12 Essential Questions to Ask Before Installation

Plus Six Answers Right Here!

Asking questions before any process begins can save time, trouble, and expense. In fact, the TNT Team is so encouraging of questions, we’ve made a list for you to use. We’ve also included answers to some common questions we receive. Keep reading for 12 essential questions to ask before renovations begin.

1. What Experience/Insurance Do You Have Connected to Installations?

Industry experience equates finished installation quality, as well as proven workflows in place to help reduce delays and errors. Further, both liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage should be present.

2. Can a Detailed Estimate and a Written Contract Be Provided?

A detailed estimate helps you understand what is included in the services being offered, and should outline material costs, fabrication, installation, and any extra work such as edge detailing or cutouts. Additionally, a written agreement protects both you and the contractor. It should include all discussed details with clear descriptions.

3. What Potential Extra Charges can Arise During Services?

Structural adjustments, plumbing coordination, or material changes are just a few examples of things which may affect the final cost. Knowing these possibilities upfront helps minimize budget surprises.

4. What are the Payment Schedule Options?

Getting a handle on deposits, progress payments, and final balances protects both parties while also providing clear expectations.

5. How Does Your Installation Process Go?

A step-by-step explanation, starting from measurements through final placement, sets expectations and indicates consistency. This is also a good time to ask if subcontractors are used.

6. What is a Realistic Timeline for This Project?

This question will help with understanding supply, fabrication, installation, cleanup, and disposal.

7. Am I Responsible for Removal of Old Material and/or Refuse?

Confirmation of how the workspace will be left after installation should established, including disposal of dust, debris, and leftover supplies.

8. How Do You Ensure Quality and Precision?

Answers should include information about how measurements are taken, if consistent quality checks are made, and how issues are corrected if the unexpected occurs during countertop services.

9. How Is Project Communication Handled?

This is the time to discuss what type of communication works best for you, how frequently you would like updates and through what avenue, and your project’s main point of contact.

10. Are There Any Limitations to the Material?

Every material has limitations, such as lesser heat resistance, weight restrictions, and potential staining risks.

11. What Happens if Cracks or Damage Occur During Installation and Who is Responsible?

As even skilled crews occasionally chip an edge or crack a slab, it is helpful to set expectations in case of occurrence. Determine who assesses damage, what the repair or replacement timeline looks like, and whether a written damage policy exists.

12. Is Post-Installation Support Offered?

A 2021 Remodeling Magazine customer satisfaction study of 2,600 projects found that post-installation follow-through was the single strongest predictor of five-star reviews. It can be beneficial to know if the company performs a post-install walkthrough, reports concerns after completion, and seals or treats the material before the project is finalized.

TNT-Answered Questions

#1 – Does TNT Do Its Own Templating, or Is It Outsourced?

Templating is done in-house at TNT Countertops by Owner David and Lead Rick. We schedule FREE digital laser templates in which our team will come directly to your home or job site to get hyper-precise measurements and help kick off your project hassle-free.

#2 – Can I See Past Work?

We consider portfolio review to be important due diligence. A 2023 Angi State of Home Spending Report tracking 5,400 renovation projects found that homeowners who reviewed contractor galleries before hiring reported 34% fewer post-installation complaints. Here is the link to our website gallery; more photos can be found on our social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram.

#3 – Where will the seams be placed, and how do I approve that before fabrication?

TNT offers Layout Review specifically for those asking this question. Read our blog post about this option here.

#4 – How Should the Space Be Prepared Before Installation?

Proper preparation is a very helpful part of successful countertop installations. We have listed information including For New Builds, For Existing Countertops, How to Create a Temporary Space, Establishing Closest Point of Entry, and Planning for Noise.

#5 – What Should I Expect After Installation Is Complete?

We understand how important post-installation care is to this overall experience. Understanding what’s best for your new countertops and spaces can extend the lifespan of the material. Our website includes valuable information such as the topics listed below. We also offer follow-up visits and consultations.

-         The Ultimate Stone Care Handbook

-         What to Do If Your Countertop Is Chipped or Cracked

-         What To Know About Sealing Countertops

#6 – Do You Offer Any Warranties or Guarantees?

Yes, we do! Warranties are an valuable component of trustworthy contractor services. TNT proudly offers Protection Plans through Granite Gold®, a company in the industry since the 1950s which truly understands stone care. These Countertop Protection Plans cover Granite, Quartz, Quartzite, Marble, Porcelain, Sintered Stone, and Soapstone. The type of household stains included in coverage are food and beverage, oil, rust, cosmetics, and human and pet bodily fluids/waste (excluding perspiration, hair and body oils). Accidental damage is also covered, including chipping, pitting and scratches plus etching (dulling surfaces), caulking, grout and joint expansion, as well as hard water marks and deposits.

Through TNT, Granite Gold® extends comprehensive protection at reasonable prices for 5-year and 10-year coverage options. Please note a Granite Gold® Countertop Protection Plan must be purchased before installation. Talk with us about a Granite Gold® Countertop Protection Plan via email info@tntcountertops.com or phone 405-579-8188 today!

Connect with Us Today!

Do you have more questions? Or are you overwhelmed with the question of where to even begin? We’ve got you covered! Our team is available in-person in the showroom at 2360 Industrial Blvd., Norman, OK 73069 regular business hours, as well as online. We’ve also clearly outlined Client Expectations, including Pricing, Lead Time, Material Disclosures, Removal and Disposal, Seams, Mirrors, Plumbing & Electrical, Rescheduling, and Refunds. Thank you for reading this post!

A Word From the Owner: David’s Notes

I’m proud when I read articles like this and see the effort our team has put into making sure our customers are informed, prepared, and taken care of throughout the entire process. That commitment doesn’t end when the installation is complete—we stand behind our craftsmanship with a one-year warranty. We also make sure the engineered stone materials we provide are backed by their respective manufacturer warranties, giving our customers added confidence in their investment.