Material selection is probably the hardest and one of the most important parts of the countertop buying process. VVG carries a large inventory which is competitively priced. You are also welcome to select materials from your choice of vendors.  Ask a consultant for a list of local material suppliers.

general color and design tips

• A good design rule is to “Contrast not Compete” meaning that often, a darker material will compliment a lighter cabinet and vice versa. Just as there are multiple variations of white, it may be better to contrast completely instead of trying to match colors exactly.
• Natural light is important to consider.  Do you want to “brighten” the space?
• Different colored island - It’s not uncommon to select a more exotic island material in contrast to the perimeter. If you would like this included in your estimate please inform your sales consultant.
• Having paint, flooring and cabinet samples will help with decisions
• Your sales consultant can help advise you in these decisions.

choosing from a sample

• VVG Signature colors (priced by the sq. ft.) are generally more uniform and consistent in color, however, stone samples are representative of that product and show only the type of material found within that particular range of stone.

Color variation is expected and an exact match to samples cannot be guaranteed.

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• VVG has large samples and full slabs at each of our showroom locations with the ability to access our photo database and can electronically view other in-stock materials.

Labor and material costs

• Labor costs required to handle, fabricate and install slabs are around 60% of the project cost.
• With the exception of extremely exotic and porcelain materials, most labor costs will remain the same regardless of what material you choose.
• If an exotic material is chosen, your cost could increase due to shipping, quarrying, rarity and country of origin.  In addition, rare materials could be more difficult to work with and less durable than stone in the VVG Signature Color Collection.
• Generally the more movement or pattern in the material, the greater the expense.

Purchasing a slab

Slab materials are priced in two ways:

1. By the square foot - You pay for what you use (these are our stock VVG Signature Colors).
2. By the Slab - This is VVG Exotic or any custom slab you select from a slab yard.

Which model is more cost effective is entirely dependent on your budget.

Two types of slab materials

1. Natural or Quarried: Literally cut from the mountain, sliced up, and polished. Granite, Marble, Travertine, Soapstone, Serpentine, Slate, Sandstone and Quartzite
2. Man Made: Processed in a factory. Engineered Stone (Quartz), Ultra Compact (Tile Slab), Engineered Marble

Types of slab material finishes

• Polished: Most common type of finish; it is easy to clean and maintain
• Honed: Matte finish, recommended for marble and does not reflect the light as well
• Leathered: Textured, unique finish
• Ultra Compact: These surfaces come in finishes similar to tile

Material comparison chart

Granite and Quartzite

• The most common types of natural stone used for countertops.
• Average slab size is 115” x 70” but will vary from color to color.
• Granite comes in many different types, each composed of different natural materials and properties.
• Granite will have varying levels of maintenance and discoloration/staining susceptibility.
• Granite is an extremely hard surface that is very scratch resistant. Cutting on granite is ok, but will usually dull knives.
• Granite is heat resistant and unlikely to burn or scorch.  However, thermal shock or cracks may occur if the countertop is subject to extreme temperature changes.
• Granite that has not been treated with resin are recommended for exterior applications.
• Each stone is unique and subject to variations in background color, veining distribution and veining pattern.  Fissures and pitting are naturally occurring features in granite and should not be considered a defect.  These natural features will not affect the performance of granite.
• True Quartzite is extremely hard (harder than most granites) and dense. Not many quartzites that are quarried are used for slabs.

Quartz (engineered stone)

• has gained extreme popularity recently as colors have improved, often imitating natural stone.
• comprised of approximately 93% stone aggregates and 7% polyester resin by weight (66% stone aggregate and 33% resin by volume) and is pressed into slabs or large blocks that are polished.
• Seams and shading variation may be more visible with Quartz products than other products.
• Quartz is not UV stable and will fade with direct sunlight. VVG WILL NOT use quartz outdoors.
• Chiseled edge is not offered on quartz products.
• Slabs come in 2 approximate sizes - 120” x 55”  or 126” x 63”

Marble, Travertine, Soapstone, serpentine, slate, and sandstone

• These materials have a very unique color and appearance.
• Great choices for backsplash and less trafficked areas that don’t see a lot of food preparation.
• Choosing these stones for kitchen applications is acceptable, but the likelihood of these materials staining and scratching is much greater than with polished granite.

Ultra compact (tile slab)

• Ultra Compact is a fairly new product in the market and is gaining popularity as durability, tooling and processing methods are being developed.
• Ultra Compact products provide a unique texture and look that cannot be captured in natural or engineered stone.
• Very low coefficient of thermal expansion makes it thermal shock resistant from both extreme heat and extreme cold. Good choice for exterior and high traffic applications.
• Extremely easy to maintain; chips however, are extremely difficult to repair.
• With nearly 0% porosity, it is a hygienic surface resistant to acidic liquids, heat, staining, and scratching.

