Installing New Kitchen Countertop

[enigma54]

I'm not sure who to call for a relatively small job - I want to get a new countertop for the kitchen either in marble or quartz. The runs would be 107", 43", 28", 68" and the island is 36"x39". I assume it's too small a job for a general contractor? Is there a ball park figure for sub-trades to charge by the length? I'd also be getting a new undermount sink at the same time. I'm in the GTA area. Thanks!

[jonnyb]

I don't think this necessarily requires a general or sub-contractor. Take your measurements to a countertop place and price things out. Most if not all of them will include removal of your old ctop and installation of the new one including mounting a new sink. The only sub you may need is a plumber to re&re the plumbing. If your looking at saving money removing the ctop yourself isn't that difficult.

[enigma54]

I don't think this necessarily requires a general or sub-contractor. Take your measurements to a countertop place and price things out. Most if not all of them will include removal of your old ctop and installation of the new one including mounting a new sink. The only sub you may need is a plumber to re&re the plumbing. If your looking at saving money removing the ctop yourself isn't that difficult.

Thanks for the reply...any recommendations for a countertop place in Toronto/GTA?

[CustomTouch]

I sent you a PM regards to the countertops.

[sobersky]

I'm not sure who to call for a relatively small job - I want to get a new countertop for the kitchen either in marble or quartz. The runs would be 107", 43", 28", 68" and the island is 36"x39". I assume it's too small a job for a general contractor? Is there a ball park figure for sub-trades to charge by the length? I'd also be getting a new undermount sink at the same time. I'm in the GTA area. Thanks!

Got at least 10 quotes when I did mine. Try Diva Bath on Dufferin (just north of Highland Farms) between Finch and Steeles. I think they included a SS sink for the kitchen. There's another one which I can't recall the name of but their number is 905-738-8808 (Hannah). Jane between Hwy 7 and Rutherford have many of the marble and granite warehouses, like Moscone, etc. Buy direct; should cut the middle man whenever possible; going through a GC will add $2000 to your price.

[fugazi11]

Got at least 10 quotes when I did mine. Try Diva Bath on Dufferin (just north of Highland Farms) between Finch and Steeles. I think they included a SS sink for the kitchen. There's another one which I can't recall the name of but their number is 905-738-8808 (Hannah). Jane between Hwy 7 and Rutherford have many of the marble and granite warehouses, like Moscone, etc. Buy direct; should cut the middle man whenever possible; going through a GC will cost you more.


Did you end up going with granite or quartz? And if quartz what brand and price per sq ft did you pay?

[Pete_Coach]

I'm not sure who to call for a relatively small job - I want to get a new countertop for the kitchen either in marble or quartz. The runs would be 107", 43", 28", 68" and the island is 36"x39". I assume it's too small a job for a general contractor? Is there a ball park figure for sub-trades to charge by the length? I'd also be getting a new undermount sink at the same time. I'm in the GTA area. Thanks!

I do not believe in any way that this is a small job. I also think that there is more to it than just sending in measurements. The wall may need to be scribed for a good fit, the cabinets may needed to be reinforced or shimmed or blocked or all three and, the fitment may require any number of tweaks.
I believe you should get someone who will do the job for you...properly. If it is a contractor (any company or person you hire that does the work) or sub-contractor (any company or person that does the work for the company or person you hire). Regardless, unless you are competent and a highly skilled do it your selfer, you will need to get someone to do the job. Get estimates.

[sobersky]

Did you end up going with granite or quartz? And if quartz what brand and price per sq ft did you pay?

We went with granite and get to pick the slabs we wanted...bianco antico. Came out to $50/sqft; priced at $89 at the HD and $75 at Mascone and $60 - 70 through the other shops along Jane/Rutherfod area. We decided not to go with quartz b/c most shops we spoke with advises that it discolours over time.

[coolspot]

I'm not sure who to call for a relatively small job - I want to get a new countertop for the kitchen either in marble or quartz. The runs would be 107", 43", 28", 68" and the island is 36"x39". I assume it's too small a job for a general contractor? Is there a ball park figure for sub-trades to charge by the length? I'd also be getting a new undermount sink at the same time. I'm in the GTA area. Thanks!

You should get quotes direct from granite/quartz places.

Marble is a bad choice for a kitchen surface. Too easy to damage.

Avoid Home Depot, Costco, and Ikea - over priced by a HUGE margin.

Don't cheap out on the sink either - get a name brand one (Blanco, Franke, etc.). Don't believe what the counter top companies say about their sinks being equvilant - often times they're not. And with granite/quartz/etc, it's all but impossible to replace the since once the counter top is done. Pay the extra 100 or 150 for a GOOD sink.


P.S. I heard the same thing about Quartz having issues over time... but who knows! I went with Granite and it's perfectly OK.

[rp23]

Hey guys,

If you still need a General Contractor, I strongly suggest getting in touch with Corbel General Contractor.

Him and his sub-contractors are extremely dilligent, professional, honest and great at what they do. He did our kitchen remodel, and will be starting our basement finishing in the spring.

He is priced very reasonably and trust me there will not be a complain about his work.

If need be, just let me know and I will provide you with contacts.

He just did such a good job for us and others that I thought I would recommend him.

Thanks

[fugazi11]

We went with granite and get to pick the slabs we wanted...bianco antico. Came out to $50/sqft; priced at $89 at the HD and $75 at Mascone and $60 - 70 through the other shops along Jane/Rutherfod area. We decided not to go with quartz b/c most shops we spoke with advises that it discolours over time.

just wondering if you could advise who you used for your granite?

[sdee33]

You should get quotes direct from granite/quartz places.

Marble is a bad choice for a kitchen surface. Too easy to damage.

Avoid Home Depot, Costco, and Ikea - over priced by a HUGE margin.

Don't cheap out on the sink either - get a name brand one (Blanco, Franke, etc.).


What is wrong with TICOR (cheaper sinks)? Isn't stainless steel of the same guage (with sound dampening pad on the bottom) pretty much all there is to a sink? What is so good about brand names?

[leonkaz]

mee too (pls post it or PM if you would)

just wondering if you could advise who you used for your granite?

[The Granite Specialist]

We went with granite and get to pick the slabs we wanted...bianco antico. Came out to $50/sqft; priced at $89 at the HD and $75 at Mascone and $60 - 70 through the other shops along Jane/Rutherfod area. We decided not to go with quartz b/c most shops we spoke with advises that it discolours over time.

Quartz products are not UV stable and will discolor under direct sunlight.

[The Granite Specialist]

What is wrong with TICOR (cheaper sinks)? Isn't stainless steel of the same guage (with sound dampening pad on the bottom) pretty much all there is to a sink? What is so good about brand names?

I am not a sink expert, but I believe it is the amount of nickel that is the difference between a cheap sink and a good sink. I have seen $200 stainless sinks with rust right out of the box.

[sdee33]

I am not a sink expert, but I believe it is the amount of nickel that is the difference between a cheap sink and a good sink. I have seen $200 stainless sinks with rust right out of the box.

Most sinks say they are 16 gauge, "18/10" sinks (18% chromium, 10% nickel) on the TICOR site, which seems to be the standard. Some go for about $200, so if nickel content is key they compare well to name brand expensive sinks.

[amalhi]

I sent you a PM regards to the countertops.

Could you please PM me same.

Thanks.

[sobersky]

just wondering if you could advise who you used for your granite?

Granite and Marble Countertop Designs and the slabs were picked at 2 different wholesalers.

BEWARE about the kitchen cabinet guy who shares the building with them!