The Hidden Costs of Countertop Projects
Most homeowners focus on choosing the right countertop material and color. But the details that come after — the ones nobody mentions — are where projects get expensive and frustrating.
The Scope Gap: What Most Countertop Companies Don't Include
When you hire a countertop fabricator, you're typically getting one thing: fabrication and installation of the stone. Everything else falls outside their scope of work.
Here's what's usually NOT included:
- Drywall repairs from demolition damage
- Texture matching and paint touch-ups
- Replacing old outlets or cover plates
- Electrical work or modifications
- Sink and faucet installation with accessories
- Backsplash tile installation
That means you're responsible for coordinating multiple contractors, scheduling separate visits, and hoping all the pieces come together on time. And if something gets missed? You're stuck fixing it after the fact — when it costs more.
Important: C54 License Limitations in California
In California, countertop-only contractors hold a C54 (Ceramic and Mosaic Tile) license. This license limits them to tile and stone installation only. They are not licensed or insured to perform:
- Plumbing work (even reconnecting a sink)
- Electrical work (outlet replacement or modifications)
- Drywall repairs or painting
- General construction or carpentry
They might say "yeah, we can reconnect your sink" or "we can patch that drywall," but if something goes wrong (a leak, an electrical issue, improper repairs), their insurance won't cover it because they performed work outside their license. You're left holding the liability and the repair bill.
Critical Details to Plan For Before Your Countertop Install
These are the decision points that typically get overlooked during countertop projects — and cause expensive problems later if you don't address them early.
A typical countertop-only scope of work — notice what's NOT included
Countertop Material & Finish
Quartz vs. granite vs. quartzite. Edge profiles. Thickness. How your choice affects sink and faucet installation.
Sink Selection & Mounting
Undermount, drop-in, farmhouse. Reveal types. Bowl configuration. What your cabinet structure can actually support.
Faucet & Accessories
Single-hole vs. 3-hole faucets. Soap dispenser, air gap, hot water dispenser — what accessories go where and how many holes you need drilled.
Backsplash Layout
Full-height vs. standard. Tile direction and pattern. Where to stop at windows and outlets. How the tile meets cabinets and countertop.
Outlets & Electrical
Do your old outlets look dated against new tile? Should you upgrade to modern outlets and cover plates? Who handles electrical work during the project?
Drywall & Paint Touch-Ups
Who patches drywall damage from demo? Are you left with texture touch-ups? Do you have to paint? How do you match your existing paint color exactly?
Seams & Overhangs
Where seams will fall. Support requirements for overhangs. Clearance for appliances and cabinets.
Real Examples: When Small Oversights Become Expensive Problems
These aren't hypothetical scenarios — they're mistakes homeowners make every day on countertop projects.
Not Specifying Sink Reveal Type
Fabricator installs with their default reveal. You wanted flush-mount. Too late to change without reordering the entire countertop. Cost: $1,200+ and 3-week delay.
Letting a C54-Licensed Contractor Do Work Outside Their License
Your countertop installer has a C54 license (tile and stone only). They offer to reconnect your sink "to save you the hassle of calling a plumber." Three weeks later, you notice water damage under the cabinet. Their insurance won't cover it — they performed plumbing work outside their C54 license scope. Now you're paying for water damage remediation, mold treatment, and a licensed plumber to fix what should've been done right the first time. Cost: $2,500–$6,000+.
Changing Your Mind on Faucet Style After Template
You told the fabricator you wanted a single-hole faucet. Now you want a bridge-style two-hole faucet instead. Countertop is already cut with one hole. Your options: remake the countertop ($1,500+) or live with the faucet you don't want.
Old Outlets Against New Backsplash
Tile looks amazing. Your 20-year-old almond outlets and scuffed cover plates? Not so much. Now you're living with the eyesore or paying an electrician for a separate visit to upgrade all the outlets and plates to match your new finishes. Cost: $500-$1,000 you didn't budget for.
Drywall Damage Left for You to Handle
Demo day is done, tile is installed — and there are holes and dings in your drywall. Contractor says that's not included. You're left patching, texturing, and trying to match paint that's been on the wall for 10 years. Cost: DIY headache or $400-$800 to hire it out.
How to Avoid These Problems: Work With a Full-Service Countertop Contractor
The best way to avoid scope gaps, coordination headaches, and after-the-fact surprises is to work with a licensed contractor who specializes in complete countertop projects — not just countertop installation.
Here's what a full-service countertop contractor should handle from start to finish:
- Countertop Material & Installation: Material selection, edge profiles, seam placement, fabrication, and professional installation
- Sink & Faucet Installation: Sink mounting with proper reveal, faucet installation, and all accessories (soap dispenser, air gap, hot water dispenser) with correct hole configuration
- Backsplash Installation: Tile selection, layout, grouting, sealing, and proper stops at windows, outlets, and corners
- Outlet & Electrical Upgrades: Replace old, dated outlets with modern ones and fresh cover plates that match your new finishes
- Drywall Repairs: Patch all demo damage, match texture, and prep surfaces for paint — no gaps left for you to fix
- Paint Touch-Ups: Color matching and professional touch-ups so everything looks finished, not half-done
- Appliance Coordination: Ensure proper clearances for ranges, dishwashers, and cooktops — no surprises on install day
- Project Management: One point of contact, one schedule, one team responsible for the entire project
That's Why We Built ApexWest Pure Surfaces & Home Services Differently
After seeing too many homeowners in Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, and surrounding areas stuck coordinating multiple contractors and dealing with gaps in scope, we decided to specialize in complete countertop projects — not just countertop installation.
At ApexWest Pure Surfaces & Home Services, we handle everything listed above. One company. One point of contact. No gaps, no coordination headaches, no "that's not included" surprises.
We're a fully licensed B-General Contractor with C54 specialty licensing — which means we're licensed and insured to handle every aspect of your countertop project. From plumbing and electrical to drywall, paint, tile, stone installation and more — all under one roof, all covered by proper licensing and insurance.
We serve Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, and the surrounding communities with complete countertop projects from start to finish.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Over 50 Five-Star Google Reviews
Don't just take our word for it — see what homeowners in Roseville, Rocklin, and Lincoln are saying about our countertop projects.
Read Our Google Reviews"I didn't realize how much went into a countertop project until I started getting quotes. Other companies wanted to install the countertop and leave. ApexWest handled the sink, faucet, backsplash, outlet upgrades, drywall repairs, and paint touch-ups. One company, one project, completely finished."
— Homeowner, RosevilleOutside Roseville, Rocklin, or Lincoln?
As members of the Stone Fabricators Alliance, we can connect you with reputable, full-service contractors in your area who operate with the same standards and approach. Contact us and we'll point you in the right direction.
Planning a Countertop Project in Roseville, Rocklin, or Lincoln?
Whether you're in our service area or not, we're happy to answer questions and help you avoid the common pitfalls. Reach out for a free consultation — no pressure, just honest guidance from a licensed, local contractor.