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TEMPLATE & FITTING SERVICE
Our company is very fortunate and pleased to have such experienced fitting teams to install our high quality granite, quartz and stone products. There is a certain art and skill to the natural stone installation profession that cannot be replicated by other tradesmen.
The knowledge and experience of our fitting teams is second to none and are amongst the best the uk has to offer. A perfectly crafted bespoke granite or quartz worktop is only as good as the fitting team that create the templates and install the finished product. That’s why we use our own dedicated fitting teams who see your project from conception and development through to completion.
Why are our fitting teams better than the competition? Read on to find out more….
Quality Reasons why we take pride in our fitting service
- Dedicated fitting teams, time served and accredited.
- Each fitter has 20+ years of experience in this specialist field.
- Templates taken to exact measurements and to your specification.
- Templates are taken to fit the bespoke size and shape of your kitchen.
- Templates are either made from moisture resistant hardboard, measured for accurate drawings or scanned with a laser , depending on the fitting team assigned.
Template & Fitting Terms & Conditions
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING, IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THE TEMPLATE AND FITTING
To ensure efficient and accurate project processing and manufacturing, it is essential that the following conditions are met by our customers:
- All details must be finalized and confirmed at the template stage with our fitters. Any alterations made after this point or failure to meet the conditions before the template production date may require a revisit at an additional cost.
- While prior discussions may have taken place via showroom visits, emails, phone calls, or factory visits, the template stage is the final opportunity to agree on all specifications. What is confirmed at this stage will be fabricated and installed.
- Our fitters are provided with relevant notes, booking details, and kitchen plans discussed with the customer. However, due to the volume of inquiries handled daily, we cannot guarantee that prior discussions align with the final requirements.
For accuracy, all specifications, sizes, and details must be decided and confirmed during the on-site template appointment.
General Information –
Client on site at the template stage
We insist that you (the customer, not the kitchen fitter) be present during templating to agree on all relevant details such as overhang, joints, and height of splashbacks etc. Advice can also be given at this point with regard to any alterations and/or additional work that would need to be carried out before the new worktops can be fitted.
Worktop overhangs
Unless specified, we reserve the right to use our own judgment regarding all overhangs. In the event that you or a trusted representative is not present we will use our best endeavours to template but take no responsibility whatsoever for any misinterpretations.
Standard overhangs are 20mm with +/- 3mm (unless otherwise instructed) and we accept no responsibility if these are later found to be unacceptable.
Worktop thickness
Granite & quartz worktops standard thickness is 30mm (+/- 2mm)
Splashback thickness
Granite & quartz splash-backs standard thickness is 20mm (+/- 2mm)
Adjustments on site
95% of all work that would require cutting and polishing would be completed at our factory to minimize dust, dirt and untidiness at the customer’s house. Some instances of grinding, cutting, and polishing the granite/quartz at the customer’s house are unavoidable. Our fitters will make every effort to keep this to a minimum and clean up after themselves but you should be prepared for this and instruct the fitters where they are able to complete this work if necessary (for example- a garage, driveway, patio or back garden).
On the day templates / measurements are to be taken
What is required
You will be required to be on-site at the template stage to go through all the details of your job with the fitters. To help you with this we have the following information that includes many frequently asked questions along with what information you will have to supply on the day. These have all been listed below along with a checksheet that will need to be completed and signed to confirm that all the options and details have been discussed and agreed upon with you and our fitters. Once this is complete, by signing the form you are confirming that you are happy for us to proceed to the fabrication stage. If you are unsure of anything discussed with the fitters or feel that something has not been explained in full, do not sign the form. Either ask the fitters for more information on the issue or contact us directly for clarification. Only sign this form if you are happy for us to proceed and commence fabrication. We will manufacture exactly to the template details, sizes, and specifications.
Once materials have been committed to production we are unable to accept changes or additions. Once templates are returned to us by our fitters we will check the details, sizes, and specifications with our original estimate. Upon doing so there are usually 2 scenarios:-
Minor changes at the template stage
If there are either very minor changes or no changes. If this is the case, we will not contact you and go straight into production as the price would not have changed from your original estimate.
Major changes / additions at the template stage
If there are significant changes and /or additions that have not been accounted for in your original estimate then we will contact you to discuss these changes, along with an updated price. We will not start any fabrication until any additions/ changes have been agreed. This process may result in a delay with your installation date if we are unable to contact you to confirm these additions/changes.
Splashbacks upstands & wall panels
Fitting splashbacks to uneven walls
Where splashbacks / upstands are to be fitted we can take no responsibility for the curvature & alignment of the walls. Granite and
quartz will not bend therefore there may be gaps behind the splash-backs when fitted. These gaps can easily be filled with painters caulk by you or your decorator. We are not painters & decorators and take no responsibility for filling these gaps.
Acceptable tolerances
Where full height splash backs between worktops and cupboards or hob splash back between worktops and extractor unit are
required we are unable to make these fit with no gaps. A certain amount of tolerance is required to fit these items as to avoid damage to the underside of the cupboard or extractor unit. Tolerance for cupboards is usually around 3-4mm and anything up to 6mm for extractor units with curved glass. This is needed to avoid damage to the glass due to any heat expansion. Too tight a fit may crack the glass. Our fitters will try to keep any gaps at the bare minimum to ensure the best fit possible.
Gas or Electric Hobs
Gas & electric hobs
Gas or electric hobs must be disconnected but available on site on both the template date and fitting date. We have neither the tools,
skill set or in some cases required qualifications (such as corgi- gas or electrical NIC or other approved governing body) to undertake any
plumbing, gas, electrical, plastering or carpentry work. If you do need the services of any of these trades we will happily give you contact
numbers of a trained, accredited and insured professional. We will also help to co-ordinate our services with them.
