My wife and I have considered purchasing a memorial when we are both still living, is that a good idea?
Purchasing a memorial while both husband and wife are in good health makes perfect sense and children are usually grateful that their parents were thoughtful enough to pre-plan a memorial, relieving them of that obligation at a difficult time. It also gives you the option to express your own wishes and reflect your mutual tastes.
After I purchase, how will I know I’ll be getting what I want?
You will receive a professionally prepared computer ‘layout’ showing all of the features you have requested. The layout will be done ‘to scale’ and you will be able to make adjustments or corrections. Nothing will be carved until you have approved the layout. Additionally, we have the largest inventory of monuments and markers in the area. This allows you to select the exact memorial that you will receive, to avoid surprises.
I’ve seen several black granite memorials in the newer area of the cemeteries, does black granite cost more?
The purest, darkest black granite is found overseas and must be imported to the U.S. Transportation does play a role in the cost but that is offset by the lower labor costs associated with the quarrying and the finishing process overseas. Black is definitely the hardest stone and gives you the best contrast, and presently the best bang for your buck when you are looking for a quality stone at an excellent price point. It is not the cheapest but the old saying “you get what you pay for” holds true in the stone business too. There are also numerous other granite colors that are quality stones and mid-range pricing.
Is all granite the same quality and price?
As with all things you purchase, granite comes at various price points and varying quality. That being said, the price of a stone will vary depending upon – the size of the stone, the color of the stone, and the amount of polish (smooth shiny area). Our price always includes the lettering and any font you select, any designs, the granite foundation and installation.
If I want a memorial in place for Memorial Day, when should I make a purchase?
The process of designing, carving and installation will often take from 6-12 weeks from the initial go ahead but a late spring and rainy spring days often add delays. Ideally, a memorial should be purchased prior to April 1 to allow sufficient time for installation by the end of May.
We purchased a pre-need memorial. When a death date is needed, will the memorial have to be taken back to Hatton Granite to add that information?
Death date inscriptions are done at the cemetery by one of our staff – this work is not sub-contracted out. Our staff uses a portable compressor, stencil and sandblasting tools to perfectly match the lettering font style and the distance between letters and lines.
Will Hatton Granite contact the cemetery to verify if the cemetery has any restrictions?
Yes, we always contact the cemetery to verify the lot location and we also will contact them again before we install to assure we get the correct location and are in total compliance with any rules and regulations they might have
