Looking for cheap granite countertops in the Chicago area? There are several strategies for getting the best price. Whether you are designing a new kitchen or are finally ready to update the old countertops, picking out a piece of granite can be a daunting and potentially expensive task. Don’t be overwhelmed with the selection process and unaware of hidden costs.
Follow our guidelines or even give us a call. We want you to feel confident that you are getting a piece you love at the best price. Below is a list of the top 5 ways to get the best prices for your granite countertops in the Chicago area.
Top 5 Ways To Get The Best Price For Granite Countertops In Chicago
1. Select Slab Wisely.
Available choices – It may be tempting to head to your local home improvement store as a quick and convenient alternative to choosing granite. However, these stores limit the number of style choices; with only a maximum of around 30 styles of granite which tend to be more uniform in pattern and appearance. When possible, work with a fabricator, familiar with the Chicagoland area, who has access to hundreds of unique options. They can help find the same granite at a lower cost elsewhere or suggest comparable designs at a lower cost.
Quality of the stone -The better the quality of your granite, the higher the cost will be. Granite with a higher percentage of soft content tends to be cheaper and of a lower quality. It tends to look generic and have less interesting patterns than higher quality. Unfortunately, it also tends to chip and crack much easier. Don’t choose cheap to try and save money because you’ll end up having to replace it sooner than if you had invested just a bit more. Seeking a local fabricator who specializes in selling granite counters, are knowledgeable with what type of granite best suits your kitchen or bathroom, including cost saving edgings and thicknesses.
Origin of your slab – Granite is heavy and expensive to ship. Two very similar slabs from two different countries will have two drastically different prices. Whenever you can, buy from the US or a geographically close country to reduce the impact of shipping costs on your bottom line.
2. Explore Budget Friendly Options
Remnants – Along with a variety of forms, the cost of granite can vary considerably. Full slabs which are custom fabricated for your project tend to be the ideal choice but often they are the most expensive. Luckily, there are other options to getting that gorgeous granite which won’t break your wallet. Remnants are one of these more cost-effective options. When a consumer buys a slab for their project, the full slab is rarely used. The stone yards will then hold onto these leftovers or “remnants” for future reselling.
Assembling and fabricating these granite pieces into your countertop size/shape can often be a cost-effective alternative for consumers on a budget. However, remnants may not be a smart option if you are working with a large area that needs to be covered as the seams may be more noticeable. But if your countertop size is a smaller area, you could purchase remnants to piece together the perfect countertop at a fraction of the price of buying a full-slab of granite. If you’re struggling to envision your countertop, a fabricator has a trained eye for how granite remnants can assemble best together. Fabricators like us are in touch with local suppliers and are often aware of local inventory.
3. Choose Same Color/Style For Kitchen And Bathroom Design
A smart choice for saving money on granite pieces is to use the same slab for multiple locations/projects. Design your kitchen and bathroom countertops with the same granite utilizing the full slab which cuts down the costs of purchasing two separate slabs. Fabricators and local suppliers often take the time to personally design out and pattern the product to your specifications. Whereas, home stores usually provide a generic pattern.
4. Use An Installer To Take The Final Measurements
Even if you have a great eye for design and know the type of granite you’d like to use for your project, resist the temptation to take your own measurements in order to save money. You will end up paying for any mistakes you make in measuring. Therefore, it is best to go with a professional installer who is the expert. Any inaccurate measurements will lead to issues with cutting, confusion at installation and extra time which in the end will only add to your final costs.
5. Know What Charges Are Included
Make sure you research the granite products and services in order to ensure the best prices and avoid hidden costs. Contrary to belief, most often big box stores are not likely to have the lowest prices. They tend to be inflexible with the pricing and offer payment plans with interest that only add to your overall costs. Aside from the price of the granite slab, the design, fabrication and installation are all additional items and services that need to be considered. To save money, use one company for all of these services, including buying your granite from them. It’s important to understand all the charges included, so be sure to ask for a detailed estimate outlining the individual costs. Other additional items and services, such as decorative edge treatments, cutouts for sinks and faucets, plumbing costs, removal and disposal of previous material, could add up. With a granite fabricator professional, you can shop around and compare quotes from multiple companies that fit your budget. They will assist you in making the best choice to fit within your budget, making sure you are not being overcharged for services like labor, delivery, installation.
