Preserving Memories For Generations To Come
134 S. Main Street
Paris, IL 61944
ph: 217-463-3295
fax: 217-463-1822
saffordm
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I start?
This information will enable us to design several options that will incorporate the many different aspects of your loved one's life. This will make the process of choosing a final design much easier.
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What are some things to consider when personalizing a monument?
Take some time to think about your loved one and gather the following information :
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What is the average time it takes to complete a monument?
Depending on style and granite color, as well as design options (such as an etching) your monument can take as little as four weeks to complete, or for a special order, as long as six months. Popular granite colors and sizes as well as current specials are often already in inventory and can be delivered often within a few weeks. In all cases, orders can only be set in a cemetery when the weather permits. We cannot pour foundations during the winter months, so a monument ordered in late fall or winter would be installed in the spring.
There are a number of factors that can affect the amount of time it takes for a monument to be completed and installed;
Ordering granite ~ granite must be ordered, depending on type, from different suppliers who have to deal with inventory, production and shipping concerns over great distances. Many types of granite are only available from countries overseas such as China and India. There are so many combinations of colors, sizes, shapes and finishes for granite, that it would be impossible to keep all of the options in stock. Imported granites coming from the outside of the United States, take approximately 160 to 180 days to deliver.
Design work ~ it takes time to design, layout and prepare stencils. Everything must be checked and rechecked; questions resolved, approvals received and adjustments made.
Shipping ~ sometimes shipping can be delayed until full loads can be assembled.
Field work & scheduling ~ locations at the cemeteries must be determined and staked by authorized persons according to their own schedules. Concrete foundations must be poured and allowed time to cure (ideal temperature must be at least 40 degrees). Inclement weather and funerals can affect scheduling, which we try to schedule by type and region on a regular calendar basis which may not be exactly in the same order as the purchase dates.
If a monument is required earlier, please indicate that this is a special order. We will advise you of any additional fees that may apply for a rush delivery.
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What is a foundation?
The foundation is the cement pad that is poured level with the ground and approximately 30" deep for the monument to rest on. The purpose of the foundation is to keep the monument level, keep it from sinking and prevent heaving from the frost.
Does the grave need to settle for a period of time before setting a monument?
Some cemeteries require a waiting period, although most of the time there is extra space at the head of the grave for the monument to be installed as soon as you wish.
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Why aren't all granites the same price?
There are a number of reasons why granites differ in price.
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Should I make pre-arrangements to purchase a monument?
There are many reasons to purchase your monument before the need comes. Although no one wants to think about their own death, failure to do so makes it much more difficult on the bereaved family. By being able to pre-plan without the stress of recently losing a loved one, you will relieve an emotional burden to your family. Choosing a family memorial should be a joint decision – not one that is made alone. By planning ahead, you can select the style, size, and color you prefer. A personalized design that you helped create can reflect your beliefs, values and interests. Rather than have your family confused over what you would have wanted or what is appropriate, you can save the family from having to decide what is the right thing to do for you.
As a practical thought, you can save money. Purchasing a monument before the need arises means that you are utilizing today's dollar. Like everything else, it will cost less now than in the years to come. You can select what you are financially comfortable with at today’s budget without financially burdening family when you are gone.
Please note ~ the pricing for the final date lettering of a pre-need monument is not included in the original purchase price of the monument.
Pre-planning makes sense to many families and can give peace of mind not only to you, but also to the ones you love.
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What if I live out of town?
We work with many customers who live out of town. We are able to communicate with you via phone, email or US mail, whichever you prefer. We do not proceed until we have your final design approval. We will also send you a picture of your monument once it has been placed in the cemetery.
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My loved one was cremated. Can I still place a monument in the cemetery?
Of course! You will need to contact the cemetery (we can also assist you with this) and make the necessary arrangements. We have a variety of cremorial products that may be erected in the cemetery or any other place you have designated for your loved one.
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What is a cemetery fee?
Some cemeteries charge a fee to locate the grave for placement of the memorial, or for pouring the concrete foundation. Cemetery fees range from as little as $15 to over several hundred dollars depending on the cemetery.
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How should I clean my granite monument?
Get the monument thoroughly wet before cleaning. Scrub the stone with bleach or mild detergent. Bleach will not harm the granite and will brighten up the areas dulled by mildew and moss. Smaller recesssed areas can be scrubbed with the old toothbrush. (do not use anything containing metal because it can scratch or leave fragments behind that can damage the granite surface). Be sure to rinse the monument completely when finished.
Monuments can become dirty or stained by air pollution, hard irrigation water, tree sap, birds or any number of other sources.
To clean your monument, you will need the following equipment:
Be sure to use lots of clean water. Do not use a pressure washer or strong chemicals / soap. Any abrasive or acidic cleaning agents can easily damage headstones with a glazed finish.
(For bronze markers, there are special cleaning kits available from monument supply companies).
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How is a monument made?
Here is a website that explains the process of manufacturing a monument.
http://www.monumentbuilders.org/consumers_how_monuments_are_made.php
Copyright 2014 Safford Monument Co.. All rights reserved.
134 S. Main Street
Paris, IL 61944
ph: 217-463-3295
fax: 217-463-1822
saffordm