Counter modification after the fact

14 years ago

We recently discovered my slab doesn't stop where it's supposed to and extends into the only space left for free-standing range wiggle room. On the other side, it ends where it should. We didn't notice this discrepancy until one of the guys tried to level the range and wondered why the reveal was different on each side.

The fabricators simply either messed up on the template or ignored it.

Guy came out today to grind it down. Dust much?! I can see and feel the difference between a proper edge (on the other side) and this new one. I told him it wasn't acceptable. He tried again and told me he would need to use water to get it right and pointed to my otherwise non-waterproof kitchen. Suddenly all my being agreeable deserted me. I said, water, in my kitchen? That will not happen. This is my kitchen, my money, and I expect the finish to be done right or you will replace this piece. He couldn't move it by himself so will be back with someone else to take it outside and do whatever magic that requires water. And if I don't like it, they will replace it.

No more Ms. Nice Guy.

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Comments (11)

Fori
14 years ago
Oops.

I have to agree with you, outside is the place for that!
CEFreeman
14 years ago
Enough is enough. Period.
It's energizing when one finally just gets mad.
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Bunny
Original Author
14 years ago
It *is* energizing, Christine. I kinda felt bad for the granite guy because he did try, but it was the last straw. And they are so clearly at fault that I'm unwilling to compromise at all. It feels good to draw that line in the sand.
breezygirl
14 years ago
Get mad, girlfriend!
Bunny
Original Author
14 years ago
Hah! Now that my anger has subsided, I'm wondering if I really notice that much the difference in the ground edge or whether the fact that it was necessary in the first place is what pi$$ed me off. That and tasting the quartz dust in another part of the house or seeing the very small marks on my oak floor in front of the stove from where he kept sliding the range in and out. Or being told that the only way to really do the edge right is using water, which you can't do IN A HOUSE.

So, I'm thinking, do I even want these bozos back, pulling out the piece and then putting it back. I don't have to tell you that grinding and polishing is a reductive process. No way anything they do will restore the edge to its originally intended dimensions.
ellendi
14 years ago
Take photos of both sides and let us vote! Sometimes we tend to look too closely at whatever part of the reno we are on. Buit, stepping back, is this something anyone other than you would notice?
Bunny
Original Author
14 years ago
My KD talked to the fabricator who said, "edges that butt up to refrigerators and ranges aren't as highly polished as the front edges." Except that the rest of the counter lays waste to that claim since the edges are all finished exactly like the front. So, we decided that the guy who fixed all my incorrect hinges would have an impartial opinion and be the tie breaker. He felt that the edge needed to be evened up. It's not so much the polish as it isn't as straight as the other side.

Once the installer was gone and I had a chance to cool off, I decided I could live with it. Thanks to Mr. Impartial, I'm gonna stand my ground. :)
marcolo
14 years ago
Well, you could ask for cash instead. Always useful and less messy.
boxerpups
14 years ago
Good for you!
Bunny
Original Author
14 years ago
marcolo, I agree. I would take some hush money, but I'm not sure it's on the table. I'm not looking forward to them coming back, pulling the counter up (fortunately it's the smaller piece between range and fridge), blasting it in my driveway and putting it back. And again, the only way to even it up is to remove more of it. I'll mull it over this weekend.
Bunny
Original Author
14 years ago
So, just to tie up loose ends, I decided to live with the modification they made yesterday. By last night, I was hard pressed to discern what had triggered my ire earlier. I ran my hands along both edges at the same time and they ceased to be that different. Bringing two guys back 100 miles roundtrip with absolutely no guarantee that whatever they do will make me any happier gave me pause.

So, I told 'em I could live with it, and truly I can.