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Prime Buyers Guide Countertop Contractors

What to Do When You Need a Countertop Contractor in San Mateo County, CA

If you're considering remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, there are several elements to take into account, from appliances to new color schemes. When it comes to finding countertop materials and having them installed, the easiest way to get it done quickly and efficiently is by hiring a countertop contractor in the San Mateo County area. San Mateo County countertop contractors can help you choose an appropriate set of counters, find and cut new, custom counters, and install them at your convenience. The articles below can help you locate a good countertop contractor in San Mateo County who meets your budget and time constraints.

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Updated December 19, 2007

Top 10 Countertop Contractors in San Mateo County

Concrete Evolution Inc
(415) 444-0348
112 Mitchell Blvd # 5
San Rafael, CA 94903

Cheng Concrete Exchange

Areas Served: San Mateo, Redwood City, Burlingame, Atherton, Hillsborough, Foster City, Belmont CA
Services: Innovative custom countertops including kitchen countertops, bathroom countertops ...

Bonsai Builder Construction
(408) 374-4115
14125 Capri Dr
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Contractor’s license # 575422B

Areas Served: San Mateo, Menlo Park, Burlingame, Redwood City, Brisbane, Atherton, San Carlos
Services: custom countertops, installation of granite countertops, tile countertops
Key Brands: Baldwin Door hardware, Walker Zanger tile, Kolbe and Kolbe, Eagle Windows, Carlisle ...

Pacheaco Construction
(510) 791-2628
2860 Sanderling Dr
Fremont, CA 94555
Contractors License # B635806
Better Business Bureau NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association)

Areas Served: Redwood City, Burlingame, San Mateo, Menlo Park, San Carlos, Woodside, San Bruno
Services: new countertop sales and contractors for countertop installations
Key Brands: Milgard, Marvin, Anderson, CertainTeed, Simonton, Velux

Sherring Construction
(925) 934-9999
136 Bexley Place
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
Contractors License #609637
Western Regional Master Builders Association

Areas Served: San Mateo, Burlingame, Redwood City, Woodside, Menlo Park, Atherton, Belmont CA
Services: all home countertop installation with high end countertop materials
Key Brands: Anderson Windows and Doors, Milgard Windows, Closet Innovation

Sinclair Construction
(925) 288-9899
5100 1-B Clayton Rd #162
Concord, CA 94521
License #750995 (B and C15)
Better Business Bureau NAHB (National Association of Home Builders)

Areas Served: Atherton, Redwood City, Hillsborough, Burlingame, Millbrae, San Bruno, Half Moon Bay
Services: Contractors for all high end home countertop installations and repair
Key Brands: Ashby Lumber, Piedmont Lumber, Anderson Windows, Pella Windows

Zayer Construction
(408) 655-4480
2495 Kingfield Way
San Jose, CA 95124
State License #647769 Class B: General Building Contractor
Better Business Bureau

Areas Served: Atherton,Half Moon Bay, Redwood City, Burlingame, Millbrae, Hillsborough, San Bruno
Services: custom countertop installations and replacements
Key Brands: Anderson Windows, Kelly Moore

Joseph Ward General Contractor
(925) 356-8810
1646 Placer Drive
Concord, CA 94521
Contractor's Lic# 671256
Diamond Certified Build It Green US Green Building Council

Areas Served: Atherton, Redwood City, Hillsborough, Burlingame, Millbrae, San Bruno, Half Moon Bay
Services: Contractors for all high end home countertop installations and repair

Plazo Construction
(949) 930-9730
139 Crestwood Dr
Daly City, CA 94015

Areas Served: Redwood City, San Mateo, Burlingame, Hillsborough, Millbrae, San Bruno, Atherton

Kitchen Artworks
(650) 871-6006
548 Theresa Drive
South San Francisco, CA 94080

Areas Served: Redwood City, San Mateo, Burlingame, Millbrae, Brisbane, San Bruno, Atherton

Marble & Ceramic Center
(650) 737-9873
233 El Camino Real
South San Francisco, CA 94080

Areas Served: Redwood City, San Mateo, Burlingame, Hillsborough, Millbrae, San Bruno, Atherton

What to Do When You Need a Countertop Contractor in San Mateo County, CA 

Since the kitchen is so often the hub of a home, a kitchen remodel can transform the decorative dynamic of an entire house. When every surface comes alive with your unique design preferences, it increases the appeal, and, undoubtedly, the value. Countertop contractors provide a crucial element to your kitchen's rebirth-a granite slab butcher block or an onyx countertop can not only give your old kitchen a sleek, new look, but added functionality as well. Read the materials we've provided to get started and find a contractor who can help you realize your design visions.

