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Prime Buyers Guide Countertop Contractors

What to Do When You Need a Countertop Contractor in Marin 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 Marin County area. Marin 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 Marin County who meets your budget and time constraints.

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Updated December 19, 2007

Top 10 Countertop Contractors in Marin County

DETAILS of Sonoma
Send an email to this Company
(866) 561-4928
PO Box 1358
Santa Rosa, CA 95402
Contractor's License #861470
   Prime Buyer's Certified  Diamond Certified  Better Business Bureau Certified Pella Contractor Chamber of Commerce-Santa Rosa CEDIA  (Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association)

Areas Served: San Rafael, Mill Valley, Sausalito, San Anselmo, Tiburon, Ross, Belvedere, Novato
Services: Countertop contractors for residential installation
Key Brands: PELLA (We leave the brand selection to the client)

Patrick Hamilton Construction
Send an email to this Company
(707) 584-1700
5625 State Farm Dr
Rohnert Park, CA 94920
B (General Builders) & C10 (Electrical) License #915269
   Prime Buyer's Certified Chamber of Commerce-Cotati Chamber of Commerce-Petaluma Chamber of Commerce-Rohnert Park Chamber of Commerce-San Rafael Chamber of Commerce-Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce-Sonoma Valley

Areas Served: Novato, San Rafael, Sausalito, Corte Madera, Tiburon, San Anselmo, Mill Valley
Services: countertop installation and kitchen remodeling
Key Brands: Authorized Timberpeg Dealer

Kitchens & More
(415) 479-1000
4178 Redwood Hwy
Terra Linda, CA 94903

Areas Served: Marin, Novato, Sausalito, Mill Valley, San Rafael, Tiburon, San Anselmo, Woodacre

Creative Energy
(415) 472-7727
3815 Redwood Hwy
# A
Terra Linda, CA 94903

Areas Served: Mill Valley, San Rafael, Tiburon, Sausalito, Belvedere, Fairfax CA, San Anselmo

Aurora Cabinets & Countertops
(415) 472-4171
30 Mark Dr
Terra Linda, CA 94903

Areas Served: Tiburon, San Rafael, Novato, Sausalito, Mill Valley, Corte Madera, Kentfield

Custom Hardwood Countertops
(415) 453-2662
151 3rd St
San Rafael, CA 94901

Areas Served: San Rafael CA, Larkpur, Woodacre, Sausalito, Mill Valley, Novato, Tiburon, Kentfield

Building Solutions Inc
(415) 459-3349
2175 Francisco Blvd E
# G
San Rafael, CA 94901

Areas Served: Novato, San Rafael, Sausalito, Corte Madera, Tiburon, San Anselmo, Mill Valley

Novato Kitchens & Baths
(415) 897-8504
1066 Machin Ave
,

Areas Served: Mill Valley, San Rafael, Tiburon, Sausalito, Belvedere, Fairfax CA, San Anselmo

Marin Marble
(415) 492-1520
124 Paul Dr
# 15
Terra Linda, CA 94903

Areas Served: Marin, Novato, Sausalito, Mill Valley, San Rafael, Tiburon, San Anselmo, Woodacre

Homeworks
(415) 362-0908
37 Duffy Pl
San Rafael, CA 94901

Areas Served: Mill Valley, San Rafael, Novato, San Anselmo, Fairfax CA, Woodacre, Tiburon

Updated October 26, 2008

What to Do When You Need a Countertop Contractor in Marin 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.

Marin 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 Marin 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.

Marin 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 Marin 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 Marin County
In the Marin 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 Marin County to be DETAILS of Sonoma, Patrick Hamilton Construction, Kitchens & More, Creative Energy, Aurora Cabinets & Countertops, Custom Hardwood Countertops, Building Solutions Inc, Novato Kitchens & Baths, Marin Marble, Homeworks. Alternative local countertop contractors that are not found within these listings include Kitchenworks 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 Marin County."

Updated December 19, 2007
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How to Select a Marin 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 Marin 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 Marin 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 Marin 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 Marin County within the following zip codes.
94901, 94903, 94904, 94912, 94913, 94914, 94915, 94920, 94924, 94925, 94929, 94930, 94933, 94937, 94938, 94939, 94940, 94941, 94942, 94945, 94946, 94947, 94948, 94949, 94950, 94956, 94957, 94960, 94963, 94964, 94965, 94966, 94970, 94971, 94973, 94974, 94976, 94977, 94978 and 94979

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 countertop contractors in Marin County within the following cities.
Almonte, Bel Marin Keyes, Belvedere, Belvedere Tiburon, Black Point, Bolinas, Corte Madera, Dillon Beach, Dogtown, Fairfax, Forest Knolls, Greenbrae, Ignacio, Inverness, Kent Woodlands, Kentfield, Lagunitas, Larkspur, Lucas Valley, Marin City, Marinwood, Marshall, Mill Valley, Mission Rafael, Muir Beach, Muir Woods, Nicasio, Novato, Olema, Point Reyes Station, Ross, San Anselmo, San Geronimo, San Marin, San Quentin, San Rafael, Santa Venetia, Sausalito, Sleepy Hollow, Stinson Beach, Strawberry Point, Tamal, Tamalpais Valley, Terra Linda, Tiburon, Tomales and Woodacre
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 Marin 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 Marin 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