I need a memorial but I don’t know where to start.
Purchasing a memorial can at first feel overwhelming. Granite Swan Memorials takes the time with our clients so that they fully understand their particular cemetery requirements and design options. We not only fabricate the memorial, but also act as intermediary to your cemetery, church, or sexton to arrange the approval, foundation, and installation of the stone. Our goal is for you to feel at ease during this difficult time. The first thing we do with our clients is to explain how the entire process will proceed, from choosing the monument to its installation at the cemetery. It’s also important to mention that you don’t need to make a final design decision at first. We are happy to make changes to the design before carving so you are completely comfortable with your choices and satisfied with the memorial. We send a computer-generated scale drawing of the stone to you, and no carving is done until the drawing is approved and signed by you.

Do I need an appointment?
Appointments are not required, but it’s usually a good idea to call ahead and let us know that you’ll be stopping by. We are at the cemeteries quite a bit, so we want to make sure we’re at the shop to meet with you and answer any questions you may have.

How do we pick a stone out? Do you have brochures?
Each stone we make is custom-made to our clients’ specifications. By visiting our monument displays at North Haven location, you can see a variety of granites, designs, and carving styles. We also have an extensive set of design books, brochures, and photo albums. Please browse our Photo Gallery on this website for sample of monuments and memorials that we have created over the years for some of our clients.

How much does it cost?
Monuments vary greatly in price depending on style, size, design, and type of granite. Rest assured that Granite Swan Memorials will provide options that are not only an appropriate tribute to your loved one, but also fit any budget.

What is the foundation? Who installs them?
Most memorial stones are quite heavy. If they were placed on dirt or grass, they would almost immediately begin to tip or sink. Before a memorial is installed, a concrete foundation ("footing") is installed, normally to a depth about 3 feet. After the concrete dries, Granite Swan Memorials will install the memorial on the concrete footing which provides a strong, level surface. In most cases, cemeteries do their own foundations and do not allow companies or individuals to do foundations. We do not add any charges to the cemetery’s foundation fee. Since we are a full service monument company, we can provide quality foundations if the cemetery is unable or unwilling to install a foundation.

How do I add carvings to my family memorial at the cemetery? Do you remove the stone to add a name or date?
All inscription work is done on-site at the cemetery with an air compressor and sandblast equipment. We will first go to the cemetery and take a “rub” of your stone in order to match perfectly the existing font, size, and layout. We then send you a short approval form to ensure we have the proper spelling and dates. Once signed and returned, we will inscribe the stone with the new information.

What towns do you serve?
We serve all Connecticut towns and cemeteries. When beginning a job, we always contact the cemetery office or sexton to ensure that the monument we create will comply with the cemetery’s regulations.