36 1/2" from what? The counter top? If so, that's wrong. They have to be installed lower, with some space left up toward the ceiling.
Casey

Bigspace - I cannot understand your message. Please be more specific. Are you talking about upper or lower cabinets? How tall are the cabinets themselves? What does the 36-1/2" measurement signify? Why do you believe the cabinets are too tall? Many people on this Forum, including me, like upper cabinets to go to the ceiling cause then there is no space above the cabinets to collect dust, and it's always good to have extra storage space. As to the extra inch of depth, that is a good thing. Many people find they cannot fit their dishes or platters in cabinets which might have interior depth of 11-1/2". If yours is one inch deeper, it won't make a difference aesthetically, but will enable you to fit that platter or serving bowl.

Sorry for the confusion- my base cabinets, with the soapstone counter, will give me a total height of 36 1/2". My concern is that even 1/2" taller than typical counters will make this uncomfortable.

Most people, including shorter ones, seem to like cabinets a little taller than normal. Since standard is 36", you are only a teensy bit taller than normal. I'd keep them!! The extra depth is nice too. Make sure the depth won't affect the countertop price though or else the contractor should make up that difference.

I can't imagine that 1/2" extra in height will make the slightest bit of difference, even if you're short.

Regarding the depth, I think I'd just check with a stone supplier or two to see if there's any problem. f, for example, you were planning to get prefabbed lengths of granite, the extra inch in depth might mean you couldn't use them.

If there's no problem with the stone, I can't see any problem with an exra inch of depth.

.. Joann

Thanks for the good advice - we have such detailed drawings but people don't always look at them.