Countertops: Choosing a Fabricator vs. Big Box Store
We recently renovated our third fixer upper, and this was the first time I decided to use a fabricator over a big box store. I had a very custom vision for this kitchen, and after my prior experiences, I was concerned whether a big box store would be able to execute the details of my vision. In my prior experiences, I had to choose countertops based on a small in store sample, and I was really wanting to look at the whole slab this time. I looked up a few different countertop distributers and decided to go look in person. Once I was there, I realized what a difference it makes being able to see the whole slab as opposed to a tiny section of it, read more about the process choosing countertops here. Upon leaving the countertop distributer they asked an unfamiliar question to me, and it made me realize I was doing it wrong all along, “who is fabricating the countertops for you?”
We were young when we renovated our first house, and there was a financial component that played a big role in our decision making and design choices with that renovation. Big box stores offer project loans that can cover multiple parts of the renovation including cabinets, countertops, floors, etc, and that is something that we needed at the time. Our second renovation we chose a big box store due to comfortability in the process. This simple question that was asked stopped me in my tracks, and I responded with “I am not sure yet, who do you recommend?”
I wanted to dive into a few key points to think about when you are choosing where to get countertops from for your renovation project that we learned during this last renovation.
Why choose a fabricator for your stone project?
Customization: working directly with the fabricator opens up the opportunity to truly customize every detail of the project for a truly unique end-product.
Communication: there is so much benefit to working directly with the company that is actually going to do the work.
Knowledge and expertise: a fabricator is a tradesmen, and is very knowledgeable in the industry. It is a craft that takes dedicated time and practice in the field to learn before it can be done with skill. A fabricator is able to share trade knowledge with you including latest products, techniques and styles, and pros and cons to certain details to better customize your project to fit your needs.
Better bang for your buck: you are working directly with the fabricator, and therefore taking out the middle man; you dollar can stretch further.
Supporting small business: you are not only helping to support a small business and your local economy, but smaller companies also have a lot more to lose if a customer is not satisfied with the end product so they really go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction from my experience (and speaking from experience watching Brian for all of these years in his hardscaping business).
Scheduling flexibility: a smaller company may have less backlog and greater control over their workflow and availability, meaning your project may get done more quickly.
How does this compare to a big box store?
Limited options & customization: you typically get to choose from a small offering of stone choices, colors, edge profiles, etc. with little to no flexibility.
Communication: is it just me, or is communication with the big box stores terrible. It is so hard (and time consuming) to get in touch with the person you need, and then once you do, you have to hope that the correct message makes its way to the fabricator who does the work.
No vetting process: the big box store subcontracts the fabrication and installation of the stone, and you do not know if the company is reputable or offers quality workmanship.
Less bang for your buck: when more people are involved, you may actually be getting less for your money in the end as compared to taking the middle man out.
You’re just a number: you lose the individualized attention that can lead to poor customer experience.
The waiting process: a large retailer has a greater volume of work that needs to be communicated and coordinated with the subcontractor(s) availability, often leaving you with a longer project wait time.
Choosing a fabricator
If I have convinced you to look into a fabricator for the next stone project in your renovation, I want to touch on a few things that I find important in choosing a fabricator for your job.
Reputation: Has anyone you know used them and what was their experience? Do they have online representation? Can you view their work? And what are people saying about them online/ social media?
Communication: when you decide to reach out to a company, how long did it take them to respond? Did they seem to ask appropriate questions and display interest in you and your needs? When arranging the details of the project, are they clearly communicating with you?
Customization: does the company have distributers that they work with often and are you able to go look at and choose specific slabs? This is especially important if choosing natural stone options like marble, granite, soapstone, etc., because slabs can vary significantly slab to slab. Are there options for edge detailing? Does the company take the time to plan out the slab cutting to have the least amount of seams? If the stone you choose has detailing like veining, are they mindful of how they cut and arrange the stone in your specific area?
Pricing: how are they pricing their work, by the slab + labor or by total square feet? If they price per square foot, ask what is included in that pricing. Are their any potential additional charges, fees for extra cut outs like faucet holes, countertop edge profiles, etc. How long is the estimate good for if not making a decision right away? What type of warranty do they offer after installation?
Red flags: cash only requirements, asking for a down payment that is more than 50% of the actual job cost.
I hope you find this helpful as you navigate your own renovation project. I have to say, we will only work directly with a fabricator now with any future renovation projects! If you are local to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, we cannot recommend Set In Stone Creations enough- they are professional, family owned and operated, and knowledgeable with incredible attention to detail. They made the whole process so easy for us, and it was done so quickly!
