Choosing a memorial contractor should be based on evidence: material specification, drawings, work scope, real projects, contract terms, quality-control process and how changes are handled. Price alone is not enough to compare two contractors.
10 checks before signing
- Material is identified precisely: granite type/trade name, component thickness and surface finish should be stated.
- The contractor works from measured site data: plot, grave opening, levels and access are checked before production.
- Drawings are approved first: dimensions, components and important details are documented before fabrication.
- The quotation is itemized: material, fabrication, headstone/lettering, transport, installation and exclusions are visible.
- Contract scope is clear: schedule, acceptance criteria, payment stages, variation handling and warranty terms should be written for the actual project.
- Real completed work can be reviewed: project pages, site photographs and identifiable locations are stronger evidence than anonymous reference images.
- Fabrication and installation checks exist: dimensions, levels, joints, surfaces and final acceptance are recorded.
- Access and lifting are planned: especially for heavy solid-granite components.
- Changes require confirmation: material, dimensions or scope should not be changed informally during production.
- The contractor can explain what is not included: foundations, cemetery fees, crane access, landscape or other work should not be assumed.
Red flags
- generic terms such as “premium stone” without an exact specification;
- one total price with no component or scope breakdown;
- production starts before dimensions and drawings are approved;
- reference images cannot be tied to the contractor’s own work;
- verbal promises about warranty or completion that do not appear in the contract;
- no plan for access, unloading or installation.
A 15-minute comparison table
| Check | Stronger evidence | Higher-risk sign |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Exact stone, finish and thickness | Generic description only |
| Drawings | Approved dimensions before fabrication | Reference image only |
| Quotation | Itemized scope and exclusions | One unexplained total |
| Projects | Identifiable completed work | Anonymous internet images |
| Contract | Project-specific terms | Verbal commitments |
| Acceptance | Defined checks at handover | No documented criteria |
Questions to ask
- What exact granite and finish are specified?
- What are the dimensions and thicknesses of major components?
- Which drawings must be approved before fabrication?
- What is included and excluded from the quotation?
- How are variations approved and priced?
- What are the project-specific warranty terms?
- Can I review comparable completed projects?
- How will transport, lifting and installation be handled?
- What are the acceptance criteria?
- What payment milestones are written into the contract?
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Compare the same granite, dimensions, construction, transport and installation scope before comparing price.
No. The applicable warranty should be confirmed in the specific contract and work scope.
No. Technical dimensions and construction details still need to be documented clearly.
For KANNO project information, see completed projects or contact 098 765 6530.
