Most homeowners consider granite countertops the premium option, and it’s easy to see why. They are durable, usable, and, most of all, beautiful. If you are considering installing granite countertops at your home, the first step is to estimate how much you need and how much you will spend.
A granite countertop estimator is an online tool that provides data for the material, cost, and labor associated with this project. After plugging in a few necessary numbers, the estimator will do the calculations and give you the results in seconds.
One important thing to consider when using such an online tool is that the output will only be as good as the input. In other words, you must put in the correct numbers to get accurate results.
One of the factors that will be part of any online granite countertop estimator is the length and width of the countertop. Measure those numbers carefully, getting the length and width of the area where you will install the countertop.
There may also be times when the countertop is not a standard shape. Some odd shapes include round, triangle, or even square countertops that are part of an island or other area of the home.
Measuring those odd areas can be tricky, but you will need to get the square footage. Some granite countertop estimators will include options for entering the details of those irregular shapes. Otherwise, you will need to use other online tools to calculate the area of a triangle, circle, or another shape.
How To Calculate How Much Granite Countertop Is Needed
The first step in doing a granite countertop is calculating how much material is needed. You can often do this utilizing an online calculator. Otherwise, you can crunch the numbers on your own.
A granite countertop calculator gives a general idea of how much material you will need. It multiplies the length and width of the coverage area to get the square footage. A good granite countertop calculator will also consider other factors that might be part of the project.
A big part of calculating how much granite you need is going in and inspecting the granite slabs.
Choosing the countertop is the part of the project that you will enjoy the most. I remember when I had my first granite countertop installed and was amazed at how many options I had available.
We went to the warehouse and looked up and down the aisles at the different designs and colors. Granite is a beautiful stone, and choosing a suitable slab will make a difference in the calculation. Why?
Waste: Since granite is a natural stone, there will be variations in the color and design, even in a single slab. Some of those variations are going to be undesirable.
You may need to choose another piece if a flaw is in the middle of the slab. Otherwise, you might end up with significant waste or an undesirable section on your countertop.
Then again, some of those unique features in the countertop are desirable. That is the beauty of granite. You never know what you are going to get.
Overage: Always include overage in your calculations. We will discuss this in greater detail later, but, generally speaking, you should plan on purchasing at least 10% more granite than what you need for the countertop.
How To Calculate the Cost Of Granite Countertops
When you inspect and choose a granite slab, you might be surprised at the price variation. The difference in price for slabs makes calculating the cost of granite countertops difficult.
A granite countertop cost estimator will consider a few factors when calculating the cost. Those factors include the type of granite selected and the location of the installation. On average, you can expect to pay $50 per square foot.
There are two basic options for purchasing granite for a countertop. You can buy the entire slab, and the waste is yours, or you can pay the price for the necessary square footage.
The problem is, regardless of which option you choose, you will be paying a similar price. Even if you only pay per square foot, the yard or contractor will likely calculate the waste and figure it into the price.
In some cases, there may be enough waste after they cut the countertops from the slab that it will be a usable piece. If that is the case, it is typically set aside as a remnant piece in the yard with the hope that someone may purchase it.
The industry average for waste is 30%. That waste represents a considerable portion of any slab. Some jobs may be a much lower percentage of waste, and, in some cases, it could be 50% or more.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on January 15, 2023.
Discuss with the fabricator how much waste you might have in your project. Understanding the math will put you in a better position to choose how to purchase your new countertop.
How To Calculate Cost Of Granite Countertop Installation (Labor, Incidentals, Etc)
It is possible to install a granite countertop as a DIY project, but only a few homeowners will know how to do it properly. Cutting and installing granite is a specialized skill. How do you calculate the installation cost if you use a contractor for the job?
The general cost for labor to install a granite countertop is $70 per man-hour. The price may be higher for complex jobs or if the contractor must travel to do the job.
Labor makes up a significant portion of a granite countertop installation cost. Other costs will also make up a portion of the invoice.
Removal: If you have an existing countertop, the contractor will charge extra for removing it. Removing an existing countertop has many different aspects to it.
First, the contractor must protect everything in the area, including the floors, cabinets, and appliances. After detaching and removing the countertop, the contractor will break it into smaller pieces for hauling.
Countertops must be disposed of properly, and this could include local or state regulations for the disposal of certain materials. The cost to handle the material and dispose of it will be included in the removal fee.
Template: The contractor will make a template before fabricating the granite pieces. That template will act as a guide during the fabrication process to keep mistakes and waste to a minimum. The template cost is included as a separate line item in most invoices.
Job Supplies: Various supplies are needed to install a granite countertop. Those supplies could include sealant, fasteners, and other items used during fabrication.
Any job supplies are going to be calculated and included in the invoice. You can request that this number be on a separate line.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on January 15, 2023.
Labor: There is more to installing a granite countertop than simply putting it in place. They must cut the countertop and fabricate the edges.
Included in the labor is also cutting out sections for sinks and faucets. The contractor will do some on-site cutting after the countertop is in place.
Calculating the installation cost of a granite countertop is a complex process. There are often many moving parts that may not be evident at first.
You can use an online estimator to get a general idea of what you should pay. Reviewing this information with the contractor is also essential because each contractor will have a different method of including these items in the estimate.
Other Things To Consider When Estimating Granite Countertop Installation Project
There are always going to be unforeseen issues associated with any project. Quite a few of those issues could happen when installing a granite countertop.
Disposal: In some cases, the contractor may want to leave some of the granite remnants behind. It may seem like a good idea, and you may have good intentions, but do you want to store it for the long term?
I remember keeping more than one piece of granite after we installed our countertops. I intended to make a beautiful table, but it ended up leaning against a wall in the garage for years.
Mistakes: It is essential to discuss the possibility of errors with a fabricator. If the contractor makes a mistake, are you responsible for purchasing a new slab?
Mistakes can sometimes be in the details, such as if the overhang differs from what you expected. What if they drilled the faucet holes in the wrong location? Who is responsible if there is a blemish on the surface?
Ask these questions because they can be costly mistakes if you are responsible for them.
Unforeseen Problems: Granite is a natural stone. You can’t always see what is under the surface by just looking at the surface. When the fabricator is working on the edge or cutting out the sink, they could run into a pocket and blow out a portion of the granite.
The fabricator will likely discuss this issue with you in advance, but if they don’t, bring it up. You may find that you are more responsible for accidents and mistakes than you realize.
An online granite countertop estimator is an excellent tool for determining how much you will pay for the material, labor, and incidentals associated with the project. Once you plug in a few critical numbers, the estimator will do the math for you.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on January 15, 2023.