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An Exploration of the “100% Granite” Imported Columbarium
When considering the cost of installing a columbarium, it is important to look beyond the initial cost. There are imported columbaria, frequently made of 100% granite with very basic designs, which are advertised primarily by their low niche price point and sold through monument companies. But the columbarium sticker price only shows part of the financial picture for a columbarium project. Highly engineered columbariums, the kind that Architarium produces, typically have a higher niche price point but are more appropriate for some applications and are actually often the most overall cost-effective solution.
Appearance
- An engineered columbarium with a frame system allows configurations that are convex, concave, both, round, stepped, etc. Columbariums that have variety (i.e. are not simply rectangular) create niche choices for the potential buyer – which is important to the buying process. In addition, it allows a tiered pricing structure for niches. For example niche sections closer to the entrance, to pathways, to special features like fountains, etc. can justify a higher price.
- Memorial gardens typically feature custom columbariums inserted into structures that integrate into the overall architecture. Freestanding columbariums are more common in commercial, lawn-style cemeteries.
- Custom columbariums that have visual interest tend to attract more interest – which in turn translates into more purchases and donations. In fact, attractive columbariums can yield a higher price per niche.
Security
- Choosing a columbarium with security features will minimize insurance losses – and customer losses. A columbarium with exposed hardware creates a risk. Even if a thief attempts to breach an engineered columbarium with hidden hardware, opening it will be a challenge because there are additional security measures such as an inner door and tamper-proof hardware.
- Architarium’s engineered columbarium also has one face plate per niche which minimizes the exposure of niches in the event of a security breach. (This feature also minimizes expenses in the event that a face plate is engraved incorrectly.)
Shipping & Installation
- Shipping and installation are sometimes have hidden cost factors. For example, all granite columbariums are expensive to ship.
- All granite columbariums are much heavier than other types of columbariums. As a result, they require a heavier foundation, which involves additional funds.
- All granite columbariums usually also require a crane for installation. In addition to the cost, heavy equipment may have undesirable impact on the surroundings, especially if the area has already been established with structures and landscaping. Note that Architarium doesn’t require heavy equipment for either insert or freestanding columbariums.
Longevity
- Materials play a big part in minimizing maintenance costs. Imported granite columbariums are sometimes made with inferior granites. The granite may be structurally weak. For example, fissures will expand and contract with temperature, further weakening the structure. (Concrete has the same issue, referred to as “spauling”). Another issue with inferior granite is that it may be dyed and highly polished for appearance. These treatments will eventually fade. It will need to be refinished periodically – and most likely on-site, which is more expensive. Architarium uses 100% stainless steel for all of its columbariums.
- Many columbariums don’t incorporate moisture prevention and dissipation into the design. Architarium does both. Further more, Architarium’s multiple layers of access and built-in seal keep debris from the niches.
- Architarium’s engineered columbariums include an expansion feature allow organizations to start small, generate interest, and expand in an affordable manner at a later date. The expansion also looks integrated as opposed to an after-thought. Support
- Higher end columbariums tend to offer a wider choice of stone than 100% granite columbariums. Architarium can access just about any granite through its stone distribution network. It also offers limestone, marble and slate.
- Higher end columbarium vendors offer more services. Architarium offers free consultation by phone and email before, during and after installation. Architarium also offers design guidance. Ex. Architarium works with historical sites where consistency of appearance is essential. Architarium also has an online portal exclusively for clients to help with sales and administration.
Maybe most importantly, when purchasing a columbarium, it is essential to factor the history and reputation of the columbarium vendor. The columbarium project doesn’t end with installation. Most organizations with a columbarium will require support into the future. This support may include administrative questions or a physical expansion. Regardless, when you choose the right columbarium vendor, everything else tends to fall into place.