granite installed today, purple dots?
Today we had granite installed in the laundry room:
black pearl - just gorgeous, rich, drop dead impact on the white cabinets and black multi color patterned wallpaper. It's a good thing : ) I've gotten so used to not liking anything in this reno or being let down so this was a nice surprise. They did almost cut out three holes instead of just one for the faucet but luckily I caught them in the nick of time. But then:
Upstairs bath: white river granite for Jack and Jill guest bath vanity was supposed to have 2 oval sinks. They made a mistake and did rectangle cutouts and brought these shallow rectangular sinks that I don't know if I like. I don't know how I ended up with rectangle. It's ok I guess, it was just a shock. The oval sinks were $40 less than the rectangle so it's $80 in my favor but it's such a modern look and they are bigger on my small 69 inch vanity top.
I don't like the white river granite upstairs. I didn't know they were going to cut it with the veins flowing front to back and not side to side. I want to cry. Why would they do that? Is this normal? I have not ever seen granite cut this way with the veins going from front to back. Not to mention the dots in it. I thought they were sort of a dark red but they are purple and a lot of them which I couldn't tell at the slab yard in the bright sun. I really wanted marble but just didn't want to put that much money in a guest bath (the white river was a remnant) and also worry about guests innocently damaging it. But now I will have to change the wallpaper, already up. My traditional bath is looking quite modern in there. It's not that it's not a pretty stone for someone else, it's just not for me and for the bedrooms it serves. One bedroom has a blue and white toile to one side and to the other side it is all done in warm kaki and dark reds.
I was thinking that a dark gray wallpaper might look nice with it and that might go with the blue bedroom and just sort of ignore the other bedroom to the other side. It's just that I wasn't planning on a total redo of the bathroom just now with doing all the other things but oh well. I'll get over it but it's going to take more effort and money to make it right and we are getting to the end of our reno budget. I am mad at myself for not taking more time but I thought how can you mess up gray and white granite? Purple dots! They aren't the cute tiny ones they are sort of big and prolific. It has zits!!! I know I am lucky to be getting to do all of this but I hate feeling like I was a bad steward of our limited budget...
Any suggestions as to how to save the guest bath with acne covered vanity?
Comments (36)
- 14 years ago
Oh my goodness. I feel for you. Is there ANY way you can get these problems fixed? It doesn't seem right about THEIR mistake re: the sinks. It also does not seem fair that you didn't get to see the way they'd cut it.
It's not your choices that have been the problem, but the unforeseen and mistakes. Seems this should be fixed, and not something you should have to live with after all that money.
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Some more details, pls? Did you pick out the sinks for the upstairs bath and buy them yourself, or was the reno crew supposed to purchase the sinks you picked out? Did they bring those 2 rectangular sinks thinking you'd just want to get the project over with and tell them "Well, as long as the sinks are here, go ahead and put it all together"?
Because if your specifications for that sink were clear and in writing, I hope you haven't handed over that final payment until you get some answers and what you agreed on.
As for the guest bath, it'd seem more logical that if you saw the slab in the sunlight, the dots would've been darker once the piece was in the house, where it's likely not so bright. Do you think your sunglasses "tinted" the color you saw originally?
SaraKat
Original Author14 years agoThanks GW Friends. I am still in little tears today, not worth a gush of tears, but there seem to be little wet places at the corners of my eyes. Re: the sinks, I chose the sinks from their display, they are no name sinks that they stock. My paperwork shows ovals drawn on the layout and is what we were charged for on the bill. We had discussed the rectangle but they were $115 and the ovals were only $75 each so I said well let's just do the oval ones since it's an upstairs bath. She entered all of this in the computer and printed my receipt. The shallow depth gives them the modern odd feel. I have rectangle sinks in our master bath but they are Kohler Ladena which are deep and can go with any interior. I will post pics when I can get up the nerve to go back up there...so the short answer is yes they provided the sinks and yes I think they brought them out thinking she will just say it's ok which "she" did... yes, I did have sunglasses on when we were viewing the slabs outside. I own that mistake.
