Podcast for Homeowners Preparing to Renovate
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17: Setting Your Renovation Up for Regret? The Countertop Details to Choose Before Demo Day
The Countertop Mistake That Almost Ruined a Remodel (And How to Avoid It)
Countertops don’t fail because you chose the wrong material.
They fail because the details weren’t documented.
In this final episode of the countertop series on Preparing for Your Home Remodel, I’m sharing a real project story where miscommunication with a fabricator led to major install-day surprises—even though we had walked through everything in person.
And this is exactly why I want you to hear this episode before your countertops are ordered.
The Install-Day Disaster That Changed Everything
I worked with a new fabricator on a large project—multiple kitchens, bathrooms, and levels.
We did a full walkthrough.
We discussed all the details.
Or so I thought.
When install day came:
The island had no seating overhang
A backsplash detail was done on one side but not the other
Design solutions we discussed were only partially executed
It was a classic case of “he said, she said.”
What I communicated
≠
What he heard
And once stone is cut… there’s no undo button.
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The Truth About Remodeling No One Tells You
We get excited about:
The material
The color
The look
But 80% of a successful remodel comes down to:
Tiny decisions
Technical details
Clear documentation
These aren’t glamorous decisions—but skipping them is where projects go sideways.
Countertop Details You MUST Decide (And Document)
Once you’ve chosen your countertop material, the work is not done.
Here are the critical decisions most homeowners don’t realize they need to make:
1. Finish
If you don’t specify it, you might get the wrong one.
Common options include:
Polished (shiny)
Honed / Brushed / Leathered (matte variations)
Different manufacturers use different names—but they are not all the same.
👉 Your fabricator orders the material. They need this clearly spelled out.
2. Edge Profile
Most fabricators default to an eased edge unless told otherwise.
But you may prefer:
Ogee
Beveled
Curved or custom profiles
Even small edge details can dramatically change how your kitchen feels.
3. Overhangs
Overhang decisions affect:
Seating comfort
Cabinet alignment
Hardware clearance
Visual balance
Questions to answer:
How far should it extend past cabinets?
Should it align with tall panels or refrigerator surrounds?
Does it need to account for chunky cabinet hardware?
4. Backsplash Height & Shape
If you don’t specify it, expect builder-grade.
4” backsplash = default (and dated)
Taller backsplashes feel more intentional
Details like notches, curves, or squared edges matter
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5. Faucet & Accessory Holes
Your fabricator needs to know:
Single-hole or widespread faucet?
Soap dispenser? (Yes, I still love them.)
Filtered water tap?
No faucet selection = no accurate hole placement.
6. Templating & Slab Layout
This is HUGE—especially with natural stone.
You can:
Choose where bold veining lands
Decide seam placement
Review how your counters are cut from the slab
If you don’t ask to be involved, many fabricators won’t ask you.
Every regret I see with countertops usually comes down to this:
“I didn’t know I had to decide that.”
This episode is about protecting you from that moment—the one where everything is installed and something just feels off… but it’s too late to fix.
My Biggest Takeaway for Homeowners
✔ Verbal walkthroughs are NOT enough
✔ Every decision must be written down
✔ Your fabricator should never have to guess
✔ Clear documentation = smooth install day
When everyone is on the same page, countertop installs are exciting—not stressful.
Want to Avoid Countertop Regret?
🎧 Listen to the full episode of Preparing for Your Home Remodel to hear:
The full install-day story
Why documentation matters more than design boards
The exact details you should lock in before templating
👉 Listen to the full episode now and finish your countertop decisions with confidence—not crossed fingers.
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