San Mateo County Countertop Contractors Perform Numerous Services
Your countertop project usually starts with an excursion to a countertop showroom, where you will meet skilled individuals who can advise you on design ideas and functionality suggestions. There are a number of these companies that serve San Mateo County. They carry manufactured countertops and butcher blocks, but they also fabricate custom surfaces to your preferences. It takes quite a bit of skill to cut granite slabs and successfully bullnose stone tiles and create custom inlays, but the contractors within countertop showrooms have extensive experience in this (including granite and hardwood). These contractors take care of every requested installation, including remodels or new construction, so your counter project can be designed, cut, and installed by a single company. There's also a good chance that they don't limit themselves to kitchen counters. They can give much needed attention to an outdated bathroom by installing new tub and shower enclosures, new shower pans, custom vanities, or tile on sinks and shower walls.

San Mateo County Countertop Contractors Offer Many Parts and Materials
Countertop contractors and fabricators can create custom counters from a number of materials. Each medium has its own visual appeal, which may or may not overrule its' durability or functionality. This is why all factors should be taken into consideration in the preliminary stages of your countertop project. Choose from granite, quartz, onyx, cultured marble, limestone, marble, slate, travertine, natural stone, laminated plastic, green mountain soapstone, woodland jade slate, glass, hardwood, various tiles, engineered stone, or custom concrete. A handful of countertop contractors in San Mateo County work with sheet metal, and they can custom fabricate counters and other surfaces with copper, zinc, and stainless steel. From the astronomically priced to the obnoxiously sensitive, countertop choices are easy to miscalculate, so research the pros and cons of each option before you plan around a design.

There are Several Reputable Countertop Contractors That Serve San Mateo County
In the San Mateo County area, it isn't difficult to find a professional countertop installer. It may seem easier to pick a random listing, but quality and reputation should always be taken into account. The Prime Buyer's Report has evaluated the countertop contractors in your area and determined the top 10 countertop contractors in San Mateo County to be Concrete Evolution Inc, Bonsai Builder Construction, Pacheaco Construction, Sherring Construction, Sinclair Construction, Zayer Construction, Joseph Ward General Contractor, Plazo Construction, Kitchen Artworks, Marble & Ceramic Center. Alternative local countertop contractors that are not found within these listings include Affinity Home Improvements, Marble City Co Inc, Da Vinci Marble Inc, Countertop Store of San Carlos, M & M Building Supply Co Inc.. It will expedite your search to start with these well-known professionals.

Learn About Countertops and Countertop Installation
Before you jump into your project, educate yourself about your different materials, designs, and prices. Prepare yourself for the coming consultations and installations. We've found some resources that can teach you about the process. Simply visit The Prime Buyer's Report article, "Key Resources for Countertop Contractors in San Mateo County."

Updated December 19, 2007
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How to Select a San Mateo County Countertop Contractor 

Step 1: Describe Work
Prepare a description of your preferences before setting any appointments with potential contractors. If you can describe your vision consistently, you can be sure each contractor is as clear as the other, and all pricing considerations are based on the same features.

Step 2: Hold a Brief Consultation
Once a countertop contractor knows what you want, get his opinion about the feasibility of your plan. He may have suggestions about an alternate course of action that you should take into consideration.

Step 3: Ask Questions & Take Notes
Even if your design preferences seem to align with certain potential contractors, there are many other factors that should be taken into account before hiring them. Use the questions below to find out if a contractor is worth pursuing.

How long have you been in the countertop installation industry?
How many countertop jobs have you completed in San Mateo County?
How do you price parts and labor?
Can you fabricate custom countertops?
What materials can you work with?
How long should it take to order the materials and complete installation?
Do you carry workers' compensation and liability insurance?
Will you provide a written estimate?
Do you provide a warranty for your work?
Will you provide post-installation maintenance? (e.g., sealing on marble and granite)
Will you provide a written contract?

Step 4: Making a Preliminary Decision
Evaluate the results of your interviews for contractor competence and overall compatibility. Determine which contractor can provide the best personalized results for your countertop installation.

Step 5: Final Research
Before you actually hire your favorite contractor in San Mateo County, make sure he or she holds the proper certifications to adequately and legally perform your countertop installation. Verify liability insurance and contractor licensing at the Web site for the Contractors State License Board.

Step 6: Making the Final Decision
Once you've verified your contractor's licensure, it's safe to proceed with a written contract. Ask for your representative to provide a signed pricing, timing, quality and warranty agreement.

