Granite fever struck without warning. That's what it seemed like anyway. For about 6 months the inquiries for granite countertops were as if the Naperville area put something in the water. I'm certainly not complaining, quite the opposite, and the fever brought additional benefits that I can now pass on to you.
I typically only provide granite countertop service for my remodeling customers, but I handled the wave of inquiries because they were referrals. I now refer these inquires directly to my granite contractor because he is perfectly capable of handling these jobs without me, but I became much more acquainted with the granite business through the experience.
Then I Noticed Another Side Effect
With so much exposure to the granite business, my awareness of the proliferation of those roadside signs advertising ridiculously low granite prices was heightened. I'm naturally suspicious of any offers that are too good to be true, but it did make me curious to see what kind of game they were playing.
That Led To My Experiment
I'm not one to want to waste anyone's time, but I made an exception in this case. With rates like $20 to $25 a square foot for granite, I knew something was amiss. If they're not willing to use honest business practices, then wasting their time to discover how they operate is an acceptable technique that any law enforcement official would approve of.
I got to do something totally out of character for me. Imagine an experienced contractor pretending to be a homeowner who knows nothing about granite countertops. It felt like a night at the Improv as I played “dumb homeowner” except that what these people are doing isn't funny.
I called 3 of these companies to do estimates. Not surprisingly, their advertised price was for the lowest grade, ugliest granite that no one wants. So the logical course of action is to inquire about better granite. Wham! Here comes the classic bait and switch! Once these guys are in your home, they don't want to take no for an answer. I mean, not just one, but 2-3 people using worn out pressure techniques to try to “close” the sale.
It Gets Worse
The granite they called premium was on the low end of the granite food chain, yet the prices magically climbed up to a level you would pay with a reputable contractor for nicer granite. If you've ever been tempted to call one of these companies with the misleading roadside signs, I can tell you that you don't want these people in your house and they are hard to get rid of.
Conclusion
To get better granite countertops, and most likely cheaper, make sure to invite only reputable contractors into your home to discuss your options. It's even better if you can get a referral. Those who operate with integrity don't need to resort to the pressure techniques I subjected myself to during this experiment.
