More than 12 percent of readers who had remodeled a bathroom reported at least one problem with a new counter. Subpar work was a notable gripe. Some preventive tips for countertops:

Check references and past work. This is especially critical with concrete fabricators, since they usually work from scratch. Get references for jobs done a year or two earlier to see how well countertops held up.

Get vanities and base cabinets in first. Then have the countertop measured so that its specs can be as precise as possible.

Let the fabricator do the measuring. That includes all templates and cutouts for sinks and faucets. Doing so makes any errors the pro’s responsibility.