Poor countertop installation by builder. What can I do??

9 years ago

After many months of constant builder frustration, we finally moved into our new home. Overall, it's great. But because of all the issues we put up with in the process I'm really not ok with letting the countertop issue go.

We chose to have Carrara marble because all the builders other choices were horrible brown specked granites. He had a lot of issues getting it - not a lot available from his supplier - so he had to make due with what he had.

To start, these counters were supposed to be a slab, but because there wasnt enough they did this piecing together without asking us. We absolutely hate it and will be replacing before too long. I just can't imagine how horrible and dirty this grout is going to looks before too long.

Featured Answer

PRO

Cancork Floor Inc.

9 years ago

O.M.G! Wow! That's a muck-up and a half! I'm sorry you are going through this. Push for this to be replaced...and push HARD! Make sure you do everything in writing and make sure you get responses - in writing. There is no way this would rank as a 'slab'. It actually looks like marble tiles with an eased or bevelled edge! The photos in the posting make me think "floor" tiles rather than cut from a slab. And yes, those seams are horrible. Not even close.

I would send some photos to the builder - and CC them to their boss and see what shakes out. All part of the documentation process.

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Comments (11)

Allison B
Original Author
9 years ago
Pictures of the monstrosity.
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Allison B
Original Author
9 years ago
Those 'tiles' were definitely cut from the slab, but totally not what we were expecting. Or wanting. The builder is his own boss, so no help there
Sammy
9 years ago
Isn't that quartz?
Allison B
Original Author
9 years ago
It's marble.
Sammy
9 years ago
I guess I've just never really looked at it so closely from the side before!
User
9 years ago
You lost your leverage when you moved in. Never ever insist on something outside your contractor's comfort zone. Now you get to not only pay for new counters from someone reputable, you also get to go around with a microscope and find all of the other hacks that he has undoubtedly committed. If they aren't behind the walls, invisible.
Allison B
Original Author
9 years ago
Sophie, we weren't really given a choice. This whole process has been a nightmare.
Allison B
Original Author
9 years ago
Our builder never said anything about he marble - it was just one of the options available from his supplier and, unfortunately, the only one we liked.
PRO
Cancork Floor Inc.
9 years ago
How much have you withheld? If you answer "nothing" then you have very little to work with. If you have a little bit withheld, then you can use that as leverage.

In theory there should be a builder's warranty for work done. That is really the ONLY way to get this dealt with if you have not withheld any moneys.

You may have to get this inspected by a REPUTABLE counter/stone shop who will come out for a fee (paid by you) and then you can use that inspection to force the builder into action (show him the inspection report and tell him that you want it replaced). If he refuses, there is always small claims court.

Good luck. I hope you have a little bit withheld because of this. If it was supposed to be a "slab" (ie. WRITTEN into the contract) then you have a BIG piece of leverage. I suggest you dig out those documents to see what is written.
lwfromny
9 years ago
Oh my goodness that's the worst excuse for a marble countertop I've ever seen. Some so-called builders are nothing but hacks and ripoff artists. Both times I've built a house it's been a nightmare of broken promises and uncompensated mistakes but that counter takes the cake. Best of luck - I know you're going to need it.