Granite Fabrication and Expectations Nightmares

[YARDSALEUTAH]

Hello,
I'm in the process of getting granite installed in my kitchen and 2 bathrooms.  Immediately there were problems.  From the tear down to the install.  The contractor measured twice and still cut incorrectly on a huge part of the kitchen countertop.  This has stalled the job along with him fabricating a vanity in the guest bath that was a totally different granite than i picked out.  He's upset about that, but i did not sign off on his choice.  Now I've noticed a spot at the end of my granite countertop in my master bathroom.  It appears that a colored filler was used to shape a corner bullnose on the vanity where the end  meets the backsplash and window seal/ledge.  Filler was also used at the end of the  backsplash plate.  It looks like they cut it with a serrated knife to me.  This spot is at the corner of the garden window over my jacuzzi tub and is very noticeable.  My question is, is this normal practice to fill in an area to form a corner if they didn't cut correctly? The edges are supposed to be full bull nose.  Am I being too picky?  My instincts tell me no because of the money I am paying for this beautiful stone and more importantly the fact that granite fabrication and installation is the what the contractor does.  The color isn't remotely close a match and has the lustre of wax.   I also expect them to fix any damage done to the walls, paint and cabinets during their tearout and fabrication.  Is that okay or am I expecting too much for my $5000?  Thanks for all your help!

[Mark D.]

Wow...Did you do your due diligence and check him out before you signed the contract? What does the constract say? Is there a contract?

My take on granite fabrication contractors is that most of the companies out there are legitimate companies that strive to do good work and there are a select few who are total quacks and give a bad name to the rest of them. While I am neither judging your contractor nor taking sides on this issue I do have an opinion and I will share it with you:

Granite is a luxury and should be luxurious! Make sure you are getting what you are paying for. A reputable contractor will meet the terms of the contract and go the extra mile to make you, the customer, satisfied.

Mark

[YARDSALEUTAH]

Hi Mark,
Thanks for your reply.  I do have a contract and the contract basically states, I do not pay the balance due which is 1/2 the cost until completion of service.  I think that encompasses a lot, don't you?  I think this contractor has way too many jobs going on at the same time.  I"I've been put off a total week now.  I live in Houston Texas and he travels to Louisiana weekly.  He says he has 3 crews so somebody should be handling my job.   I did check out references, but not sure if that is a full proof method.

I asked that once all of the granite is installed and after they wipe it down if they polish it and seal it again.  He told me they don't polish it.  They will reseal it, but that is it.  I noticed in my St. Cecilia slab that there are places where the resin sealer didn't penetrate a couple spots if you will and also some swills int he finish.   Will a sealer make these places shiny and flush?  Can the swirls be polished out?

Thanks for your help!

All my best,

Jeannie

[Mark D.]

They can be fixed. Post some pics. Make sure the contractor finishes the job he was hired to do.

Mark