Updated December 19, 2007
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Helpful Resources for Countertop Contractors in San Mateo County 

Associations & Licensing
ASID American Society of Interior Designers (www.asid.org)
BBB Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org)
BSI Building Stone Institute (www.buildingstone.org)
CCI Concrete Countertop Institute (www.concretecountertiopinstitute.com)
Diamond Certified (www.diamomdcertfied.org)
DCA California Department of Consumer Affairs (www.dca.ca.gov)
ISA International Stone Institute (www.internationalstoneinstitute.com)
ISSFA International Solid Surface Fabricator's Association (www.issfa.org)
MIA Marble Institute of America (www.marble-institute.com)
NARI National Association of the Remodeling Industry (www.nari.org)
NKBA National Kitchen and Bath Association (www.nkba.org)
NSSGA National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (www.nssga.org)
NTCA National Tile Contractors Association (www.tile-assn.com)
TMTCA Tile, Marble, Terrazzo Contractors Association (www.ceacisp.org)

Media & Web Resources
Building Stone Magazine
Interior Design Magazine
Kitchens by Professional Designers
Residential Design & Build
Stone World Magazine
TileLetter
Tile Magazine

www.concretecountertops.net
www.findstone.com
www.kitchens.com
www.marblecleaning.org
www.nsraweb.com


The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 countertop contractors in San Mateo County within the following zip codes.
94027, 94002, 94005, 94015, 94010, 94014, 94062, 94404, 94019, 94020, 94021, 94025, 94028, 94030, 94038, 94044, 94060, 94061, 94063, 94065, 94066, 94096, 94098, 94070, 94128, 94074, 94401, 94402, 94403, 94080, 94083, 94064, 94037, 94026, 94018, 94017, 94016 and 94011

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 countertop contractors in San Mateo County within the following cities.
San Francisco, Atherton, Belmont, Brisbane, Broadmoor Vlg, Burlingame, Colma, Daly City, Emerald Hills, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Hillsborough, La Honda, Loma Mar, Menlo Park, Millbrae, Moss Beach, Pacifica, Palomar Park, Pescadero, Portola Valley, Princeton by the Sea, Redwood City, San Bruno, San Carlos, San Gregorio, San Mateo, Sharp Park, South San Francisco, West Menlo Park, Woodside, El Granada and Montara
Updated December 19, 2007
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10 Ways to Simplify Your Countertop Installation 

Take Time Choosing Your Countertop Contractor.
Give yourself enough time to be selective about your installing contractor. Price and speed may be great motivators, but in the end, it's the workmanship that matters.

Take Functionality into Account.
Different materials require different maintenance or may inhibit ease of use. Some stain easily (tile, wood, marble) chip or dent easily (concrete, stainless steel), or have a tendency to shatter errant dishes (granite).

Get Creative.
When considering patterns and design themes for your new counters, don't feel locked into one material. You can combine different materials for looks, practicality and a significant reduction in price. It won't detract from the décor to create different enclaves for different purposes; for example, place a butcher block (which is intended for heavy use) near the sink for cutting and more extravagant or fragile materials in sections that are seldom used.

Get Several Estimates.
Get a more accurate number to base your projections on by getting a few different estimates from different contractors. Each candidate may have a different interpretation of the value of the work, and a comprehensive comparison can help you determine a realistic and fair cost to anticipate.

Get it in Writing.
As is true with all contactor work, it's imperative that any construction is recorded in a detailed contract. This prepares you for any legal or quality-related controversy that may arise.

Do Your Homework Before You Sign an Agreement.
Before any contracts are signed or any work begins, make sure your chosen contractor has valid state licensing, liability insurance and worker's compensation.

Seek Out the Best.
Contract work can be expensive and trying, so when it comes to the hired contractor, you deserve the best. Certain contractors have proven themselves to be fair businessmen with excellent customer service practices, and, as such, have earned endorsements like Diamond Certification or Better Business Bureau membership. If you consider these factors when you're looking for a countertop specialist, you can count on receiving excellent customer care and quality workmanship.

Stay in Touch.
Maintain contact with your countertop contractor. Try to stay current on progress and problems. Be available for questions and notification of delays and there won't be any unpleasant surprises.

Check the Work.
Before you sign off on a job well done, make sure you truly are satisfied with the results. Check your contractor's finished product with a discriminating eye before you complete your business transaction.

Know Your Rights.
In the event of business/patron conflict, consumers are protected by government regulations. These laws vary by locality. As a resident of San Mateo County, applicable legal information can be found at the consumer affairs Web site for the State of California.

Updated December 19, 2007
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Countertop Contractors in San Mateo County Can Install a Number of Pre-Manufactured Countertop Brands 

DuPont, Corian, Zodiaq, Wilsonart, Caesarstone, Formica, Micore, Swanstone, Sonoma Cast Stone, Specialty Stainless, WS Bath Collections, Avonite, Haifa, Cheng Design, Elkay, Fountainhead, Innovative Marble and Tile, Nathan Allan, Stainless Living, and Nevamar.
Updated December 19, 2007
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Diamond Certified