Understanding Your Countertop Contract
What You Need to Know in 60 Seconds
Your countertop contract is the document that defines what you are getting, what you are paying, and what happens if things go wrong. A clear, detailed contract protects both you and the fabricator. Vague contracts lead to disputes about scope, cost overruns, and finger-pointing when something is not right. This guide walks through every section of a typical countertop contract so you know what to look for and what to question.
TL;DR
- Read every line before signing - most contract disputes stem from terms the homeowner did not read
- Material specifications should be exact - stone name, color, thickness, finish, and slab lot number
- The quote must itemize every cost - material, fabrication, edge profile, cutouts, installation, removal
- Payment terms should never be 100% upfront - standard is 50% deposit, 50% on completion
- Change order policies protect you from surprise costs - make sure the process is documented
- Warranty terms and limitations must be in writing - verbal promises are worthless in a dispute
- Cancellation and delay policies work both ways - know your obligations and the fabricator's
What a Countertop Contract Should Include
A professional countertop contract covers seven areas. If any of these are missing, ask for them to be added before signing.
1. Material Specifications
This section defines exactly what stone or surface material you are getting.
Must include:
- Material type (granite, quartz, marble, quartzite, etc.)
- Specific color/pattern name (e.g., "Calacatta Laza" not just "white quartz")
- Manufacturer or source (for quartz: Caesarstone, Cambria, etc.; for natural stone: quarry or distributor)
- Slab thickness (2cm or 3cm - this matters for cost and appearance)
- Finish (polished, honed, leathered)
- Slab lot number or tag number (for natural stone, this ties the contract to the specific slabs you approved at the yard)
Why it matters: Without exact specifications, you could receive a different color variation, a thinner slab, or a different finish than what you agreed upon. The lot/tag number is especially important for natural stone - it guarantees you get the slabs you personally selected.
2. Scope of Work
This section details every task the fabricator will perform.
Must include:
- Templating (method and date)
- Fabrication of all countertop pieces (list each section)
- Edge profile for each section (it may differ between island and perimeter)
- All cutouts: sink(s), cooktop, faucet holes, soap dispenser holes, air gap holes
- Backsplash fabrication (if applicable - height, finish, end treatment)
- Installation (including leveling of countertop on cabinets)
- Sealing (first application)
- Old countertop removal and disposal (if applicable)
What is commonly missing (and should be clarified):
- Plumbing disconnect and reconnect - is this included or your responsibility?
- Cooktop disconnect and reconnect - same question
- Disposal of old countertops
- Touch-up or repair of any cabinet/wall damage during installation
- Final clean-up
3. Pricing and Payment Schedule
The price section should leave zero ambiguity.
Must include:
- Total project price
- Itemized breakdown (material, fabrication, each edge profile, each cutout, installation, removal if applicable)
- Any per-item pricing (additional cutouts, additional edge types)
- Sales tax
- Delivery fees (if separate)
- Payment schedule with amounts and due dates
Standard payment schedule:
- 50% deposit at contract signing
- 50% balance due on completion of installation
Acceptable variations:
- 1/3 at signing, 1/3 at template, 1/3 at installation
- 40% deposit, 60% at completion
Red flags:
- 100% payment upfront
- Balance due before installation
- No written receipt for deposits
- Cash-only payment requirement
4. Timeline and Schedule
The contract should commit to specific dates or timeframes.
Must include:
- Template date (or scheduling window)
- Estimated fabrication period
- Installation date (or scheduling window)
- Total project duration from signing to completion
Ask about:
- What happens if the fabricator misses the agreed timeline?
- Is there a penalty for significant delays?
- How much notice do you get for the installation date?
- Can the date shift, and under what circumstances?
5. Change Order Process
Changes happen during almost every countertop project. The contract must define how changes are handled.
Must include:
- How change requests are submitted (written, email, verbal)
- How changes are priced
- How changed timelines are communicated
- Who authorizes changes (both parties must agree in writing)
Common changes that trigger change orders:
- Adding or removing cutouts
- Changing edge profile
- Changing material after the contract is signed
- Adding backsplash sections
- Adjusting dimensions after template reveals issues
Why it matters: Without a change order process, you may get a surprise bill at the end of the project for changes you thought were minor or included.
6. Warranty and Guarantees
The warranty section should be specific about what is covered, what is not, and for how long.