Engineered Marble

• a recycled natural marble that has been crushed, pressed, heated and bonded with an amount of resin.
• typically softer than other materials, scratches easier, and is not as heat resistant.
• good choice for vertical surfaces such as shower surrounds or backsplash options.

Joint Placement

• Joint placement is determined by VVG professionals in accordance with industry standards.  
• Every effort will be made to ensure that joints are placed in the best location for structural integrity and aesthetic value.  Joints may vary from 1/16” to 1/8” and may be visible to the eye and touch.
• Some materials may experience shade variations where two pieces come together. (This is common with Quartz material)
• VVG does not place joints in the middle of sinks, but instead, embeds a fiberglass rod on the underside of the counter to strengthen the sink rail. The exceptions of joint placement in sinks would be a “farm style” or “apron” front sink that do not require countertop material in the front. The placement of a joint in a cooktop and over-mount sink is acceptable.
• Valley View Granite reserves the right to use multiple seams based on slab yield and material availability.
• Valley View Granite reserves the right to add a joint when needed to pieces that are wall to wall based on but not limited to the following - restricted access, overall length of piece, material durability and cutouts.

Approve slab layout

One of the advantages that VVG offers, when you buy by the slab, is the ability to view your layout prior to purchasing.

• When purchasing by the sq. ft. VVG staff will determine what slabs are used and layout.
• VVG Signature colors will need to be purchased by the slab if an exact slab and layout approval is required.
• If you purchase by the slab or by the “cut piece”, you can electronically lay out your project at one of our showrooms to see how the material would look with your project.

Prior to templating:

• All estimates, layouts and material waivers must be signed and returned to VVG prior to templating.
• 75% Deposit, or balance of material (whichever is greater) is required BEFORE job is scheduled with balance due upon first day of installation. Payment of deposit is considered an agreement to proposal.
• Ensure that templater has clear access to areas to be measured
• All cabinet work must be attached and in permanent position, leveled and secured. Any brackets must be installed on the cabinetry.  
• Any alterations required to cabinets or substructure must be completed before templating.
• Cabinets that sit on the countertops need to be removed prior to template/install and should be reinstalled at least 24 hours AFTER new countertops have been installed.
• Make/Model Numbers for: faucets, cooktop & slide-in ranges (controls on front & filler counter in back) have been provided to VVG prior to templating.
• Customer supplied sinks & drop-in cooktops will need to be ON-SITE and placed IN THE CABINET BOX at time of template.

A Return Trip Charge will be assessed for items not on-site at time of template.

• If a Cast Iron or Apron-Front (Farm Style) sink is used, it must be built into cabinet by cabinet maker before measuring can be done. The top of the sink needs to be flush with the top of the cabinets.
• Number of faucets and faucet holes and placement to be drilled is determined and verified on the sale order.

Holes drilled at time of installation will incur an extra charge.

• Dishwasher: VVG will provide a metal bracket that spans the dishwasher opening and secures the flanges on the top of the dishwasher for all sale orders. Bracket will be listed on the sale order.  
  

Prior to template (for remodel)

• Clear off counters so the templators can capture a good measurement of counters and walls.
• In some cases, (usually existing tile countertops) it is best to have the counters removed prior to the measuring process.  Usually laminate can be measured with the existing counters in place.
• Mirrors (to be) mounted above backsplashes or countertops are the responsibility of the homeowner or builder.  Existing mirrors are to be removed before installation of backsplash.  Mirrors are only to be reinstalled after marble/granite installation is complete.  VVG is not responsible for damage to mirrors that are not removed prior to field measure or install.
• All appliance garages (storage areas) must be removed prior to field measurements.

If client chooses to not continue with the job and the material is cut, the deposit will not be refunded. If the job has not been cut, $300 plus any restocking or return fees will not be refunded.

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Project Manager

Once you have everything completed for your order, your project will be submitted to a Project Manager who will review everything and contact you confirming the earliest date your project will be ready for templating.

Your Project Manager will be working closely with you to ensure that everything runs smoothly through the entire field measure, fabrication and installation processes. They will help you with the scheduling, post field measure and installation events.

For any scheduling questions please contact the project management team at (435) 257-7814

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Your templating specialist will be measuring and electronically creating / submitting the final CAD drawings for production.

In order to provide the best possible processing time, our goal is to be fabricating your job within 4-8 hours after he has field measured. This is why it is imperative that ALL decisions be made and information provided prior to your templater arriving at the jobsite.

