Direct-Trades

Thank you Lynnette! My job is very rewarding when I feel I am truly "helping" my clients!

Thanks Doug! We look forward to working with you on your next project!

I have not ever, never will, and nor did I leave this job in shambles as described by the client.
Here's what transpired:
I arrived at the job site around noon on a Thursday (if I am not mistaken). The client showed me the small L-shape bar top that was broken (not the 7 ft long piece). I immediately called the supplier to locate another piece, full intending to fabricate and install a new piece at Direct-Trades' expense. I was on the phone for about 60 seconds. The supplier promised to send me a list of fabricators that purchased the same material, which they did. To be clear, the 7 ft piece that the client refers to, was installed, in tact, and the joint was perfect! Notice the installer in the black shirt. He was putting the finishing touches on the joint, which turned out perfect, by the way. I DID NOT CALL AROUND FOR 30 MINUTES LOOKING FOR A REMNANT FOR THE 7 FT PIECE BECAUSE IT WAS NOT BROKEN!!. After my short conversation with the supplier, Mr. Gopal stated his wife did not like the color. And he inquired about changing it! This was a complete shock as they hand selected the slabs and I was present. Mr Gopal even stated it was not my fault. What a horrible sinking feeling they must have had! I can't even imagine how they felt. Mr Gopal was adamant that my installers stop the job and remove every piece of granite that had been installed. I suggested that we wait for his wife. She came in about 10 minutes later. She said the same thing. This was a first for me. I offered to leave the sink piece in place and I would call my plumber to hook up the sink just so they would have a working kitchen. The clients did not want to do that. Looking back, I should have insisted on sending the plumber. They continued to say, "just take it out". My installers proceeded to remove the granite. The 7 ft long piece (where sink was located) broke during the demo process. The client wanted us to take the pieces back to the shop. I encouraged him to let us place the pieces in his garage, thinking he could sell some of it, at the very least. Yes, I did ask for final payment and I certainly did not feel good about what they were going thru. The job was fabricated and installed except for the small L-shape bar. The following Sat, I met with the clients to help them select a new color. It was daunting for them, I could tell. After looking and pricing new granite, Mrs, stated they wanted to re-install the granite that was sitting in the garage! IT WAS ON THIS DAY, THAT I TOLD THEM THAT THE 7 FT PIECE BROKE DURING THE DEMO AND WE COULD NOT RE-INSTALL IT. Just to be clear, my team did NOT break the 7 ft piece installing it. It broke during the demolition process. They hinted around at compensation and at this point, I am asking myself what could I have done differently? Why would they ask for compensation for the 7 ft piece? They both agreed to take it out. I would have easily given them credit for the L-shape piece but they fired me via text, asking if they could come pick up their sink at out shop. That credit would have been between $150-$200. When I put myself in their shoes, I imagine I would be feeling overwhelmed, considering all the money that was spent, just to find how unhappy I am with the color. That has to be an awful awful painful feeling. I am sincerely sorry they had to endure this horrible situation. As for the price, our margins are in the neighborhood of 20%. Granite pricing varies greatly based on color, supplier, and all fabricators do not receive the same price point. I absolutely would never ever, under any circumstances, leave a project in such a mess. Looking back, and in the future, (if a client is unhappy with the color and wants the granite taken out) I will insist that we leave the granite in place, at least over night. I regret not insisting we do this.