Countertops Phase|Step 7 of 33

Find Reputable Fabricator

A good fabricator makes the difference between beautiful countertops and installation nightmares. Take time to find the right one.

Time Required

3-5 hours (total)

Cost

$0 (quotes are free)

Difficulty

Research-intensive

Where to Find Fabricators

Friends, neighbors, Nextdoor, local Facebook groups. Real experiences beat online reviews.

Many slab suppliers have in-house fabrication or recommended partners. Buying slab + install together can save.

Google, Yelp, Houzz. Look for detailed reviews about installation quality, not just salesmanship.

Do you template digitally or manually? (Digital is more precise)
What's included in the quote? (Template, fabrication, install, sink cutout, edge profile)
What's your lead time? (2-4 weeks is typical)
Do you carry liability insurance? (Essential for in-home work)
Can I see photos of recent work? (Similar scope to yours)
What warranty do you offer? (1-year minimum on installation)
Who handles the sink/faucet installation? (Some include, some don't)

Quote without seeing your kitchen: Good fabricators visit before quoting
Much lower than other quotes: Usually means cutting corners
No written contract: Never proceed without one
Requires full payment upfront: 50% deposit is standard; balance on completion
Can't show recent work: Either new or hiding problems
Pushy sales tactics: Good fabricators are busy—they don't need to pressure you

•Get 3 quotes minimum: Prices vary 20-40%. More data = better decision.
•Compare apples to apples: Same material, edge profile, and scope for accurate comparison.
•Visit their shop if possible: Clean, organized shops indicate professional operation.
•Ask about remnants: If your project is small, remnants can save 30-50%.