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Getting Ready for Template and Install Day

What to have ready, who needs to be home, and what to expect, so your countertops go in on schedule. Check things off as you go.

Start the checklist (410) 875-7579

Decision maker on siteFor template sign-off
Selections final by templateSink, faucet, cooktop, edge
Water off before we arriveOn install day
Kitchen back by morningMost installs are one day

Four stages. One checklist each.

Template to install is 6–12 business days. Here's what matters at each step.

1Before templateGet the room ready
Sink, faucet, and cooktop on site. Everything that touches the countertop installed.
2Template daySign off on dimensions
A decision maker is home. We measure with a digital template.
3In betweenChanges and scheduling
Changes in writing at least 7 days before install. We fabricate in our own facility.
4Install dayWater off, path clear
Old tops out, new tops in, plumbing hooked up.

Before template.

Our templater measures your kitchen exactly, so everything below needs to be in place first. If it isn't, we have to come back, and your install date moves.

0 of 8 done

Have your sink, faucet, and cooktop on siteAnything you're supplying must be in the room where it's going. Open the boxes and check for damage. Our templater may take the sink back to the shop.
Everything that touches the countertop is installed in its final positionCabinets, door and refrigerator panels, dishwasher panels, support brackets, corbels, island legs, plywood, cleats, and drywall. We can't template around things that aren't there yet.
Farm sink set in place, 1/16" below the top of the cabinetWe can't template without it. Set it so we can slide the countertop on without damaging the sink.
Selections finalizedSink, faucet, cooktop, edge profile, radius, cutouts, and shapes. Anything still open at template pushes your install date.
Countertops cleared offCoffee makers, tools, fruit bowls, everything. Same for any new cabinets.
Room clear of obstructionsA new refrigerator sitting in the middle of the kitchen will stop the template.
Cooktop not here yet? Tell the office before templateCall or email before the appointment so we can plan around it.
Pets in another roomWe love them, but one bump of the tripod and the measurements are off.

Full-height backsplash

Outlet boxes installed in final position, flush with the drywall.
Electrical, ventilation, and plumbing rough-ins in final position.
Wall cabinets installed, but no crown molding or light rail until after the splash goes in.
Don't install the vent hood, cooktop, faucet, or an overmount sink yet.
Pieces going to the ceiling need something to anchor to, like trim or crown, installed by you afterward.

Wall panels

Install them before final template. We may ask that they be unscrewed from the cabinets next to them after template and before install, so we can set the stone without damaging anything.

Farm sinks

Set in final position before template, 1/16" below the top of the cabinet, and shimmed so we can bring it up to the bottom of the countertop. We can't template without it.

Template day.

We take a digital template of your kitchen and inspect the space, so we're ready for installation.

0 of 3 done

A decision maker is on siteSomeone needs to sign the final template dimensions. If nobody can be there, we can send a sign-off sheet by DocuSign, and it must be signed the same day.
Ask your questions before or afterOnce the templater starts measuring, let them concentrate. We'll go over everything with you.
Final dimensions come from the templateThe drawing on your contract is for quoting. The template is what we build from.

Why the sign-off matters

Final template dimensions are what we fabricate from. We go over every detail with you on site, so if anything is unclear, ask before you sign.

Your cooktop

We check it at template. We can reconnect an existing cooktop that's wired to code with a proper junction box. We don't install new cooktops.

Between template and install.

Your countertops are cut and finished in our own state-of-the-art facility in Maryland. A few things to know while you wait.

0 of 3 done

Changes in writing, at least 7 days before installEmail the office or your sales rep. Changes need a signed change order. Once fabrication starts, no changes can be made.
Mark your install dateTemplate to install is 6–12 business days.
Balance due on install dayThe remaining balance is paid the day we install.

Rescheduling

Installation: at least 7 business days' notice, by email to info@graniteproremodeling.com.
Template: at least 2 business days' notice, by email.
Shorter notice carries a fee. [CONFIRM showing fees]

Seams and slabs

Seam locations are planned by our team so they land where the stone hides them. If you'd like to view your slab in person, tell us before fabrication.

Install day.

Old tops out, new tops in, plumbing hooked up. You're cooking the next morning.

0 of 7 done

Shut off the main water line at least 5 minutes before we arriveKeep it off until our licensed plumber has reconnected everything.
Clear a pathFrom the street, up the driveway, into the kitchen.
Pull the top drawersPop them out of the cabinets.
Empty the base cabinets under the sink and stoveOther drawers are your call.
Expect a little dustRemoval makes some. An old towel over nearby surfaces does the trick.
Expect minor touch-upWe work carefully, but minor spackle, paint, or trim repair can be needed afterward.
Kitchen back by morningVery large kitchens with more than one sink sometimes get the plumber the next morning.

If we can't finish because the room isn't ready

The installation is moved to the next available date and a charge applies. Running the checklist above is the easiest way to avoid it. [CONFIRM showing fees]

After install

All of our countertop work carries a 10-year labor warranty. Plumbing work is warranted for one year.
Natural stone has natural pitting, veining, and fissures. They're part of the stone, not defects.
Chips are fixed free in the first year. Call us.
Find the care guide for your stone.

If anything is unclear, call before, not after.

No question is a bad question. We're always here to help, and a quick call now prevents a rescheduled date later.

(410) 875-7579Mon–Fri 9am–5pm info@graniteproremodeling.comFor changes and rescheduling, email so it's in writing.

Template and install questions.

Don't see yours? Call (410) 875-7579 and ask a real person.

Do I need to be home for template?

Yes, a decision maker does. Someone needs to sign the final template dimensions that day. If nobody can be there, we can send a sign-off sheet by DocuSign, and it must be signed the same day or your install date moves.

Do I need to be home for installation?

[CONFIRM]

What happens if I'm not ready at template?

If our templater can't take final measurements, the template and installation are moved to the next available date and a $250 trip charge applies. [CONFIRM showing fees]

Can I change my sink or edge after template?

Changes must be in writing, by email, with a signed change order at least 7 days before installation. Once fabrication starts, no changes can be made.

What if I need to reschedule?

Email info@graniteproremodeling.com. Installation needs 7 business days' notice and template needs 2 business days' notice. Shorter notice carries a fee. [CONFIRM showing fees]

Why do I shut off the water?

Install day disconnects your plumbing. Shutting the main off before we arrive, and keeping it off until the plumber reconnects, protects your home from water damage.

Will you reconnect my cooktop?

Yes, if it's an existing cooktop wired to code. We don't install new cooktops, and we can't reconnect one without a proper junction box. We check it at template.

What about my full-height backsplash?

Outlet boxes flush and in final position, rough-ins done, wall cabinets installed, and no crown molding or light rail until after the splash goes in. Hoods, cooktops, faucets, and overmount sinks wait too.

Planning your countertops?

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Free undermount sink with every kitchen quote
Most countertops replaced in 1 day
10-year labor warranty

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