And here is a picture of how I thought it would be installed.
Thanks for any insight!

It is installed correctly. Either way is fine. Having the drain directly below the faucet typically results in more splashing.

They call it an 'undermount' sink because it's mounted under the counter top.

Ummm... Geoff, you might want to go back and read her question again. She's asking which side of the sink is the back and which is the front.
The second picture is obviously not installed properly because the sink is sitting inside another sink. :)

And in my non-professional opinion, it's installed backwards. But I don't know if it matters. Did it come with instructions?

This post was edited by greg_2010 on Wed, May 28, 14 at 15:32

The sink did not come with instructions. I went back to the place I bought it and asked how it should be installed and they said with this particular sink the overflow hole will actually be under the faucet instead of across from it. But my contractor is arguing that it is correct and it seems like opinions are split 50/50 as to which way is "right". There doesn't seem to be a definitive right or wrong though.

I did a quick google image search for sinks and it looks like it's always mounted with the drain towards the back with the slant at the front (unless the sink style has the drain centered obviously).

I didn't see one that was the other way around.

I know that's not a scientific approach, but it gives a good indication about the 'norm'.

The problem is that the sink is already installed. Would it be appropriate to ask for it to be corrected considering there seems to be differing opinions on whether or not it's even wrong? And is it even possible to change at this point?

Feel free to use the logic I enclosed as a justification.

So that guest aren't so prone to questioning you stability.

On the other hand, it could lighten a tense lull in the conversation.

It's your house, your money.

Throw in a couple ham samiches.

Change is always possible. However, if you didn't specify how you wanted it installed, change will be on your dime. Contractors can't read minds.

Perhaps it is an optical illusion, but it seems to me the overflow drain does not seem to be centered. If I draw a line through the faucet and sink drain, the over flow drain is not on that line. It seems shifted to the left.

Who makes this sink? The sink must have come with a template and installation instructions. You may be able to find them on the manufacturer's web site.

Would it be appropriate to ask for it to be corrected considering there seems to be differing opinions on whether or not it's even wrong?
I'd say that he should switch it around on his dime. Even if (and that's a big if in my mind) it's an acceptable orientation the way it is, it is definitely not the normal way. Contractors can't read minds but if there are two ways to do something, then they should either do it the normal way or ask. Personally, I think the contractor screwed up and is trying to convince you it's okay.

And is it even possible to change at this point?
If the sink rim is perfectly symmetrical, then there should be no problem. ie, the cutout in the counter is still appropriate.

Put the drain hole in the back. You see how the sink goes staight down and not radiused like the other. This will give you more room for your hands when under the water flow.

The contractor still doesn't agree that it is wrong but has agreed to try to find someone who can take the sink out and install a new one, or the same one if possible. He seems to think it will be impossible to take out without breaking the granite. Hopefully not!

He didnt properly analyze the sink before he put it in. Your hands will kick a little water down the overflow and help keep it clean.
Dont belabor the point eith him, however he installed it backwards and is responsible for correcting it.
As mentioned by others, the centerline is off on the installation.

This is why instructions are a good idea. Several opportunities for instruction were missed.

1. The fixture you bought did not have instructions. Who should have provided those?

2. The store you bought it from told you the overflow drain goes under the faucet. Where was the plumber when you learned this? Did you write that down?

3. You had tried placing the sink in both positions prior to installation, and had decided the way you wanted it. Where was the plumber? Did you show him the picture you posted? It was obviously taken before the installation. That simple photo, emailed to the guy or taped to the sink, would have been very helpful.

4.When the plumber showed up to do the job, where were you? You could have been there to tell him how you wanted the sink you bought installed. You could have shown him photos. You could also have left some contact information to the company you bought the sink from, in case he needed some clarification.

The problem with his work is the thing is crooked. Nobody needs to tell a plumber that things have to be installed level, straight and plumb. That's their job to know.

An artsy mosaic washbin with the overflow drain reversed, is not quite so intuitive. Most competent plumbers would know the shape of the basin and recognize the flattened side goes under the faucet. I assume this guy is not a plumbing specialist, but rather a general contractor or handyman.

I just pulled two sinks where the overflow outlet was opposite the faucet. I know this is correct for these sinks because the faucets were mounted on the sinks themselves. I am now replacing the old sinks with new porcelain sinks. The instructions show the overflow hole facing me as I look at the sink. In short, there is no standard. Either the design of the sink dictates the positioning of the overflow, or it's personal preference.

In your case, if your sink is flatter on one side, that's the side that goes below the faucet. The sink doesn't look bad in the picture, but If you really can't stand the way it looks in person, I would talk to a granite person and find out if there is a way to remove the sink and turn it around. There might be a solvent that can remove that adhesive.