Some wallpaper that I thought might work with it is by Cole and Son, "Egerton" pattern. It seems to have that touch of gray green that the river white has and the purple would go with that, but it's pricey. I don't like looking at wallpaper books but I will. I'm afraid I'll make yet again another mistake. I only have wallpaper in three areas in my house, the powder room, the guest bath and the laundry room. I like it in small doses like that. Glad it's not anywhere else though. What a pain to change but I want to keep the room in wallpaper because I find it's just as hard to choose the correct paint color!!!
SaraKat
Original Author14 years agoJust wanted to mention that the wallpaper "Egerton" pattern comes in two colors but the one I was referring to is the light colored one in gray and white. I ordered a sample of it today. There's probably millions of papers that would go though.
- 14 years ago
Sara, I'm sorry your going through this, especially with a remnant because a replacement piece might be harder to find.
They should have absolutely consulted you with the layout of the cut before fabricating but realistically may not have had a choice in the direction they went; there could have been fissures or weak spots that restricted how the cuts could go; I'd certainly call and tell them you're not happy though; and please post some pics because I'm sure you will get good and helpful feedback.
I would also suggest that you seek the help of some of the granite pros by cross posting your thread in the kitchens forum. Use a title that calls out for help with your granite and maybe Kevin or Granite Girl will have some solutions they can offer. I'm really glad you love your kitchen granite and hope you're able to get this space to where you love it just as much.
In regards to the sinks, I have to say, we got the less expensive generic round ones for our master bath and it may be in your favor to have the mix up in more ways than one. I am not that happy with them. They are small and the position of the drain hole sits directly under the spout. Not only does it create more spatter, but it's super noisy. If I could have a do over, I'd definitely go with a different sink. I've also seen a lot of the shallow rectangular sinks used in an eclectic, transitional or even a traditional setting and they can work.
- 14 years ago
I'm sorry that you're disappointed - hopefully that will diminish.
I'm not sure how you selected your granite but if at all possible it's important to actually select your slab since there can be such a difference in the finished product. DH and I went to the yard where the slabs were stored and picked the one we wanted. Then the fabricator marked were our sink would be so that we could see how the movement would flow after installation.
- 14 years ago
Sarakat, once you get beautiful paper hung and lovely accessories in there, I hope you will be able to forget your disappointment and enjoy your new bathroom. I'm sure you will make it perfect, even if it isn't your original vision.
A similar thing happened to me. Years ago we had Bruce hardwood floors installed in our kitchen and dining room. I selected matte finish, just like in the rest of the house. Every box was marked matte finish, same lot number. But when the installer started installing, every box contained high gloss. Major disappointment! Fury and panic on my part. But we had already lived with the mess for a couple weeks and it would be another couple before new floors could be delivered, so I said go ahead. It was a happy accident. As much as I dislike most shiney things, I love my shiney floors. I hope your experience turns into a happy accident.
SaraKat
Original Author14 years agoI was sure I submitted this but it wasn't there so here goes again, please forgive me if it posts twice. First I want to thank you all for taking the time to post such helpful suggestions, I really appreciate your kindness. I plan on following through with many of them so thank you so very much!
I will post pictures but in the meantime I found this link to see the wallpaper and the sink top with veins running front to back with rectangular sinks (if only I had this lovely marble). My vanity isn't this big and the sinks aren't this deep. I could have done marble but it was going to be another $400 and I just couldn't justify it for a guest bath. That would have taken it from $600 to $1000 just for the countertop and sinks. I figured I would use that money for the faucets and pulls. But as it is, it looks like I am going to end up spending the extra money anyway on new paper. It was probably going to need it someday but it certainly could have waited a few more years. Oh well...penny wise and dollar foolish this time.
Here is a link that might be useful: Example from Houzz photos
- 14 years ago
Let me get this straight. They put in the wrong sinks, ran the counter the wrong way. The right way is specified on your work order. Your answer is to buy other wallpaper?
I'd be on the phone immediately to the contractor. Ok, they might not be able to change the granite but certainly there are deeper sinks they could put in, have another slab around, whatever. How about throwing in the faucets? Refunding some $$? My first avenue would NOT be to throw more money into wallpaper. - 14 years ago
If you haven't done so, change the lighting in the bathroom to something with a "higher temperature" ... more like full spectrum sunlight.
