The area that is "es-stinky" is mold and bacteria that has built up over time. The caulking can be removed and replaced with new caulk. It'll take some work to get ALL of the old "es-stinky" stuff outta there - but if you have patience and a good nose plug ( or a good sinus infection that prevents you from tasting and smelling anything else) you should have no problems. The cracks on the other hand - can be repaired, but if there is any movement in your cabinets or countertops from any reason (Northern Cali - DOES have it's share of earth quake activity now does it not? presuming you can isolate and and arrest the source of movement - you could have a Pro come out and do the fix - the price will depend on the extent of the work that will be involved, if there's top polishing involved, etc. this is a technique that I teach Fabricators how to do at AZ School of Rock. Members of the SFA could also help you - many SFA members also know how to do crack repairs and surface polsihing - here is a map that you can find at the SFA web site - Maybe one of these guys is close to you??? I would recommend contacting an SFA member company to follow up on the crack repair issues - there are some really good guys that are "allied" in the Alliance... hth kevin Here is a link that might be useful: SFA Web SIte - members map page

I"m not so sure. If it's Uba Tuba, you might very well find close enough. What granites do you think could complement yours? Would it be worth it to just redo all the counters as that really would be your best option.

I am a fabricator. The grain match across the seam is poorly done. It is possible the pieces came from the same slab as many "builder grade" slabs have that much grain and color variation from one end to the other. That said, look at the piece to the left. If it was rotated 180 degrees would the other end match the sink piece better? If yes then it's definitely a fabricator error. If not it's still worth asking for the mismatched piece to be replaced. If it means a sale/no sale to the contractor he will almost certainly lean on the granite guy to fix it.

I will only be able to put a half a tile there, 1.5" tall vs 3". Do you think that would look better than a matching granite backsplash? I personally don't like those short grantite backsplashes but I am getting my house ready to sell and need it to look as good as possible. Thanks again fir your advice, It is very overwhelming with the remodel. I can see the light at the end but the speed to get there seems to have truly gone to zero.