I did find the cop thing odd. I have his contact information. I fully intend to fight this until I get a refund. I’m tired of getting taken advantage of.

At this point you may be entitled to damages on top of a refund. The law frowns upon this kind of behavior.

At this point you may be entitled to damages on top of a refund. The law frowns upon this kind of behavior.

Exactlly!! I am surprised he got any real cop to call you on this!

I can assure you that a cop did not call you and if they ever call back ask them to head on over so you can discuss the matter in person. If you aren't a shithead police are your friends. My brother is a police officer and this is not a criminal matter, its a civil matter. He has to tell this to people who call him all the time when they have certain property disputes. Put the review back up and continue with your small claims suit.

Agree with Barnackle bob, he is lying there is no cop, maybe a friend to intimidate you. Pursue him and put the review back people have to know what is going on so this does not happen to them. Also there is Yelp, add that review there as well. Keep us updated. There is no way that his job I don't care who is the one doing it....is ok with anyone. There is no case for him because you are right. You are not lying the proof is in the pictures. he is responsible for the business dealings that go on, it does not matter who is the substitute or not, the work needs to speak for itself period. We do fabrication as well and there has been times when things go wrong but in the end if it is our error we will eat the cost of the slab and do it again. it is the nature of the business. Your material is expensive and he may not want to eat the cost and the labor to redo but tough. This job is unacceptable. Please keep us posted.

I appreciate the replies...unfortunately, an officer did call me, told me it was defamation of character to say that I thought the stone looked like someone inexperienced fabricated/installed it. He did leave me his contact information on my voicemail, I called the police station and they transferred me to his phone. I did invite the officer to my home to inspect the stone since he tried to tell me I was expecting too much from a natural material. Surprisingly, he declined. I refuse to back down, I refuse to be intimidated, I honestly feel this is not right and will fight to make things right.

I am keeping records of all contact. And I do think it is insane for an officer to tell me what I can say online, especially since it’s obviously an opinion. Freedom of speech right?

OMG defamation of character is not a criminal offense- unless you live in Saudi Arabia and have defamed the ruling family.

You need to decide how you are going to handle this problem. If it were me, I would not go through small claims court alone. You need to file a cross complaint and take this crazy seriously. The way you are playing this now is inviting him to continue trying to intimidate you. And think of how you will handle yourself in small claims versus how he will handle himself. Are you allowed to call on expert witnesses in your small claims court case? If you are not, you will have to provide your own exhibits and I suspect he will provide good testimony against what you say- after all the court will see him as the expert- not you.

A friend of mine is a judge, so, I do have legal advice after hours. My biggest current issue is finding another stone fabricator locally who is willing to provide their expert opinion. Most I’ve spoken with agree that it must be pulled and replaced, the stone cannot be repaired, but they don’t want to “get in the middle”, but more than willing to fix for me...obviously for a fee. So, I’ve been looking for a building inspector to provide something for me. I don’t mind paying someone for their time and expert opinion, but I do understand the local guys not wanting to get involved in a court case.

I have reviewed the MIA, and there seem to be a few issues that are very black and white, mainly the overhangs and seams.

As far as reviews, I have posted on google, yelp, his facebook page, and another I can’t recall right now...I did change the “inexperienced” to “I’m very unhappy with the quality”....I’ve also been looking into how to get the local news involved.

Wow! This is crazy! You may also want to place a notice with the Better Business Bureau as well. I am shocked! I would stop by the police station as well....sounds as though someone is abusing their power... what a shame

It's also possible that once his superiors find out he's been making "official" phone calls like this and call him on it, that the cop tells his friend that he's on his own when it comes to customer issues.

Have you gotten any official communication on paper from a lawyer yet?

Agree with everyone above. never heard of a cop getting involved in such a way. Ridiculous. You definitely want to let his superiors know what is going on bc it sounds like an abuse of power.

I will contact the police department to find out about that. He did respond to my small claims suit with one of his own. He is counter suing me for the remaining 10% that was withheld for the cooktop cutout, along with legal fees. He has not done the cutout yet. I have not paid the remaining 10%, nor do I intend to.

Again, I cannot stress how much I appreciate everyone’s input on this.

