Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
If I "GPS" your address, will I find you?
We have found that by using the following address you will reach our Kokomo location accurately: 3047 West State Road 18, Bunker Hill, IN.
Does Caldwell Monument Company do work for specific funeral homes or other monumet companies in the area?
We prefer to meet and work with the families we serve directly. We exclusively operate under the Caldwell Monument Company name and only take referrals from cemeteries and funeral homes. Please connect with us via call, email, text, or visit in person, so you know you are working directly with us.
How long does it take to produce a memorial from start to finish?
It usually takes about 2-3 months from the time you sign the contract (Purchase Agreement) to the memorial being placed in the cemetery.
There are several aspects that go into producing a memorial with lots of variables to consider.
- Material: Was your selection in our inventory or did it involve an overseas purchase? An overseas purchase could take an additional 6 months and tariffs might adjust the price.
- Designing: Are we drawing your farm, your portrait, or another personal element? Have you requested changes to the initial design?
- Foundation: Some cemeteries do their own, and others allow us to do them. What is the weather during this time of year?
- Sandblasting and/or Etching: This is the process we use to put the design onto the monument.
- Placing it in the cemetery: Is the weather permitting the placement of your monument? Temperatures are a factor to consider as well.
Can I "follow" our family's memorial through the process? How?
Yes, you can! In order to accommodate this request, you will need to request it at the time of purchase and arrange the best communication method for your family. We can communicate updates via email, text, or other avenues upon request. Please specify your family’s preferences regarding notificaitons when you set up this communication process. When you finalize this when signing your Purchase Agreement, please provide any necessary contact infomration such as phone numbers, email addresses, or other information.
Is future engraving, such as adding a death date or adding a grandchild's name, included in the price that I pay initially?
No, it is not included in the price of the memorial at the time of purchase. Laws in the state of Indiana prohibit us from accepting money and not performing the service until a later date.
Some other things to be aware of:
- Was that engraving service included in the price of the funeral? Verify by looking at your itemized funeral records. If it is included, please have the funeral home contact us for the work to be completed.
- It typically takes up to 4- 6 weeks for us to complete date engravings and we must have payment up front. The time frame is dependent upon the weather, which could make it longer than the estimated 4-6 weeks.
- A signed order form confirming the accuracy of what is to be engraved is required before the work can be completed.
Can you engrave on an existing memorial in the cemetery? Can you put the date of their passing? Is it alright to add names?
Yes, we can do engraving on an existing memorial. However, adding names to an existing memorial is not always a good idea. The original memorial was designed and purchased without the addition and it potentially lessens the value of the original memorial design.
We do offer alternatives to adding to the existing memorial. We work them out on a case by case basis and would welcome the opportunity to discuss a solution with you. Please be aware that cemetery regulations are taken into consideration with any such requests.
Is it possible to match a memorial that is currently in a cemetery? (Such as my parents, grandparents, or other family member)
I live in another state, can I purchase a memorial from you that goes to a cemetery near your business?
Yes, we are more than happy to help you. We have the technology in place to connect with you virtually and help others with this type of request on a regular basis.
Email us to get started! Office@caldwellmonument.com
How can I clean a memorial in the cemetery?
A lot of water is needed to clean a memorial well. You will need a soft bristle scrub brush, a gentle soap, and water to get started. After a good scrub, rinse with lots of water. The more water you use, the better the clean.
If the memorial has moss or other dark build up, we recommend a product called D2. You spray D2 on the memorial and it cleans the memorial after several weeks without the need for scrubbing.
Memorial cleaning is a service we offer should you be interested.
My family member was cremated, can I have a memorial in the cemetery? What is the process?
Yes. A memorial in the cemetery is still an option even if your loved one was cremated. A memorial in the cemetery provides you a place to grieve your loss and can be helpful for genealogy purposes.
Options to consider for putting cremains in a cemetery include internment in the memorial, placement in the foundation under the memorial, or burial in the cemetery ground.
The memorial process is the same regardless if cremation was chosen. The Cremation Association of North America (CANA) website has valuable information for you whether you are considering cremation or interested in pursuing memorial options with cremains.
Please check with the cemetery for their specific regulations regarding cremation.
I was given the cremated remains of my family member. Now what do I do?
We recommend knowing all of your options with cremations prior to making a decision.
The Cremation Association of North America is a great source of information and we suggest reading Cremation Memorial Options on their website.
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