Granite Shopping

Let's go granite shopping!  Yesterday was the first time I have ever gone to a granite yard.  From a distance, everything looks kind of the same--large slabs of stone.  It takes a little touring around to uncover the goodies.

I am working with a new client who is getting her home ready to put on the market.  The house is about 14 years old, so it has laminate and some features that builders were putting into homes then.

This is the current kitchen.  The cabinets are pickled and have gray and pink tones in them.  Even though darker cabinets are quite on trend right now, light cabinets do well in Florida, too.  These cabinets are in good condition, so we are opting to leave them as they are and make changes around them.  Stainless appliances are on the way {cheers!}.  (In case you were wondering, we're getting estimates on changing the lights to recessed. {okay, I know that's more cheering I hear!})

I haven't had to get estimates for granite before, if you are in the same boat, here are some tips and facts.  When you go to look, have your measurements and a sample of your cabinet finish.

This is a contender.

Measure all of your counter space.  Since the counters were angled, I measured each straight area separately.  For instance, the longest measurement was 123" Lx 24"D for the standard height counters.  I multiplied all of those out then added them, then I did the same for the raised bar which was 16" D.  After I got those numbers, I divided them by 144 (inches, because 12x12=144) and we are converting square inches into square feet. (You could divide all of the inch measurements by 12 before you start any calculations).   In the two examples I have already listed it would be: 123x24=2,952 /144 = 20.5 sq. feet, 123x16=1,968 /144 = 13.7.  Add those two numbers 20.5 + 13.7 = 34.2 sq. feet for one section. (Note:  On my original calculations, I forgot to add any backsplash measurements, which you will want to do.  In this case, it should not make a huge difference in the estimate.)  I hope all the math doesn't make your eyes glaze over.  It's an exercise I hadn't ever done before and thought it was a good one.

Once you have your square foot measurement you are good to go.  (Don't worry about being exacting, the people you have install it will do more precise measuring.)  Most slabs of granite are 55 sq. ft.  Our above kitchen totaled about 80 sq. ft. so the home owner will have to purchase two entire slabs.  So while you will have to pay for all of the granite, you will only pay installation on the number of square feet installed.

 It doesn't look that glamorous, does it?

Let's look at the cost breakdown:

110 sq. feet of granite at $12.90*     = $1,419
80 sq. feet of installation at $30.00 = $2,400
Total estimate for kitchen:               = $3,819
Remember, this is a rough estimate and doesn't have backsplash measurements or any other unforeseen costs, or the cost of a new sink, etc.  *This particular style happened to be on special.  It will pay to ask if there are any current specials when you look.

Can you tell by the pictures which one we chose?  We were able to get samples from our top two choices (actually our No. 1 choice was not available in the quantity we needed) and took them to the client's house.  (I am mad that I did not get a photo of that!! - Next time - promise!)  After doing this last step I would highly recommend it!  What we thought at the stone yard was different when we got it into the surrounding area.  I would say this is a crucial step, you certainly want something that works with your entire environment. 
One last note that has nothing to do with granite.  I finally figured out how to use Picasa (can anyone say "slow"?) and even though the sky was gray the entire time we were there, with Picasa, it looks like we had lovely blue skies - smile from ear to ear!