Free checklist
Countertop shop startup checklist
A printable, no-fluff checklist for opening a fabrication shop. Use it to make sure planning, equipment, software, hiring, and compliance are covered before your first job.
Tip: use your browser's print (Ctrl/Cmd + P) to save or hand out a copy.
Plan your business
- Define your niche (granite, quartz, quartzite, remnants, commercial)
- Research local competition and typical job sizes
- Set a realistic startup budget and runway
- Choose a business structure and register the business
- Open a business bank account and accounting setup
Equipment & shop
- Lease or buy a fabrication space with power and drainage
- Bridge saw or CNC (router and/or waterjet)
- Edge polisher or CNC edge profiling
- Material handling (A-frames, suction lifters, carts)
- Dust collection and wet-cutting infrastructure
Software before you're busy
- Drawing / takeoff tool for accurate surfaces
- Estimating and quoting with line items
- Scheduling and field checklists
- Slab inventory and remnant tracking
- Customer records and document storage
Hiring & training
- Hire a lead fabricator and templator/installer
- Write a safety and silica (OSHA) training plan
- Define quality checkpoints for each stage
- Document your standard operating procedures
Customers & compliance
- Build a simple website and local listings
- Set up contracts, deposits, and payment terms
- Confirm silica/OSHA exposure control plan
- Line up material suppliers and delivery
- Plan your first 10 jobs and referral asks