Software
Houzz Logo Print
scuzz

Quartz Installation Nightmare

14 years ago

After 4 months of renovation, my quartz countertops were finally installed along with my sink last Friday. I could hardly stand the suspense and excitement...running water! Maybe even my rangetop installed soon!!! But those dreams were short lived as soon as I saw the installation of those countertops.

I was a little annoyed by the installation company, as I had called the day prior with my cell number just in case they were somewhat early for the 2-4pm installation. At noon, my GC called and said "Guess who's in your driveway?" So I leave work, rush home to find the installers who had called my home phone..so much for calling ahead of time with cell number. I had also discussed the issue of whether I had to have a seam; when the guy came to measure he put on the checklist a notation to have the salesman call me to give me a price without a seam. No one called during the 10 day waiting period, so that was one of my day-before questions. Salesman said I had to have a seam as the counter top was going in between two walls and they could not risk ruining drywall etc. I again said I was concerned about seeing this seam and he reiterated the seam would be no wider than a hair. OK fine.

I hung around downstairs for abit prior to installation discussing seams etc with the head installer who was more interested in letting me know way too much about his private life. I have asthma issues and once they starting installation, I spent most of my time during the installation upstairs with the windows open trying to breathe as the smell was overpowering.

For whatever reason, and I understand my responsibility in this, I did not check the finished product nor did the installer ask me to look at it. I have to tell you I have no idea why I did what I did..I have checked and double checked every other vendor/installer that has been in my home for window replacement, carpet etc etc. In my defense, I did have a major concussion last fall and have been dealing with brain issues every since. However, what was done was done and by my looking at it then, wouldn't have changed the installation problems. This is a reputable company that my original kitchen designer uses exclusively and I couldn't imagine any issues. So,I went outside to pay them with GC's without looking at the installation.

I walked back in when the smell had lessened and to my horror found these issues...see coming pics. I immediately called the salesman. (MY GC had left at noon that day for his vacation, so I had to handle this....payment was handled through my GC). The salesman handed my call over to the installer who had just walked in. I started to discuss the widening seam connecting the two pieces and the installer said "You are just seeing shadows..there is no problem with that seam." I found it insulting and ridiculous. I decided I would not speak to him anymore and ended the conversation. I photographed all of the issues and sent an email to the salesman that night along with a request to meet with me and my GC the first of next week. I asked the saleman to confirm. I received an automated message stating that the salesman was out of town until April 23 and to send all correspondence to another salesman. I then forwarded my original email and photos to this current salesman. I have had no response.

I called my GC and left a voicemail so he knows what's happening. Although I doubt he can get reception where he's at now.

I am appalled that I haven't heard from the fabricator/installer. I have run my own service oriented business for 30+ years, and can't imagine not responding to a client's unhappy email. (Thankfully, I've only had to respond to one of those since I've been in business and I won't go into that).

I am angry, scared, nervous as I am dealing with this issue as a single woman, and unfortunately have run into some less than stellar behaviour on some vendors attitudes..including being called a "little woman". I've read on another post here, that under no circumstances should I let them do any work on site. My GC will be back within a week and now I have visions of my cabinets being ruined if these counters need to come out. I pulled a tube of unused RTV Silicone White Lightning out of this trash heap the installers left in my garage along with lots of razor blades, used gloves, rags, some kind of mixed epoxy and paper toweling that they had thrown on top of the sink box. Again, IMO, sloppy work and clean up.

I know that emailing is the best way to go since I will then have proof of dealing with this.

Has anyone had similar issues and what have you done? Or any guidance on what to do during the time my GC is away?

Thanks for letting me vent and sorry for the long post.

[IMG]http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x26/harleysbud/newcounterssinkwall.jpg[/IMG]

Comments (35)

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    I love that color! Is it Unsui? What exactly is wrong, I can't make it out in the pic?

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    I cannot figure out what you are talking about from your picture.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago


    kitchen overview countertop run
    closeup of right seam with excess glue and not flush
    right seam of rangetop run that is not flush
    Scratches on counter at either end of utensil
    This is the left seam of the piece that the rangetop will sit on, but not cover entirely
    overcut on front of countertop edge

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Can you take another picture from a different angle? I like how you decided to offset the faucet.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    The product is Eternia and the color is "Rio Grande".
    What picture and what different angle would you like me to take Shmeal????

    I have to go deliver some meals and won't be back onto computer until about 6:30 or 7pm.

