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When considering the finances associated with a columbarium, it is important to look beyond initial cost-savings. There are basic, mass-produced, imported columbariums such as All Granite Columbariums that are advertised mainly by their low niche price point. But price points only show part of the financial picture for a columbarium project. Engineered Columbariums typically have a higher niche price point but are more appropriate for some applications and are often the most cost-effective solution. |
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| Incomes |
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Columbariums that are custom and non-industrial in appearance tend to yield a higher retail price for a niche. Potential buyers are looking as a pleasant resting place and a place conducive to peace-conducive visits.
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Columbariums that have multiple sections create a choice for the potential buyer - which is important to the buying process. In addition, it allows a tiered pricing structure for niches. Ex. Niches closer to the entrance, to pathways, to special features like fountains, etc. can justify a higher price.
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A memorial garden or environment, as opposed to an isolated columbarium, is more likely to generate interest - and therefore demand. It is also more likely to attract donations, if solicited, because such an environment is a good cause. It is socially important, attractive and lasting.
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A memorial garden also creates additional giving opportunities. For example, it can create naming opportunities (benches, fountains, etc.). It can also include walkways with engraved pavers - from donors or in memory of loved ones. |
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| Expenses |
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Shipping and installation are sometimes have hidden cost factors. For example, All Granite columbariums are expensive to ship. They also require a crane for installation. And heavy equipment may have undesirable impact on the surroundings. As far as installation goes, some systems require extensive on-site fitting of the columbarium as well as each individual face plate. More labor equates to more cost.
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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. Another material sometimes used for columbariums is bronze. Regardless of its urethane finish, bronze will degrade due to touching and weather. It will need to be refinished periodically - and most likely on-site, which is more expensive.
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Engineered columbariums that 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.
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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. |
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| Other considerations |
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Engineered columbariums allow more flexibility: for configuration, expandability, etc. An Engineered Columbarium with a frame system allows constructs that are convex, concave, both, round, stepped, etc.
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Higher end columbariums such as Engineered Columbariums tend to offer a wider choice of stone. Architarium can access just about any granite through its stone distribution network. We also offer limestone and slate.
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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. |
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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. |
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We hope that you will find that Architarium is the right columbarium vendor for your project. And, if not, we always appreciate referrals. |
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