Rehab 4470 - In Search of Granite @ $27.50 sq ft

In Rehab 4470 we will be installing a total of 90+ sq ft of granite in the kitchen and baths.  In reality few people know the difference between good granite and less good granite, me included.  I always look for 3 cm thickness and slabs that had relatively uniform coloring and no big blemishes.  It's stone after all and since it comes out of the ground it should not be perfect.  For our rehabs we always want the best looking stuff for the lowest price - duh!

For the entire project I have estimated $50 sq ft for a total nearing $4500.  Last night I found a link on Craiglist for granite at $27.50 sq ft,  a considerable savings.  The ad stated that the cost included materials, fabrication and installation and  fabrication included 3 different edges, sink cutouts, faucet holes, electrical outlets, one time seal, template and install.  Was this too good to be true?

So today we called expecting some surprises.  A couple hours later we have driven to the shop and met Jhonny Castillo (that spelling is correct) of A Castillo Cabinetry in Riverview, Florida.  At the fabrication shop Jhonny greeted us warmly and questioned if it was us that had called earlier.   He then proceeded to show us the granite that was on sale for $27.50 sq ft.  In questioning him further he offered to take us to the yard to see more slabs and after a 10 minute drive we arrived.  Needless to say there was granite everywhere (video).

Jhonny Castillo  turns out is the owner of a 6 year family run business along with his wife.  He is of Columbian descent and actually started the business selling cabinets.  Now he moves considerable granite and is able to offer extremely competitive prices which does not endear him to the competition.  He stills sells cabinets but we've got that covered already.

The $27.50 got us in the door but we settled on a sligthly better granite that had a color more in line with the cabinets we are planning to install @ $33 sq ft.  We close on Rehab 4470 in three weeks and will most assuredly be doing buisness with Jhonny.  If you're looking for granite give him a shout.  The A Castillo Cabinetry website also provides an extensive portfolio of projects they've completed - check it out.  I'm guessing you won't be disappointed.

For an education on granite check out the All Stone Granite  and Ezines blog articles that provides a resource for questions around granite and use of granite in kitchens. 

Thanks Jhonny and looking forward to doing business.