Template appointments usually last between 30 minutes and an hour depending on the size of job. The following activities will be done while they are on site

Please have someone familiar with the job requirements available either in person or via phone for questions during the appointment.

• Make sure all items from STEP 5 are complete prior to this visit
• Model numbers for sinks, faucets, cooktops etc. will be verified
• Cast Iron or Apron-Front (Farm Style) sink locations will be recorded
• Cabinet measurements/locations will be recorded
• A digital template will be taken of the cabinets and walls that will come in contact with the tops/splash
• Photos will be taken to verify the information that was recorded

Incomplete items at time of template could delay your installation date assignment.

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• Job not ready for measure (cabinets not secure / job site not accessible)
• Measurements increase greater than 2 sq. ft.

                 - A new sale order approval may be required

                 - A new layout may be required if you are purchasing material “by the slab”

• Missing items on site (owner provided sinks or drop in cooktop)
• Decision changes (Edges, Colors, Faucet, Splash etc.)
• Additional design answers needed from VVG Production or Installation (verify piece sizes / joint placement etc.)

The day after template

• Valley View Granite follows “first in first out” manufacturing methods.
• If there is no additional information required and no change to the estimate, Project Management will send you another sale order confirmation and an installation date.
• If there are any additional approvals or information needed, they will be resolved/approved by project management.
• A completion date will only be assigned after ALL information is received and verified.

In the event that material is not in stock, the completion date will not be assigned until the material arrives at VVG fabrication facility and any necessary layout approvals are received.

No changes can be made after a job has been approved for production.

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• With 24 hour a day production, VVG offers some of the fastest turn around times in the industry. Average lead time from the date of receipt of approved shop drawings is 7 to 15 business days.

Project Timeline

The following represents approximate delivery times only. It does NOT constitute a contract or commitment.

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THINGS TO REMEMBER

• Natural and engineered stone is heavy! Please have a clear pathway to the installation area.
• Please schedule other trades, flooring, paint, concrete, etc, so they are not scheduled to be there the same time as the counter-top install. If other trades prevent the install from happening, the job will need to be rescheduled and a return trip fee will be added to the final bill.
• On occasion, stone may need to be cut, ground, or polished on site, creating a layer of dust. We will do everything possible to contain the dust, however, homeowners should be aware that there will be dust. Adults and children with respiratory illnesses (asthma, COPD, etc.) should not be at the site on the day of installation.
• The process of installation requires the use of epoxies and/or other resins which produce a strong odor. We recommend that windows be open during this process. Be prepared for inclement weather or hot weather (sweaters in the winter, fans in the summer).
• In order to properly install sinks, it is not uncommon for cabinets to be cut or modified at time of install.
• All plumbing, gas and electrical connections must be disconnected by the installation date.  Once the installation is complete, countertops will require a mandatory setting time of overnight, but optimally should be allowed to set for 24 hours before reconnecting utilities or installing any fixtures.  VVG will mount sinks and drill faucet holes.  You are responsible for scheduling a licensed professional to reconnect fixtures and utilities.
• To ensure customer satisfaction, we ask that any installation work be inspected for quality and suitability at time of install. By helping to review our workmanship in a timely fashion, you will minimize any time needed to make additional adjustments and ensure your happiness with your product.

Remodel

Children or animals underfoot puts them at risk! We ask on the day of the installation your animals be kenneled and, if possible, arrange for your children to be with a caregiver.

• Remove any loose rugs from the floor and ensure floor surfaces are dry.
• Remove decorative and other unnecessary items from the work area.

We recommend waiting 48 hours before preparing food on your countertops to ensure that sealant is fully absorbed and cured.

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Field service hours

VVG Field Service hours are between 7:30 AM and 4:00 PM Monday - Friday.

Any field services required after 4:00 PM will be billed for overtime.

• Overtime for measuring will be billed at an additional $35.00 per hour and an installation crew will be billed at an additional $75.00 per hour.

Scheduling communications and supervisor permission for overtime must be approved prior to scheduling.

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Work performed after 4:00 PM because of VVG workload will not be billed overtime.

FINAL PAYMENT

Final payment is expected day of completion or according to the terms with the account. A 3% fee will be added to all credit card payments. If remaining balance is not paid within 30 days of install completion, customer agrees to pay 18% per annum on any unpaid balance, compounded monthly beginning 30 days after the invoice date. All discounts will be forfeited if account exceeds 30 days. Payment can be given to the installers, dropped off at a VVG location, mailed into a VVG location, or a CC payment can be made over the phone by calling VVG, 435-257-7882 and asking for the Accounts Receivable Department.

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