Why do I need to complete the burial first?

• Most cemeteries use the memorial as a “burial record”.  If there is a memorial on the grave with a death date, it signifies that person has been buried.  Because of this, we are not able to place memorials in cemeteries with death dates unless the burial is completed (some allow us to proceed if the burial is scheduled in the near future).​

 

Why can’t I just buy a memorial on-line and have you place it in the cemetery (or place it myself)?

• Most cemeteries in Western New York require all placements be completed by a reputable memorial dealer who has the appropriate liability insurance filed with the cemetery.  Many require GRANITE only (occasional marble for VA and/or bronze allowed).  We do not know what material is coming from an on-line purchase, and will only place memorials that have been purchased from us directly, purchased by us through trusted quarries.

• If you try to place a memorial in the cemetery that was not pre-approved, they can remove it without notice, and without recompensation for the family/purchaser

 

What kind of questions should I be asking my memorialist when deciding on the memorial I may want?

• Are there any warranties included with my purchase?

  • We offer unbranded, as well as Limited and Full Lifetime perpetual warranties through the quarry.

• What fees are associated with this purchase?

  • INCLUDED in the cost our memorial quotes: Design Work (as applicable), current inscriptions, foundation*, delivery/installation**

  • *Cemeteries require a foundation beneath the memorial – we include this cost in our quotes for most cemeteries (there are a few that will have additional costs due to their process – make sure to ask ahead!)

  • Some cemeteries require a one-time Right to Erect or Surcharge fee for any upright (not flat) memorial.   This is a ONE-TIME maintenance fee that is in addition to the foundation.

  • **We include the installation (placement or delivery) fee in our memorial cost, it is not a separate line item.

  • Long distance cemeteries may incur a mileage fee, outside of a specific radius from the shop (we include up to approximately a 35 mile radius)

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Is there sales tax on my memorial?

• In Western New York, new memorial purchases that are placed in a cemetery are tax exempt

• Memorials purchased and placed on private property do incur tax

• Additions to priorly purchased memorials that are considered permanently attached to the memorial (e.g. bronze installation, inscription work, etc.) will not incur tax, but items that removable/non-permanent (e.g. an inground vase, cleaning/restoration work, etc) are taxable.

 

How long does it take to complete and place a new memorial?

• Short answer – TYPICALLY a memorial is completed within 9-12 months from the time of commencement.

• On average, granite takes up to 4-6 months to arrive in our shop after we place the order with the quarry. 

• Work in the shop typically takes up to a few weeks to be completed.  Once it has been done, we will take a photo of the completed work, which we mail to you along with any final invoice, if a balance remains.  The contract will need to be paid in full before we can install/deliver your memorial to the cemetery.

• The cemetery bears the responsibility to place the foundation before we can install a memorial.  We will act as your agent to order and pay for the work, however we do not influence or have responsibility for method, materials, quality and completion time.  Most cemeteries complete this work between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

• We do not have any exact dates for when your memorial will be taken out to the cemetery to be placed.  However, after the memorial has been placed at the site, weather and cemetery conditions permitting, we will notify you.

• New memorials that have special features such as intricate shapes, sculptures, hand-etched design work, custom bronze work, etc. start at a minimum of 12-18 months from start to finish.

 

Do I need an appointment to come in/can I purchase remotely?

• We work with customers from all around the world.  We are able to communicate via telephone or e-mail for those not in the local Western New York area.

• You do not need an appointment to visit our showroom(s).  We accept walk-ins during all regular business hours.

• Setting an OPTIONAL appointment allows the memorialist to do pre-work to help facilitate your appointment (e.g. checking with the cemetery for your specific rules/regulations, preparing specific granite and/or designs to view, etc.)

• Memorial conversations (remote or in-person) generally begin around 45 minutes – 1 hour, in order to capture all the information needed, and write contracts (if ready to do so).

 

What does it cost for a new memorial?

• Each memorial cost is determined by: Color/Grade of granite, Specific size and shape, Finishes, Design/Inscription work requested, Additions to granite itself (Bronze, sculptures, Photo Inserts, etc).  Future work of any kind will not be included in this contract.

