If you move the outlet how will you patch the hole?

Based on your post, it doesn't seem like the electrician knew where you wanted the outlet. I assume he didn't have a copy of the cabinet plans? And you never told him or gave him any info on what you wanted? The color is easy enough to change. You just re-wire that outlet and use a black one, using the face plate you have or a standard black one. It's a 10 minute job, or less.

Do you have a "right" to ask it be moved? Of course you can ask, but I think you should pay for it IF it was never communicated to the electrician what you wanted. If they go to do something and don't have directions they don't call. They typically do whatever is the easier route. From what you wrote, it sounds like where they installed it was easier. Are you sure it can be installed where you want it?

It seems to me the patch is the bigger issue. I would have them replace it with a black outlet and see if that will work for you.

Sue,

We thought the electrician would use the cabinetry plans from the builder to make sure he knew where to place the outlets in our cabinets. It was noted there.

We would not want the hole "patched", but the panel replaced somehow, which as I said, would be a big deal.

Interestingly, where he put the outlet is not at all "easiest", as the heating vents were in the way under the floor, and he had to route all around it, which wouldn't have been an issue on the other side of the island.

We think if the electrician doesn't know, then he should ask. When it comes to expensive, custom cabinetry, electricians should not be making decisions for the homeowner - especially when we are available all the time via our cell phones, which he has. Also, our builder has the cabinetry plans available. And - where is the common sense? Where would any reasonable person want a single outlet placed in an island - visible or invisible? The electrician himself that came through the home with my hubby wasn't even there when any of the installation was happening. He had several young guys out there in a big rush to get things done in a day. As I mentioned, there were lots of other mistakes too.

I wish the panel could be patched somehow, but I doubt that is possible, which is the big problem.

Jan

I can see your disappointment. It is your job to communicate to your builder what you want. It is your builder's job to communicate to his subs what you want. Assuming you did not okay an electrical plan that didn't show the proper placement of the outlet, then this is the responsibility of the builder. So, it's very simple: you take it up with your builder and ask how it can be remedied now. Then pick whatever option you like best.

As to the events that have happened, it's amazing that this is the first time in your build that you've had the misfortune to learn how building is done. Common sense is not the order of the day. Subs without adequate direction do not take the initiative to seek it out. Changes they have to make later, when they are not at fault (as in your case) are simply an additional profit opportunity. And steady work, maybe overtime, for their employees.

If this is going to just ruin your happiness, then do whatever it takes to get the island rebuilt. And pay whatever it takes. My theory is that the owner pays, directly or indirectly, for this kind of work because it takes too big a bite out of the profit. Don't waste your energy with being angry and outraged and all that you must feel about this. It happens ALL the time--and far worse. It's simply a procedural matter to take up with your builder. He goofed and now he will redo it. But don't expect him to be happy about it. And possibly he will require some firmness from you to convince him that it has to be redone.

It's a bummer, but on the important things it's a good idea to make sure you communicate exactly what you want to both builder and sub. And get it in writing, preferably a signed drawing. Anyway, if I were in your shoes I'd just substitute a black decora outlet and black plate.

Here's a black decora outlet with a silver plate. If your cabs are black, a black/black outlet like this will blend in and actually look pretty nice, IMHO. And it'll only cost a few bucks and 5 minutes to replace.

Been there, done that. ;~) Yes, these things do happen all the time (and much worse, so it sounds as if you have been pretty lucky overall in building your house.) However, it is also the job of your builder to get the electricians back out to finish installing whatever is not properly installed, and to fix whatever is not according to the signed plans. If the placement of that outlet is on the electrical plan of your approved home plans....then yes it was the builder's job to make sure the electrician got those plans and/or notes, and it was the electrician's job to make sure they had the proper plans/notes. That not being done....it's between them who fixes it or pays for it to be fixed, but it should not be your $$.

Sometimes, though, it's worth it overall to just take your lumps and pay a little extra for something or pay half if it makes everything go smoother...depending on whether the plans were clear, and whether this is the first mistake or you've had other troubles with the builder not conveying plans to subs. That's a judgement call.

If i have read your post correctly. Tell your CG the outlet is in the wrong end, show him on his set of plans and have him fix it. Some one messed up not your fault or problem make it right.End of story

"...electricians should not be making decisions for the homeowner..."

That was your first mistake - expecting common sense during home construction. Subs makes decisions on their own all the time. In fact, I think they love when things are left vague then they can blame you for their numb-nut decisions instead of the finger being pointed at them. You wouldn't believe the stupid-sh!t I've seen. Also, subs avoid calling anyone at all costs. They'll make a spot decision. When we were building I placed little signs everywhere and gave every sub a list of relevent notes and instructions. Most were grateful, a few thought I was an anal-retentive lunatic. But my house looks the way I wanted (well, for the most part! Not everything can be anticipated).

If anyone is responsible it is the GC, assuming he was responsible for supervising the electrician. You say there were cabinets plans, but did the electrician even know about them or have them available to him? Either way, the GC did have them. Go to him.

I would try the black outlet/black face and see if that looks ok. You could put the custom cover you have in place and then just cover the outlet portion with some black elecrical tape to get a visualization. If that doesn't work for you it's time to go to the GC. And you can tell the GC you tried, but there is no alternative but to get the island repaired. Just be aware, that could open up a hole new can of worms. Trying to match a painted and distressed panel won't be easy.

Speaking as one who has installed many of these receptacles, islands often pose a tremendous challenge for receptacles. First, the NEC requires receptacle(s) for islands. Article 210.52(C)(2). Due to drawers, sinks, cooktops, doors, there is often almost no place to put the required box into which the receptacle is installed. And the receptacle must be no more than 12" below the countertop. I cannot say that this is the case in your situation. But talk in person with the electrician and the GC right at the island. Ask them to explain- and give them opportunity to do so. I was cursed by a relative for whom I was wiring a new 3300 square foot house and charging NOTHING for my labor. After the drywall was up, they noticed the location for the three switches for the exterior floodlights. The husband had agreed with my proposed prior to installation. When she blew up, he denied that we ever discussed it. The technical problem was that the location she preferred had 4 other switches already and due to the framing, there was no way to get (boxes for) additional switches in that location. Very evident prior to drywall, the framing was hidden after the drywall. See if perhaps the electrician did the very best he could under the circumstances. Hey, I do not donate labor anymore! Learned my lesson! Check out the link for receptacles and plates that might look better. I hope it all works out well.

Here is a link that might be useful: Colors

since the island wasn't there, it wasn't necessarily discussed exactly where the outlet would be in the island, but the outlet placement was noted in the cabinetry plans.

But did the electrician have them? And, as busdriver notes, there may be some technical reason for the placement you did get.

Building one house once is not a science. With all the miscues, mistakes, remakes and redoes, omissions, commissions and goofs, I'm surprised that any home I start actually gets done at all! I'd like some day to use the same plan twice to see if I could get it all right the second time.