Frequently Asked Questions
Before Installation
Q: Do I purchase my countertop through KBR?
A: No, KBR is a wholesale company. We will guide you through the process of purchasing your countertop through a designer or construction/remodeling company. You may also purchase your countertop through a hardware store, as long as you select a do-it-yourself option for installation. That’s where we come in!
Q: How can I best prepare for my countertop measuring appointment?
A: We appreciate your compliance with the following guidelines so that your measure appointment yields the most accurate results possible. All cabinets must be set in place and level. This means that if your cabinets are mobile or unlevel, KBR will not be able to get accurate measurements. All appliances (stoves, dishwashers, refrigerators) must be present at the time of measure, so that the space they take up may be accounted for. We ask that your current countertops be free of debris so that we may get laser pins in the accurate areas.
Q: Do I have to be at home for my KBR measuring appointment?
A: There must be someone present who is over the age of 18 and capable of making decisions regarding your order and selections. This is both to ensure that your order is exactly what you expect, and for legal reasons.
Q: How soon after my measurement appointment will my project be completed?
A: Typically, we are able to complete project in 10-12 working days. A typical installation can take anywhere from 3-6 hours, depending on if we are providing tear out services for your existing countertops. However, several factors can affect this timeline. The most common pitfall is material availability. We suggest that prior to making your countertop selection, you verify that the material and color you want is not on backorder.
Q: Will KBR remove my old countertops?
A: We can provide tear out and countertop removal services! Let us know that is this something you’re interested in when making your appointment. Please note that if we are not contracted to provide removal services, your old countertops must be removed at the time of installation.
Q: How can I best prepare my home for countertop installation?
A: While we will do our best to provide a clean installation for you, there are steps you can take to ensure that your home is protected during our construction. Countertop installation can get quite dusty, so we recommend putting away objects that you would like to shield from dust. It is also recommended that you cover surrounding furniture with a sheet or tarp to prevent them from being affected by the dust.
During the installation and/or tear out it is possible that some drywall damage will occur. Drywall repair and painting are not covered by KBR.
Additionally, if your installation is in a home with fresh paint or new hardwood floors, please let KBR know when you’re scheduling your installation. This gives us ample time to prepare for the extra precautions our installation technicians will take.
Q: Does KBR offer any plumbing hookup services?
A: Yes! We are happy to provide hookup services for the appliances that will exist alongside your new countertops.
For dishwashers, the unit must be placed where you would like it to go for our technicians to hook it up. Unfortunately, we will not remove an old dishwasher and install a new one.
If we are installing a granite countertop or a quartz countertop, a full 24 hours must pass between installation and appliance hook up. This is especially important for sink hook up. Waiting a day allows the sink to set, so the adhesive can bond between the sink and the counter. If the adhesive is not allowed to bond, there is a risk of the sink falling out of the countertop.
After Installation
Q: If there is a problem with my countertop after installation, who should I call?
KBR suggests that you first call the company that you ordered your countertop through. They will be able to correct any product defects and then will call us. We will then reach out to you to set up a service call.
Q: Is there a warranty on my countertop?
A: KBR offers a 1-year warranty on labor. This is only true for countertops we install. Warranty stipulations for the countertop product will come from the countertop manufacturer themselves. A copy of these warranty offerings will be left with you after installations. If you are unsure about the warranty or have questions, most manufacturers offer copies of their warranty or a customer service phone number on their website.
Q: Is the sealer on my granite covered under warranty?
A: All KBR granite countertops have a one-year sealer put on them from the quarry. KBR does offer a sealer with a warranty, which comes at an additional cost. Please ask for more information on this. Otherwise, the sealer is not under warranty and any staining and/or water absorption will not be covered. If staining occurs within the first year, KBR can attempt to remove the stain, but it will be at the owner’s expense if the top has to be removed and remade.
Quartz Countertops
Q: Where can quartz countertops be used?
A: Quartz countertops are extremely versatile. They can be used in the kitchen, bathroom, for food service prep stations, or indoor service counters. They should not be used outdoors, as exposure to sunlight can weaken and discolor quartz countertops.
Q: How are quartz countertops made?
A: Quartz that is manufactured for countertop production is made of ground natural quartz combined with polymer resins. Material for stylization can be added in, for example, recycled glass or metallic flecks can provide a certain aesthetic based on customer preference.
Q: Do quartz countertops require sealing?
A: Unlike granite countertops, quartz countertops do not require sealing and resealing. As long as these countertops are consistently cared for and cleaned regularly, there is rarely extra maintenance required.
Q: Do quartz countertops require any special precautions?
A: It is recommended that you use cutting boards, hot pads, and other heat and blade resistant tools when preparing food on quartz countertops. While quartz is a very durable material, common sense precautions can help it last for a very long time.
Granite Countertops
Q: Why is granite a good choice for a countertop material?
A: Granite is an industry standard for kitchen and bathroom countertops. It is a durable investment that requires very little up keep and will last for years. Having granite surfaces raises the value of a home because of their durable and aesthetically pleasing qualities.
Q: How do I care for my granite countertops?
A: Due to sealing methods, granite countertops will retain their newness for years. Like any countertop, they will require gentle cleaning after use, however, they are extremely durable and will stand up to heat and knife use.
Q: Why do granite countertops require sealing?
A: Sealant helps protect granite and increases its longevity. Granite is moisture resistant, but it is still porous, so a good sealant prevents liquids from getting into the granite and causing damage. Sealant also helps granite countertops resist dirt and spills, and makes them easier to clean.
Q: Why is granite the best choice for my home?
A: Because it is such a desirable material, installing granite countertops increases the value of a property. They are an investment that will ensure that new countertops are not needed for decades. They are also quite aesthetically pleasing and are sure to fit any décor scheme. Granite is a durable, versatile material that is the most on-trend, superior choice for countertops.
