20 Questions to Ask Your Fabricator
What You Need to Know in 60 Seconds
Choosing a countertop fabricator is one of the most important decisions in your kitchen project. The same slab of granite or quartz can look stunning or disappointing depending on who fabricates and installs it. The right questions reveal a fabricator's experience level, equipment quality, work standards, and business practices - before you sign a contract and hand over a deposit. These 20 questions are organized from most to least critical.
TL;DR
- Ask about templating method first - digital laser templating is the current standard for accuracy
- Request references and photos of completed projects similar to yours in scope and material
- Understand what is included in the quote - material, fabrication, installation, sealing, and removal of old counters
- Verify insurance and warranty coverage before any work begins
- Ask about seam placement and edge profile options - these decisions affect the final result more than most homeowners realize
- A good fabricator welcomes questions - evasiveness or impatience is a red flag
The 20 Questions
1. What templating method do you use?
Why it matters: Templating is how the fabricator measures your countertop areas to create the cutting plan. Digital laser templating (using devices like the Proliner or LT-2D3D) captures measurements to within 1/16 inch. Physical templates (rigid strips or cardboard) are less precise and more prone to error.
Best answer: "We use digital laser templating for all projects."
Red flag: "We measure by hand" or "We work from the builder's plans." Builder plans are a starting point, not a template - walls, cabinets, and openings are never exactly where the plans say they are.
2. Can I see the actual slab before fabrication?
Why it matters: For natural stone, every slab is different. You should see and approve the specific slab that becomes your countertop.
Best answer: "Yes, we take clients to the slab yard or have slabs on-site for viewing and approval."
Red flag: "We will pick a slab that matches the sample." Samples and slabs can differ significantly.
3. How many years have you been fabricating countertops?
Why it matters: Experience matters in stone fabrication. Complex projects (book-matching, waterfall edges, tight seam work) require skills developed over years.
Best answer: At least 5 years in business with an established team.
Red flag: Newly established shops are not automatically bad, but they should demonstrate relevant experience even if the business is new.
4. Are you licensed and insured?
Why it matters: A slab dropped during installation can damage your cabinets, flooring, or walls. A worker injured on your property without proper insurance creates liability for you.
Best answer: "Yes, we carry general liability, workers' compensation, and auto insurance. I can provide certificates."
Red flag: Hesitation, inability to provide proof, or "We are working on getting that set up."
5. What does your quote include?
Why it matters: Countertop quotes vary widely in what is included. A low quote missing key items is not actually cheaper.
Ask specifically about:
- Material cost
- Fabrication
- Edge profile (is the standard edge included? Which profiles cost extra?)
- Sink cutout(s)
- Cooktop cutout
- Faucet holes
- Backsplash (if applicable)
- Installation
- Old countertop removal
- Sealing (first application)
- Delivery
6. How do you handle seam placement?
Why it matters: Seam placement affects the visual outcome more than most homeowners expect. The fabricator should discuss seam locations with you, not decide unilaterally.
Best answer: "We discuss seam placement during the template visit. We show you options and explain the trade-offs of each location."
Red flag: "We place seams wherever it is most efficient for cutting." Efficient for the shop is not always best for your kitchen.
7. What edge profiles do you offer?
Why it matters: Edge profiles range from simple (eased, beveled) to complex (ogee, dupont, mitered). Not all shops can produce all profiles, and some charge significantly more for complex edges.
Best answer: The fabricator shows you physical samples of each edge option in your actual material, with clear pricing for each.
8. What is your warranty?
Why it matters: Warranties vary from one year to lifetime, and what they cover varies even more.
Ask specifically:
- How long is the warranty?
- Does it cover fabrication defects (chips, uneven surfaces, bad seams)?
- Does it cover installation issues (countertop not level, gaps between counter and wall)?
- Does it cover the material itself?
- What voids the warranty?
9. How do you handle problems or callbacks?
Why it matters: Even the best fabricators occasionally have issues. What matters is how they resolve them.
Best answer: "We address issues within [specific timeframe]. Here is how our callback process works..."
Red flag: "We have never had a callback." Every shop has had callbacks - claiming otherwise is dishonest.
10. What CNC equipment do you use?
Why it matters: CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines produce more consistent cuts, edges, and cutouts than manual fabrication. Modern CNC bridge saws and routers are the industry standard for quality work.
Best answer: The fabricator names specific equipment and explains how it benefits your project.
11. Can you provide references from recent projects?
Why it matters: Recent references confirm current quality and business practices. References from five years ago may not reflect today's operation.
Ask for: 3-5 references from the past 6 months, ideally including at least one project similar to yours (same material, similar scope).
12. What is your timeline from template to installation?
Why it matters: Timelines range from 3 days to 3+ weeks depending on the shop's workload, material availability, and project complexity.
Typical timelines:
- Simple quartz project: 5-10 business days
- Standard granite project: 7-14 business days
- Complex project (waterfall, book-match, exotic stone): 14-21+ business days
13. How do you handle sink installation coordination?
Why it matters: Undermount sinks are attached to the countertop before or during installation. The fabricator needs the actual sink (or exact model specifications) before templating to ensure the cutout fits perfectly.
