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Who should I use to install granite countertops -- a general contractor or retailer such as Home Depot?

Retailers seem to offer better prices and long-term warranties, but contractors seem to provide better quality installation. Are contractor's higher prices worth it?

Public Comments

1. I'd go with the general contractor...I've seen the work the others give and had to correct their screw up's.
2. I think you should go with an (experienced) general contractor because they will have upgraded products and better installation service . The contractor will be a higher price but you get what you paid for! The reason why most retailers offer better prices and long term warranties because the products is off a lesser grade from what contractors offer..
3. Since there is not a standardized process, there will be a lot of individual variation. So you can get good or bad both ways, depending upon the luck of the draw. But read the article below and its links. Note that the discussion was closed after hundreds of pages of reader comments. That said, my daughter just had a kitchen installed by a Lowe's contractor and was happy. She lucked out this time.
4. Fine a granite fabrication company in the phone book or yellow; this will probably be cheaper than going through a general contractor.
5. I'd use a granite installer. Home Depot has mostly commercial grade granite. You might want to go look at more stones and a marble/granite yard will have a better selection. When you find a stone you love, the installer at the yard will come measure and then install for you. If you use a Contractor, he'll recommend his stone guy and then take a middle man cut. Save your money and go to a yard and pick it yourself. You really don't need a Contractor for that.
6. Use the company that fabricates and installs granite countertops themselves in house. They are usually comparable or even cheaper than the home depot. Plus the color selection at the fabricator is limitless compared to the Home Depot selection. H.D. subs the work out anyway so you'll have to go through more people if there is any problems. Go with the fabricator directly.
7. Hi most or all of big stores ask specialised companies or contractors in granite fabrication to fabricate and install countertops for their customers so ultimately u end up with contractors.