Ask for the memorial, granite base, foundation work and cemetery charges to be identified in writing before accepting a headstone quote. A price for the stone does not tell you who prepares its support, who installs it or which cemetery fees are included. Confirm the scope for the specific cemetery and lot rather than relying on a general product description.
What is the difference between the base and the foundation?
On an upright memorial, the granite base is the stone beneath the upright piece. The foundation is the support prepared beneath the memorial. Ask the dealer to label both on the proposal and identify the dimensions of each. A flat marker has a different installation arrangement, so it should not automatically be priced or specified like an upright stone.
A southern New Hampshire example
The Town of Durham's published cemetery procedures, revised July 2009, distinguish the support for upright monuments from the preparation for flush markers. The document also describes town-provided shared foundations in its cremains area. Because this is an older published document and the rules can change, confirm the current requirements with the cemetery before ordering. These are examples from Durham Cemetery, not specifications for every New Hampshire cemetery or instructions for doing foundation work yourself.
For Nashua or another southern New Hampshire location, start with the actual cemetery office and lot information. Our southern New Hampshire ordering guide explains how to identify the location and the permitted memorial type.
Which questions belong in the written quote?
- Does the price include both the upright stone and its granite base?
- Is a new foundation required, or must an existing one be assessed?
- Who obtains the cemetery's specifications and approval?
- Who performs and pays for the foundation work?
- Does installation include setting the memorial on the approved support?
- Which cemetery charges, delivery costs or removal work are separate?
Ask for any item awaiting cemetery confirmation to be marked as pending. If two quotes use different descriptions, request the same breakdown from both providers before comparing totals.
What if a foundation is already there?
Send photographs and any available measurements or cemetery paperwork, but do not assume an existing foundation is suitable for a different stone. Ask who will assess its condition and compatibility with the proposed memorial. A larger family headstone should be reviewed with its full dimensions rather than ordered solely because another memorial previously occupied the lot.
When can installation be scheduled?
Ask which steps must be completed first, including design approval, cemetery authorization and support preparation. A requested completion date is not an installation commitment. Keep the final scope with your approved design proof so the measurements and inscription refer to the same order.
Request a memorial quote with the cemetery name, town, lot details and the style you are considering. HeadstoneHub reviews regional inquiries subject to the cemetery, work required and scheduling before confirming whether we can help.