Countertop Installation Checklist These tips will make your countertop installation as smooth and easy as possible. They run in chronological sequence from in-home measurement to final installation. Please note that countertops are usually installed at the end of any remodeling, so if you are purchasing new flooring, appliances or cabinets, those things should be installed first. Counter Top Selection Bring in the measurements from your existent countertop to our store or fax it, and we will assist you in selection the right countertop material for your needs and budget. Make sure you bring in any design ideas for any layout changes or additions your are considering. Once you have approved the estimate and we have received a deposit payment, we will cal to set up a date to create a template for your new countertop. If any adjustments to the original project estimate are required, the store will revise the estimate and submit a final price for approval. After your countertops are fabricates and inspected, we will call you to set up a convenient time for installation time for installation (The balance payment will be required at the installation date). Before Measurement, Template & Installation Make sure cabinets are plumb, level, square and secured to the walls and/or floor (Unleveled cabinets can cause the new countertop to do not be perfectly wit and gaps can occur also can cause the new countertop to crack and to remake it or reinstall it will be an extra charge to customer). If new cabinets are part of your remodel, they must be installed before countertops can be measured and installed; Cabinets that will rest on top of the countertop (appliance garage, etc.) must be installed after the new countertop is installed; Disconnect and remove all existing countertops, backsplashes, sinks and cook tops from cabinetry, (Removal of countertop and backsplashes may not required in all instances, World Marble and Granite can remove it for an additional charge. As for details.) Disconnect plumbing and electric/gas cook tops. Make sure sinks, faucets, cook top and any other item to be mounted in the countertop are on the job site. All cutout information (that is, information on holes or cuts required in the counter top for things such as sinks, faucets, soap dispensers, hot/cold water dispenser, cook tops), must be supplied for measurement and template. Apron or farmhouse sinks must be installed prior to the date of template. Make sure all appliances including (dishwasher, stoves and refrigerators, etc.) are in place at the time of template. We are not responsible for the moving of appliances, furniture or personal items stored in the cabinets. If it is necessary for our templator/installer to move appliances, furniture or any personal items stored in cabinets, we will NOT be responsible for damages; Final wall preparation (I.e. painting, tiling, wallpapering, etc.) should not be completed prior to installation if at all possible. Care will be exercised during the countertop installation; however, scraps, punctures or digs to wall surface of floors are possible in the work area, as are scratches and scrapes to cabinetry. These items are considered incidental damage and are the customer’s responsibility to repair. In most cases cabinets can be easily repaired with a cabinet touch-up kit. We warranty the job we have done in the counter top only such as cut outs, polished edges and installation. We are not responsible for any kind of polish or filler done and the top surfaces such as honed, shine polished, flamed or brushed once those are done back in the country where the stone slab came from. Please take the time to inspect the material surface, for any variations or inclusions you may find unacceptable after sign this form authorizing us to start cutting the slab or remnant, edge polish and install; Make certain to have an adult over 18 years old who can make decisions and approve all countertop details at installation day; We suggest you schedule a plumber and electrician for the day following installation so they can reconnect plumbing and wiring as required; Installing a new countertop is a construction process, and some noise and dust should be expected. Cover floors along the working area; Remove all items from cabinets. Move all breakables, such lamps, vases, mirrors or any other valuables items from areas affected by installation; For safety, keep children and pets away from construction area. If countertops seams are required, the installer will decide where to place them for the best appearance, if extra material is required by any changes made by the customer, the final estimate will change, Seams will typically vary from 1/16” to 1/8” and will be visible to the eye or touch. Color coordinated epoxy will be used to the form the seam and blend in with the countertop color. If Job order includes a high backsplash, it is usually a two-part process to complete the installation. The high backsplash will be measure after the installation of the countertop. The backsplash will be installed approximately one week later. Upper cabinets and range hood/microwave combinations must be installed prior to measurement for the high backsplash. This process allows for the best fit. The material used to this process will be the some used to make the counter top, if a different color or thickness is request by customer the cost can be increased; After the installation our installers will clean the immediate area and leave the job site in “broom-clean” condition. The countertops are previously sealed and polished before leaved the fabrication facility by our installers, we recommend to all customers to do a second application of both of those products before start to use the new countertops and also reapply every six months. If properly care your new countertop will give you years of good service. STONE CARE AND MAINTENANCE GUIDE To insure your natural stone products will provide you with a lifetime of aesthetics and utility, proper maintenance is crucial. Natural Stone products are porous by nature and require a different maintenance program than traditional ceramic tile. We recommend SCI-Stone Care International Products - www.stonecare.com NEW INSTALLATION Sealing is strongly recommended for newly installed marble or other natural stone product to provide maximum below surface stain protection. Be careful to select a high quality sealer to protect your natural stone. ROUTINE STONE CARE Clean stone surfaces with a few drops of neutral cleaner, stone soap (available at hardware stores or from your stone dealer) or a mild liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water. Use a clean rag mop on floors and a soft cloth for other surfaces for best results. Too much cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on marble or limestone. Rinse the surface thoroughly after washing with the soap solution and dry with a soft cloth. Change the rinse water frequently. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface. DO's and DON’Ts Do dust mop or vacuum floors frequently to remove abrasive agents from the stone surface. Do clean surfaces with mild detergent or stone soap Do thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing Do blot up spills immediately Do protect floor surfaces with non-slip mats or areas rugs and countertop surfaces with coasters, trivets or placemats Don't use vinegar, lemon juice, bleach or other cleaners containing acids on marble, limestone, travertine or onyx surfaces Don't use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners of tub & tile cleaners Don't use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers Don't mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas Cleaning Procedures & Recommendations. SEALING A premium natural look penetrating/ impregnating sealer is the normal choice on polished or honed marble, limestone, granite, or where the natural color of a slate is desired. A stone enhancer sealer is often used on tumbled, antique stones, or on slate where a darker, enriched or highlighted character is desired. When choosing either one of these two types of sealers, make sure the brand you have chosen is formulated to provide maximum stain protection for stone products. Stone products should be tested periodically to insure that the sealer is working effectively. Penetrating /impregnating stone sealers are a nosheen, natural look sealer that can be water-base or solvent-based , good for a interior and exterior applications. They will rejuvenate and improve the appearance of worn and weathered stone. FOOD PREPARATION AREAS In food preparation areas, the stone may need to have penetrating sealer applied. Check with your installer for recommendations. If a sealer is applied, be sure that it is non-toxic and safe for use on food preparation surfaces. If there is a questions, check with the sealer manufacturer. (Stone care products only use cleaners specifically designed for stone ). These cleaners contain no acids and care concentrated neutral PH cleaners that will not affect existing sealers or wax-type coating. A solution of the cleaner and water mixed to manufacturer instructions should be applied with a sponge. On kitchen counter tops a spray bottle can be used to apply the cleaning. Allow sitting for manufacturers specified amount of time ( usually 3 to 5 minutes) and buff dry. Bath and Other Wet Areas In the bath or other wet areas, soap scum can be minimized by using a squeegee after each use. To remove soap scum, use a non-acidic soap scum remover or a solution of ammonia and water (about 1/2 cup ammonia to a gallon of water). Frequent or over-use of an ammonia solution may eventually dull the surface of the stone. Vanity Top Surfaces Vanity tops may need to have a penetrating sealer applied. Check with your installer for recommendations. A good quality marble wax or non-yellowing automobile paste wax can be applied to minimize water spotting. Feel free to contact us anytime if you have any questions at 508.528.0091 (Franklin) or 617.600.4601 (Watertown).