    I soooo appreciate your interest and help. I think I am just really disappointed that I have to deal with this after thinking I was almost ready to have a finished kitchen. Now I am thinking how many more weeks??? UGH.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    I'm so sorry you are having such issues with your quartz, it's a great surface and you picked a lovely color.

    Can you stop payment? Did you contract this company through your kitchen designer--if so, can this person help? How about skipping the sales people and going right for the installation company owner? You could mention that this is being posted on the internet complete with pictures, no names yet, but hey.......................

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Yikes. I would definitely make them correct everything! Sorry dear!

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    The only picture I saw initially was the one from a distance that Marcolo had included in his reply. Now the other images are showing so don't worry about any other angles. I can easily see your issues. I would also consider those seams to be unacceptable and they are definitely not shadows. I agree with iroll. First try to stop payment.

    Have you heard back from the second salesman or from your GC?

    The squeaky wheel gets the grease. Be firm. Be patiently firm. Don't make the sloppy cleanup the point of this discussion but keep the focus on the unacceptable seams and the inconsistent edge finish. They obviously know how to do a seam as the one in the corner looks okay. Well, the seam does, the sloppy corner cut, not so much. Is that the corner by your dishdrawers? And the scratches? I thought that quartz was supposed to be super hard and resistant to scratches? Will those buff out or are they gouges?

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    So sorry you're dealing with this - I'd be mad as a hatter. We had Caesarstone chocolate truffle installed last month and have two seams -- both are hairline and you have to really look to find them. Part of that is the pattern in the quartz (very forgiving), but they also did a good job. Hope it gets resolved for you

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Thanks all. I appreciate your feedback that these issues are unacceptable to you all as well as to me. It helps just knowing that I'm not making a mountain out of a molehill.

    My GC paid for the deposit with a credit card and I know Visa will stop payment and arbitrate as necessary. And I know that my GC, once back, will go to bat for me as well.

    It's just the interim waiting and knowing that finishing is going to be pushed back this much more and wondering how this is going to be fixed or if it needs to be taken out and what that will do to my cabinets etc.

    Shmeal: The seam with the inconsistent edge finish is by my dishwasher and I can't get a good picture of it's problems due to the window reflection. It starts out minimal by the edge, but as the seam goes towards the wall it becomes more pronounced. I have not yet heard back from anyone. I will call and follow up with another email reiterating my phone conversation.

    I too was amazed at the scratches as one of the reasons I purchased this material was the resistance to scratching. In fact, at the stoneyard I tried to scratch the sample with a key and couldn't do it. So I have no idea how these scratches will be removed, if at all.

    Just to keep this thread on the positive side..here's a pic of what my kitchen looked like in mid December with soffits, some upper cabinets removed and the new window.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Your counter top selection is lovely. But the installation is completely unacceptable. Shadows indeed! It looks like you could slide a dime in the rangetop seam. I understand your wanting to deal with it sooner, rather than wait for you GC, but that is what you pay your GC to do. The most important thing, imho, is to maintain your composure because both they and you know that you are correct. Good luck and keep us posted!

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Wow that is unacceptable!

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Oh dear I am so sorry! It looks great from a distance but those seams are terrible and you are 100% right to be making a fuss.
    I can't believe they thought they could get away with that given that you had told them you were concerned about the seams before they even started!

    Definitely schedule your meeting for the day the GC is back so that you have someone on your side. Can the quartz company send a manager out along with the original installer?

    So sorry you are dealing with this, but on the upside from a distance it looks great so once this is sorted out you will be a happy camper!

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    I'm sorry you are having to deal with this alone. I'd be mad as a hatter too.

    Those seams are unreal.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    On the picture just after the overview, the one that says, "closeup of right seam...", not only is the glue sloppy, they also managed to make that cut not-square. You can see the slab angle back leaving a larger gap at the bottom. Did they do the cutting right there in your kitchen with hand tools?

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Yikes! You definitely are not over reacting!!! Unbelievable! I guess if there is any good news in this, it's that their installation was so bad that you're clearly in the right. I'm so sorry. What a huge disappointment in so many ways.

    I've got to ask because I can't believe what I'm seeing so I'm thinking I must be wrong. Is that last picture of the corner just to the right of the dishwasher? Is it the front edge of the counter? The edge that you see all the time? Please tell me I'm wrong.

    Please keep us updated and let us know how things are going. Stay strong and know you are totally right!

    Suzannesl, I bet they used hand tools. I'm guessing kindergarten scissors.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Sorry Poohpup..You are NOT wrong! That is the way the front edge of the counter looks. The edge next to my dishwasher drawers that I will be staring at for the rest of my life. Hopefully not!

