Headstones and Monuments - Cemetery Regulations and Your Rights as A Consumer
Mike Genest

March 19th Mike Genest

With books like the “High Cost of Dying” and television news reports exposing the huge price mark- ups of the funeral industry, many consumers have learned that a little comparison shopping for caskets and headstones may save them hundreds to thousands of dollars when planning a funeral.

While doing some simple price checking on the Internet, I was given a quote for a granite and bronze grave marker from Monumentsinstone.com that was a third of the price that my local funeral home had quoted me.

By law, all cemeteries must accept a headstone purchased from an outside source. They may, however, have some regulations on the size, style and color of the stone. Luckily, MonumentsInStone, got me a written confirmation that the memorial they created would meet my local cemetery's requirements.

Remember to factor in permit and applications costs. All outside markers will probably require a fee for instillation and foundation.

Consumers must contact their cemetery about their rules and regulations before purchasing a headstone. This will save you any costly mistakes.

Please ask your cemetery the following questions and then get their regulations in writing:

1) Size: Is there a minimum and/or maximum restriction on the dimensions of the stone?

2) Type: What types of memorial headstone are allowed – Upright monuments, flat plaques, beveled markers, infant memorials, double internment or companions stones?

3) Vases: Are vases permitted ones inside the cemetery?

4) Stone Color: Are there any granite and/or bronze color restrictions?

5) Delivery & Installation: What are the procedures for delivery and installation of the memorial headstone? Is a fee levied for installation?

Remember your rights. If the cemetery pressures you into buying a headstone from their expensive stock, you can take action with your local, government consumer agency.

About the Author:
MonumentsInStone is the sister company of Interstate Granite, a family-owned, monument manufacturer that has been in business since 1916. We offer elegant, extinguished stone work at a fraction of the retail price.
http://www.monumentsinstone.com

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"...of dollars when planning a funeral.

While doing some simple price checking on the Internet, I was given a quote for a granite and bronze grave marker from Monu..."