chippy -- for the sake of your health, please step back and take a deep breath. you have an unacceptable counter installation. not cancer. not a death in the family. unless the new slab was sourced with the old, a match will be tough. talk to your gc with a willingness to go with a different counter. accept the inevitable delays involved. you will have a kitchen you love at some point, but you are overly upset about this problem. there's alot of granite in this world to love!

i know the counter top is important but styles change so frequently its not worth loosing sleep over. really. get a man made material as close to your granit as you can . simpler to install ,wont cost and arm and a leg to replace or update. think of all the extra cash you could put towards updateing something else in your home. its only countertops spend the extra money on a special sink or fawcets. i can hear everyone saying now what do you mean ONLY a counter top! but is it really worth all the hassle? having people in all the time trying to fix this? in my book its something i really wanted, tryed to do, and faced a failed counter. enough. time to move on.and yes all my remodeling is done on a shoe string sometimes things work and other ties they dont and my counters are formica and my kitchen still looks perfectly acceptable.

Chippy....first of all you need a loud echo calling screaming fit followed by a stiff drink, bless this mess honey but always remember tough times don't last only tough people!! Now ignore the take a deep breath, others have worse problems, no cancer today comments and keep your balls right where they are. This is what everyone dreams of.....minus this issue.....owning a home and building one or customized is a one up on that. Congrats to you and your family. Work hard....yes you have and unfortunately your now working twice as hard to fix a problem no matter whose fault it is. Fortunately you are moved in so you have a roof over your head, unfortunate is the time its going to take to fix and the fact that the builder was ok with you paying out of pocket. But the moment the frustration gets to boiling everyone does that I will pay for it just fix it resolution....its ok don't regret the out of pocket expense. This puts you in a upper hand situation and please let the fabricators take their time and find a installer you can get to come over day of installation that is willing to be a consultant to you during that process. Little competition standing in your face makes for a great install day. I am in the mortgage business and have been for 20 years and have seen and heard stories of all problems....so I ask you the same I have asked others with smaller or bigger problems than this one, is the cost to sue worth, what could take years, dealing with and associating yourself with that builder? Do the math cause right now it maybe a yes that's the right thing to do comment your about to make but remember that's also why YOUR now paying for this. File a complaint against the builder, the sub-contractor who hired the guy that everyone is pointing out, and contact your general attorney or consumer bureau department and let it be known you had this issue. As we all know social media, reviews, and the number of stars someone is rated are just as strong as a courtroom these days. And silver lining possible 1 to 2 days to get it all out there and then you can get that stiff drink and wipe your hands free....in that beautiful kitchen you so deserve. Don't settle don't give up don't forget you earned this beautiful home now go get it!! Last note....get a home inspection after install before you close on everything because if your worried about the cabinets and the damage the redo's may or may not have caused they can take a look. Also, oh yes another note, get a builders warranty paid by builder. Hang in there you are doing the right thing and look at the responses they prove it. Good luck and please don't forget to update all of us in the end!

Wow. Breathe.

Chippy. Please come back and tell us how the sink and countertop worked out. I am rooting for you. :)

Choose a different counter material. There are so many options nicer than marble.

I just wanted to comment that the house we had 2 houses ago, we decided to install a copper single basin farmhouse sink and we easily retro-fitted it onto an older standard cabinet similar to the one you have shown there. The sink does need to be supported, and the front of the cabinet needs to be cut out with a gig saw. We also installed a farmhouse sink while installing new cabinets in the house we had last year. for that one we had bought a cabinet to support the sink, but honestly, even when buying the correct cabinet, you have to (or the installers) still cut it up in the front and provide your own support for it underneath. It's kinda crazy and I was shocked at that. But, my point is that the cabinet you have will allow for a fairly easy farmhouse sink installation and any competent handyman (or person) should be able to get the job done in a couple hours. If as regular homeowners, we could do it, anyone can. Check angie's list for a good all around handy person. If they do some carpentry, a little plumbing, then it will be no problem for them. If you decide to go that route, then look for a farmhouse sink that is more shallow as the do vary in depth. You can get them pretty cheap. Our last one was stunning and I think we paid $180 for it from a sink seller on ebay. The copper sink was a handmade thing of beauty and we paid $450 for it, also on ebay. Home Depot also sell them, but they have a better selection online. I will say that the farmhouse sink is worth the trouble, it is a high end show stopper in the kitchen, it really is. And to just have the one seam at the back of the sink should not be an issue. When we had countertops installed both times, they put the seam at the back of the sink and it was not even noticeable. But just for the record, I think all your surfaces should be the same finish, and the pics you included would drive me mad too. But beautiful choice. I hope they get it right this time, and do calm down, this will work through and it will pass and you will love your new home. Good luck!

