I left the room while they were installing. I just couldn't watch b/c every move had me on edge, and every sound they uttered made me think there was a problem. But, I'm a worrier by nature. I learned with this renovation that sometimes it's better if I see the end result (or at least the end for that day's work) vs. the in-process version. I had to leave when my cabinets were going in too.

Your counter looks gorgeous!

Stunning!!! Hang in there!

I had to leave also. I was worried I wasn't going to like my tops as I felt like I kind of "settled". Similar to what you said about you lack of availability, etc.
I saw them carry the first slab in, gave them a few minutes to get it in place & walked in. It was beautiful, instant relief & I was in love. I'm sure you will be too cuz yours are GORGEOUS!
How nice that your fabricator sent you that pic. Seems like you have a great fabricator & your stone is in good hands.
They did have to come back & redo my seam but didn't hassle me about it. They sent "the expert" for the redo.
Post pics tomorrow!

Thank you all for your words of encouragement and advice about leaving the room. Romy, you pin-pointed it exactly on the settling. I have a busy hardwood floor and am very nervous about how it will all mesh. I love the striking look of the Danby, but my flooring did not end up as advertised. The fabricator advised quartz for a quieter look, but I really wanted the marble, especially with the terrific price. He just called me and asked me to bring my stages sink to him so he can test his island template before he cuts. I had warned him that some at GW had experiences that the cutting board could not slide with the fit of the reveal. I really appreciate that he's being conscientious. So, off to the shop. At least I get an "in-person" peak!

So beautiful!

Your slab is gorgeous! It's perfect. How nice of your fabricator to send you a photo and keep you in the loop.

Regarding leaving the room while the work is going on, you should do this not only for your own peace of mind but for that of the guys doing your install. No one likes to work with someone hovering over them. I think it is okay to go in and peek at what's going on every now and again, but for the most part, it is good for everyone to stay out of the way. I always tell them, "If you need anything, run into any problems, or have any questions, just give me a holler."

I'm all for checking every little thing after they are done, though ... levelness, seams, equal overhangs all the way around, etc.

I love your slabs; they are really beautiful!!

Gorgeous!

"Regarding leaving the room while the work is going on, you should do this not only for your own peace of mind but for that of the guys doing your install. No one likes to work with someone hovering over them. I think it is okay to go in and peek at what's going on every now and again, but for the most part, it is good for everyone to stay out of the way. I always tell them, "If you need anything, run into any problems, or have any questions, just give me a holler.""

As a contractor, this is really excellent advice. So many times I have to make things look much worse to get them to be right. If you don't know what I'm doing, I'm sure it will be terrifying.

Wow. Seeing that slab is the first thing yet that actually made me wish I had waited for a full reno on my kitchen.

Best wishes, and hang tight! It sounds like your rock people are consumate professionals and will do a top notch install.

Ditto leaving the room. I stayed at the other end of living room, seated on the fireplace hearth. I only stood up and peeked in every once in a while.

Oh, and don't watch them carry it in! I had two large L-shaped pieces which would not fit through the front or garage entrances. They had to carry them up the side of the property, through the fence, up a couple of porch stairs, and in through the slider in the game room. Very scary stuff!!!

Guess I'm in the minority. I wanted to be and was right there watching everything, camera in hand. Kind of like when I had a c-section...I wanted to see everything that was going on.

I sent my photos including this one to our sales rep. She loved them.

Those tops are fantastic!

Thanks for the wonderful compliments. I do appreciate each and every comment and you've made it so much easier to get through today. It is very difficult for me to back off and leave the room, but I do understand why it may be the right thing to do. I'm feeling pretty confident after my visit to the shop today and my main concern, of course, is the seam. I know hovering won't help, so I think I'll ask if they mind if I take some pix and play my presence by ear.

The day has come and gone and installation finished late this afternoon. I wanted to check-in with the outcome. The guys were very nice -- which made it harder. I stayed out of the way mostly but could see problems. I'm happy with the marble itself but the craftsmanship is not there. Does anyone ever have a satisfactory install? I felt so sick after they left that I could not do a thorough inspection. I'll do it in the morning in natural light. One of the guys started applying epoxy as soon as they plopped the island down. I heeded advice and was nearby sitting on the stairs but not too close so they could do their job. They did not offer any info on what was going on. When they were done I asked about that spot (as no one offered any info about it) and asked if they chipped it during the install and he said, no, it was done during fabrication. So I have at least one chip, a problematic seam with a chip, an out of square island, and an out of square sink reveal. So weary from this DIY and so hoped this would go well. Very depressed right now. I'll start a new thread tomorrow with the details. I'll definitely need guidance.

No no no! Don't be sad. I know firsthand how exhausting it is to DIY and try to make everything look perfectly professional, and how thoroughly disappointing it is when you splurge on the pros and the results are less than perfect. The gladiators on this site will ensure you get what you paid for and expected. Just hang in there!

OH, so sorry to hear that there are issues!!

I've also been DIYing for months as my DH is always happy to point out. We also hit a few snags along the way - our brand new floor had to be sanded down and refinished at one point. That was a low. We had a few issues with our counter as well including some strange machine marks. Since then I've been finding out new things like some of the patching has changed a weird color and my mitered edge isn't a consistent thickness throughout. Anyway, that is to say, I understand the disappointment of hiring someone and having it not all go so well! But the other side is that I love my counters, they are not perfect and no one but me really notices and I remind myself that they are a natural product and as such have imperfections.

Your kitchen looks AMAZING in the photos and I sure hope that it's all fixed to your satisfaction. Try to remember that this to shall pass and you'll have an amazing and finished kitchen soon. Good luck and hugs!

Good advice from EAM44. Just went through this myself and ultimately the problems were fixed as I'm sure yours will be, too.

Post some close-ups of what you consider to be problem areas and let's have a look-see.

Oh Bbtrix, why can't things just be easy, right? From here, your kitchen looks soooo beautiful. I hope there will be a satisfactory solution for you soon so you can just relax and enjoy the efforts of your hard work. Hang in there!

I have a little time in the morning to take close ups in natural light, then we have a long drive for an oncologist visit. I plan to start a new thread with the issues while we're on the road. I've watched you all and many others go through this, and after observing today it seems like its just expected that it will be imperfect since it's stone. Details tomorrow. Thanks for the pep talk!

I read & responded on your other post & just saw this one with the after install picture. Wow - your cabinets, marble & floor are stunning. I love the veining on your island top. Beautiful.