What You Should Know About Purchasing a Memorial
Determining the Cost of a Memorial
GRANITE
One of the factors determining the cost of a memorial is in the granite selected. Gray granite is the least expensive of all granites, while some black and imported stones are the most expensive.
POLISH
The amount of polish on the memorial is another factor determining cost. Upright stones, generally, are polished on the front and back sides. Memorials can also be polished on top and ends. The amount of polish added to the memorial is of a personal preference. It does not add to the durability of the stone.
SIZE and SHAPE
The larger the stone, of course, the greater the cost. If one should choose to have a memorial shaped in the likeness of a boat, horse, motorcycle, ect. the cost will increase.
There are extra charges for adding vases, photographs, final dates, and custom art work. Sales tax is added at the time of purchase.
Be Informed...Some questions to consider
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Is there an extra charge for lettering and design work?
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Is there a delivery and installation charge?
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Please tell me about your foundations?
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Will my memorial have any type of guarantee?
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How long should it take to have my memorial placed in the cemetery?
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Will I be able to see an actual scaled drawing of my memorial before it is carved?
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How and when am I expected to pay for the memorial?
Answers from NMC
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Generally, NO, there isn't a charge for lettering. Laser etching being the exception. Standard design artwork is included, special artwork, which is rare, is based on the size of the work needed for that particular monument.
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Delivery and installation charges are included. A few cemeteries do have separate setting fees.
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Our standard foundation is a concrete pad between 4-6 inches thick.
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Guarantee???
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The average setting time for most monuments is approximately 4-5 months. Special shapes and rare colors can extend delivery times.
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All monuments are required to have an art proof that has been approved by the customer before any carving can begin.
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We require half down payment, the rest will be due after the monument has been installed in the cemetery.
Be Prepared: Before Ordering a Memorial
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Which direction will the memorial face?
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Who will be buried on what side of the memorial? (Double Memorials)
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Write down all dates and correct spelling of all information to be carved. Bring this informaiton with you when placing the order. It will help in eliminating mistakes.
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Think about the design elements you might like to include on your memorial. (Religious iconography, military insignia, professional emblems). Things that speak to the life and personality of those represented on this memorial. With computers, the possibilities are endless. You no longer have to settle for catalog designs!