Are there any additional fees beyond the monument price?

When budgeting for a monument, it's important to understand all potential costs beyond the base monument price. At Gifford Monument Works, we believe in transparency and will outline all fees upfront, so there are no surprises. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of additional costs you may encounter.

Monument Price Includes

Standard Package:

• Granite monument fabrication
• Standard engraving (names, dates, basic designs)
• Professional installation within standard service area
• Delivery to cemetery
• Monument setting and leveling
• Basic foundation (for flat markers, when required)
• Quality inspection
• Cemetery coordination

Additional Fees You May Encounter

1. Cemetery Setting Fees

Almost all cemeteries charge a "setting fee" or "placement fee" paid directly to the cemetery:

• Range: $50-$500 depending on cemetery and monument type
• Flat markers: Usually $50-$150
• Upright monuments: Usually $200-$500
• Covers: Cemetery inspection, approval, administrative processing
• Payment: Made directly to cemetery, not included in our invoice
• Timing: Usually paid before installation

2. Foundation Costs

Foundation requirements vary by cemetery and monument type:

Flat Markers:

• Many cemeteries require no foundation
• Some mandate concrete or granite base slab: $150-$400
• Cemetery-installed foundations: $200-$600

Upright Monuments:

• Concrete foundation almost always required: $400-$1,200
• Larger monuments need larger foundations: $800-$2,000
• Cemetery-mandated contractor: May add 20-40% to cost
• Includes: Excavation, concrete, rebar, curing time

Companion Monuments:

• Larger foundation footprint: $600-$1,500
• Estate monuments: $1,000-$3,000+

Note: We handle foundation installation as part of our service, but the materials and labor represent additional costs beyond the monument itself.

3. Extended Service Area Mileage

Installation is included within our standard service radius:

• Oklahoma: 100-mile radius from Ada showroom (included)
• Texas: 75-mile radius from Wylie showroom (included)

Beyond standard radius:

• Mileage fee: Typically $2.50-$3.00 per mile (one-way) beyond standard range
• Example: 120-mile distance from Ada = 20 miles × $3.00 = $60 additional
• Extended installation: Significant distances may incur additional crew time charges

4. Complex Design Elements

While standard engraving is included, certain elements incur additional costs:

Laser Etching and Portraits:

• Simple photograph etching: $400-$800
• Complex multi-photo layout: $800-$1,500
• Full-scene laser etching: $1,000-$2,500
• Detailed custom artwork: $500-$2,000

Porcelain Portraits:

• Standard 5x7 portrait: $300-$500
• 8x10 portrait: $500-$800
• Multiple portraits: $250-$400 each additional
• Custom painted portraits: $800-$2,000

Bronze Elements:

• Bronze plaques: $1,500-$4,000
• Bronze emblems: $200-$800
• Bronze vases: $300-$600
• Bronze lettering: $500-$1,500

Hand-Carved Elements:

• Simple relief carving: $300-$1,000
• Detailed sculptural work: $1,000-$5,000+
• 3D carved elements: $2,000-$10,000+

5. Additional Engraving After Installation

Many families add final dates or additional names later:

• Final date addition: $200-$400 (includes removal, engraving, resetting)
• Second spouse name/dates: $300-$600
• Additional family member: $250-$500
• New inscription or epitaph: $300-$800
• Factors affecting cost: Accessibility, monument type, amount of text

6. Premium Granite Colors

Standard granite colors are included in base pricing, but exotic or rare colors cost more:

• Standard colors (black, gray, red, pink): Included in base price
• Premium colors (blue pearl, aurora, emerald pearl): Add $500-$2,000
• Exotic/rare colors: Add $1,000-$5,000+
• Imported specialty granite: Add $2,000-$8,000+

The price increase reflects:

• Rarity and availability
• Import costs from specific quarries
• Unique aesthetic properties
• Limited supply

7. Rush Order Fees

Standard production is 8-12 weeks. Expedited service costs more:

• Rush processing (6-8 weeks): Add 15-25% to monument cost
• Urgent rush (4-6 weeks): Add 30-50% to monument cost
• Availability: Depends on production schedule and design complexity
• Not always possible: Very custom designs may not be rush-able

8. Special Features and Accessories

Optional additions beyond standard monument:

