by ANDREA TOMKINS

The kitchen is often called the heart of the home due to its central role in our daily lives. Food is prepared, shared and consumed here, but it’s also a place for everyday living. Kitchens are versatile, multipurpose spaces that also serve as workstations for chores, crafting, schoolwork and working from home.

The team behind Costco’s Countertop Installation program keenly understands that if the kitchen counter is where you are rolling out the cookie dough and helping the kids with their homework, that counter needs to be a durable, high-quality product that enhances your home’s aesthetics, functionality and value.

Cosentino, the company behind Costco’s program, has been operating in North America for more than 25 years and has a presence around the globe. It focuses on natural stone, quartz and Dekton, an innovative material designed to minimize or eliminate carbon emissions throughout its life cycle (see “More about Dekton”).

Through Costco’s Countertop Installation program, the process for members who want to upgrade their countertops is remarkably easy and convenient. “All of the big decisions are made in one appointment in the comfort of your own home,” says Kelly Martin, Cosentino’s national account director. “It’s truly white-glove service.”

The first step is to go to Costco.com, click “Shop” and in the drop-down menu under “Home & Installation Services,” click “Countertop Installation." Fill out the form on that page to request a complimentary, in-home consultation. Alternatively, you can initiate the process by calling 1-877-433-1377.

You will either speak to, or be contacted by, your local Cosentino dealer, who will get the ball rolling with some easy questions about your wishes and requirements. You and the dealer will set up an appointment with a design specialist, who will come to your home and work with you to select the best options for you and your space.

“You basically have a designer on your team,” says Martin. “They are well-versed in what materials are best for your purpose, not just the latest trends, and do a great job to make sure the member is happy in the long run.”

During your appointment, the design specialist will take detailed measurements, review samples with you, finalize the design with you and confirm the project costs.

As with any home remodel project, having new countertops installed correctly is the key to success and longevity. Cosentino dealers complete the project according to the design plan you and the specialist came up with, and anyone who enters your home through the program will be a trusted professional.

“We put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into building this network of dealers that we trust,” says Martin. “They’re long-standing partners of Cosentino’s and they’re vetted through a formal background check process. Given Costco’s high standard of service, dealers are required to hold all licenses required to operate and install by federal, state and local regulations.”

You can get transferable warranties on all Cosentino products. There is a 15-year warranty available for Cosentino’s natural stone counters, and a 25-year warranty for the company’s Silestone (quartz) and Dekton countertops. If you decide to sell your home, a transferable warranty on a new kitchen countertop might just be the thing that seals the deal with potential buyers.

When the job is completed, not only is there a gorgeous counter to enjoy for years to come, you’ll also receive a Costco Shop Card for 10% of its cost.

“Costco does the heavy lifting for our members to make sure they’re getting the best quality and the best value,” says Eric Strasik, assistant buyer in Costco’s Home & Installation department. He says that instead of members spending time and energy getting quotes from multiple contractors and hoping to find someone they trust, Costco carefully selected Cosentino to work with because of their commitment to providing quality countertops and expert installation.

Martin summarizes the benefits of Costco’s Countertop Installation program: “It’s the expertise, the experience and the support that you get. You just don’t find that anywhere else.”