• To receive a quote, please reach out to the office and speak with a memorialist about your wishes/needs.

• Many options are available, ranging from basic needs to extravagant showpieces.   Payment plans are available, and can be discussed at time of contract.

 

What happens if I do not have a clear idea about the design for the memorial?

• We have an in-house design team to help guide the discussion, as well as the only hand-etching artist in Western New York, who can bring your vision to reality.

• Our memorialist team is equipped with a number of resources to show you potential options, in brochures, design books, and a gallery of work we have completed in our 170 years of service.

• We provide a digitally rendered layout for the memorial to review, make changes to, and consider before we put anything on the granite itself.

 

Can I duplicate an existing family memorial or design seen out in the cemetery?

• Most of the time, yes.  There are a few exceptions to proprietary or trademarked design elements and occasional lettering styles.

• Occasionally, the original family memorial may need to be removed from the cemetery for us to get proper specifications for a true duplication.  If this is the case, the memorialist will discuss with you prior, at the time of contract.

 

Can I add inscription work to a memorial in the cemetery?

• Short answer – yes.  However there are exceptions.

  • Are you the lot owner or have written consent to add work (if not a direct descendant)?  Many cemeteries will require you to be the lot owner to add names, dates, additional inscription work onto an existing memorial.  If the lot owner is deceased, notarized authorization consent forms may be required from all living descendants before work can be contracted.

  • Some cemeteries require an approval process beforehand – we submit a request with the exact inscription work required and they reserve the right to deny any work requested.

  • Space available on the memorial – We need sufficient space to properly add any inscription work, and we will submit a work order for our team to take specific measurement and rubbings to determine if we able to move forward.

  • Occasionally, the original family memorial may need to be removed from the cemetery for us to complete intricate inscription work (e.g. raised/hand-carved lettering, etc).  If this is the case, the memorialist will discuss with you prior, at the time of contract.

• How long does it take to complete?

  • The timeframe varies – We write our contracts to be completed within a specific season (i.e. 2026 lettering season – typically Memorial Day to Labor Day).

  • WEATHER: We cannot engrave lettering on granite that is wet or damp. The adhesive we use to hold the rubber stencil on the headstone won't cure properly. Lengthy periods of rain and wet, damp weather severely limit our ability to get work completed. We cannot engrave inscriptions if there is any snow on the ground. After October 1, the work may not be completed until the following Spring/Summer months. 

  • TEMPERATURE: When the temperatures are below 55 degrees, the adhesive that we use takes much longer to cure so that the rubber stencil can be applied properly. Consequently, each order takes longer to complete. When the temperature drops below 40 degrees we cannot engrave inscriptions.

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Do you offer cleaning and/or restoration work for memorials in the cemetery?

• Yes, in most cases.  Some color-art design work we cannot restore.

• To determine the cost - we will submit a work order for our team to take specific measurements, and call with the quote.

• How long does it take to complete?

  • The timeframe varies – We write our contracts to be completed within a specific season (i.e. 2026 cleaning season – typically Memorial Day to Labor Day).

  • WEATHER: Lengthy periods of rain and wet, damp weather severely limit our ability to get work completed. After October 1, the work may not be completed until the following Spring/Summer months. 

  • TEMPERATURE: Cleaning agents work best and most efficiently in warm weather.  When the temperatures are below 55 degrees, the commercial cleaning agents we use may interact with the granite differently, and the process is extended. When the temperature drops below 40 degrees we do not complete any cleaning/restoration work in the cemeteries.

• Can I clean my memorial on my own?

  • You can self-complete surface level cleaning.  Our ONLY recommendation is unscented, dye-free dish soap (e.g. Dawn) mixed with water and a SOFT-bristled nylon brush, and gentle scrubbing of the memorial.  If you have organic growth, you can sparingly add a small capful (tablespoon) of ammonia to your dish soap/water solution.  However, you MUST generously rinse the entire memorial after use, or you risk potential discoloration/bleaching/staining of the granite.

  • Do not use ANY chemicals on your granite.  Only licensed/insured restoration professionals should be using chemicals to clean.  You do not want to risk permanent damage on your family investment.