He declined to come to your house because it wasn't a cop. Did you dial the police station directly or did you call the number that was left on your voicemail.

I called the police station and they transferred me to his phone.

I did call the number he left on my voicemail, they did answer “police station”...said they would have deputy ***** call me back. Unfortunately, I’m away from town right now, but as soon as I get back, I will go to the police station in person to get a copy of the report. If there is no report, I’ll alert his superiors.

My guess...the cop is a friend of the stone guy, figured a phone call would scare me.

Get as much documentation as you can about the cop's interference. Present that as evidence in small claims court. Get something written from his supervisors if you can.

They've made the wrong cuts!

Was the number that called you back blocked or did it show the number of who was calling?

Number was shown. Not blocked. Sounded like he was on a cell phone, personal I imagine. Had road sounds in the background. It was odd, he started to tell me that I shouldn’t expect the sink corners to be perfect because the stone is a natural product...was one of my issues I mentioned to the stone guys. Odd that the cop brought that up to me.

The pictures don’t show very well, but the sink cutout is a bit crooked. I understand that the corners won’t be sharp, tight corners, but it’s like a slanted rectangle. So, I have my concerns about that being noticeable from across the room. But under no circumstances should a cop tell me what I should expect from a stone fabricator unless he is a stone fabricator himself, doubtful though.

I feel like I’m living in the twilight zone with this nonsense. I should mention, I spoke with some of his other clients, they were happy with their stone. One guy (a customer of the same stone guys) actually came to my house to see it, he was in shock at how bad it is.

You must absolutely document these conversations with the cop. You must show the judge the extent to which this guy has gone to intimidate you. I am sure you are collecting evidence of what other fabricators say should have been done.

Do you have the cop's badge number? If you cannot obtain it- that will be damning evidence and if you can obtain, ditto, so you are good.

The number not being blocked is another sign that it wasn't a cop. Nearly all cops have their number blocked so that they can't be randomly called back by people who they had to call to get statements from. They also don't want someone to be able to post their personal numbers on the internet after they get pissed off.

When you go to the police station. if they care about it, dial the number and ask for Officer Stoneworker to see what he says when you connect him with the real police.

I don't have anything to add but just wanted to say that this is so crazy and I'm sorry you're having to deal with it. The "cop" talking to you about corners would be laughable if it weren't an attempt to intimidate you.

Cops can get in so much trouble for using their "authority" to intervene with friends. I'm curious, have you called the number back from a phone these guys have no knowledge of, like a friend's cell phone. It'd be interesting to find out who and how they answered when they didn't know it was you calling.

Document everything with time and date (not to be political) like former FBI director Jim Comey. He had a habit of writing down notes after every conversation he had, including facts and his impressions. Judges use those kind of things to establish the credibility of the person before them and decide who they're going to believe.

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I am going to say this one last time- contact an attorney. You are not dealing with a normal person. You are dealing with someone who is a criminal. Having a real cop or a friend impersonate a cop (more likely story) in order to silence you is off the charts weird behavior. I would be afraid of what this person is capable of doing, if I were you. I would want to know that I had the full force of the law backing me up and not just me versus a pathological liar in a small claims court in front of a small claims judge. Wounded animals are dangerous. Use full force in dealing with this or walk away. An attorney will be able to get a judge to act on this guy's intimidations immediately- this should not go on like this and a judge will act to put a stop to it.

You need to speak to the cop’s supervisor and get him fired, if he was a cop. That was illegal.

You now how the fabricatior in a conspiracy, intimidation, and corruption charge. It just went from civil to criminal. Time to file charges! You don’t need an attorney to do that. Go down to the police station.

I think it's time to turn the tables. (not making light of the situation, just lightening the mood) ;)

Since everyone is sharing photos. Here is a photo of our showroom sink that is also rectangular like yours. Hope this helps.

Rita, I was going to say the same thing, but I didn't want to sound paranoid. This guy could definitely be dangerous.

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Making a statement to the police does not automatically result in a distract attorney perusing a case. This is not the bread and butter of police stations. If the cop is one of their own, they may protect him (doubt he is.) If he is impersonating a cop, they may well go after him, but that does not affect your fabricator much- and certainly not in the short run.

