Would you pay a premium for a reputable stone fabricator? Our local fabricator has an excellent reputation, but after comparing prices, we're looking at a 25% price premium.
The other fabricators look a little shady in comparison. Is it worth paying the premium? How much is too much?
Any comments/advice/stories appreciated! 
pomelo / 5866 posts
For my Lasik eye correction I absolutely paid premium. For everything else, I look for deals. How will paying more/premium for this impact other financial decisions? What budget will you reduce to cover the extra cost? If you get a perfect job done and it doesn't affect you $ in other areas, then it is fine. I will pay top $ when it comes to health related things but everything else is optional. My husband DIYs everything while he is still learning so I'm used to looking at and loving imperfection. 
pineapple / 12566 posts
I find that with many things you get what you pay for. If it's something important/worthwhile to me, then I will pay the premium. If I don't care as much, I will look for a deal. What are the stones being used for?
eggplant / 11824 posts
Yes, I probably would. Having dealt with the expensive aftermath of previous DIY owners and shady professionals/cheap deals, the long run costs for just going with really reputable places from the start is sometimes (or even often lol) lower.
pear / 1788 posts
Yes. We have redone 2 kitchens, and went with the cheaper fabricator the second time to save money, and though the countertop materials were the same, there was a big difference in the quality of the edge finish, the slab seam joints, etc. (we used Zodiaq quartz both kitchens, with the simple edge). You get what you pay for!
bananas / 9227 posts
@lamariniere: It's for a kitchen countertop. The company I was (the most) in contact with suddenly turned shady and another company with a similar estimate is obviously cheating the government (charges nothing for the stone, but highly inflates the cost of labor - a small portion can be written off here). I suppose I don't have much of a choice.
@Mrs. Microscope: That's what I'm worried about.
@yoursilverlining: Thanks, I really needed to hear this.
@808love: I'm normally really frugal and only shop deals. It'll put us slightly over our budget, but it won't affect much. But 25% more is a lot to me - I'm not feeling good about it.
pomegranate / 3658 posts
You could try to bargain, if you know you have options that are 25% lower they might be willing to come down a bit.
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