Hmmm, I thought the granite goes to the wall, with or without a backsplash or tile. I'll be interested in hearing what others say.

They did ask me if I wanted to do a granite backsplash, but I think that was only so they new if they needed to document the measurements. I'm planning on doing tile (not chosen yet) and I was not told I needed to know for sure which size tile right now or that my granite would be away from the wall because of this.

Seems to me like you need to decide now. If you want only a paint bs, have them template and install that. You can always tile later if you change your mind.

Exactly what breezygirl said. Tell them now that you're not planning to do a backsplash so that they are careful to cut the granite so it fits close to the wall (scribe)? If you end up with tile or it turns out to be unnecessary to tell them because they'd fit it close to the wall anyway, what's the harm? If you tell them up front,at least it will not be too late and you find yourself with an unsightly gap somewhere due to not perfectly straight/flat walls.

Don't be surprised if it costs more, though. All of the granite/marble installers we dealt with had a clause stating that perfect scribing would incur additional cost, since its a whole lot more labor intensive and requires more skill than when they know they have 1/4"+ wiggle room.

I have already told them that I did not want granite backsplash and that I was going to tile. They charged me extra to scribe (like pricklypearcactus says). I will now tell them I will not be using tiles also, so there is no unsightly gap.

But I do not understand, if I tile, don't the tiles go between the wall and the granite? Or do they just sit on top of the granite? I guess from everybody's answers they just sit on top of the granite ...
I think that was my confussion...

Tiles do not go in a gap between granite and wall. They come down to just above the counter and cover the gap.

thanks breezygirl, that is great. Because I will tell the fabricator to come close to the wall and that I will not tile. And I can always tile afterwards...

Yep. You're welcome. But now you have to post pics as soon as it's in!

make sure you SUPERVISE the installation of the counter. The scribing is very difficult. You should be present to see if it is to your satisfaction. If there are gaps, they will tend to fill it in with lots of caulk. You may or may not like that.
Just a friendly warning ;)

If they make an accurate template and follow the wall, there should be minimal scribing when they install.

With any countertop material, there is going to be a small gap to allow the counter to slide into place. The small gap is typically siliconed to seal between the counter and the wall.

Andy