Taking on the Sub Jobs
All four of these scenarios have one thing in common: They allow the installer to demand a premium for services, and they form the basis of what needs to be spelled out in writing between a fabricator and installer.
Any agreement between these parties needs to start with an understanding of how the installer will be invoicing the fabricator. Will it be by the square-foot and, if so, do the parties agree on how to figure out the square-footage for a kitchen?
How about a minimum square-foot charge for that small project with lots of windshield time? Nobody likes to drive two hours each way to install a vanity; but, unless you make that clear to the fabricator in writing, you may show up at his shop and be handed that exact scenario.
Will the installer be paid an additional amount for mounting sinks, drilling faucet holes, finishing cooktop cutouts, or cutting outlet openings into backsplash? Will a premium price be accepted for challenging installations, and for the installation of expensive material?
Also, what will be the payment terms? Will the fabricator pay the day after install? Does he want to inspect the installation before payment?
The contract also needs to touch on the technical aspects of the install. The installer will need to understand the type of seam adhesive and treatment that’s expected. Do the fabricator’s installers normally top-polish seams? If so, will that be the expectation for this install? And if the countertops are 3/4” with a built-up edge, who’ll be responsible for the underlayment, and what type of wood is required?
All of these questions should be answered in writing before any stone is loaded into the installer’s truck.
In addition, the installer and fabricator should agree on exactly what on-site fabrication constitutes a “normal” amount. A little cutting, grinding, or polishing isn’t extraordinary, but I’ve been on jobs where a large amount of on-site fabrication is necessary – including the field cutting of seams.
In a case like this, it’s best to have an agreement that spells out your capabilities. If the client is expecting a hand-cut field seam to be equal to that of a factory seam, they may be disappointed.
Likewise, it’s tough to fabricate an ogee bullnose or cutout and polish an undermount on-site. It’s not impossible, but it’s not the norm. The installer should spell this out ahead of time, along with an hourly rate the fabricator will be charged for on-site fabrication.