Define the columbarium niche program
- Number of niches
- Begin with the required interment capacity and anticipated expansion. Separate the total number of compartments from the number of urns the complete project is intended to accommodate.
- Single or companion capacity
- State whether each niche must hold one urn or more than one. The labels single and companion are planning terms; actual clear interior dimensions still need to be specified.
- Clear internal dimensions
- Record usable internal width, height and depth after accounting for liners, shelves, tapers, door hardware and other obstructions. Verify the urn dimensions against that clear space.
- Future phases
- For community projects, consider whether later units must align in height, door pattern, granite color, finish and numbering with the first installation.
Coordinate granite niche doors and inscriptions
- Door dimensions and material
- Specify each granite door's width, height and thickness along with color, finish, edge treatment and how it interfaces with the niche opening.
- Attachment and access
- Confirm the approved fastening method, tamper resistance, interior seal and how authorized staff will remove and replace a door for a future interment.
- Inscription standards
- Define name, date, emblem, portrait, lettering and layout rules early so every door provides an adequate inscription field and the finished elevation remains consistent.
- Niche identification
- Coordinate row and column labels, door numbers and the owner's permanent registry. The drawing and record system should use the same unique niche identifiers.
Approve the complete columbarium project
- Overall elevation and components
- Review the overall length, depth and height plus the cap, base, side walls, dividers, shelves, doors and any separately fabricated stone pieces.
- Structure and foundation
- A qualified project team should coordinate structural support, foundation, anchoring, drainage, wind or seismic requirements and applicable codes for the actual site.
- Lifting and installation access
- Confirm component weights, equipment access, staging space, site protection and the sequence for receiving and assembling the granite components.
- Final approval package
- Before production, align the approved drawing, niche schedule, granite and finish selections, inscriptions, hardware, packing plan and delivery information.