Best answer: "We need the sink on-site or the exact model number before we template."
14. Do you seal the stone, and what product do you use?
Why it matters: Natural stone should be sealed before first use. The sealant brand and application method affect long-term performance.
Best answer: The fabricator names a quality sealant brand and explains their application process.
15. How do you handle remnants and leftover material?
Why it matters: You are paying for the entire slab, but only a portion becomes your countertop. Some fabricators keep remnants (and potentially resell them). Others offer remnants back to you for future use (matching pieces for a laundry room, bathroom, or outdoor kitchen).
16. What happens if the material is damaged during fabrication?
Why it matters: Stone can crack during cutting, and slabs can be damaged during transport. Understanding the shop's policy before this happens prevents disputes.
Best answer: "We replace the material at our cost and manage any timeline impact."
17. Do you subcontract any part of the work?
Why it matters: Some companies quote the project but subcontract templating, fabrication, or installation to third parties. This adds communication gaps and can reduce accountability.
Best answer: "We handle everything in-house."
18. What preparation do I need to do before your team arrives?
Why it matters: You may need to disconnect plumbing, clear the countertop area, ensure cabinet leveling, or have the sink available. Knowing this in advance prevents delays.
19. How do you protect my home during installation?
Why it matters: Stone installation involves heavy materials, adhesives, and sometimes cutting or drilling inside the home. Flooring, cabinets, and walls can be damaged.
Best answer: "We use floor protection, cover adjacent surfaces, and clean up after installation."
20. Can you walk me through your process from start to finish?
Why it matters: A fabricator who can clearly explain each step - from initial consultation through template, material selection, fabrication, and installation - demonstrates organization and professionalism. A vague or disjointed answer suggests a disorganized operation.
Bonus: Questions Most People Forget to Ask
How do you calculate the quote - by square foot or by slab?
Pricing methods vary. Per-square-foot pricing means you pay for exactly what you use plus waste. Per-slab pricing means you buy the whole slab regardless of usage. Understanding the pricing model helps you compare quotes accurately.
What is your deposit and payment schedule?
Standard in the industry is 50% deposit at contract signing and 50% upon completion. Some shops require more upfront or have three-payment schedules. Never pay 100% upfront.
Do you use any project management or fabrication software?
Shops using modern fabrication software - for quotes, templates, slab nesting, and project tracking - tend to run more organized operations with fewer errors. SlabWise, for example, helps fabricators verify templates, optimize slab yield, and generate quotes in minutes rather than hours, which translates to faster service and fewer surprises for homeowners.
Red Flags to Watch For
| Red Flag | What It Suggests |
|---|---|
| Significantly lower price than competitors | Thin slabs, hidden fees, or cutting corners on fabrication quality |
| No physical shop address or showroom | Potential fly-by-night operation |
| Pressure to sign immediately | Standard fabricators give you time to decide |
| No written contract or detailed quote | No accountability if things go wrong |
| Cannot provide proof of insurance | You are exposed to liability |
| Unwilling to discuss seam placement | Your input does not matter to them |
| No references available | Either too new or too many unhappy customers |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many quotes should I get?
Get at least three quotes from different fabricators. This gives you a range for comparison and helps you identify outliers (both high and low). Compare quotes item by item, not just total price.
Is the cheapest fabricator always a bad choice?
Not always, but investigate why they are cheaper. They may have lower overhead, use less expensive equipment, or work with thinner slabs. Ask what is included and compare the details. A low price with fewer inclusions may actually cost more once add-ons are factored in.
Should I use my general contractor's recommended fabricator?
It is a reasonable starting point, but still get competitive quotes. Some GC-fabricator relationships are built on quality; others are built on kickbacks. Evaluate the recommended fabricator the same way you would any other.
How can I verify a fabricator's quality?
Visit their showroom, look at online reviews (Google, Yelp, Houzz), check their BBB rating, ask for references, and if possible, visit a recently completed installation. Photos of finished work are good; seeing the work in person is better.
What should a countertop contract include?
Material specifications (type, color, thickness, finish), edge profile, all cutouts and holes, installation details, timeline, total price with payment schedule, warranty terms, and policies for changes or cancellations. Read it thoroughly before signing.
Do I need to be home during installation?
Ideally, yes - or at least available by phone. Questions may arise during installation about final positioning, faucet hole placement, or minor adjustments. Being present lets you address these in real time rather than discovering issues after the installers have left.
Choose Your Fabricator with Confidence
The right fabricator turns a good stone into a great countertop. Asking these questions before you sign a contract protects your investment and sets the project up for success.
Use SlabWise's project calculator to estimate your countertop project costs before meeting with fabricators, so you can evaluate quotes with realistic expectations. Start your 14-day free trial today.
Sources
- Natural Stone Institute - Fabricator Certification Standards
- Marble Institute of America - Residential Installation Guidelines
- National Kitchen & Bath Association - Hiring Contractor Guidelines
- Better Business Bureau - Home Improvement Contractor Selection
- Kitchen & Bath Design News - Fabricator Quality Benchmarks
- Houzz - Homeowner Contractor Hiring Survey