A judge can file an injunction against the fabricator from continuing to harass you while you pursue recourse against his shoddy workmanship.

ETA spelling- injunction came out induction- I guess spell check didn't realize you could talk law while on kitchen discussions :-)

Emailing local journalists will also help. In a small town or if there is a consumer protection column!

OP: I came across your thread just yesterday and have open and closed it a bunch of times, not sure whether I wanted to post a comment -- partly because I wasn't sure if it would help (you), and partly because it so mirrors my experience with my counters, I'm upset all over again (not that the upset -- rather, disgust! -- really ever went away). In hopes of the former, and if you have the time and endurance, part of my story here (fast forward to June 2017 post for small claims commentary/follow-up).

I finally settled because of the non-binding nature of these suits, coupled with the fact that this company showed their true (dishonest) colors with their ridiculous countersuit. I had zero confidence that, even if a judge were to rule in my favor, this company would abide by the decision and pay up.

I sincerely wish you every success with your small claims suit (and, eventually, your kitchen).

Javiwa: I did read about your ordeal...saw it the other day while browsing posts. I feel for you. The whole thing sucks honestly. I did tell the “fabricator” that I would send fliers with pictures of his work to every other stone business in town, builder, real estate agent, and hold open houses at my house for the next year to showcase his work. However, if he refunds me, I’ll be more than happy to tell the next fabricator that I tried DIY and made a mess. He doesn’t believe me, but I will once court is done. It is the principle. I may be a very particular and nit picky person, but I feel that these are major issues.

The kicker to me...I had 2cm prefab granite before, and it had perfect, near invisible seams, straight edges, was gorgeous. This clown convinced me that he would do such a great job and add value to my home, I’d love the kitchen much more, etc, etc. I hate to offend any of the skilled pros here, but I am looking into prefab again, they looked so much better than “custom” tops. Were also thousands cheaper.

Apologies for my rambling.

No apologies needed...cheaper than therapy! :)

Rambling in these forums = constructive venting, IMO.

I'd use this as a learning experience (not like I ever plan to have my kitchen worked on again!), but I can't see where/how I might change the fabricator selection process to ensure a better outcome. The guy (owner) I used said all the right things when he was in my kitchen, but his crew fell far short in the execution. He himself was becoming frustrated with his crew's workmanship; and at one point, he told me that if his guys were of a higher caliber, they'd have their own shops; that they weren't nearly at that level. Yes, Mr. Owner Guy, you just said that out loud and to a customer. Despite this disclosure/acknowledgement, many times did owner guy send his crew out unsupervised.

javi's right, sometimes it's just the (un) luck of the draw. I've been there. I asked the right questions, had sterling reviews from prior customers, and then, it all went to pot. If I believed in crystal balls, I'd buy one.

Well, an update for now....the “fabricator” has been MIA. I had court today, he didn’t show up. The judge is giving him another chance. They were unable to serve him. They tried both business and home addresses.

I actually got myself in gear and have a ton of documentation to show the issues, etc. I suppose the delay just gives me more time to further prepare myself. I will update in May when the next court date is scheduled. Until then, I’m ripping this junk out and having it replaced, I figure no judge should expect me to wait until this is resolved for me to continue with my life.

I would check with the court before you go ahead an remove them. Also if you remove them save them just in case you need them (such as having the fabricator take back his material) , you never know.Save until the trial is over.

Hmmm, your state has a wonky system, swhughes23. :) Under Texas small claims statutes (IIRC), case is decided against the defendant if he doesn't show up. However, it's odd to me that a court date was even set when the fabricator wasn't officially served (what a waste of time for everyone). Our local sheriff tried a few times to serve our guy, but was unsuccessful. A request was made for (and approved) alternate service (the subpoena may be handed to any employee of the company...in some cases, affixing the subpoena to the business's door is acceptable). Sounds like they're just trying to wear you out -- sorry.

I agree with others - I would not rip them out before this is settled - counters can break when pulled out and if you removed the sink, then how do you prove your pictures weren't doctored some how, etc etc... You need to think like a defense lawyer.... Sit tight until it is resolved.... it's painful but better for your case...

Good luck!