    Suzannesl....the cutting was done off site. The whole installation is a series of screwups. Funny, when I showed my Dad the pics he said "Who the he** did that? A kid?"

    LibraryGirl...shadow my a** right? How insulting.

    Sending along a manager in addition to the installer is a must in my opinion. I really don't want that guy in my house, let alone trying to fix, on-site, the problems that he created.

    I am going to put this out of my mind and let my GC deal with it when he gets back. I did hear from the second saleman last night at 8:30pm by email. Apparently my third email (since Friday) crossed in email. He wanted to send the installer this afternoon to "fix all the issues". I'm insisting my GC be here for a Monday meeting. We shall see...................

    Thanks again, everyone, for all of your support and great suggestions. It really helps.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    I think you're absolutely right for not wanting the guy who installed your counter back in the house. The twit that did this obviously doesn't have the skills to do this work. I wouldn't waste anymore time with him. I really am in shock that the last picture is the actual finished edge of your counter. They need to replace your counters immediately. There isn't any "fix" for this. Yikes! Your poor thing.

    Glad you have your GC behind you. I hate when guys try to push you around or intimidate you because you're a woman. Don't let them! You're right. They royally screwed up and need to make it right. Let them know you have a whole slew of people just waiting for you to share the name of the hacks that did this so we can spread the word on the internet. Do they really want someone to Google their name and the first thing that pops up is the picture of that lovely corner edge?

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    that's really, really bad. You might want to suggest to them that their guy needs to have his eyes checked...

    and then I'd ask if this is what they want shown to represent their work to future possible customers.

    hang in there. but make 'em make it right. if they ruin your cabs, make them pay that cost also.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Now, I am getting nervous
    T-8 til they install our cambria - I hope it is not the same peeps - that is really ugly!!!!

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    I am amazed that anyone would look at this and say, "There. I did a good job." Let alone, "That's good enough."

    I am so disgusted with judgements being made on my lack of protruding genitalia. Frankly, I think people who make judgements such as that usually have their own judgement clouded by their own imagined size. Makes 'em feel big and tough. How's that for PC?

    Hang tough yourself. That is a really lovely, clean granite that doesn't deserve to be hacked up like that.
    I have confidence they'll make it right. What choice do they have? That Google thing, ya know. Then there's Angie's List, etc.

    I'll be watching for progress.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    That is really horrendous. How upsetting! I had nightmares before my granite was installed wondering what the seems would look like and praying that they got it right. I feel so bad for you. I'm sure they will fix it to your satisfaction. I can imagine how you must feel right now because I would be ready to blow a gasket.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    i had a similar issue happen to me with my marble counter install. take heart: while it was incredibly frustrating anf stressful, i was able to get it resolved (with lots of support from this forum, in particular green you know who you are :) )

    you too will get this fixed. just know it might involve a bit of hassle and calls and delays but it will get fixed. i had the GC pull the bad counter on my job, they credited me for a new slab and i found my own fabulous fabricator who did a wonderful job.

    good luck and let us know how it goes.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    You all are the best. I feel invigorated and ready for bear!!!Or whatever that saying is.

    CEFreeman..my thoughts exactly. Who, in their right mind, would walk away from that job and say "Wow, I rock!" It does boggle my mind.

    I have NO issues with blasting it out there for the world to see and also BBB etc. I do want to give them a chance to make this right. But, so far the customer service that I have received, well that I have NOT received, gives me the impression that could care less. NO, I'm sorry that you are unhappy with the installation...nothing like that. Just a

    a2gemini..I am in NEOhio..just in case......

    Again, thanks for putting a smile on my face.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    I'm with everyone else, it was a terrible job and I don't know any craftsman in his right mind that would think it was otherwise.
    If you paid them with a check, I would call the bank and have them stop payment on the check, just to cover all the bases. If the installer is bullheaded, even the GC might have trouble with him.
    There is no excuse except laziness and ineptitude for the shoddy work they did. Also, the way their arrival was handled was a best, poor customer service. The only way the get away with it is if people do not hold them accountable. They thought you were easy prey and they could slide one by you. Good for you for holding their feet to the fire.
    And as far as the salesman saying they had to have a seam because it was between two walls, thats a crock. I have installed many a countertop between two walls and if you measure correctly, you will have little trouble fitting the countertop where it belongs. Besides drywall repair is an easy and simple fix.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Thanks Powertool...I need some expert opinion here when I finally am able to talk to these people face to face. Currently, the main seam is to the right of the DW and I didn't want a seam at all.

