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NOW TO
AVOID THESE COMMON MISTAKES |
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How to
avoid some common mistakes
When you choose a family memorial
Most people don’t know what a memorial should cost, what kind to
buy,
or whether it makes sense to buy before need. Here are ten
important
things you should know about cemetery memorials – whether you
buy a
small marker or a family monument.
1. Before you buy a cemetery lot, make sure you have the right to
erect
the kind of memorial you want. Most cemeteries have
regulations
governing the size and type memorial you can put on your lot.
Some
cemeteries even prohibit above-ground memorialization on small
lots,
insisting memorials be level with the lawn.
2. Select a permanent material – granite. It is not
difficult to
distinguish good granite. Look for an even texture that has
a flawless
finish when polished. Such granite is free of foreign
materials that
might in time mar its beauty.
3. Check the depth of the lettering and carving. Appearances
can be
deceiving. Coloring can actually be used to add shadow and
give a look
of substance to lettering. So make sure the lettering and
carving on
your memorial is cut deeply.
4. Insist on a meaningful guarantee by a responsible manufacturer.
Most
memorials carry some sort of guarantee. But any defect is
the
responsibility of the manufacturer, not the dealer or cemetery.
5. Remember size is no indication of value. Naturally, fine
granite
costs more than ordinary stone. But equally important is the
care in
cutting and polishing it. That’s why, just as with a fine
diamond, size
alone is no indication of value. It’s better to have a
smaller,
flawless memorial than a larger, imperfect stone that soon calls
attention to its “cheaper price” by staining, cracking or
chipping away.
6. It is never too early to plan your future memorial needs.
Estate
planning, including memorialization, is a wise decision for
individuals
of any age.
7. Make sure you buy through a reputable local dealer. Any
reputable
dealer will be happy to advise you on how to purchase the most
meaningful memorial to your loved one, and show you the quality
you
should expect. You only buy a cemetery memorial once and you want
it to
be a source of family pride for generations to come.
8. A memorial is a personal thing – make sure your memorial will
reflect
your personality. More than anything else you’ll ever buy,
a memorial
is a personal thing; an expression of your love, your memories.
Any
good dealer will show you how symbolism, epitaphs and personalized
design express your sentiments.
9. You make only one choice – make the right one. Whether
you’re buying
a cemetery lot and memorial for future use, or buying a memorial
to mark
the grave of someone dear to you, there is no reason to make a
hasty
choice. It is far more important that you make the right
choice.
10. If your monument experiences any vandalism, check your
homeowner’s
insurance policy, as most cover the cost of restoration. If
you notice
your monument to be unstable or off level, notify your monument
dealer
right away.
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