FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much does a monument, memorial or custom piece cost?

Price is determined by the size, granite color/type, and any additional custom details.

General price breakdown:

• Price of granite: Includes basic information: family name, individual(s) name(s), date of birth, date of passing
• Foundation fee: Fee charge by the cemetery to pour a cement foundation and prepare the plot for installation (This fee will be included in our total order price. We forward the foundation fee to the cemetery and place the order for the foundation to be completed)
• Additional custom details (many options, but not required): Simple or detailed carvings (cross, flowers, heart, etc…), panels surrounding lettering, borders, additional lettering or inscriptions, porcelain photo.

How long does this process take?

In general, it takes 3-4 months to complete all work and installation of a memorial.  The size and type of stone, design details, as well as other factors can lessen or increase the overall timing. Process and timing details will be discussed during the ordering process, but a few key aspects are outlined below:

• Design approval: We create renderings on-site to the exact specifications of each customer. For designs with ornate carvings, large inscriptions, or unique custom aspects, we will provide a more detailed proof a few weeks after the order is place- before the stone enters the engraving phase of production- for final review and approval by the client. We will not continue our work on your memorial until you are completely happy, but delays in approval or changes to the design requiring a new proof will extend the overall timeline for order completion.
• Foundation completion: Most memorials placed in a cemetery require a cement foundation to be poured before installation. We place the foundation order with the cemetery on your behalf, but the timing for foundation completion is determined by the process and schedule of the cemetery.  Additionally, foundations are not poured in the winter months and ground conditions must be right for foundation completion in the spring/early summer.
• Installation window: We are unable to set monuments in the winter months.
• Receiving completed stones: For orders that are being completed by one of our trusted manufacturing partners, it typically takes between 8 and 12 weeks to receive a completed stone after final design approval. Shipping is determine by each manufacturer and unforeseen circumstances can occasionally cause delays.
• Unique preferences: Rare or imported granites, custom shape-carved stones, large scale monuments, columbaria, and mausoleums can have a longer lead time

How do I add a date (or new information) to a monument?

Final Dates: Call or email us to have a final date added to an existing memorial stone. This work can typically be completed on-site in the cemetery, and removal of the stone is not necessary.

If you have a picture of the stone and know it’s location in the cemetery, this helps greatly in scheduling this work.

Date formats:

• Month, Day and Year    $325.00
  
• Just the Year    $225.00
  
• Timing: During the spring, summer and fall seasons, date engraving work is typically completed within 6-8 weeks. Engraving work cannot be done in the winter months and cemetery conditions must be just right for the safety of our engravers.

How can a monument be cleaned?

Do-it-Yourself: For most granite, a mild household dish soap and water, and a non-abrasive sponge or soft bristled brush will clean normal build up of dirt, dust and pollen, without damaging the stone. This is safe to use on both polished and unpolished stones.  (Note: don’t be alarmed, unpolished granite gets darker when wet and will return to it’s original color when it dries)

We can clean it: For stones with severe dirt build up, moss accumulation, or are just in need of a good refresh, we power wash stones on-site. Call or email to schedule a cleaning.

• Cleaning generally costs between $75 and $150 (+ tax) depending on the size of each stone and the location of the cemtery. For large-scale monuments, columbaria, mausoleums, or cemeteries outside of Central New York, we will assess and provide a quote.
• If you have a picture of the stone and know it’s location in the cemetery, this helps greatly in schedule this work.