That will change the color of the dots.
- 14 years ago
jaysmom, is everyone else smoking something we're not smelling?
My god. it's in your written work order. Get what you ordered. It's that simple.
To fit the oval sinks, they probably will have to recut the slabs on their dime, which gives you a chance to change the direction if they have enough. if they don't have enough you can generously agree to consider a remnant of a different stone.
Wallpaper? WT....?
- 14 years ago
I agree, you need to get on the phone with them ASAP. It is a possibility that they had to cut the granite that way due to fissures, etc., but they should have TOLD you this upfront before they did it. Same thing with the sink cutouts. They need to make this right.
As far as the dots are concerned, I'm hoping they are fine. Granite is a natural stone, and it is not "perfect".
SaraKat
Original Author14 years agoYou know, I think I needed that "snap out of it" slap in the face, why do I feel I have to fix this on my own? I was even going to have it taken out and just find the money to do the marble. The more I think about it the less I'm really up for another entire bathroom makeover. Our plan was just to replace the counter top and the sinks. I really didn't want to replace the faucets but he said it would be best to do a widespread, we had a mini spread before so that is why I'm buying new faucets as well. I am going to have to work up the nerve to complain. I am one who avoids confrontation at all costs (literally).
From what I am reading, wallpaper is back ~not the Little House on the Prairie type but sophisticated patterns and colors. I am not sure what I hate worse, painting or wallpapering. Especially unplanned wallpapering, : / Thank you so much again, I appreciate your kind remarks and helpful straightforward advice. It really does help!
- 14 years ago
If I didn't like the granite and the contractor cut it wrong, I would seize the opportunity to tell them to take it all back. Then I would order something different. The loss happened when they cut the granite wrong. It was not your fault and they are not likely to offer you anything to compensate for the hassle of having to redo it all. So why not compensate yourself by taking the chance to pick out new granite?
Even if I loved the granite, unless I loved the rectangle sinks, there is no way I would have accepted them.
If you have a hard time with confrontation, put your thoughts in writing and send it to them that way. Tell them what happened and what you want them to do about it.
- 14 years ago
Wallpaper is great.
Failing to live up to your contract isn't. If they say you accepted it, ask to see the signed change order. Can't produce the paper? Then produce the new vanity top. End of discussion--or end of payments.
- 14 years ago
Here's some courage. COURAGE. There. Now go out there and explain that you hate the rectangle sinks, you ordered ovals, you want ovals. Not enough left of the granite? Fine, you will look at their other remnants and choose a new one.
It's good learn how to assert yourself. You're worth it!
Renee - 14 years ago
I agree with Marcolo and a few others. Make them make it right. It's your money and your bathroom - you'll have to continue to look at it AND use it. If the sinks are too shallow they'll be a PIB forever!
besides, you (or dh or both) work hard for your money - right? didn't find it on a tree outback? You need to get what you planned for and contracted to get.
Don't feel bad about making them redo it. They SCREWED up and it's their JOB to do it right - if they want paid.
- 14 years ago
The advice to put it in writing is the best -- whether or not you're the type to avoid confrontation. You can copy and paste all the bits in the thread above that explain to the contractor what you ordered, what is now wrong, and how you want it set right. You'll have very little composition that you have to do yourself! And then if there is argument in person, you keep reading off your piece of paper "this is what I ordered, this is what is now wrong, and this is how I want it set right".
SaraKat
Original Author14 years agoI added pictures below of the granite and the adjoining bedrooms....I took your advice and sent an e-mail this morning explaining what all happened. There was more. I originally just wanted to do the entire laundry room in black pearl which turned out beautifully. BUT when they came to template they told me they could not possibly do the desk area of the laundry room in granite because of a large open area without cabinets underneath it would not be enough support for the heavy granite. Without that side of the room I fell under their minimum order of 25 sq. ft. So that is the only reason I did the upstairs bath because they have a 25 ft. minimum so in order to get the laundry room to proceed I hastily picked out something for the guest bath. So when the installers got here they wanted to know who told me that the laundry room couldn't be done on the desk side and we looked it up and he said they could have easily done the desk area by building supports. So in the end I didn't even have to do that upstairs bath to meet the minimums.
