FAQ

Q: I want to remodel my whole kitchen. Should I have my granite counter tops installed first, or last?

A: The rule of thumb in home remodeling is from the ceiling to the ground therefore we HIGHLY recommends that you proceed in this order: ceiling > wall > cabinets > countertops > flooring.

Q: How should I evaluate the quality of joints/seams?

A: Seams should be in compliance with annual guidelines set forth by the “Marble Institute of America,” which states that no seam should measure greater than 1/16 inch in width at any point of the seam. 
Buyer should also expect the seam to rise slightly above the granite surface.
 By nature, darker granite colors, such as black and green, will have more noticeable seams than lighter colors.
 Stones with naturally larger crystals will have more noticeable seams due to possible chipping during the cutting process. Imbedded crystalline minerals such as quartz are hard substrates to cut. Hence some granite will have tiny chips along seams where there used to be imbedded crystals.

Q: Should I expect color variation?

A: Stone is a natural material with inherent variations of color, pattern, and surface textures. Our customers have the opportunity to choose all applicable materials available from our inventory to help you best match your tastes with our current inventory.

Q: Do I need to have all appliances to be present at time of installation?

A: Yes. All appliances, such as sinks, stoves, cook tops, faucets, hoods, and microwaves MUST be present at the time of installation. However, these items do not need to be installed upon the arrival of our installers.

Q: How do I choose my sink?

A: Buyer must purchase a sink designed specifically to be used for granite counter tops. If you are uncertain, ask your sink dealer whether a sink is suitable for a granite countertop. All our sinks are intended from granite substrates.

Q: Can I reuse my existing sink?

A: Your existing undermount sink can never be reused with the new granite countertops. If you want an under-mount sink you must purchase one prior to installation. There is a small chance that a top-mount sink can be reused however it depends on the current conditions of that sink. Our installers will examine the topmount sink upon arrival and determine whether it can be reused. We recommend that the Buyer have a backup top mount sink, if the current top mount sink cannot be reused.

Q: Do you send your estimator to my house to measure my kitchen?

A: In order to give you an accurate pricing quote, all we need are the lengths and widths of the areas where you want to cover with granite counter tops on a drawing. Please visit our Layout page for more details.
 A representative will verify your measurements when working on your quote and will confirm your measurements on the first day of installation prior to any work. If any additional services or materials need to be included to complete the job, we will inform you prior to any cutting or fabrication.

Q: Do you reconnect gas lines, electricity and plumbing in my house?

A: No. we WILL NOT reconnect gas lines, electricity and plumbing, since we are not licensed in these areas. However, we WILL shut off the water before installations. Under no condition will we reconnect plumbing and gas. Please refrain from requesting this of our installers as we will not assume any responsibility if you do so.

Q: Do you reinstall the mirror above my vanity top?

A: No. Should a vanity have an existing mirror resting on top of the backsplash, we will attempt to remove the mirror at the customer’s request, but WILL NOT be liable should the mirror be damaged during the removal. We WILL NOT reinstall the mirror under any circumstance. Buyer MUST find a professional mirror company to reinstall the mirror.

Q: Can I perform the demolition of my old counter tops?

A: Yes. However, you need to perform the demolition in such a manner as to not directly affect the structural integrity of the existing cabinets. We will assess the condition of the cabinets prior to installation. Should we assess that the cabinets are not suitable for installation; we will work with you to reschedule an install date once the cabinets have been fixed to a satisfactory condition. The job site must be completely clear of all debris and the old backsplash must be completely removed.

Q: Do you repair drywall?

A: No. All walls adjacent to countertops and backsplashes should be leveled prior to installation. We are NOT responsible for leveling walls, repairing drywall, or touching up paint. The buyer may contract with a drywall specialist to repair any drywall imperfection prior to or after the installation of the granite. Warping in walls will create gaps between newly installed countertops/backsplashes and the wall. We are NOT responsible for repairing drywall damage resulting in the demolition. It is impossible to leave drywall and paint in perfect condition should existing counter tops be removed from a base wall. If the drywall repair is not significant, We will replace or fix the sheetrock. The buyer will be charged by deBeer Granite to fix the drywall. Drywall repair will consist of spackling holes and replacing damaged wall sections. We will not tape, smooth or finish the drywall. If the wall is not straight due to the frame, we will follow the frame. If the need for repair is significant, the Buyer needs to find a general contractor to repair the dry wall. Once fixed, the Buyer can call us to reschedule an install date. Should there be a gap over 1/2 inch wide between the cabinets and the wall directly behind them, there is a possibility that there will be a gap between the wall and the back of the granite countertops. This is due to the fact that the wall is not completely straight. The Buyer needs to fix the wall in order to ensure that there is no gap between the wall and the granite countertop. Should there be a gap less than 1/2 inch wide between the cabinets and the wall directly behind them, the installers may elect to slide the countertop out in order to compensate for the irregularities in the wall. This will cause a small void between the edge of the plywood and fabricated ends of the granite countertops. The void will not affect the structural integrity of the granite.

Q: I do understand granite installation creates lots of dust. What is the best way for dust control?

A: It will be a joint effort by we and our customers. We will use drop cloth to cover the flooring and base cabinets (if necessary) before demolition. This will help prevent dust from spreading in the kitchen and debris from damaging the flooring. The demolition process will create dust that cannot be avoided. Buyer should cover nearby furniture, and remove any items that could be damaged by dust. Our customers need also remove all drawers and kitchenware under the counter. On-site fabrication and installation creates significant levels of dust, debris, and waste water. We will make every effort to contain such pollution during the installation process but cannot guarantee a clean working site during the course of installation. We can guarantee that the job site will be left in a similar condition than it was immediately prior to the installation.

Q: What should I know about faucet hole drilling?

A: Included in your job is the allowance of up to four custom drilled holes for faucets, soap dispensers, air vents, etc. In order to ensure a perfect fit, our customers need to have ALL faucet pieces available at the time of installation. Our customers need to check if faucet pieces fit before the installer leaves the job site. The faucet threads must be able to accommodate 1 ¾ inch.

Q: What should I know about plywood and leveling?

A: By Georgia Building Code, if the cabinet is not level to within 1/4 inch in 8 feet, we WILL NOT be able to continue with the installation until the our customers resolves the issue.

Q: Can I install the plywood on my own?

A: Yes. You will need to use 5/8 inch plywood on regular cabinets and 3/4 inch plywood on European style cabinets. The plywood must be screwed to the cabinet tops. All cabinet surfaces must be completely level, especially where two separate pieces join together. The maximum level tolerance is 1/8 inch every 4 feet. You should NOT cut out the cook-top, sink, or faucet holes in the plywood prior to the granite installation. deBeer Granite installers will cut out the holes on site.

Q: What do I need to know about granite overhang?

A: If the kitchen design calls for an overhang LARGER THAN 6 INCHES, on an island, bar top, peninsula or countertop, we recommend that the customer install a metal support or wood bracket. We can install metal supports but not brackets. We will charge extra to install the metal supports.

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