Q:   Why should I choose Highland Systems, Inc. (HSI) for my countertop replacement?
A:   HSI has over 22 years of experience and is committed to helping you improve the quality of life in your home by providing the most comprehensive selection and service in the mid-south. Our countertop selections include granite, marble, Cambria, DuPont, Corian, DuPont Zodiaq and several other fine materials. We also offer sinks, faucets and coordination of other subcontractors as needed.

Q:   Is there a warranty for my new countertops?
A:   Yes, HSI provides a 1 year warranty on labor. Some of our manufacturers provide additional warranties of 1 to 10 years.

Q:   What all should be considered when planning for my countertop replacement?
A:   PLUMBING
1. You need to consider replacing your sink, faucets, food disposal, and hot water dispenser. The seals for each can be damaged when disconnected which can cause leaks. We will be glad to assist you with any new fixtures and include these in your project contract. However, if you should decide to reuse any existing plumbing fixtures, we will make every effort to prevent damage during disconnection but we cannot be held responsible if damage occurs.

2. Reconnection of all plumbing fixtures is to be done after new countertops have been installed. Be prepared to have the water to your home shut off during and after the countertop installation. The condition of the plumbing at your sink will dictate what has to happen. A licensed plumbing contractor must perform plumbing connections. We will be glad to make arrangements for you for the reconnection of your plumbing fixtures and include this in your project contract.

APPLIANCES
1. Now is a good time to consider whether or not to replace your cooking appliance. If you elect to reuse an existing cook top, the new countertop will be cut to fit that appliance. If you elect to change cook tops after the new countertops are installed, the countertop probably will require modifications or replacement, which will be an additional charge at that time.

2. Cooking units that are wired direct will need to be disconnected and reconnected by a licensed electrician

3. Gas appliances must be disconnected and reconnected by a licensed plumber or appliance installer.

4. The disconnect of cooking appliances will need to be done before existing countertops are removed and reconnect will need to be done after the new countertop is installed. We will be glad to make these arrangements for you and include these in your project contract. Keep in mind if we have to disconnect we will turn off the circuit that controls this unit and whenever else is on the circuit.

REMOVAL OF EXISTING TOPS:
Existing countertops must be removed before installation can begin. We will be glad to provide this service for you and include this in your project contract. If you elect to handle this yourself, the existing tops must be removed before our installers arrive with your new countertops.

Q:   What all is included in the purchase of my countertop replacement from HSI?
A:   The project contract and detailed proposal states your selections and the exact work to be performed by HSI. Keep in mind, we can provide complete project management or a minimum of service depending on your preferences and budget. Therefore, be sure to read the entire project contract carefully. Only work that is specified on the contract is included. Anything not specified on the contract is not included.

Q:   What happens after I have made the purchase of my countertop replacement from HSI?
A:   HSI will work with you to schedule making a template for your new countertop for use in production. Once we have templates and all necessary supplies and information, your project is released to our shop for production. your countertops will be in production for two to four weeks depending on material and complexity of project. This is an estimate, not a guarantee. Once your countertops have been completed in production we will contact you to schedule the installation of your countertops.

Q:  What do I need to know and do to prepare for the installation of my new countertops?
A:  
1. Once your countertop fabrication is complete, we will contact you to schedule the installation of your countertops, which will normally occur between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm on a weekday, Monday thru Friday, excluding holidays.

2. While every effort is made to complete installations the same day, you should be prepared to be without the full use of your kitchen overnight. Be prepared for all the water to your home to be shut off during and after the countertop installation. The condition of your plumbing at your sink will dictate what has to happen.

3. If you have not arranged for HSI to remove your existing countertops and to disconnect your plumbing fixtures and appliances, this must be done before our installers arrive.

4. Please remove all items on and beneath where the new countertops are to be installed before our installers arrive.

5. During installation, a substantial number of trips will be made from an outside work area to the actual work area. It is necessary to plan a path that the installer can use for such trips. The path must be sufficient in size for carrying large pieces of countertop without having to maneuver around tight corners.

6. The installation of your countertops may require that the installer trim the countertops at the job site to ensure the best possible fit. It may also be necessary to make cutouts for cooktops and drop-in sinks on site. These procedures are usually performed outside in a driveway for example. It is necessary that the homeowner provide such a place with ample coverage when weather does not permit work outdoors.

7. While most on site fabrication is done outside the home, it may be necessary to do some in the actual work area. To minimize dust in other parts of your home we highly recommend covering all registers in the room being remodeled and turning off your HVAC unit.

Q:  If I plan to paint or wallpaper this area, when should this be done?
A:   After HSI has completed your project install. Anytime a heavy and rigid countertop is installed some wall scuffing will probably occur as the installers work to ensure a good fit.

Q:  Do fixtures and appliances need to be on site at the time of installation?
A:   Yes, it is important to have the sink and faucet fixtures and appliances at the time of installation.

Q:  Could there possibly be any additional cost to me above and beyond the original project contract?
A:  
1. Yes, if you request any changes or additions to the original project proposal and contract.

2. Yes, if any unforeseen issues arise as is possible in any remodel project. For example, plumbing pipes may need to be replaced due to poor condition or lowered for a new disposer. If any unforeseen issues occur we will notify you immediately. Any additional cost that may occur due to unforeseen items can be handled directly by the homeowner or contracted with HSI. If you choose to have HSI manage these issues we will only charge you our cost. This additional cost will then be added to the balance due on your contract at completion of our work.

Q:  Upon installation, is there anything else I should be aware of?
A:  
1. Yes, anytime a heavy and rigid countertop is installed, some wall scuffing will probably occur as the installers work to ensure a good fit. While the installers will do everything possible to minimize this, please be aware that some "touch up" may be needed. This will be the responsibility of the homeowner.

2. Please be aware that dust will continue to settle for several days after the installer has cleaned up and left your home.

3. Furthermore, keep in mind, this is a remodel of your home. Unforeseen problems are the norm not the exception in any remodel project. We will not panic ad you should not either. We do over one thousand countertop projects per year.

Every customer has survived and you will too!