Hi everyone,

Thank you for your responses.

I obviously understand that this isn’t cancer, the end of the world, etc. I’ve dealt with devastating issues before so I get that this doesn’t really compare. However it’s pretty hard not to be upset, stressed, etc when you have worked for years for something and have had multiple issues that you shouldn’t have had.

With that said, we weren’t able to locate the sink that was recommended for the space in the above comments. Due to the fact we have had major issues with the builder (additional damage done by a worker recently) the builder has agreed to do the retrofitting of the sink and we purchased the sink. Obviously we weren’t thrilled to have to spend anything more out of pocket but we are ready for this to be done. It needs to be done right this time so we were willing to do whatever we had to to make sure that happened. This is our forever home so this was obviously very disappointing and has been a very long (over three months now) process.

We are awaiting the arrival of the sink and hopefully everything will be installed and go to go in a few weeks. I’m crossing my fingers it goes smoothly this time.

I will post photos/ an update when it is completed!

Thanks again everyone for you advice and help!

"But, my point is that the cabinet you have will allow for a fairly easy farmhouse sink installation and any competent handyman (or person) should be able to get the job done in a couple hours."

More like 7.

hi chippy

what about the countertop ?

Have you gotten the countertop installed properly? Your renovation nightmare is all too common. I understand how upset you are, but I’m hoping the final installation is done and correct and you can get this behind you.

The sink is going in first then they will do the countertop. I’m crossing my fingers it goes well. I will post photos of the finished product! should be done in about two weeks.

Just wondering if anyone is available and can help me regarding this ongoing issue!

Had the sink “installed” today. However it is not secure and can move freely in the space it is sitting in.

Also I may be wrong, but should the sink not be lower that the counter tops so they hang over the edge? See photos

Any advice is extremely appreciated.

The top of the sink should be flush with the top of the cabinets, the counters rest on the cabinets and slightly overlap the sink. The sink will move around at this point- it will get secured with the counters. Make sure they have provided a large hole in the plywood under the sink so the plumber can get the drain or garbage disposal I stalled easily.

Thank you so much HALLETT & Co! I was very concerned for a moment. Once again thank you very much for your expertise.

Sink looks great, and it can be installed flush with the countertops or under the countertops. Our first house we installed the sink a little lower and had the granite go over the sink to the inner edge of the sink, and the second install had the sink at the same level as the countertops and the granite stopping at the outer edge of the sink. Both ways looked nice, and both were correct. Sink should move right now, it's not done yet. Take a deep breath, it looks great.

Be happy you’re able to get granite you’re very fortunate so live with it

Thanks Sonya Sargent-Strong. I am hoping we can have them place it over the edges of the sink.

Jeff Dougherty, I am happy we can get granite. However no one just handed us granite countertops. I worked a ridiculous amount of overtime and spent time away from my family to pay for these.

Glad to see photos ! I am also glad to see all the sound advice you are getting.

Thanks lindahambleton, I am too :)

I have the same sink, and that was how it looked in our build as well, before the counter was installed...Here is a pic before backsplash was put in, just after counters were laid :)

cant do anything about that you have to change it or live with it

It looks right. Here is my farmhouse sink with the granite.

I'm trying to post a picture of how it should not be done, but apparently I'm unable. Hey Emily, what's up please?

Following.... looking forward to seeing the finished kitchen!
Since this is your forever home and you sacrificed so much for this I understand why getting it right is so important to you.

Joseph is back to help too

btw Do not feed the trolls :)

Joseph,,,try resizing your photo

Thanks everyone for the photos and week wishes :) they are coming in two days to do the counter tops. Fingers and toes crossed this goes right this time (since this is our last shot!)

I will post photos!

Hi everyone!

So the counters are in. I have attached a photo! Overall we are very happy with the look as the seam is invisible and the slabs match perfectly.

There are a few minor issues that I have asked the builder about. During installation the tech told me that the new slab was slightly thicker than the original and didn’t fit under the backsplash. However my husband and I realized after it was because the new cabinet was actually not level with the rest of the cabinets. So in some areas there is a huge space at the backsplash and zero in others. They still need to be caulked so I’m hoping it looks ok when that is done.

Also because they couldn’t get it under the backsplash, it wouldn’t touch the wall. So they did a huge area of caulking (see photo) that I didn’t notice until after.

In person the one side also looks very slightly tilted due to the leveling being off. I am pretty concerned this will cause issues when the house settles (such as a crack or the seam splitting).

Otherwise we are happy with how it turned out and I’m hoping these issues I mentioned are minor and won’t cause further issues in the future.

