What to Look For When Investing In a Private Mausoleum

We understand that most people have little experience when it comes to purchasing a mausoleum. But as each of us must create end-of-life plans, you may find yourself researching a subject that you never considered until now.

We want to help you get started with your plans by giving you a general overview of mausoleums and crypts. We will also provide you with questions to ask when meeting with an artisan who specializes in custom-built private mausoleums. Having this background knowledge will assist you in making the best decision about a purchase that will be part of your family’s legacy.

We know that some of you want to know how much do mausoleums cost, but it is important to remember that a family mausoleum is a statement piece that honors your loved ones. Your family’s mausoleum will celebrate your contribution to the world and act as a distinctive monument that will last in perpetuity.

Available Types of Mausoleums

Here are some of the most common classifications of private mausoleums. Understand that private mausoleums can be built for individuals or entire families. As they are highly customizable, it should not be assumed that the mausoleum’s cost is based on how many bodies can be interred inside. Instead, a mausoleum is valued by the quality of the product and craftsmanship that is used in building the structure.

Walk-In Mausoleum

A walk-in mausoleum (sometimes called a vestibule mausoleum) is a free-standing, stately stone structure that family members can walk into to reflect upon the lives of those who have passed. A vestibule mausoleum offers privacy for mourners as well as protection from the weather. They can include a small chapel where family members or friends can pray and meditate.

Types of Crypts

As you work with your mausoleum’s designer, you need to decide what kind of crypt is best for the design of your structure. While it is important to remember that private mausoleums are incredibly customizable, here are types of crypts to consider.

Single Crypt

A single crypt contains the remains of one individual. It can be placed in the wall of the mausoleum or beneath the floor. The remains can also be placed in a sarcophagus, or a stone-carved casket, that sits inside the mausoleum.

Companion Crypt

Couples who wish to be interred together may choose a side-by-side crypt or end-to-end crypt.

Family Crypts

Family crypts, or Westminster crypts, are meant to hold many people, usually the members of a single-family. In some designs, the crypts are stacked on top of each other.

Columbarium Niche

Some people choose cremation for themselves or their loved ones. A private mausoleum may be customized to include columbarium niches designed to house urns for eternity.

Questions to Ask

We know that you want to hire the right company to create your mausoleum. It is not a decision to be made lightly. Here are some questions to ask when choosing a designer.

Where (and how) do you get your materials?

One of the most important things to consider when building a mausoleum is the quality of the materials. Make sure that the granite is custom quarried from the same location. Otherwise, the materials will look as if they have been patched together.

What type of flooring will be used?

Mausoleums should be built to last forever. Some companies use tile and grout as their flooring material, which will eventually crumble. Instead, look for a company that uses thick granite slabs on the floors.

How thick will the walls be?

As you look at the plans for the mausoleum, note how thick the walls will be. Designs that use eight to twelve-inch walls will be more expensive, but those mausoleums will last through years of harsh weather.

Who will take care of the landscaping?

Many people forget to ask designers about the surrounding landscaping, and then are disappointed to discover that this wasn’t part of the design process.

Average Costs of a Mausoleum

You may be wondering how much does mausoleums cost. Unfortunately, this isn’t easy to say. Costs can vary based on the size of the structure and complexity of the design. The most important consideration should be the quality of the finished project. Mausoleums built to last for eternity will cost more than those that will begin to crumble in decades.

But to give you a general guideline on price, quality mausoleums start around $150,000 and can go up into millions. The staff of Mausoleums by Forever Legacy will be happy to discuss your customizable mausoleum and give you a price quote. Fill out this form to begin the discussion.

Mausoleum for Sale

Modern cemeteries offer mausoleum lots for sale to families who want to build long-lasting private mausoleums. Some lots include an already-built or previously-used mausoleum for sale. While an existing or used mausoleum works for some people, a new private mausoleum offers many significant benefits, including:

• A classic or customized design that matches your tastes
• The right size to accommodate your family
• Expert engineering that ensures your mausoleum lasts for generations
• Beautiful landscaping that complements your mausoleum’s design

How to Buy a Mausoleum

To buy a mausoleum:

• select the right mausoleum provider for your custom mausoleum
• design your mausoleum
• buy property for the mausoleum
• build the mausoleum.

Quality is very important in creating a mausoleum that is capable of withstanding the test of time and providing the lasting legacy that you expect when you erect your mausoleum.

Select a Private Mausoleum Provider

The most important decision in buying a mausoleum is selecting the right mausoleum provider. When evaluating mausoleum providers, look for: