April 16, 2018
Celebrity contractor Mike Holmes has made a living by exposing lackluster craftsmanship and bailing home owners out by making the necessary repairs to “make it right”.
As anybody who has had work done on their homes can tell you, you really do get what you pay for. Therefore, selecting the right contractor and using quality materials is critical to a successful project that will stand the test of time.
Just like a home, cemetery monuments are exposed to the harsh outdoor elements. Growing up, I was often told by my Father and Grandfather that families expect cemetery monuments to last for generations – meaning compromising on quality is NEVER an option in our industry. This commitment to quality is something I’m proud to offer to every family I serve – and for good reason.
But what happens when a memorial isn’t crafted using the same quality standards?
Recently, a family contacted me, asking why their memorial is no longer legible. It was purchased almost 30 years ago from another company in Regina and it has not aged well. I had to explain to the family that the engraving method used when it was made was not the correct technique for the Mountain Rose Granite they selected. Their memorial could be cleaned and painted to make the lettering stand out, but unfortunately, this is merely a temporary measure that would need to be repeated every 10-20 years at considerable expense.
*Not the customer’s stone, but a good example of the incorrect engraving method on Mountain Rose.
*Here is an example from our website, using the deep-sunk method which will stand the test of time.
The customer’s disappointment and frustration was obvious, as they couldn’t believe that a memorial company would be so negligent in their work. Clearly, they would have been much better off spending a little bit more money to have the memorial completed by a company that “makes it right” and stands behind their work with a perpetual warranty.
So, as the snow slowly but surely melts away in Saskatchewan, I offer the following advice when selecting a company to supply your loved one’s memorial:
- Ask about their warranty. A Reputable company should offer a lifetime guarantee on legibility and the stone used.
- Ask to see examples of their previous work in the colour you selected.
- Ask for a detailed written quote and a drawing of the proposed memorial.
- Contact a few different companies and make sure you feel comfortable with the person you are trusting to help you.
- Consider more than just the price (see above story as a good reason why).
- You only make this decision once, so take your time and make an educated decision.
Following my advice, you should be assured that you will create a lasting tribute that your family can be proud of for generations to come.
By: Adam Reeson
Regina, Saskatchewan
