Henderson, Nevada — A fabricator is the individual who transforms sheets of solid surface into elegantly crafted countertops for your home. Even if you purchase your countertops through a dealer or home center, a fabricator custom makes your countertop and is the key to a beautiful and personalized installation. If you are working directly with a fabricator, here’s what you need to know.

1. Ask for and check references.

2. Use your fabricator as a resource. He is familiar with the many brands of solid surface available, and can help guide your choice of design ideas and specialty applications.

3. Prior to beginning work on the countertop, your fabricator will come to your home to measure and make a pattern for your new countertop, which is called a template. On template day be sure to clear your countertop of all items. Remove fragile or sentimental objects to a cabinet or closet in another room.
4. Avoid making changes to the project once the template has been created. Changes in color, sink location or style, appliance sizes, edge treatments or backsplashes may delay the installation and could possibly affect the price of the project.

5. Your fabricator should provide you with a contract spelling out all the details of the project, including price and payment schedules. Most fabricators require a 50% deposit to initiate the project.

6. Talk with your fabricator about the installation process. How long does he think it will take? Will he generate dust? What is his policy for removal of debris and cleanup of the house?

7. Obtain a warranty card from your fabricator (he will have already filled out the essential information). Be sure to send the warranty card to the solid surface manufacturer in order to register your countertop.

8. If you are pleased with your new solid surface countertops, tell your friends and neighbors. You become an extra special customer when you are a source of new referrals.

9. Use an ISSFA fabricator. ISSFA fabricators are committed to providing the highest level of quality and service, as well as abide by the ISSFA Code of Ethics. To find an ISSFA fabricator in your area, call the ISSFA office at 877-GO-ISSFA or visit the ISSFA website: www.issfa.org.

Interviews and shop tours with local fabricators, ISSFA president and/or executive director are available upon request.