I agree somewhat with the removing the tops, but, I do have about 1,000 date stamped photos, date stamped video. I also have two recorded conversations with the owner, he is talking about all of the issues and us discussing them in general. I mean, what more could a court want? I doubt the judge will want to come to the house. She seemed generally not interested at all, which is a good quality in a judge I suppose.

I have no words. Well, maybe a few. Cop should be suspended, for sure. That is just beyond inappropriate. Not at all surprised that the fabricator is MIA. Did you find someone else to replace?

They did template, they did check base cabs. Unfortunately, I was not there for either, I work away from home for long periods, so i can only speculate their process. Lots of small fissures have appeared in the tops where they shimmed with screws. The epoxy in the seams has also all separated. Stuff is deteriorating quickly. We still have refrained from using them at all. Just a bit exhausting to still use a bathroom as a kitchen.

I just re-read the entire thread, SMH the entire time, and I'm enraged all over again for what you're going through. (DH lost patience a lot sooner than I did, having to use the powder room sink -- needless to say, we lost a LOT of plates, bowls and glasses to breakage.) If it's any consolation (and I know it's not), I was physically present for everything: all site visits, templating, etc. (I stayed out of the way during the installation so I wouldn't get underfoot, taking pics and examining only when the guys took their breaks.) Didn't help me one bit, obviously.

Yeah right Alice? We’re going on 18 months using a hotplate in the bathroom for a “kitchen”. I feel for anyone going through any of this. What a nightmare remodeling can be. I now fully understand how people can get divorced over something as simple and changing the look of a kitchen. Mine was non-elective. I had no choice. I wanted everything back like it was before. Seemed simple enough, I told the general contractor, his subs, everyone-if you take it out, it goes back, same way, same style, same everything. Yeah, guess how that went? GC came well recommended, even did some work at the neighbor’s house. I saw them work first hand. Wow, what a difference when they came to me. Then, of course, we have the lovely stonework. I am finishing my home myself, it’s taking some time, but coming along well. By doing some reading, I’ve fixed issues and done repairs correctly. Unfortunately, I think the stone in the kitchen will be done by a shop. Scares me to death to have someone else come in here.

Again, I owe everyone reading this a beer/coffee/etc...much cheaper than therapy.

Haha..oops! I posted a couple of Houzz reviews yesterday, and must have accidentally inserted my 'real' name. :) Just switched it back. (Funny fact: I was named after The Honeymooners' Alice Kramden -- Dad was fairly newly immigrated, and he had access only to TV names. For much of my life -- especially during daily school roll calls -- I would've given eye teeth to be a generic Sally, Susie or Janet.) <<<< Not a helpful part of this thread, but it goes towards your no-charge therapy: laughter and a smile, hopefully.

At the risk of repetition, our reno was unintended, too: started with a dishwasher leak over three years ago. It started with three cabinets and the floors being replaced. As each crew came through to do their part, the would damage (beyond repair) two other things...total mission creep, and none of it did I ask for. As much as so many said, "Whooppeeee, now you can get that kitchen remodeled!" I never needed my kitchen remodeled. I didn't grow up in that kind of culture (no disrespect to those who did and enjoy decorating and remodeling) -- if my colors pull together well, it's sheerly by accident? And area rugs? What are area rugs? Why would I pay $$ to have yet one more thing to clean around here? But, I digress. ;)

GC came well recommended, even did some work at the neighbor’s house. I saw them work first hand. Wow, what a difference when they came to me. Yes, indeed...total roll of the dice.

Scares me to death to have someone else come in here. Ditto. Our backsplash awaits. I know we could DIY this, and it would take much, much longer than hiring a pro tile setter; I just want to be done already. "Stuff" is still scattered all over the house in boxes.

I just wanted to comment...seeing so many of these threads where a so-called pro has completely screwed up a job, and left the homeowner to hang...it makes you nervous to trust ANYONE. I know Joe has commented, at least once, about getting annoyed if a client was to question him...but it appears that pros like him are the exception, not the rule. I will never ever allow a worker to do anything in my home, where I am not there taking pics and asking questions along the way. Just too many bad experiences, and given the threads here, I am not alone. It truly sucks.