Looks pretty obvious to me - higher on the right.

I can not think of any problem it could cause. If it ever looks straight to you, stop drinking.

Yes, that's where it is. I'm thinking of setting what I want on it, and testing my Christmas stockings, and just seeing how noticeable it is then. But we did pay an upgrade for the mantel and it's an open room to the kitchen, so a little frustrating.

With asymmetric decor, it wouldn't be noticeable at all. I'm more concerned why it is uneven that much in a new build.......(what else is uneven??)

fix it and loan your level to the carpenter. this is inexusable

“I'm thinking of setting what I want on it…”

Try that and see. I do understand the frustration. Pretty fireplace!

BTW, kudos on the correct spelling of mantel.

Mark, thanks for the chuckle! Think I might go check our mantels…🍷👍🏻

I would have them fix it. It might be difficult but this is a problem they brought upon themselves. They should have just done it right the first time.

I am surprised that it is only a quarter inch as it looks more noticeable than I would expect for that difference.

Mark Bischak is afraid to click on the link.

Edit: Comment with link was deleted.

No way for chloebud, too. Looks like it's gone now!

They said they would fix it. Make them do it. A quarter of an inch is pretty significant in my opinion. I'd notice it.

I'm now realizing where it's really noticeable is if you look at the trim at the bottom of the "legs". Building Supervisor said he wouldn't suggest having it fixed (because of the trouble). But I don't want to have to plan to offset the slope visually with what I place on the mantel. If I wanted to do just one large picture one day, it would be even more noticeable.

You paid a lot of money for your beautiful home…too bad that “it’s too much trouble,”They need to fix it.

If I can see it I would want it fixed since it's a new build.

That is very obvious to me. Is it really only 1/4 inch off? Looks like more. Have them fix it or it will drive you crazy every day you see it.

Lyndee Lee and vinmarks, your eye is good. My husband measured it as more like 3/8".

Make them fix it now before they leave and it's too late. It's going to bug you and it's noticeable.

I could see it was annoyingly off even in that tiny photo. I don't even know how a finish carpenter can do something that bad. It's a focal point of the room. Insist that it be done right.

I would run a string across from one window to another, at the top of the bottom sash to see if they are installed at the same height. The amount of discrepancy showing in your picture looks significant so I wonder if the window placement is highlighting the mantle issue. The windows aren't moving but if you knew of an issue, you could choose your window treatments to help disguise the problem

Everything you do around the mantel will make it more obvious. As you said, hanging art, or placing something on the mantel. Someone sets a rather full drink on the mantel, and it spills a little out the side. A clear vase with water, the water will be straight but everything else will look aslant.

They really need to fix it.

It also looks to me like the right side isn't plumb. I'd get a level out and check eveyrhing -- sides, top, and even the floor -- to figure it out. Possibly the mason messed up on the brickwork and the carpenter installed the mantel to conform without regard to the result.

IMO it would make me crazy and honestly 1/4" in such a short distance is not good. If you want to get it fixed this is the time to do it and I sure would .

kudzu9-it does seem like it's the brick that wasn't level, and the mantel needs to be trimmed slightly on the right, or a shim added on the left...

It would be great if you could post a larger picture. I cannot even see the bricks. Is the bottom of the mantel in line with the brick mortar joints? If it is, then the brickwork around the fireplace is off too and making the mantel level would not make much difference visually since the mortar lines would appear off, which would probably be even more noticeable.

But, I cannot tell from the picture.

I don't see what others are seeing. It look level and square to me, but you know it is not. Fixing it might cause more problems. It is up to you.

Check the level of the hearth too. :(

Thank you all so mu for the input. The mantel installer came today and was shocked at his crew’s work. He measured it as a full 1/2 inch off. And he fixed it!! So happy that now my Christmas stockings will hang evenly!

Great that they fixed it! It really stuck out like a sore thumb before.

Okay, now if it looks crooked stop drinking.

Wow, good! what did he do to fix it?

He made the floor a half inch off.

He removed the mantel and shimmed the left side by 1/2 inch, and reattached, next he is adding trim to both ”legs” at the bott to cover the shim. I think it will actually look better with a bit more weight at the bottom