• Flower vases: $75-$300 each (integrated or attached)
• Solar lights: $100-$400
• Benches attached or nearby: $1,500-$5,000
• Border surrounds: $500-$2,000
• Matching monuments (for family members nearby): Varies

9. Maintenance and Cleaning Products

While not required for purchase, many families want:

• Monument cleaner: $15-$30
• Sealing products: $25-$50
• Restoration services (if neglected monument): $200-$1,000+
• Professional cleaning service: $100-$300

10. Sales Tax

In most cases:

• Oklahoma: Sales tax may apply to monument and services (check current rates)
• Texas: Sales tax generally applies
• Rate: Varies by county (typically 7-9%)
• Exemptions: Some cemeteries or memorial purchases may be exempt

Tax is added to final invoice and varies by location and specific purchase details.

Total Cost Example Scenarios

Scenario 1: Simple Flat Marker

• Base monument: $1,200
• Standard installation: Included
• Cemetery setting fee: $100
• Sales tax (8%): $96
• Total: $1,396

Scenario 2: Standard Upright Monument

• Base monument: $4,500
• Concrete foundation: $600
• Cemetery setting fee: $250
• Sales tax (8%): $408
• Total: $5,758

Scenario 3: Custom Upright with Photo Etching

• Base monument: $5,500
• Premium granite upgrade: $1,000
• Laser photo etching: $700
• Concrete foundation: $800
• Cemetery setting fee: $300
• Sales tax (8%): $664
• Total: $8,964

Scenario 4: Companion Monument Outside Standard Radius

• Base monument: $6,000
• Foundation: $1,000
• Extended mileage (30 miles × $3): $90
• Cemetery setting fee: $350
• Porcelain portrait: $400
• Sales tax (8%): $627
• Total: $8,467

Fees We Don't Charge

No Hidden Costs:

• No "design fees" — consultations and design work are complimentary
• No "administrative fees" or processing charges
• No delivery surcharges within standard service area
• No markup on cemetery-required items
• No pressure for unnecessary upgrades

How to Budget for Your Monument

1. Start with Cemetery Information Contact your cemetery to ask:

• What is the setting fee for this type of monument?
• Are there foundation requirements?
• Are there mandatory cemetery-installed components?

2. Determine Monument Basics

• Monument type (flat, bevel, slant, upright)
• Approximate size needed
• Granite color preference (standard vs. premium)
• Engraving complexity (basic vs. photo/artwork)

3. Get Detailed Quote Schedule consultation with Gifford Monument Works:

• We'll provide itemized quote
• All additional fees outlined
• Cemetery-specific costs explained
• No-obligation pricing

4. Plan for Contingencies Budget 10-15% beyond quoted price for:

• Potential cemetery requirement changes
• Design enhancements you may choose during process
• Unexpected cemetery fees

Financing and Payment Options

To make monuments affordable, we offer:

• Payment plans: Spread cost over several months
• Pre-planning: Pay over time before need arises
• Deposit structure: Partial payment to start, balance before installation
• Multiple payment methods: Cash, check, credit cards accepted

Details at: Payment Plans FAQ

Transparency Promise

At Gifford Monument Works:

• Written estimates: Every cost itemized in writing
• No surprises: Additional fees discussed before you commit
• Cemetery coordination: We research cemetery fees for you
• Clear communication: Updates if any costs change
• Fair pricing: Competitive rates with no hidden markups

Questions to Ask for Full Cost Understanding

When getting monument quotes (from us or anyone), ask:

1. What's included in the base monument price?
2. What are the cemetery setting fees for this type of monument?
3. Are foundation costs included or additional?
4. Is installation included within my cemetery's distance?
5. Are there additional charges for the granite color I want?
6. What does photo etching or artwork cost?
7. What's the total out-the-door cost including all fees?
8. Are there payment plan options?
9. What's included in the warranty?

Get a Complete, Transparent Quote

Schedule a consultation with Gifford Monument Works in Ada, Oklahoma or Wylie, Texas. We'll provide:

• Itemized pricing for monument
• All additional fees identified
• Cemetery-specific cost research
• Written estimate with no hidden costs
• Payment options explained
• Timeline and process clarity

With 88 years of serving Oklahoma and Texas families, we've built our reputation on honest, transparent pricing. You'll know exactly what your monument will cost before you commit.