Your encouragement prompted me to send them an e-mail explaining all and we'll see what happens. I am fearful that they will try to charge me for the higher end sinks and also I think they forgot to charge me for disposing of our old countertops (miniscule as one was laminate just around the laundry sink and the vanity in cultured marble upstairs) so I think I could end up having to pay more even if they don't change it out. Sigh...I will let you know what happens. ..Thanks again for the great advice and getting me to take some action. You're the best. Here are some pictures of the bath and the two bedrooms off of it.







The faucet is not yet hooked up- 14 years ago
Hopfully they will replace it, those rectangular sinks to me look like they belong in a kitchen.
SaraKat
Original Author14 years agoP.S. Sorry about the huge photos, still learning the ropes. The rooms look better in small pictures. The laundry room is the only granite I really like how it turned out in the house. We have done the kitchen, master bath, upstairs bath and the laundry room in granite since the end of last year. I have a lot of updating to do in this house so don't judge me!!!
- 14 years ago
Of course you need to get what you asked for, but I have to say that, even if you have to live with it, I think it looks lovely and, depending on the faucets, will not necessarily look contemporary. I think it gives it an upscale look because it is not so typical. That said, I know that once something bothers me, it will always bother me - so good for you for asserting yourself.
- 14 years ago
Oh please, after this fiasco, don't you even agree to pay one more cent to them! I'm so sorry this is happening to you. Getting granite is supposed to be a fun and exciting experience! Did you also post in the kitchen forum? If not, please do! The pro's over there are really good at what they do and may very well have some suggestions.
- 14 years ago
I haven't read all the posts, so forgive me if you've answered this. As far as the granite running front to back vs. side to side - was the piece big enough to cut it that way?
When I was doing my smaller bathroom countertop, it limited my selections based on the length of the counter and the available slabs. Granted, I was using pieces instead of full slabs, but I would think for a vanity, they would not use a whole slab since it leaves so much waste.
That said, I like the rectangle sinks - someone above said they look like kitchen sinks, but I don't think so at all. I think they're large enough to be functional, but are far enough apart to give some work space. I can see how you may have wanted the granite to flow the other way, but if you didn't specify how you wanted it templates, they probably did it the way that the dimensions fit best. They had to cut the 4" surrounds too, and to get that to match properly does use up more granite than you think.
I'd put the faucets on - even if you just stick them in the holes and see if you like it better.
- 14 years ago
It doesn't hurt to try and get this situation amended with the granit installer
I know this is of little comfort; but I do like the "purple dot" granite. I think it's fresh and lovely. I would still try and get it replaced since you don't like it, but if you find they aren't willing to work with you then perhaps it will grow on you.
I like the rectangular sinks too, although I agree they are a touch more modern then the bedrooms.
SaraKat
Original Author14 years agoAndreadeg, I agree that it doesn't hurt to ask and that is what I did. I was nice and complimentary of the work they did and explained my concerns and I got both a phone call and an e-mail back saying that they would work on some solutions for me. I was greatly encouraged by this. I was in meetings all day from 9:30 in the morning until almost 10 last night an unusual day for me but another one like that today but next week my workload will be lighter and I hope to get it all taken care of. I think this is hard! I admire how talented all of you are and the beautiful spaces you create. I think it might be easier if I were starting from scratch, trying to update with things to work around make it a lot more challenging at least for me.
Again, thanks everyone for the kind comments, encouragement and the nudge I needed to make contact with the company. I will keep you posted on the final outcome and if there is a change I will take pictures of the new granite if that happens and if not of the faucets. Oh in answer to what kind of faucets are going in upstairs they are chrome from Signature Hardware the style is called Ingo, lever style handles and beautiful tall spout. Thanks again every single one of you! I took each comment to heart and thank you for it.
- 14 years ago
I honestly like the bathroom granite and the sinks a lot. I even think it works with the walls you have there. Yellow and gray work well together. What I don't see working with the granite are the brass pulls on the vanity. Although I think you think they look too modern I think it will depend on the faucets you get as well as what accessories you put there.
