge:  eased, micro bevel, and the round over.  Other edges such as full bull-nose, half bull-nose, demi bull-nose, ogee, beveled, and waterfall edges are available for an additional charge.  
• The final consideration in quoting your job is your sink selection, if applicable.  We offer a variety of quality kitchen, bar, and bathroom sinks to choose from at reasonable prices.  If you prefer purchasing your own sink, you can do so also, however, we will require the sink be on site on Template Day or brought to our shop prior to fabrication.
• So if after receiving your quote, you decide you would like to proceed, a 50% deposit (cash or check only) would be required to get on our schedule and reserve a fabrication/install date.

SELECTING YOUR MATERIAL

• Granite slabs are approximately 108"-128" long and 56"-72" high by 1 1/4" thick (3 cm) but can be thinner at 3/4” (2 cm) and weigh about 570 pound each.  When counter top parts are bigger than the slab’s length, it must be seamed. The average kitchen counter top has one or more seams. A colored epoxy or silicone is normally used to fill counter top seams but because of granite's natural shade variations the seams are not 100% invisible.
• Although variations give granite its natural beauty these same variations could cause disenchantment if you're looking for something that is going to be exactly the same throughout every piece. We strongly suggest that you choose your slab(s) in person.
• We have a small stock of slabs in-house (numerous remnants for vanities and mostly classic colors in full size slabs) but for most jobs, we recommend that our clients visit a granite stockyard.  
• We will provide you with a list of Granite Suppliers with whom we have established a relationship.  This will allow you the opportunity to personally see your slab(s).  We suggest that before making a final selection on natural stone, that you be prepared to accept its earthly beauty along with its natural variance.  
• You can ask the supplier to tag a specific slab(s), assuming you find one like, and this will assure that you get exactly what you wanted.  Please note, these suppliers will not provide you with material prices, but we will gladly give you a list of colors and their approximate prices in advance of your visit.  Once your selection is made, we will contact the supplier to arrange for delivery to our shop.

TEMPLATE

• Once your cabinets are set in place, if new ones are being installed, and all appliances/fixtures have been chosen, we can schedule a time to template.  Templating is when the actual measurements/dimensions of your countertops are taken.  This can be done with your old cabinets in place or on top of new cabinetry.  Templating at Kasco Stone is done digitally, in most cases, and the information collected is later transferred to our computer for layout of your job.  
• It is during Template that actual square footage is derived along with any final decisions regarding design element (rounding of your corners, bar width, etc.)  
• You should have on-site any fixtures which affect your countertop design (faucets, sinks, cook tops, tubs...)  These items may be collected at this time or you may be asked to provide us with the paper templates which are included in the shipping boxes of these items.  
• All final decisions and measurements are made at this time.  Any changes in measurements, edges, etc made after this time may alter your original quoted price.
• Kasco Stone maintains a minimum of five business days from Template to Install for all granite counter top orders.  This lead time does not begin until all final areas from above have been completed.  If there are any undecided issues with your order, the job cannot be completed.

INSTALLATION DAY

• Prior to installation, all base cabinetry must be cleared of their contents. This not only protects your personal items but also allows our installers to properly tidy up after installation.
• Access to the project area must be clear of any item that would affect the safe transportation of the countertop pieces to their final resting positions.  
• We strongly suggest keeping children, pets, as well as yourselves, from the work area during installation and allowing our installers to work with little interruption-our goal is to keep everyone safe..  
• We can disconnect plumbing and electrical but we are not licensed to reconnect.  The Installation Team will mount sinks and install cook-tops, without performing any hook-ups. Once the installation is complete, you should allow any adhesive to cure and use a professional to reconnect your new appliances.
• Where full backsplashes are being installed, under cabinetry lighting must be removed prior to splash installation.
• The Install Team will complete all stone installation, clean up the surrounding project area, and apply an initial coat of stone sealer to all natural surfaces.  
• We expect you to be on-site, or provide an authorized individual to certify that all installation work has been conducted to a satisfactory standard as final payment is due at this time.
• Once your appliances have been re-attached and connected by your qualified professional, we are sure you will enjoy your beautiful stone counters for many years to come!

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