Home Services Guidelines and Best Practices
Metal Countertop Installation
Metal Countertop Installation guidelines, FAQs and unit pricing information
January 2017
Are you looking for independent, trustworthy advice about Metal Countertop Installation? Do you need to understand common installation options? If your project calls for Metal Countertop Installation work, the following guidelines and best practices will help you understand: Is a subcontractor really necessary for Metal Countertop Installation work? Will a permit be required? What are common problem areas? How much will Metal Countertop Installation labor cost? What are the important Metal Countertop Installation quality checks that should be included in the work requirements?
Metal Countertop Installation - Frequently Asked Questions
| What is a fair price for Metal Countertop Installation? | Costs vary with project size, job quality and time of year. For typical Metal Countertop Installation expect to pay between $41.42 to $45.26 per square foot. Additional fees are typically charged for small projects or rush jobs. |
| Is a permit needed for Metal Countertop Installation work? | Design approval and permits from your local building department are not required for Metal Countertop Installation. If your home is subject to homeowner association (HOA) covenants, you should verify that your Metal Countertop Installation project complies with association guidelines. |
| Is it worth using a professional to perform Metal Countertop Installation work? | The appearance, functionality and useful life of the stainless steel, copper countertop may be compromised by poor installation. Hire the service provider carefully and tie payment milestones to appropriate quality checks (use the list below). |
| Is Metal Countertop Installation something that I can do myself? | This is not a project recommended for the do it yourselfer. A successful Metal Countertop Installation requires the work of skilled trade contractors as well as special materials, tools, fabrication and installation techniques. Do it yourself mistakes may be expensive to remedy and will likely reduce the marketability and value of your home. |
| How many days are typically required to complete the Metal Countertop Installation work? | Normally, this work can be completed in 1 day. |
Metal Countertop Installation - Options, Quality Checks and Important Details
Use the list below to document your expectations for level of detail and finish quality for Metal Countertop Installation. Make sure that relevant information is included in any written contracts or work orders on your project. Before any Metal Countertop Installation work begins, review the checklist with the service provider. Tie payments to satisfactory completion of this checklist.
- The layout, location, style and finish appearance of ALL materials used in Metal Countertop Installation will be approved by owner, before any work begins
- Install the finished metal countertop edge uniformly parallel to framing edge, offset by __0 inch __1/8 inch __1/4 inch __3/8 inch __other_______
- A detailed finished metal countertop layout - showing material placement and all joints/seams - will be reviewed and approved before work begins
- Installed finished metal countertop surface variations along a 4 foot straight edge will not exceed 1/16 inch - from any location along any direction
- All finished metal countertop seams will be straight and secured flat along the entire seam, with no gaps or finish material height variation along the seam
- All holes, cuts and notches necessary to complete the work will be no larger than 25% of the object routed through the opening; cuts will be clean and uniform; all framing holes, notches and modifications will fully comply with local code guidelines
- All corner finished metal countertop joints will be cleanly mitered; There will be no visible gap along the joint edge and the finished metal countertop profile will be completely aligned along the joint edge
- Installed stainless steel, copper countertop will be level to within 1/64 inch in any 2 foot direction
- The finished metal countertop surface and surface finish will be free of surface defects, irregularities and any physical damage
- Installed finished metal countertop surface variations along a 4 foot straight edge will not exceed 1/16 inch - from any location along any direction
- Finished finished metal countertop will feel uniformly solid and rigid under pressure
- The stainless steel, copper countertop will be solidly attached and not slide, rock, twist or move when used
Metal Countertop Installation - Work Milestones and Project Reminders
The following list summarizes work tasks commonly performed during Metal Countertop Installation. These tasks help ensure proper completion of the stainless steel, copper countertop work and compliance with common manufacturer and vendor warranty requirements. Make sure that either you or your service provider takes responsibility for each of these tasks. All service provider task responsiblities should be clearly called out in the written contract or work orders.
- Complete written contract, including scope of work, quality checks, warranty, timing and payment terms; ensure that contract is signed before work begins
- Review and approve detailed layout / plan that shows location, orientation and placement of stainless steel, copper countertop, before any work begins
- Select, specify and order stainless steel, copper countertop; verify that type, grade, finish, size, color, any options, and quantity are clearly identified in the order; make sure that delivery date, terms and damage provisions are included in the order
- Manage delivery of stainless steel, copper countertop; verify that delivered model #, grade, finish, size, options, and quantity match the order precisely; thoroughly inspect all items for damage and proper operation; make or authorize final payment only after complete order is delivered
- Prepare flat, solid, firmly supported mounting surface/base for stainless steel, copper countertop
- Prepare area for safe, efficient work; move items that restrict work access or are vulnerable to damage; cover and protect items that cannot be moved
- Install stainless steel, copper countertop using mounting hardware, in compliance manufacturer recommendations and applicable local building code(s)
- Scribe edges to match contour of mounting surface
- Inspect Metal Countertop Installation and verify that all quality requirements and punch list items are completed correctly
- Cover and adequately protect the installed stainless steel, copper countertop from damage during completion of additional work
- Submit final payment; pay with a check to ensure expense can be verified for tax purposes