That said if you are not happy with it and since they didn't follow what you had agreed on I hope you can come to find a solution on what is needed.
I'd like to know what the sinks are though. Ie what brand. I really like them.
- 14 years ago
Remember to change your drawer pulls to chrome also, that will make the vanity look new as well.
I personally love square sinks-- we have them in some bathrooms. They don't look modern, per se, to me, but rather are a very inexpensive way to get some style into the bathroom in a fixture that is usually lacking it.
- 14 years ago
I read above that she is definitely planning to change out all the brass hardware, etc.
Just wanted to say good luck and it takes time and patience but will be worth it in the end!!!
- 14 years ago
I'm so glad that the granite company is going to rectify this for you! That gives you some time to consider what you want; something that goes a little better with your traditional home. Can't wait to see the pics of the new granite you choose, and, certainly when it is all installed!
- 14 years ago
I actually really like the bathroom granite and the rectangle sinks! I love the granite pattern, the flecks look very nice to me they add interest. That said if it is not the way you specified they should remedy it for no charge.
- 14 years ago
I'm sorry you didn't get what you ordered and hope they offered you a remedy that you're happy with, but I'm very glad I found this post while searching for river white granite! We just ordered a prefab remnant for our double sink vanity and are now deciding between oval and rectangular sinks.
I was leaning towards oval to contrast with the rectangular vanity, mirrors and window but now I'm reconsidering. I think your granite and sinks look beautiful in your room. Switching to chrome fixtures will enhance the beauty of the stone.
Our bath vanity is stained maple but I want to use the same granite with white cabinets in our laundry room. Wasn't sure if it it would work with white cabinets but now I can see that it definitely does.
We also have warm colors throughout the house and ivory travertine floors but I'm hoping the burgundy and slight tan/gold in the granite will tie into the warmer colors.
- 14 years ago
I'm sorry you didn't get what you ordered and hope they offered you a remedy that you're happy with, but I'm very glad I found this post while searching for river white granite! We just ordered a prefab remnant for our double sink vanity and are now deciding between oval and rectangular sinks.
I was leaning towards oval to contrast with the rectangular vanity, mirrors and window but now I'm reconsidering. I think your granite and sinks look beautiful in your room. Switching to chrome fixtures will enhance the beauty of the stone.
Our bath vanity is stained maple but I want to use the same granite with white cabinets in our laundry room. Wasn't sure if it it would work with white cabinets but now I can see that it definitely does.
We also have warm colors throughout the house and ivory travertine floors but I'm hoping the burgundy and slight tan/gold in the granite will tie into the warmer colors.
SaraKat
Original Author14 years agoThank you for the posts and the sweet comments and encouragement. I did go back to the granite place after making an appointment and the same girl seemed totally clueless even though I have e-mailed with her about this whole thing time and again answering her questions sending info. She seemed not to remember anything about our situation or that we had an appointment. After trying to explain and not getting a response I finally asked her in a nice way "do you not understand what I am explaining?" I think she does she just doesn't want to be bothered it appears. So to make a long story short so as not to bore you things are in a holding pattern for now.
I hired a decorator to come out and look at it all and she agreed it looks awful (in person) mostly due to the sink cutouts being too small and how the faucet holes are drilled too close to the sink so that the faucets extend way out past the drain. I will have to send those back I guess if I can't get this worked out. I guess I could learn to live with the square sinks and the purple dots and the veins going in the wrong direction but with the other problems too I would rather not. Not to mention, it doesn't look like granite with no veining or flowing lines it looks like something else not sure what but not granite. It was a disappointment, shrug...
The sinks are from their supply so they had them on site when cutting the holes. To someone who asked ~I'm so sorry they don't have an ID on them as to who the manufacturer is. They are supposed to have a chrome cover for the overflow hole which after going round and round with them I finally got them. The installer had them in his pocket. Sheesh!!! They look nice on the overflow hole at the back of the sink. I will be sure and post new pictures if and when it ever gets resolved!! Thank you all so much again for all of your help.










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