SALES PROCESS

---

Sales process?

At Rubys Countertops, we believe in taking the personal approach with our clients. Our typical process follows:

• Visit our website to view our products or visit one of our showrooms.
• Review our pictures of granite choices call and ask for pricing or go to Free Quote page, send us your drawing with project information, we will get back to you as soon as possible to answer any questions.
• The very same day or next day you will have project written quote sent via e-mail or phone.
• If the quote is acceptable we encourage customers to visit our warehouse and examine the actual slabs and components that will be installed on their project, you can waive your right if a picture is sufficient.
• When customer has made a final selection of granite, we will prepare a sales contract. The contract will outline the details of the project, the specifics of the project, and payment terms.
• We will schedule an appointment to template the project. Templating is required on all projects to ensure exact measurements. The existing countertops may have to be removed at the time of templating. We prefer is new sinks, cooktop & faucets are available at template.
• Installation – After the granite sections are fabricated, they are ready for installation. A typical installation will take between 4-8 hours, can be more if unexpected issues arise.

Majestic Stone Countertops will do everything in its power to schedule your project within 5-10 days after template date.

What is Granite?

Granite rocks are igneous rocks also known as fire rocks which were formed by slowly cooling pockets of magma that we're trapped beneath the earth's surface. Granite is one of the hardest of all building stones with a very close grain. If polished, its high-gloss finish will endure even the harshest environments. These characteristics are ideal for countertops inside home and outside areas making granite a reliable stone for these applications.

As one of nature’s toughest materials, a top-quality granite adds equity to your home and can last a lifetime. However, that doesn’t mean it won’t be susceptible to damage if not cared for properly. One of the most common problems homeowners have with a granite countertop is etching.

As an igneous rock, created by volcanic action, granite’s composition is alkaline. Therefore, it’s vulnerable to acid exposure. Etching happens when acid comes in contact with the granite countertop, and is left long enough for the acid to dissolve some of the minerals. The result is a discoloration at the point of contact, a rough texture, and even a possible depression where the acid dissolved a significant portion of the stone.

Sounds dangerous — but now that you know what causes it, you can take steps to prevent it. Here’s how:

1. Do not use cleansers containing acidic substances, such as vinegar or lemon juice. Stick to cleansers formulated specifically for stone, or mild dish soap, both of which have a neutral pH.

2. Use a cutting board when preparing food, and wipe up any spills or splatters immediately. This is especially important for acidic fruit and juice, tomato-based foods, soda, coffee, and wine.

3. Remember that etching damage is more visible on a polished finish on a granite countertop compared with a matte, honed finish.

What is Quartz?

Because Quartz is man-made its consistent throughout, a 3" x 5" sample. Makes choosing very efficient, as opposed to Granite.

Beauty & durability come to mind with quartz countertop. There’s a certain amount of luxury that one feels when they add quartz countertops throughout their kitchen. So let's discover the Pro’s and Con’s of Quartz.

Pro:
Manufactured, this is a man-made product, so there’s a wider range of colors available than when going with a natural material like Granite or Marble. Also, quartz countertops are waterproof and can be used with an under-mounted sink!

Durability, because this is man made material, the durability is great comparable to marble.

Non-Porous, because it is a non-porous material you won’t have to worry about re-sealing the tops! The resin binds all of the crushed crystals together making it non porous and exceptionally sanitary. Won’t harbor bacteria or viruses.

Con:
Not As Heat-Resistant, be careful with the hot pots and pans! Quartz won’t ever be as heat resistant as granite or other natural materials. Don’t throw your hot pots and pans on the surface on these countertops because it can and will cause damage. A sudden change in temperature could cause your quartz to crack or even melt if it gets too hot.

It’s not completely indestructible but will be very hard to use and abuse with normal, everyday wear. It is scratch resistant, but not scratch proof. Some quartz colors are more susceptible to notice scratching because of colors. (Example polished black)

We certainly work hard to educate our viewers and provide the most comprehensive and unbiased information available about natural stone and engineered stone.

The marketing for quartz countertops would suggest that engineered stone is essentially stain and damage-proof.

Unfortunately, that is not the case. It can be stained and damaged by many things. And lighter colors tend to be more susceptible to damage than darker quartz countertop colors.

Also, damage to quartz is often permanent since what gets damaged is the colored resin, which cannot be repaired or restored.

This is where stone has a big advantage over quartz countertops. Stone can almost always be repair and restored to like new. Quartz typically cannot be repaired.

What is Marble?