Recessed & flush fitting hobs
Recessed / flush fitting hobs will be charged at an extra rate to a standard hob cut out. The fitter must be given the booklet / cutting
sizes that are required for this make and model. This booklet should be in the box with your hob. We will only use the dimensions given in
this booklet unless otherwise instructed by you. We will also need to have your flush fitting hob here at our factory when it is due to be
fabricated to ensure a perfect fit. Tolerances given by the manufacturer of around 3 to 4mm for hobs made with glass are common. This
is needed to avoid damage to the glass due to any heat expansion. Too tight a fit may crack the glass.(we do not recommend flush fitting
Hob fitting
We do not include fitting / securing of any hob either gas or electric.
Sinks & sink cut outs
Belfast/Butler Sinks:
Belfast/butler sinks must be fixed in position before templating. After worktops are fitted, taps must be installed separately as access is limited. If taps are unreachable, joints may be required behind the sink. As ceramic sinks vary in size, shape and level, we add a generous overhang around the edges and do not create exact cut-outs due to this type of sink wide variations.
Under-Mounted Sinks:
Under-mounted sinks must be on-site during templating. Stainless steel sinks will be bonded to the granite/quartz using resin glue or clamps at fitting, as deemed suitable by the fitter. This bond carries a 12-month guarantee. Silicone creates a watertight seal but is also only guaranteed for 12 months.
Sink Support Shelf:
We recommend attaching a small shelf under the sink or waste disposal unit post-installation to handle excess weight. Contact your kitchen fitter or joiner to arrange this.
Sub-Top Installation:
For an alternative sink attachment, a sub-top cut with an 8mm tolerance can be provided. Fitters can advise further during templating.
Heavy Under-Mounted Sinks:
Pot or ceramic sinks must be mounted on a shelf fixed by the customer or kitchen fitter before templating, as they cannot be bonded like lighter sinks.
Cut-Out Details:
You will be required to supply sink details, including make, model, template, and .DXF file. If unavailable, provide a fully dimensioned drawing (available on most manufacturers’ websites). Preferences you may wish to alter at the template stage include positioning within the unit and flush, recess or overhang fitting of the worktop in relation to the sink edge. These options must be discussed during templating, clearly marked, and confirmed on the check sheet. If instructions are unclear, we reserve the right to fabricate to the manufacturer’s specifications or how we see fit.
Taps
Fitting of Taps
We do not include fitting of the tap/s in your price for either the worktops or template & fitting. Our fitters may secure the tap to the worktops if you ask them for free but you must make the connections, for example the connection of the flexy hoses to the tap. (basically any connection that can leak)
Additional Plumbing work
We are unable to undertake any plumbing work of any kind but we can give you telephone numbers of reputable professional
Additional information
1) Any taps must be disconnected but available on site.
2) It is your responsibility to give us all the information on taps/ tap hole sizes. If the tap is any different to standard sizes (35mm hole) you should have information / booklet that came with the tap. This must be given to the fitter at the template stage.
3) If you neglect to tell us of a tap hole that is needed at the template stage this can be cut on site by the fitters when fitting. This process is not without risk and neither Finch’s stone & marble or our fitters will take responsibility for any damage that occurs. The risk of damage is rare but it can happen if the drill snatches/ snags on the granite. There will also be an additional charge payable to the fitters for this service. Please speak to your fitter for rates
Kitchen units and correct fitting
Correct installation of units
All surfaces/carcasses to be templated must be complete, flat and level. The final level of the worktops can only be as
good as the level of the units supporting them.
All units that are to have granite or quartz fitted to them must be well constructed, fixed together and be fully fitted. This
includes end panels or other additions to the main units.
No changes after final template/ measure
We accept no liability for problems caused by additions or alterations to the furniture or appliances after the templates
have been made and materials have been put into production.
Alterations needed after final template measure
Any alterations made by either yourself, kitchen company or fitters after the templates have been made must be
amended by you, in person at our factory. We will not accept any alterations given verbally over the phone. We can make
arrangements for our fitters to re-visit but this will be at an extra cost to you and will most likley delay your fitting date.
Replacement of existing worktops
If replacing existing worktops they may need to be removed before our arrival to make your templates. This allows the
carcasses to be viewed, assessed and advice can then be given if any additional work needs to be carried out before the new
worktops could be fixed. We can offer removal of worktops and disconnection / reconnection as an extra service through our plumber. This is not included in the template and fitting cost/ service.
Units fitting/ sitting onto worktops
Any units to be fitted directly on top of the worktops must be fitted after the worktops (recommended) or on adjustable wall brackets to give adequate clearance. It is not acceptable to leave a gap and expect to slide the worktops under.
Plastering to walls
If any walls around the worktops are to be plastered or altered in any way, this must be completed before final template measurements are taken.
Additional information
Upon completion of fitting you or your representative may be asked to sign a satisfaction note to say that you accept the workmanship and quality of your granite surface and that they meet your requirements. This satisfaction note must be signed or reasons given so the fitter can rectify the situation immediately and the satisfaction note can be signed. If you have any questions or issues please feel free to call us on 01257 253069 or email us at info@finchgranite.com .We want you to receive the perfect surface with great service, this is why we go to great lengths to give you all the information we can so please check and double check with us and the fitters to ensure you are getting exactly what you want.
If any of the above conditions are not met, we will use our best endeavours to template but take no responsibility whatsoever for any misinterpretations.