Think I made BIG mistake .. kitchen re-do

[Mickeyflower]

Go here---> http://www.diynetwork.com/ they have step by step instructions for just about everything DIY.

 

[LoveBWVVBR]

We are in the same boat. We bought a foreclosure last year and there is about 10K worth of high-end granite slapped on white laminate cabinets that are actually peeling apart Talk about lipstick on a pig! We will have to replace the cabinets eventually too, but the idea of junking the granite makes me sick. I wouldn't have chosen this particular granite, but I still don't want to junk it. UGH.

 

[phred52]

UPDATE I am in complete SHOCK! As in a GOOD shock!

Sooo ... we bought the new cabinets AND a new granite counter top from LOWES.

However we didn't purchase installation of the cabinets from LOWES, but went with a local guy. Granite was to be measured by and installed by LOWES after the cabinets were all installed.

My DH tried to remove the granite, as agreed, BUT was unable due to weight. ((The 'local guy' has noooo experience with granite and wanted nothing to do with that part of the re-do.))

So on day #1 DH and 'local guy' and his helper removed the granite without breaking a thing! Today, day #4 .... the 3 of them replaced the original counter top! 'Local guy" had googled granite and learned how to 'do' the seams perfectly!

We just spoke with a manager at LOWES about the new granite counter top we purchased from them. AND they refunded the $$$$$ !!!

YEAH to 'local guy' and YEAH to LOWES !!

 

[prncess674]

Maybe if you told them you would sign a waiver not to hold them libel if the granite cracked or broke?

I think the word you are looking for is liable.

libel = defamation by written or printed words, pictures, or in any form other than by spoken words or gestures.

liable = legally responsible

To the OP: The most likely place the graninte will crack is near the sink opening. Most installers will not cut the sink or drop in cooktop till the granite is in place simply because it leaves such a thin piece of granite near the front. The crack can be repaired but it will be filled with resin and most people don't want that. My parents were flooded in Hurricane Katrina and had just had their kitchen renovated 2 months prior, so they decided to try to remove them and they did crack upon removal right where the guy said it likely would. They had a long galley kitchen and the sink was in the middle. The laws of physics just don't work in this case.

If you can live with a repair then go for it. If not make sure that you have several sections long enough that you could repurpose for a bathroom or a utility room.

 

[The 4 "Quay"balleros]

UPDATE I am in complete SHOCK! As in a GOOD shock!

Sooo ... we bought the new cabinets AND a new granite counter top from LOWES.

However we didn't purchase installation of the cabinets from LOWES, but went with a local guy. Granite was to be measured by and installed by LOWES after the cabinets were all installed.

My DH tried to remove the granite, as agreed, BUT was unable due to weight. ((The 'local guy' has noooo experience with granite and wanted nothing to do with that part of the re-do.))

So on day #1 DH and 'local guy' and his helper removed the granite without breaking a thing! Today, day #4 .... the 3 of them replaced the original counter top! 'Local guy" had googled granite and learned how to 'do' the seams perfectly!

We just spoke with a manager at LOWES about the new granite counter top we purchased from them. AND they refunded the $$$$$ !!!

YEAH to 'local guy' and YEAH to LOWES !!

 

[m&m's mom]

Lowe's refunded the cost of pre-customized cut granite?

 

[Marionnette]

Lowe's refunded the cost of pre-customized cut granite?

The OP said that the granite was to be measured and cut after the cabinets were installed. Templates have to be made after the cabinets are in place. Then the granite is cut to fit the templates.

To the OP: That's good news. I'm glad that it worked out for you. Post pictures when/if you get a chance. I'd love to see them.

 

[MineMail]

This is a totally off-the-wall suggestion. When I read your first post, I thought of "Habitat for Humanity"'s "Re-Stores" where they sell used household goods, furnishings and construction materials. I've seen granite countertops for sale there and I've read articles about how the cabinets and such get to the store.

Habitat might be able to point you in the direction of a salvage firm. That's really what you want to do: salvage your existing countertop. If your cabinets are that bad, they probably can't use them, but there are people who "de-construct" kitchens to salvage the cabinets, counters, etc. and put them up for sale at the store.

It's worth a call to a local salvage place to see if they can find someone who can help you with this.

I love my granite countertops, but cracks are a pain. Before you have the counter re-installed, make sure the cabinet tops are level. Our ridiculously long sheet of granite cracked right at the sink after the workmen left. We had them severely reduce the price do to (their) stupidity, but save yourself aggravation and check before they lay it back down on the new cabinets.

 

[MineMail]

UPDATE I am in complete SHOCK! As in a GOOD shock!

Sorry, I didn't read far enough into the thread before I replied. What great news - congratulations! That's outstanding when something really goes "your way" during a renovation! Enjoy your new cabinets and their new/old top!

 

[jessica52877]

That is awesome news! Last week on the local home fix it radio show they were talking about this exact thing and the price the named to take it off and put it back on was about as much as getting new. I am so glad things worked out for you.