Marble is available in a wide variety of colors with different vein colors and designs witch gives a elegant and luxurious feel coming from a natural stone. A porous metamorphic rock made of crystallized limestone. Marble is a soft stone compared to Marble and requires more maintenance.

Marble tends to lose its shine and becomes lifeless and dull overtime. This is just a natural look of the stone.

Cons:
Marble Stones are more susceptible to staining and damaging because of their soft character and porosity. It can etch, stain, and scratch. Oils and other liquids like coffee, tea, acid, and wine could be harmful if spilled on marble countertops.

Not resistant to heat. Do not plans hot pans or items on marble countertops you will damage.

We don’t recommend marble countertops if you are concerned about any of this issues, or in high traffic areas.

Does Granite stain?

For the most part, granite does not usually stain, but CAN if improper care is not provided. A sealer is also applied to the stone when it is installed to further protect it from this possibility. 

Water left on a Granite countertop for a long period of time will show evidence of moisture. It will however evaporate and the "dark spot" will disappear in most cases, but higher stones can have these water marks be permanently over time. Oil left on a granite surface will be absorbed into the stone. It is recommended that any spills be wiped up when they occur. If the spill is not caught in time and a stain does occur, this isn't covered by majestic stone countertops. We make no guarantees that granite is stain proof.

As an igneous rock, created by volcanic action, granite’s composition is alkaline. 

Therefore, it’s vulnerable to acid exposure. Etching happens when acid comes in contact with the granite countertop, and is left long enough for the acid to dissolve some of the minerals. The result is a discoloration at the point of contact, a rough texture, and even a possible depression where the acid dissolved a significant portion of the stone.

Sounds dangerous — but now that you know what causes it, you can take steps to prevent it. Here’s how:

1. Do not use cleansers containing acidic substances, such as vinegar or lemon juice. Stick to cleansers formulated specifically for stone, or mild dish soap, both of which have a neutral pH.

2. Use a cutting board when preparing food, and wipe up any spills or splatters immediately. This is especially important for acidic fruit and juice, tomato-based foods, soda, coffee, and wine.

3. Remember that etching damage is more visible on a polished finish on a granite countertop compared with a matte, honed finish.

How often should I seal my Granite countertops?

You can find here: www.StoneCare.com a full line of cleaning materials for your stone. The manufacturer recommends using their sealer once every 6-12 months. It is a simple wipe on, wipe off procedure that takes about the same amount of time as a general cleaning. It has to be done and maintenance done regularly, by the homeowner.

Why doesn't my granite look exactly like the sample?

Samples are generally indicative of the coloring and pattern (also known as veining) of each stone. As the Granite is quarried, differences in the stone's shading and pattern will appear. Since Granite is a natural material and subject to such changes, we recommend that a customer view the section prior too fabrication to ensure complete satisfaction. If not viewed in person Majestic Stone makes no promise on specific coloring and patter of stone installed.

Can you re-connect my electrical and plumbing connections?

Rubys Granite Countertops is a highly trained contractor for granite countertops, but we are not licensed electricians or plumbers. Therefore, we cannot assume any liability for making electrical or plumbing connections. WE DO NOT PROVIDE THESE SERVICES.

We prefer to have all plumbing disconnect prior to arrival of our installation crew. If plumbing is not removed we will remove upon arrival. If this is the case, you understand and will not hold us liable for any broken parts, or issues that can arise because of faulty pipes, leaks or water systems that are installed. If a plumber has to be called to stop a leak you understand you will take full responsibility of cost involved.

Will my granite have visible seams?

Most granite installations will require at least one or more joints called seams. During layout and design, Rubys Granite Countertops will always try to minimize the number of seams required.
We try to minimize look of seam as to industry standards, but some seams ARE more noticeable that others, depending on color and product selected.

How scratch-resistant is Granite?

With normal daily use you will not mar the finish. Although we don't recommend cutting directly on granite as a precaution. Rubys Granite Countertops makes no warranty claims on scratches.

Will my Granite countertop chip or crack

Granite will never break under normal daily kitchen conditions. Granite is brittle and not flexible and will break under certain stresses. You should not drop heavy objects such a pot, large pan, vase or other heavy, hard objects onto the countertop. Although it may seem obvious, you shouldn't stand on granite countertops. Too much pressure in the wrong place can cause granite to break or crack. Majestic Stone Countertops makes no warranty claims on chips or cracks.

How do I care for my Granite countertop?

Soap and water works just fine, as well as mild commercial products. Do not use glass cleaners or vinegar based products. We also recommend www.StoneCare.com for full line of products, which includes spray cleaners, sealers, and polishes that you may wish to use occasionally. Granite is very low maintenance.

