Mark - The reason the installation specs indicate where the gas and electrical connections must be placed, is so that the gas line and electrical plug will have the clearance needed to allow the range can be pushed up against the wall. If the gas and electrical connections aren't down close to the floor, you won't be able to position the range properly. With the outlet down next to the floor, a recessed outlet shouldn't be necessary. I'd recommend using a plug, which will simplify disconnecting the range if needed for service. You can probably purchase one from your appliance dealer or your electrician, but you might save a few bucks if you buy one yourself from Home Depot or Lowes. They're not terribly expensive, probably in the $15 to $25 range. Just be sure to buy one with the proper rating and pin configuration. Your electrician can advise you on what you need.

The range is a Dacor dual fuel 36" free standing range. My husband fell in love with it and had to have it. We ordered it in November and the specs did not say anything at all about how much further the range should exceed the cabinets. All that was available were dimensions that showed the depth of the range from the back to the side panel, to the front knobs, etc. I did not pay attention to this, but did give it to the cabinet maker. Well, they installed the cabinets a few days ago and all was well, until the range was delivered. Even though our gas hookup is not ready, we had them put the range in its proper spot against the back wall. Everything was fine - I was happy that the range was barely sticking out at all. We even called in the granite fabricator because there is a two week lapse before the granite gets installed and with Easter falling into this period, it might take a bit longer. Then I started wondering. I was over at my parents' house and they have an older slide-in, but I noticed that it sticks out a lot. I started looking at the finished kitchens blog, but it is hard to see how far things stick out due to the angle at which the photo is taken. I called the appliance installer and he said that it probably is better for the range door and seal to be protruding beyond the cabinets. The cabinet maker did not discuss this matter with me in order to tell me that the range might have to be pulled back from the back wall. I shall be seeing him this afternoon, but I know that he will tell me to put a piece of granite back there. I called the granite fabricator today, but he told me that they cut into the granite already. So, it looks like there is no chance to make any adjustments to the cabinets. I will have to live with the granite piece. But right now, I am so heartbroken and having a difficult time getting over it. I just see this gap behind the range and it upsets. Thanks for being patient and reading through this, Anna

Question--will you really be able to get those Ann Sacks tiles delivered in three weeks? If not (my experience is that some of this stuff takes 4-6 weeks), maybe you could slow down--and wait until all the materials are in. I know what you mean, though b/c we are building and we want to get it all done at the same time so that once we are in, we are done! But, it might be worth just giving it some time. All of that being said, I think either of your choices will be wonderful. I would probably keep it neutral with either marble or cream/white subways.

Update: I called the guy at the stoneyard (the nice, helpful one), and asked him if he could track down a remnant of a dif. slab from my lot. He did, but it won't be cut until mid next week, so I won't know if it's white/dark/etc. until then. I made sure to get the info of that fabricator, and the salesman also was calling my fabricator with the info. I just don't trust my fabricator to be honest. While I was waiting for the confirmation on remnants from that guy, I called the owner and expressed my utter dissatisfaction. Overall, I'd say that didn't go well in terms of his responsiveness. I told him I was appalled that I was asked to pay the balance. He didn't think that it was that off-base to ask me to pay since they are out money too. (Mind you I did pay 1/2 my total so far.) I made it clear that I will not be paying the balance until the job is complete and right. He's trying to say something to the effect of "Well, how much isn't done?" As if that matters. The fact is it is not done since they made errors. I don't think he was too happy that I was attempting to track down a remnant either. I again noted that my 1st slab was sold, and that I had to settle on this slab, to which he says if I don't like this slab I should have never got it. (My point apparently went right past his head.) Obviously I like this slab, but I liked my 1st slab better. I tried to explain that my deposit was put down knowing I was getting that specific slab. I noted that I also had to settle on their sink installation or risk it looking worse. I was sure to tell him about my interactions with the saleswoman. I explained that she was treating me poorly, and I'm not sure if she just treats everyone this way, or just me because I look young, have a small kitchen, etc. He said they've never had a complaint about her (who knows if that's true or not). I told him I will no longer deal with her because I will lose my cool. So anyway, I tried to install my bathroom faucet yesterday, and guess what now? The holes are drilled a bit uneven, so when I put in the faucet and handles (widespread) there's a larger gap between the faucet and cold water handle than the hot water handle. Part of the problem is the mounting piece for the faucet that doesn't give much room to center better. I think drilling the center hole a little larger will be an easy fix... But, while attempting the install of the faucet, I got to look real closely at that counter area. Apparently when they drilled the holes, they lost control of the drill and the bit dinged/gouged the sink counter 5 times between the hot water and center holes! (They are rounded divots.) They are pretty hard to see in the photo, but in real life they are pretty deep. I just can't win with this company! I can't believe I can't find any reviews online for them (positive or negative). I am tempted to join Angie's list just to see if there's any. I'm still waiting to call the owner to explain my new bathroom counter issues. I just don't think this is going to go well. I am thinking about giving him the option to work with me or letting him know I will go ahead and get a 3rd party (BBB). I was ready to let them know I wouldn't even worry about the remnant, and I'd just use that left piece pictured above. Now I think I will wait to at least see the remnant; it's only a few more days. Any new advice?