Our Family Taking Care of Your Family
You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know!
- I’ve never had to purchase a monument before. Where do I start?
We want you to make the best possible decision for you and for your loved ones. We’ll spend as much time as needed with you and your family going over all of your options. Together, we’ll design a monument that fits your taste and budget.
- Do I need to make an appointment?
No. While appointments are helpful, they’re not necessary. We can meet you during our normal 8:30 - 5:00 M-F business hours, and if necessary, after hours or on weekends if arranged ahead of time.
- How much do memorials cost?
The price of a memorial is based on many variables including the material selected, the color and size of the stone and the number of surfaces to be polished. A quality memorial can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. If you’re working within a budget, please don’t hesitate to mention this and we’ll work with you to create just the right memorial for you.
- How long does it take to have a monument made and installed?
Most monuments and markers take approximately six to eight weeks from the time of ordering to installation in the cemetery. Custom designs may require a little more time if hand etching, sculpting or other intricate details are selected. Other factors may affect the installation process, such as cemetery work schedules, weather and ground conditions.
- Can I design my own monument or do I have to select from your design options?
We welcome the opportunity to discuss your design ideas. We have an indoor and outdoor display which is very helpful when making decisions regarding the shape, size, finish and color of the monument or marker you desire. Every memorial that is created is as unique as the life it’s memorializing.
- What are memorials made of?
The overwhelming majority of memorials are made of granite, however we do offer memorials fabricated from marble as well. We also offer bronze markers if your cemetery requires it, or if it’s your personal preference.
- How can we be sure we will like the design we picked out?
We provide computer-generated scale drawings of your memorial for your final approval. This allows you to see exactly what your memorial will look like before we start the fabrication process. If you would like to make any changes after you see the drawing, it will still be possible to do that.
- Do I need to purchase a memorial even if we selected cremation?
Cremation shouldn’t restrict the need for a family to memorialize a person’s life and we offer a variety of ways to do this. In many cemeteries, the cremains are buried and a regular monument or marker is used. We also can create a cut-out area in the bottom of a monument, marker or bench and seal the cremains inside the memorial.
- What are the requirements of the cemetery?
Rules vary from cemetery to cemetery and can even vary from section to section within the cemetery. Most rules and regulations are established to maintain a consistent aesthetic look to the cemetery. Markers and monuments may have to be a certain dimension, a specific color, material or style which is why we work closely with each cemetery and are very aware of their current regulations. Whenever possible, we will work with the cemetery on your behalf.
- Why does the cemetery make me feel like I can only purchase a memorial from them?
It's not uncommon for cemeteries to use high pressure tactics to persuade you from purchasing from an outside company. They want you to purchase your memorial from the cemetery, but keep in mind they are primarily in the funeral and cemetery business and don’t always have the necessary knowledge to provide you with the very best options or installation practices.
Also, according to State laws and regulations, it is illegal for the cemetery to force you to purchase a memorial from them. And if they’re doing this you in Georgia, you can file a complaint with the Cemetery Board under the direction of the Secretary of State's Office.
- Can the cemetery refuse the marker or monument I order from Columbus Monument Company?
No, the cemetery is required to accept the marker or monument even if you purchase it from someone other than the cemetery. The marker or monument must, however, fit within the rules and restrictions of the cemetery guidelines, which is why we have prior approval before fabrication. We’re classified as Georgia State Certified Installers and are licensed, bonded, insured and equipped to install monuments and markers throughout the state of Georgia and Alabama.
- How do I clean my monument?
For preventative maintenance, mild soapy water and a soft bristle brush can work on light stains. The key is making sure it’s rinsed thoroughly with clean water. We also recommend, and sell, D2 Biological Solution. This product is tested and is safe on all granites. It slowly works over a period of time by simply spraying it on and letting nature take it’s course.