You’ve done the hard part. After weighing the options—and perhaps reading our [article: Quartz vs. Sintered Stone Showdown]—you’ve likely chosen the perfect material for your new kitchen.
The excitement is building. But before you sign and pay that deposit, there's one final, crucial step: choosing the right supplier.
A great supplier is more than just a seller; they are your project partner, ensuring a smooth process and a flawless result for your new quartz or sintered stone countertop.
Use this checklist to find that partner and protect your investment.
Can I view and select the exact slab that will be used for my kitchen?
- [Why it's important]: This is critical. Whether you've chosen a quartz with bold, marble-like veins or a sintered stone with a unique natural pattern, the small sample in the showroom can't capture the full picture.
- [A "Good Answer" to Look For]: "Absolutely. We encourage all our clients to visit our warehouse to view the full slabs. We will reserve the specific slab you choose for your project, so you know exactly what you're getting."
What is your entire process, from final measurement to installation, and what is the timeline?
- [Why it's important]: This question helps you understand the entire workflow and manage your renovation schedule. A professional supplier will have a clear, well-defined process.
- [A "Good Answer" to Look For]: They should provide a clear step-by-step explanation: e.g., "First, our technical team will come for a final site measurement after your cabinets are installed. Fdabrication then takes 7-10 working days. Finally, installation itself will take about 3-4 hours. We will coordinate the date with you in advance."
Where will the seams (joints) be placed, and what will they look like?"
- [Why it's important]: Most kitchens require at least one seam. The placement and quality of these seams can make or break the final look. A lazy supplier might put them in the easiest place for them, not the most aesthetic place for you.
- [A "Good Answer" to Look For]: "We work to minimise seams as much as possible. Based on your kitchen layout and slab size, we would recommend placing the seam here [they should show you on the drawing]. Our skilled installers use colour-matched epoxy to ensure the joint is as tight and inconspicuous as possible."
Who will be the lead the installation "local sifu installer" or "foreign worker"?
- [Why it's important]: Installing large, heavy stone countertops is not just a labour job; it's a craft. It requires precision, an eye for detail, and years of experience to get the seams perfect and the fit flawless. While many teams include skilled foreign workers, the key to a truly high-quality finish often lies with the experienced local master installer who leads the team and takes ultimate responsibility for the project. Asking this question helps you understand if you are paying for true craftsmanship or just basic labour.
- [A "Good Answer" to Look For]: "That's a crucial question. We believe craftsmanship is what makes a good installation great. Every one of our installation projects is personally led and supervised by a senior local master installer. Our lead installers are full-time employees, each with over 10 years of experience specifically with quartz and sintered stone. He will be on-site to manage the critical parts of the process—like the seam joining and final fitting—and he is the one who signs off on the finished work to ensure it meets our high standards."
Can you provide a detailed quotation with a full breakdown of all costs?
- [Why it's important]: You need to know exactly what you're paying for. This helps you avoid "hidden charges" for things like cut-outs for sinks and hobs, delivery, or extra labour.
- [A "Good Answer" to Look For]: A transparent, itemised quote that clearly lists the cost of the material, fabrication, cut-outs, transportation, and installation. When you ask, "Is this the final price?", the answer should be a confident "Yes."
What warranties do you offer on the material and on the installation workmanship?
- [Why it's important]: These are two separate things. The material itself has a manufacturer's warranty, but the supplier must also stand behind the quality of their own work (the cutting, polishing, and installation).
- [A "Good Answer" to Look For]: "The material is covered by a [e.g., 10-year] manufacturer's warranty. On top of that, Sinnostone provides a [e.g., 1-year] warranty on our installation workmanship to ensure your peace of mind."
Can you show me a portfolio of your recent projects?
- [Why it's important]: A picture is worth a thousand words. A supplier who is proud of their work will be excited to show it to you. Look for quality photos of kitchens similar in style or complexity to your own.
- [A "Good Answer" to Look For]: "Of course, here are some photos of recent quartz and sintered stone installations in the Shah Alam area. You can also see more of our work on our Facebook, Instagram and product listing on website."
Are you an authorized distributor for the brands you carry?
- [Why it's important]: An authorized distributor has a direct relationship with the material manufacturer (like Caesarstone or Silestone). This ensures you are getting an authentic, first-quality product and that the warranty will be honoured.
- [A "Good Answer" to Look For]: "Yes, we are a proud authorized distributor for the leading quartz and sintered stone brands we carry. This means we meet their high standards for quality and service."
What happens if there's an issue—like a small chip—after the installation is complete?
- [Why it's important]: This reveals their commitment to after-sales service. A good partner doesn't disappear once they have your final payment.
- [A "Good Answer" to Look For]: "Your satisfaction is our priority. Please call us immediately. While user-inflicted damage isn't covered by warranty, we can provide advice on repair options and can send our technical team to assess it for a reasonable service fee."
What do I need to do to prepare my kitchen for installation day?
- [Why it's important]: This simple question shows you are thinking ahead and allows the supplier to demonstrate their experience. A good supplier will provide a checklist to ensure the day goes smoothly.
- [A "Good Answer" to Look For]: "That's a great question. Please ensure your cabinets are fully installed and level. Also, please clear a path from your front door or service lift to the kitchen for our installers to carry the heavy slabs safely."
Your Supplier Should Be Your Partner
Choosing a countertop is a significant investment. By asking these questions, you're not being difficult—you're being a smart homeowner. A truly great supplier will welcome your questions and answer them with confidence
At Sinno Sdn. Bhd., we aim to be the partner you can trust. If you're ready to discuss your project with a team that believes in transparency and quality, we're here to help.
[Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation].