Quartz countertops in Milpitas, CA

From measurement to install day

Base cabinets go in and are leveled first. The fabricator then makes a digital or physical template, cuts the slab with sink and cooktop openings, and installs it. The plumber reconnects the sink once the top is set.

Quartz compared with natural stone

Quartz is uniform and non-porous but can discolor from hot pans set directly on it. Granite and quartzite tolerate heat better and need periodic sealing. Porcelain slabs are thin, heat-resistant and very hard.

Fabrication terms

Eased edge: a square edge with slightly softened corners. Mitered edge: two pieces joined at 45 degrees to look like a thick slab. Waterfall: the top continuing down the side of an island. Seam: the joint where two slabs meet. Reveal: how much of the sink rim shows under the cutout.

Permits in Milpitas

Milpitas requires a building permit for remodeling and repair work on homes, and the permit has to be issued before work starts, even if the plans are already in review.
Separate plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits cover installing, replacing or relocating sinks, gas lines, wiring and hoods. Finish work such as painting, tiling, cabinets and countertops does not need a building permit.
Kitchen remodel permits are among the permits the Office of Building Safety offers online. A property owner can pull a permit for any work; a licensed contractor pulls it as the owner's agent for work the license covers.

City of Milpitas Office of Building Safety · 455 E. Calaveras Blvd, (408) 586-3240

Common questions

Do quartz countertops need a permit?

Countertops are finish work in Milpitas and need no building permit. New outlets or a relocated sink are separate work that does.

Can I use the sink the day the counters go in?

Often within a day, once the sink is reconnected and any adhesive has cured. The installer gives the exact wait.