Questions to Ask Your Fabricator
Why Does Choosing the Right Fabricator Matter?
Your countertop fabricator is responsible for turning a raw stone slab into the centerpiece of your kitchen or bathroom. The quality of their work shows in every seam, every edge, and every cutout. A skilled fabricator on a mid-range material delivers a better result than a poor fabricator on the most expensive stone in the world. Knowing the right questions to ask helps you identify the shops that will treat your project - and your home - with the care it deserves.
TL;DR
- Ask about equipment - CNC (computer-controlled) fabrication produces tighter seams and more precise cuts
- Ask about the full scope - What is included in the quote and what costs extra?
- Ask about the team - Will employees or subcontractors do the installation?
- Ask about the timeline - Get specific dates, not vague ranges
- Ask about the warranty - What is covered, what is not, and for how long?
- Ask about the process - How will you be kept informed from template to install?
- Ask for references - Talk to recent customers, not just the ones they cherry-pick
Before the Quote: Research Questions
1. How Long Have You Been in Business?
Experience matters in fabrication. Shops that have been operating for 5+ years have worked through thousands of projects and encountered most issues that can arise. Newer shops can be excellent, but verify their track record through reviews and references.
2. What Equipment Do You Use?
| Equipment Type | What It Means for Your Project |
|---|---|
| CNC bridge saw | Computer-controlled precision cutting - tightest seams, most accurate cutouts |
| Manual bridge saw | Operator-controlled - quality depends heavily on the individual operator |
| Digital templating (laser) | Most accurate measurements - better fit than manual templates |
| Physical templating (sticks/strips) | Traditional method - still effective but slightly less precise |
| CNC router | Automated edge profiling - consistent results across all pieces |
What to listen for: Shops with CNC equipment typically produce more consistent results. Ask: "Do you use CNC or manual fabrication?" and "Do you use digital or physical templating?"
3. Can I Visit Your Shop?
A reputable fabricator should welcome shop visits. When you visit, look for:
- Clean, organized workspace
- Well-maintained equipment
- Proper safety protocols (dust collection, protective gear)
- A showroom or display area with samples and completed project photos
- Slab inventory you can browse (if they stock material)
During the Quote: Pricing Questions
4. What Is Included in Your Quote?
This is the most important pricing question. Get a clear breakdown:
| Component | Included? | If Extra, How Much? |
|---|---|---|
| Material (slab cost) | ||
| Template/measurement visit | ||
| Fabrication (cutting, edging, polishing) | ||
| Standard edge profile | ||
| Sink cutout | ||
| Faucet holes | ||
| Installation | ||
| First sealing (natural stone) | ||
| Old countertop removal | ||
| Plumbing disconnect/reconnect |
Ask them to walk through every line item so there are no surprises at installation.
5. What Edge Profiles Do You Offer, and What Do They Cost?
Most fabricators include one basic edge (usually eased or flat) in their standard pricing. Upgraded edges like bullnose, ogee, or mitered cost $5-$40 per linear foot extra. Ask to see edge samples on actual stone - photos do not capture the feel and visual impact accurately.
6. Are There Any Additional Fees I Should Know About?
Hidden fees can add $500-$1,500 to a project. Common extras to ask about:
- Delivery or transportation charges
- Minimum project charges
- Rush fees for tight timelines
- Special cutouts (cooktop, extra sink, soap dispenser)
- Seam placement or matching for exotic stone
- Support brackets for overhangs
- Color-matched caulking
7. How Does Your Pricing Compare and Why?
If a quote seems significantly higher or lower than competitors, ask why. Higher prices may reflect better materials, CNC fabrication, or more experienced installers. Lower prices may mean thinner stone, less-experienced labor, or missing services.
About the Process: Workflow Questions
8. What Is Your Timeline from Contract to Installation?
Get specific answers:
- When will the template visit happen?
- How many business days from template to fabrication completion?
- When is installation scheduled?
A typical timeline is 2-4 weeks. If a shop promises 3 days, they may be cutting corners. If they say 8 weeks, they may be overbooked.
9. How Will You Keep Me Updated on My Project?
Communication is where most customer frustration occurs. Ask how they handle updates:
- Will you receive a confirmation after the template visit?
- Will you be notified when fabrication starts and finishes?
- How will you confirm the installation date?
- Who is your point of contact for questions?
Some fabricators use customer portals that let you track your project status online. This is a strong sign of a well-organized operation - shops using tools like SlabWise's Customer Portal give homeowners real-time visibility into every stage of their project.
10. Can I See and Approve My Specific Slab Before Fabrication?
For natural stone (granite, marble, quartzite), every slab is unique. Ask:
- Can I visit the slab yard to choose my specific slab?
- Will you send me a photo of the exact slab that will be used?
- If the slab I choose is unavailable, what happens?
For quartz and other manufactured materials, slab variation is minimal, but you should still confirm the exact color and pattern.
11. How Do You Handle the Templating Process?
Templating accuracy determines how well your countertops fit. Ask:
- Do you use digital/laser templating or physical templates?
- Do cabinets need to be fully installed and level before the template visit?