Are there other finishes for Granite besides the high polished surface?

There are several finishes that you can have with Granite. The highly polished surface is the most popular.There is a honed finish that gives the stone a smooth feel but a more matte finish. 

What is the difference between an under-mount sink and a drop-in sink?

A drop-in sink sits on top of the cutout. An under-mount sink sits beneath the polished rim of the cutout. The benefit to this option is that it provides an attractive, smooth surface from counter to sink and makes clean-up much easier.

Should I expect noise, dust, smell’s during installation?

Installation of countertops is considered construction. Dust, noise, and glue smell’s should be expected throughout installation process. If you are concerned about dust, noise or smell traveling to other areas, it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to partition and cover those areas, or remove sensitive items to a safe location, were no dust will affect them. Please take your own precautions as these things are unavoidable for installation.

Can damage occur during tear-out or removal of old?

Minor damage may be done to existing backsplashes, cabinets or wall covering during tear out. We are not responsible for this damage (suggest customer tear out if concern about this). We do not guarantee coverage areas where the previous material have left exposed.

Minor touchup work is to be expected by home owner. We strive for minimal damage, but some are inevitable we are not responsible for any minor damage that occurs. Homeowner is responsible for any drywall or paint touch ups after installation.

Heavy and dangerous equipment is used, for safety of everyone please make sure no people, children or pets are in the work area at anytime. Please leave crew time and space required till project is complete before coming to work area.

What about my cabinetry fit and support?

We will not perform work for example, but not limited to, cutting cabinets, notching wood, pre-cleaning, etc.

Your new countertops must be installed level. Some cabinets are not level. If we have to shim countertops to be level, a small gap under the countertops may show after installation. You understand these are needed, and does not mean installation was deficient. You can install a piece of quarter round trip at the joint to enhance look. WE DO NOT INSTALL OR SUPPLY TRIM.

If you have a long overhang on any countertops support will be required. Support braces or corbels would be needed if supporting counter or wall is short or your overhand exceed 12” inches. (can vary)

Braces or Corbels are considered carpentry work and the purchase and installation of these are the responsibility of the homeowners.

What about Sink installation?

All under-mount sinks will be cut and polished per the sink manufactures template provide, unless otherwise notified by the customer in writing and stated in the contract.

New sink almost always require plumbing, garbage disposal, water systems installed, water filters etc reconfiguration. We are not responsible for any cost involved to reinstall. Client is solely responsible if needed.

If you are keeping same sink, we are not responsible for damage that may occur during removal, and proper fit to installation on new countertops.

When replacing your sink we dispose of old sink, and do not take any parts apart. We can leave the old sink if you instruct us too for you to take old parts off. If not old sink will be disposed off. We don’t take parts off ourselves.

When replacing your sink you may want to consider providing your plumber with new strainers and or a new disposal flange at the time of your reconnection. If you purchase a new sink from us, strainers or flanges do not come with new sink. You are responsible for these purchases, we do not sell them.

What if I'm getting a Farm Sink?

I you are getting a farm sink, your cabinets should be modified to fit prior to installation. Proper support for farmhouse sink should be installed as well. WE will not install if cabinets are not ready or no support is done. This is considered cabinetry work, we will not modify or create support ourselves. Homeowners responsibility.

What are some other details to be aware for installation?

Most walls are not straight they are uneven. Most of the time homeowner is unaware until installation of new countertops. There can be a small gap between granite and wall witch can vary greatly from installation to installation. We cannot predict prior to installation.

We drill holes to industry standards, unless you specify otherwise in writing to us. We are not responsible to determine configuration of plumbing for your selected faucets. We are not responsible for knowing best location to drill holes for your plumbing. We will not replace countertops if holes that are drilled are not in correct place without writing notification that is included in contract. We will not be responsible for any difficulties to install faucets and plumbing. Customers must make sure faucets and plumbing will fit.

We don’t remove mirrors. Mirrors should be removed prior to arrival of installation. If they are not removed, we will try to remove or work around them to avoid delays on installation. We are very careful, but we are not responsible in the even’t it breaks or any damage that can occur because of it. If we remove mirror, we will not reinstall again.

If any appliances are in the work area, we are not responsible for any minor twisting or scratching on any existing appliance that could occur during tear out or installation that rendering them unusable. Please remove appliances prior to installation. If appliances are moved by installers (Rubys Granite Countertops) will not be held liable for any damages that can occur by accident.