Typical warranty coverage:
- Fabrication defects (uneven edges, surface imperfections from manufacturing): 1-5 years, sometimes lifetime
- Installation defects (countertop not level, separation from cabinets, loose seams): 1-2 years
- Material defects (cracks that are not from misuse, delamination in engineered products): varies by manufacturer, often 10 years to lifetime for quartz
What warranties typically do NOT cover:
- Chips and cracks from impact
- Stains on natural stone (a maintenance issue, not a defect)
- Etching on marble (a known property of the material)
- Thermal shock damage (placing extremely hot items directly on quartz)
- Normal wear and tear
- Damage from improper cleaning products
7. Cancellation and Dispute Resolution
Must include:
- Cancellation policy (within what timeframe, at what cost)
- Deposit refund terms if you cancel
- Fabricator's obligations if they cancel
- Dispute resolution method (mediation, arbitration, or small claims court)
Standard cancellation terms:
- Full deposit refund if cancelled before template
- Partial refund (minus template cost) if cancelled after template but before fabrication
- No refund after fabrication begins (the material is already cut)
Red Flags in Countertop Contracts
| Red Flag | Why It Is a Problem |
|---|---|
| No specific material listed | You could get a cheaper substitute |
| "Material similar to" language | Opens the door to bait-and-switch |
| No edge profile specified | You may get the cheapest edge instead of what was discussed |
| Vague timeline ("4-6 weeks") | No accountability for delays |
| No change order process | Surprise costs are likely |
| Warranty excludes seam work | Seams are the most common point of failure |
| No cancellation terms | You have no exit if things go wrong |
| "As-is" installation language | Fabricator not responsible for fit issues |
What to Do Before Signing
Read the Entire Contract
This sounds obvious, but many homeowners sign after a brief review of the price section. Read every clause, including the fine print on the back page or the terms and conditions referenced by URL.
Compare to Your Quote
The contract should match the original quote exactly. If the quote said "3cm Calacatta Gold marble, ogee edge, two undermount sink cutouts" and the contract says "marble countertop, standard edge, sink cutout," the contract is less detailed and may not deliver what was quoted.
Ask for Clarification on Anything Unclear
If a term or clause does not make sense, ask the fabricator to explain it before you sign. No legitimate business will pressure you to sign without understanding the terms.
Keep a Copy
Get a signed copy of the contract (physical or digital) immediately. Do not rely on the fabricator to send it later.
After Signing: What Happens Next
- Deposit payment: Submit the agreed deposit amount
- Template scheduling: The fabricator schedules the on-site template visit (typically 3-7 days after contract signing)
- Template visit: A technician measures your countertop areas (30-90 minutes depending on kitchen size)
- Template review: Some fabricators share the digital template for your approval; others proceed directly to fabrication
- Fabrication: Your slabs are cut, edges are profiled, cutouts are made, and surfaces are finished (3-14 days depending on complexity)
- Installation scheduling: The fabricator contacts you with the installation date
- Installation: The team installs your countertops (2-6 hours for most kitchens)
- Final walkthrough: You and the installer inspect the completed work together
- Balance payment: You pay the remaining balance upon satisfactory completion
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a verbal agreement legally binding for countertop work?
In many jurisdictions, verbal contracts for home improvement work above a certain dollar threshold are not enforceable. Even where they are technically legal, they are nearly impossible to enforce because there is no documentation of what was agreed. Always insist on a written contract.
Can I negotiate contract terms?
Yes. A contract is a starting point for agreement, not a take-it-or-leave-it document. You can negotiate pricing, payment terms, timeline commitments, and warranty coverage. The fabricator may not agree to all changes, but asking is standard practice.
What if the fabricator wants to change the material after I sign?
This should trigger a formal change order. If the fabricator cannot provide the contracted material, they must either source an equivalent you approve or let you cancel with a full refund. Never accept a substitute material without written agreement and, ideally, a price adjustment.
Should the contract include a photo of my selected slab?
For natural stone, yes - this is a smart addition. A photo of the tagged slab with the lot number in the image provides visual documentation that supplements the written slab identification.
What happens if the countertop cracks during installation?
A professional fabricator replaces the piece at their cost. The contract should address this scenario explicitly. If it does not, ask for a clause covering fabrication and installation damage replacement at no charge to you.
How do I handle a dispute with my fabricator?
Start with a written description of the issue, referencing the specific contract terms that are not being met. Most disputes resolve through direct communication. If not, the contract's dispute resolution clause dictates the next step - typically mediation or arbitration before litigation.
Is it normal for the final price to differ from the contract price?
Only if change orders were approved during the project. If the final bill is higher than the contract price without documented change orders, you are within your rights to pay only the contracted amount. This is why the change order process matters.
Do I need a lawyer to review a countertop contract?
For a standard residential project, probably not - but if the contract is vague, contains unusual terms, or the project is high-value ($15,000+), having a lawyer review it is a reasonable precaution. The cost of a contract review ($200-$500) is small relative to the project cost.
Protect Your Investment with a Clear Contract
A well-written countertop contract sets expectations, prevents surprises, and gives both you and the fabricator a clear path to a successful project. Take the time to read it, understand it, and make sure it covers everything.
Use SlabWise's project calculator to get accurate cost estimates before signing any contract. Start your 14-day free trial today.
Sources
- National Kitchen & Bath Association - Consumer Contract Guidelines
- Federal Trade Commission - Home Improvement Contract Rights
- Better Business Bureau - Home Improvement Contract Standards
- National Association of Home Builders - Contract Best Practices
- Marble Institute of America - Fabrication Warranty Standards
- State Consumer Protection Offices - Home Improvement Regulations