- Who needs to be present during the template visit?
- How long does the template visit take? (Typically 1-2 hours)
About Quality: Workmanship Questions
12. How Do You Handle Seams?
Seams are inevitable in most kitchen projects. Ask:
- Where will seams be placed?
- How tight are your typical seams? (CNC shops achieve 1/16" or less)
- How do you match veining or patterns across seams?
- What adhesive and technique do you use for seam bonding?
13. Who Does the Installation - Your Employees or Subcontractors?
Shops that use their own installation teams typically deliver more consistent quality and accountability. If they use subcontractors, ask:
- Are the subcontractors trained on your quality standards?
- How long have they been working with you?
- Are they insured?
14. What Is Your Quality Control Process?
Ask how they verify quality before the countertops leave the shop:
- Do you inspect pieces before delivery?
- Do you check for chips, cracks, or inconsistencies?
- How do you verify that all cutouts and edges are correct?
Some shops use verification systems like SlabWise's Template Verification - a 3-layer check that catches errors before fabrication begins, reducing the chance of remakes and delays.
After Installation: Warranty Questions
15. What Does Your Warranty Cover?
Get the warranty in writing. Ask specifically about:
| Issue | Typically Covered? |
|---|---|
| Fabrication defects (incorrect cuts, bad seams) | Yes |
| Installation issues (uneven, loose, poor caulking) | Yes |
| Material defects (cracks, color inconsistency) | Sometimes (may be manufacturer warranty) |
| Chips from normal use | Usually no |
| Staining | Usually no |
| Sealing failure | Depends on shop |
16. How Long Is Your Warranty?
Typical fabricator warranties:
- Installation warranty: 1-2 years (workmanship)
- Material warranty: Varies by manufacturer (Cambria: lifetime, Silestone: 25 years, etc.)
- Seam warranty: 1-2 years
17. How Do You Handle Problems After Installation?
Ask about their process for addressing issues:
- What is the response time for warranty claims?
- Will you send someone to inspect the issue in person?
- If a repair is needed, how quickly can it be scheduled?
- What issues require a full remake vs. a repair?
Red Flags to Watch For
| Red Flag | What It Might Mean |
|---|---|
| No physical shop or showroom | Fly-by-night operation, no quality control |
| Cannot provide references | Poor track record |
| 100% upfront payment required | Cash flow problems, high risk for customer |
| No written contract | No accountability for scope or quality |
| Extremely low price vs. competitors | Low-quality materials or inexperienced labor |
| Vague timeline ("a few weeks") | Poor scheduling and organization |
| No warranty offered | No confidence in their own work |
| Will not let you see the slab | May substitute a lower-grade stone |
| Dismissive of your questions | Poor communication throughout the project |
FAQ
How many quotes should I get?
Get quotes from at least 3 fabricators. This gives you a range to understand fair pricing in your market and helps you evaluate different approaches and quality levels.
Is the cheapest quote always a bad sign?
Not always, but proceed cautiously. Ask why the price is lower. It may be a smaller shop with lower overhead, or it may indicate lower-grade materials, less-experienced labor, or missing services.
Should I prioritize price or reviews when choosing a fabricator?
Reviews and portfolio quality should weigh more than price. The difference between the cheapest and mid-range quote is often $500-$1,000 - a small amount relative to a $5,000+ project. A poorly fabricated countertop costs far more to fix than the savings from choosing the cheapest bid.
What if the fabricator does not have a showroom?
Some excellent fabricators operate from shop-only locations. The absence of a showroom is not a dealbreaker if they have strong reviews, a solid portfolio, and professional communication. However, being able to see and touch materials in person is valuable for decision-making.
How do I verify a fabricator's insurance?
Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI). A reputable fabricator carries general liability insurance ($1M minimum) and workers' compensation. They should be willing to provide documentation without hesitation.
What is a reasonable deposit amount?
50% at contract signing with the balance at installation is standard. Some shops do thirds: deposit, at template, at install. Be cautious of anyone asking for more than 50% upfront.
Can I supply my own material and have a fabricator cut it?
Some fabricators will work with customer-supplied material, but many prefer to source it themselves for quality control reasons. If you supply the material, you typically assume the risk if it breaks during fabrication.
What should I do if I am unhappy with the installation?
Address concerns immediately - point out any issues on installation day while the crew is still there. If issues arise later, contact the fabricator in writing, document the problem with photos, and reference your warranty.
Find a Fabricator You Can Trust
The right fabricator makes the entire countertop experience smooth and satisfying. Ask these questions, compare your options, and choose the shop that gives you confidence in their work and communication.
Start your 14-day free trial of SlabWise - the platform that helps fabricators deliver the professional, transparent experience homeowners are looking for. From Quick Quote to Customer Portal, every step builds trust.
Sources
- National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) - fabricator selection guidelines
- Marble Institute of America - fabrication quality standards
- Consumer Reports - contractor hiring best practices
- Better Business Bureau - contractor vetting recommendations
- HomeAdvisor - homeowner satisfaction survey data
- Angi (formerly Angie's List) - contractor review and selection best practices