Home Installation Guidelines
I am working on a scope of work covering the installation of granite and marble countertors in the kitchens and baths of our homes. I want to insure that the installation is done correctly and a basis for having the supplier and installer back thier work. Can you steer me towards any such document or national product guidelines addressing this. - Steve
Hi Steve, A famous Architect once told me something that I will never forget. He said, “The success of a project lies not within the warranties, but within the design team”. I say this because no matter what guidelines you establish, you will miss something. You can refer to sources and state, Fabrication and installation methods and tolerances to comply with CTIOA, TCA and MIA standards. However, the best inclusion you could write is, “Installer will participate in a pre-fabrication and pre-installation meeting with the Owner, Architect and Contractor in order to establish the highest quality standards. Also, include, “all Product Data Sheets and MSDS information to be submitted to Owner/Architect for approval prior to installation.
My very best regards,
Tom Cordova
December 17th, 2007 at 6:59 pm
My granite countertop has a 3/4″ gap between it and the drywall, starting in the corner wall(s) and tapering off after about 6″ to 3/8″. When I asked about this, I was told this was common because my walls weren’t plumb. Not knowing any better, I let it go thinking my tile would cover it. Of course, it doesn’t and I am at a standstill. I have since learned that this issue of “out of plumb walls” is, indeed common, however, an experienced fabricator/templater would have dealt with this properly so that this gap did not exceed 1/4″. The company I used states that they followed the MIA’s Dimensional Stone Guidelines and that it falls within the acceptable range. They say it is my responsibility to have a professional tiler and/or drywall specialist come out to make it right. I say they botched the job. The field manager who measured for the template did not use a square, only a tape measure and did not dry fit a template. The installers were at a loss as how to install the slab as it was way out of whack. They had to call her to the job and ask her what to do. I recall them saying that it didn’t fit and they didn’t want to take it back to the fabricator. They trimmed it outside then installed it before letting me know. One end is jammed into the wall (which is acceptable) but I can’t believe a 3/4″ gap is an acceptable tolerance. Do you think they are just trying to cover their mistake? The slab is glued directly to my cabinets so I’m afraid that if I demand a new one that they will damage my cabinets. All I’m asking them to cover is the expense of hiring someone to replace the drywall but they keep insisting that they have done their job and it is now my responsibility. Who’s right here? Thanks in advance. I could really use some good information concerning what’s considered “acceptable. Robin