Thank you everyone for the ongoing support!

The sink is so pretty. I hope everything else ends up ok.

"However my husband and I realized after it was because the new cabinet was actually not level with the rest of the cabinets. So in some areas there is a huge space at the backsplash and zero in others. They still need to be caulked so I’m hoping it looks ok when that is done."

You can't caulk your way out of a misplaced cabinet. The cabinets must bear the weight of the stone evenly or you're going to get a failure. That caulk joint at the wall is unacceptable.

@josepph Corlett, the builder is coming to look tomorrow. I definitely have concerns about that. In your opinion is the caulking at the wall unacceptable due to the fact it looks awful or is it because it will cause structural issues with time? I feel like it was a half assed, quick fix to just slap the slab on and do that caulking job.

It looks awful. The uneven cabinets are the structural issue.

I agree. It looks terrible. If push came to shove I could live with the ugliness (not my first choice) but not the structural issue.

I just discovered this under the area that looks uneven (see photo). They stuck a piece of flat wood under the one cabinet to raise it slightly. So I guess this is all that is supporting it on that side? I’m fuming angry now. After all the issues we have had with this company I wouldn’t expect them to do such a half assed, structurally ill install.

This was the last slab. I don’t know what we do now. I am so done with this.

You poor thing.... I’m so sorry you’re dealing with all of these issues. We went through a horrible granite installation over the summer and basically threw away $5k and ripped it out to replace it because it was THAT bad. It was one of those things I couldn’t “live” with and have to look at it every day without being sick at how bad it looked.

I’m no granite expert - trust me. but it looks like that wood piece is a shim. Sometimes they do that if the cabinets aren’t level (which most aren’t) or like you said if one slab is thicker than the other. it really isn’t the fabricators responsibility to fix unleveled cabinets. They just work with what they have got.

We have a similar issue with our new countertops where one slab is thicker than the other- so they basically had to shim our entire peninsula up to meet the rest of our countertop to keep everything “level” so that everything was okay structurally. They put white caulk over it to match our cabinets so it looks kind of crappy if you’re on your hands and knees but I’m happy that they made sure everything was level with shims to make up for one slab being thicker than the other. I hope this is the case for you as well. We also have gaps between our wall and granite- so when we get our splash installed I’m hoping the gaps will be covered up. My dad is a contractor who has had is business for over 30 years so I’m confidenthe can fix the gap issue thankfully.

Sorry you’re experiencing such issues. Countertops are the crown jewel of the kitchen.... I know how frustrating it is and although we are fortunate enough to have granite- it’s still frustrating when you’ve worked so hard for it and it doesn’t meet your expectations. Especially after this many attempts you’ve gone through. I bet you’re going insane.

If you choose to keep the countertops and just live with it because you’re sick of dealing with the issues and it ISNT a structural issue (like i said I’m no expert so I wouldn’t know )maybe get some ornate rope molding or something to cover those gaps at the bottom of the splash... we actually did that in our previous house where we went from laminate to granite- the granite was obviously thinner than the laminate so we had a gap between the countertops and splash and put a rope molding to cover it. It was very pretty! I’ll see if I can find a photo.

If you zoom In- you can see the molding

@furmamma17 thank you so much for your response! It makes my heart happy to know I am not alone in feeling this pain! I am so sorry you also had such a bad experience!!! It is soooo stressful. This is the most expensive thing in the house and it is my favourite thing so I’m heartbroken this has happened at all.

Thank you for the idea of the rope moulding! I have never heard of that! I’m thinking that may have to be a potential idea if it is determined things are structurally ok. I really despise that huge area of caulking and that might solve that issue!

Anything involving home construction and/or home renovation will ALWAYS take much longer than originally promised and anticipated! Of course they won't tell you that it's going to take longer until they've already ripped out your sink and appliances, the flooring and other surfaces and you're at their mercy. ;) It's just how they do things. :P

The builder was just here. He claims it looks structurally ok and that the wall with shift out from the granite so there shouldn't be a problem. Bottom line is we are stuck with it how it is :( Someone will come in to finish the grout for the backsplash.

I'm obviously not pleased about the giant area of caulking but I don't really know what to do to minimize the area. I guess in the end the slabs match so that is a plus.

I'm just so bitter that this happened at all. For what we paid and how hard we worked this should have been installed perfectly and the original stains never should have happened. In the end though we have a functional kitchen and I guess nothing in life is perfect.

It's frustrating that their are so many bad contractors out there and that mistakes happen all the time. We ended up living with some issues after major remodeling because at some point it's not worth it. We choose to push on some things and let others go. I feel your pain! But, from the photos, your new countertop looks really beautiful. Put a small potted plant on that end of the cabinet and you'll never see the extra grout.

