Pricing for restoration

[Stone Care NJ]

I am starting a granite and marble maintenance service and I wanted to get some ideas about pricing. I am located in New Jersey and I wasnt sure what to charge for (1) cleaning sealing and polishing, (2) stain removal, (3) marble shower honing and polishing and (4) chip and scratch repairs. Thank you

	Honing Honing: This is the third and sometimes last stage. At the hone stage, the surface is ~65% scratch free. There are several degrees of hone. All will leave the stone looking clean but aged.

	Polishing Polishing: This is the final stage, which leaves the surface with reflective characteristics.

	Marble MARBLE: CHARACTERISTICS This standard includes general information on the characteristics and common uses of marble and identifies typical problems associated with the material. INTRODUCTION Marble is an extremely hard, metamorphic stone composed of calcite (CaCO3). It is formed as a result of the recrystallization of limestone under the intense pressure and heat of geologic processes. The effect of this process is the creation of a stone with a very tight crystalline structure and small but definite porosity. Because of its structure, marble can take a very high polish and is a very popular decorative stone for architectural and sculptural uses. The limited porosity of marble, especially polished marble, makes it less vulnerable to the leaching effects of water. Calcium carbonate, however, of which marble is composed, is highly susceptible to attack by acidic agents. Marble is readily dissolved by acids, even very dilute acids, however the actual results of acidic exposure will vary with the nature of the acid. Chlorides, nitrates, sulfates and other chemical compounds react differently with marble and produce various by-products, which have a wide range of solubility and impact on the durability of marble. For this reason, it is always important to determine the exact type of pollutants causing marble deterioration. Marble itself can be of two types, one composed of calcite and the other of dolomite. Dolomitic marble is much more resistant to acid attack than calcite marble. The color of marble ranges from the brilliant white of calcite to black, including blue-gray, red, yellow and green, depending upon the mineral composition. TYPICAL USES Marble has many decorative and structural uses. It is used for outdoor sculpture as well as for sculpture bases; in architecture it is used in exterior walls and veneers, flooring, decorative features, stairways and walkways. The way in which the stone is used may be a factor in limiting or controlling the severity of exposure. The use or function of the marble may also affect the feasibility of applying certain treatments, but type of use is not the primary factor in the major types of deterioration and damage to which marble is susceptible.

[Huligar]

That is a loaded question. The situation will dictate the cost, I like most of us on this forum have a $350 minimum charge. As simple as it sounds, a scratch removal can be very complicated. What would you if you when into a home and saw a scratch that you new a 500 grit would remove. but wait, the top was install over 5 years, the home owner never seal the stone, they clean the stone 3 times a day with dish soap and warm water. oh, the stone is/was a lite color stone and it is 2x9 with one seam to the right of the single sink. what would you charge for this and why.

	grit GRIT SIZE: Applies to the size and number of particles per square inch which are used to determine the abrasiveness of sandpapers, grinding stones etc.

[gmavridis]

$ 383.68 (Australian)

As Jo said there are too many variables that could exist to have a blanket price for each service.

[Huligar]

George, $380 is your minimum charge?

[Stone Care NJ]

Thank you for your replies. I wanted to offer a special (cleaning, sealing and a quick polish). What would be a reasonable price and should i base it on square foot or up to a certain amount of square feet is a set price? No stains, No scratches, just a cleanig, sealing and polish. Thanks

[Stone Care NJ]

Hey Joe, I have a granite island that has an elmers glue stain on it. They spilled glue and it dryed up and left it a little hazy and rough. What would be the best to clean this. I havent tried anything but i was thinking just some denatured alcohol and a razor blade should do it?

[Huligar]

stone care nj, The best help I can give you on price i, find out what is your day rate. always try to get your day rate. If you wish you can break tour date rate down in hours and charge them for time and material.

As for the glue, the razor should work, but you will need to deal with the fact that the stone is rough. Lets hope that it is the glue on the surface that makes it feel like that.

[Topshop]

Watch out for yourself when you say "polish" when you are only cleaning. In some peoples eyes that may be deceiving. When I think polish I am getting out the diamonds. I would say "buff" if I am only cleaning.

[Stone Care NJ]

Okay sounds good thank you