    So in your opinion, NO problem with having a 80x25 "L" piece of countertop run from my sink section to the right side ending where the left side of my rangetop will end? That is what I wanted in the first place and was told no go! Why would a fabricator say that, if in essence, it's no big deal? Were these people just being lazy? I had asked them to quote me (as apparently there is more of a charge to not have a seam) prior to installation for no seam, however they never got back to me..that's when I called them and they said the above.

    Thanks for your professional opinion.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    From what I have read and from the pictures, in my opinion they could have refrained from putting a seam in the countertop. They as much admitted to it when they were going to give you a price without the seam.
    As far as worrying about the dry wall, any damage is easily repaired an painted over if not covered by a backsplash. So that claim rings hollow.
    It could have been done right had they truly wanted to. In my opinion.
    I hope everything works out to your satisfaction when your GC comes back. Hopefully he can talk some sense into them and have them fix it properly or replace it.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    From what I understand of your post, they told you a seam was necessary in the corner because it was a corner. That is not correct; please see the picture of our Caesarstone counter with a corner like you have. There is no seam there. That said, however, I do have seams, two in fact, they were strategically located and we were told this on the day of templating. They are where the range is and the sink, so most of each seam is cut out, leaving just inches in the front and back.
    There may be an issue with the weight of an 80" run. The piece that goes from the sink around the corner and over to the fridge is only about 59" on the longest (fridge) side, and the two guys who carried it into the house could just about handle it.

    Here is a link that might be useful: seamless corner

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Today, Monday, has been five days since I returned an email requesting a Monday meeting. NO RESPONSE FROM COMPANY to my 4-18; 9:45 email!!!! Unreal.

    Iroll..they were obviously not forthcoming about alot of things. Thanks for your pic. I appreciate the time it took for you to post it.

    My GC just got into town and took one look at these countertops and said "No Way..Unacceptable" He called and left a message for the salesman to call him back. An hour goes by, he calls again and actually spoke to salesman who acted as if he had not heard about the problem. He is sending out an installer this Wednesday to confer with GC who is upset they didn't respond to me and set up a meeting for today. Now we are looking at Wed and wasting another three days minimum.

    Meanwhile, I find a lovely website and discuss this whole scenario with a professional fabricator who took the time to call me because he was so appalled with the entire installation. The striations in the material are defects from not curing properly and there are many other issues..all of which point to the fabricator in a not so nice way.

    I'll keep you posted as I'm not too sure I won't post a negative review and "out" this company depending upon the final installation, which I do apparently need to try to let them correct the install. But I want to stay positive for now and hope for the best, but my "gut" and all these red flags tells me that's not going to happen.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    harleysbud, I was looking for a post from you earlier today, hoping to hear that the meeting happened and that everything was going to be made right pronto. Surely (she writes hopefully), with the support of your GC, it will be made right, but I'm so sorry you have to wait on pins and needles another two days! :(

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Glad to hear your GC is involved and helping to resolve this. Remember when you finally get a chance to meet with these bozos that you are totally in the right. If you had to take this to court, all you'd have to do is show the pictures you've posted here and you'd win hands down. Might mention that you'll seek damages for the delay in your project if you have to take them to court. Probably should ask them to pay damages anyway. I'd be seriously concerned that they simply don't have the skills to do this. Good luck! You'll have a bunch of people looking for your update on Weds!

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    It appears you have about 114 inches on one leg (from the range base to the drywall corner on the right) and 48 on the other (from the drywall corner to the cooktop opening.

    Is that correct?

    The seam is shabby to say the least. If thats a "hair", you could guage one of his bad seams with your arm.

    One good thing, is that there doesnt appear to be enough adhesive in any of the seams to be a problem taking it apart...

    As for the overrun at the corner seam. I believe you, but I cannot believe they thought that would fly.

    Sorry for your troubles.

  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Rollie: You are right on dimensions. And yes, the overrun is, unfortunately, a reality.

    Poohpup: I am incredibly worried that they don't have the skills for this simple installation. And to make matters worse, this company actually teaches a class at the Marble Institute of America! I would win in court, according to another fabricator. BUT legally, I need to give them the chance to make it right.

    Fouramblues: Thanks so much for your support! I will be out of town until Friday with spotty internet service. I'll try to post an update but it won't be until probably Thursday morning that I'll find service. I am very calm as I know my GC will handle this whole thing appropriately as we've talked over all the options etc.

  • 9 years ago

    Just found this thread. Scuzz, what happened?? Can you update us on how your issues were resolved?