I have purchased a new stove top and the current opening in my granite countertop is too small for the new unit. I located a fabricator to cut the opening one inch deeper than it is. The fabricator estimated approximately $175 and it would take less than two hours. Here are my concerns:
1. How do I know this person knows what he is doing? He appears knowledgeable but I know so little about granite. I found him in the phone book. I checked on the internet and he does have a contractor’s license. He has an assistant and no workers compensation.
2. Is there a chance he could crack the entire piece of granite if he cuts incorrectly? He states that it’s not necessary to remove the granite for a 20 inch straight cut.
Work is in abundance in San Diego, CA and it’s really hard to get anyone to return my calls (I’m in the midst of a lot of home improvement). He was the only one that returned my call and it took a week (after two cancellations) to get him to my home.
Any input would be appreciated!
Replies
Price seems fair. The job is stright forward. But can be very dusty. wet cutting is the best way to keep down the dust but you will need to protect the cabinets. Dry cutting you will need to clean everything after.
Sorry - can't help with your questions directly but here is my "take": In my state workers comp is not required unless you have more than 2 employees. If he has general liability insurance that should cover any damage that he might do and not fix. If your gut tells you he is OK, call him back and ask that he have a Certificate of Insurance sent to you and tell him he is hired - after you get some more direct answers to your questions... If you contact him again and he senses that you have reservations about hiring him, he may likely back out. Also, the >> $175 and it would take less than two hours << is probably partially to cover his risk of having a problem - that and his time for giving free estimates :-) not to mention expensive tools and blades. Really, my guess is that it would take him less than an hour.
RG,
This is an easy job that should take about 10 minutes. I've done it myself using a 4 1/2" angle grinder and a dry diamond blade. Using water will make a mess. You will wind up with a line of debris everywhere in your kitchen in line with the cut.
The trick is to make many light cuts and have a assistant with a strong shop vacuum follow behind the cutting. If they have any talent, you won't see any dust anywhere when done.
WSJ
you can also tape the shopvac hose to your wrist, and go at it yourself. its all about the layout line, and a steady hand.
you can also tape the shopvac hose to your wrist,
Never thought of that! That could be a handy tip.
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
Dou't use the silver peal and stick duct tape though... You'd look silly walking into the bar later that night with a shop vac hanging off your arm...
why'd the phrase ... "suck a golf ball thru a garden hose" pop into my mind?
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
The cut is relatively easy, but it is easy to scratch things and make a mess with the dust. We would typically drape painting cloths over the cirrounding area, put up a temp plastic tent and run a shop vac to get most of the dust. Blue tape protects the surface from scratches and a grinder with dimond blade does most of the work.
To help the cutter the exact sink should be handy and the cabinet should be cleaned out. Dust will be a problem and the shopvac ideas are good, but also put away anthing you don't want dust on and don't expect it to be totally dust free.
If any dust is a problem for you, the cutter will need to know that up front so the necessary precautions can be taken and the estimate adjusted accordingly.
Good luck!
Don
Thanks everyone for the input. The information really helps me understand the whole process. Dust isn't a huge issue, it was the possiblity of cracking the granite countertop that was my biggest concern. Assuming he knows what he is doing, that shouldn't be a problem. As a backup, I plan to get another fabricator to give me a bid. I have this odd feeling this guy may not show up this week. He probably has bigger fish to fry. I'm in the middle of extensive home improvement and I'm amazed at the number of vendors who look at the job, say they want to do the job, indicate they will send me a bid and then I never hear from them. Many times I call to see why their estimate hasn't arrived and they tell me why - too busy, employee's hurt, etc. Work is plentiful in San Diego - that's the real reason. Thanks again for you help.