@calidesign, you’re so right. We are at that point where we just need to move on. We also have other life issues going on that have been difficult to deal with at the same time as all of this so we need a break.

Thank you so much. To a visitor, I’m sure the issues won’t be noticeable. I think you’re right, I will find something for that area to try and hide it the best I can.

Your kitchen looks very nice. I’m so sorry you had to deal with all that. I probably would have had some sleepless crying nights too and I can’t believe a few people here went on about your responses. If you can’t be honest and vent on a decorating/kitchen forum about decorating/kitchen issues... I’m curious to know where it’s more appropriate.

Usually at some point a person can flip things into a more positive perspective and stay there better but when you’re in the midst of it it’s a really big, frustrating deal!

Again, your kitchen is lovely. In time hopefully the things that bother you will fade into the background.

Beautiful kitchen!!....get a builders warranty and make sure it covers everything which includes kitchen installs. This way if it hits the ground or cracks or separates from the wall due to leveling and settling your covered by a warranty. Believe me every house should have a warranty of some kind and new construction should have a good builders warranty. Your kitchen is beautiful but don't forget you worked your tail off for this and you deserve every bit of greatness without settling. Hope it all works out for you.

" We are at that point where we just need to move on. We also have other life issues going on that have been difficult to deal with at the same time as all of this so we need a break."

Ahh...the old wear-your-customers-down strategy. I doubt I'll ever use it, but good to know it works.

Thanks everyone for the kind comments. This has been an extremely long and stressful experience. Our builder has not been easy to deal with whatsoever which has made this even more difficult.

@joseph corlett, I wouldn’t say we let them wear us down so much as it’s at that point now where we have zero options. There are no slabs left to match. The builder is standing by his statement that the granite appears structurally sound and will refuse to rip the counters and backsplash out to move it. It literally took me threatening to sue for damages to have the builder take out the stained slabs. There is no way he will agree to reinstall these pieces. So I guess unless I find another fabricator to come in and do the reinstall I am stuck (I actually called the only other place in town and they refuse to touch another fabricator’s work).

Unfortunately it gets to the point where you literally have no other avenues to turn to. Even our homeowner warranty where we live is pretty damn crappy and doesn’t do much to help homeowners. Ultimately I am not happy with this install but I am not a professional so I have no way to prove/know if this is actually a structural hazard. I’m crossing my fingers things are structurally ok and worst case scenario I have a huge paper trail/photos about this whole mess if need be.

This experience has definitely shown me that there are very limited resources and supports for homeowners when you are dealing with issues. Everything out there seems to be in support of the builder so I don’t think I will get anywhere with this at this point.

As long as my counters don’t collapse or fall apart I am trying to consider myself lucky lol

And you are lucky!! Holidays are ahead, I hope you and your family proudly sit around for a dinner and talk about how awesome it is to be right where it matters the most.....HOME!! Congrats on your new home and may all the dust settle and nothing more!! Happy Holidays....smile and pat yourself on the back....you did it!!

By the way one more warranty note...builder's 2-10 warranty online. Just in case or for a future pass it forward.

Again your kitchen is beautiful be proud! Thanks for allowing us all to be apart of this chapter.

"... It is less sensitive than normal stone..."

Certainly not less heat or stain sensitive than natural stone. Not even close.

@jennifer jones, thank you so much! You’re so kind! I appreciate everyone’s comments, help and support throughout this whole situation. It’s been rough and having people who understand the stress helped so much!

@joseph corlett, thank you for your ongoing help and expertise. I greatly appreciate your input since I know you know what you’re talking about! If I lived nearby, I’d be calling you for any renovations for sure!

chippy_rn: Your kitchen looks fabulous! Hope you and your family enjoy it - the angst of the reno WILL dissipate in time. Question: why did the backspash stop where the thick caulking was put in? If the backslash tiling was brought to the end of the countertop would that eliminate the need for so much filler? Also, before you finish the caulking at the back of the countertop and the backsplash would it make sense to wait to see about movement of the kitchen in general? Maybe you could paint some quarter round and place it there TEMPORARILY to see what the 'gap' might ultimately be. Just a thought. Also, maybe I'm missing something but I don't think it's an unusual step to shim under the countertop. I've seen that before without any adverse results. Houses are often not precisely lined up and things CAN shift slightly over time. Again, it looks awesome, and you did well to stand up to the contractor. You should be proud and happy of the work you did and your tenacity. The close-up of the stone shows little sparkles in it and it's beautiful. The sink was a great choice.