Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What exactly is a monument?
A: Monument is just a common term for a headstone, gravestone, footstone, tombstone, grave marker etc.
Q: Does a monument have to be granite?
A: Typically most Cemeteries will only allow granite monuments. Granite is the best choice for a monument.
Q: Will the painted lettering fade or come off?
A: It should last for a very long time, A&K Monument only uses Lithochrome brand coatings for our monuments. It is the industry standard and designed to stand up to weather, UV rays and any harsh condition.
Q: Why do I see monuments leaning in a cemetery?
A: If a monument is leaning it more than likely means the footing (concrete that the stone sits on) is not deep enough. Over time when the ground freezes and thaws the footing, if not the proper depth will move up and down. All footings done by A&K are a minimum of 30" deep, typically we go 36". This is below frost line and eliminates the chance of the footing moving.
Q: Do I have to purchase a monument from a Funeral Home/Funeral Center?
A: No, although some Funeral Homes sell monuments they typically are just a representative of a monument retail store. A&K Custom Monument Service will work directly with the customer to ensure the entire process is competed in a timely manner and at the lowest possible cost to the customer without middle man mark-ups.
Q: Do I have to pay the amount in full when I order the monument?
A: All that is required when placing the order is half of the monument price, the cost of the footing and all applicable sales tax. The balance is not due until the engraving is complete.
Q: Do I need to pre-plan my funeral and monument?
A: That is entirely up to the customer. Pre-planning does allow you to choose what services and products you want. It also relieves the affected family from having to make decisions during times that need to be spent with the close friends and other family members. A majority of our customer base is family members pre-planning.
Q: Are there any hidden costs?
A: When you meet with A&K Monument all costs are explained at the time of your initial visit or appointment. Some cemeteries charge for locating and marking the plot(s) prior to the footing work being started. Opening and closing fees or questions should be directed to the caretaker of the cemetery.
Q: What size does my monument need to be or are there restrictions?
A: Most cemeteries have restrictions of some sort, sometimes it may be a maximum height that your monument can be or it may be the size of border that is required on the footing. We will contact the caretaker if needed to find out this information. If you have a copy of the cemetery rules and restrictions ahead of time it will speed up the process.
Q: What does a monument cost?
A: Pricing will vary according to color, size and type of monument. Some smaller markers start under $200.00 including the engraving.
Q: My family has a trust fund set up with an attorney or financial advisor, will you work with them to complete the process?
A: Yes, we will be more than happy to supply anything needed.
Q: What if there is a mis-spelling on the completed product?
A: The customer is provided a proof that must be reviewed and signed prior to any engraving being started. This ensures all spellings and dates are correct.
Q: I would like to match a monument currently in our family plot, can this be done?
A: Most of the time the stone color can be matched, please understand that the color may not be exact. Stone colors can and usually do darken or lighten as the quarry is mined. Most of the time we can match a design or pattern used on a monument as well as the cut (shape and size).
Q: How long does the process take?
A: There are many factors that determine how long the process might take. The longest time is usally receiving the stone, once the stone is received and the proof is signed it may only be matter of a couple of weeks. If there is a certain date you would like to have the monument completed by please let us know, we will try hard to accomplish this.