skip to main content

Gialla Ornamental Granite- level 1, 2, 3, 4?? being charged help

14 years ago

Our KD is charging us for a level 4 granite- giallo ornamental-- Online i pulled it up and i've seen it under 1, 2 and 3 (never a 4)... seems like 2 is popular... How do i find out what level he should be charging me for?? Is there a "Standard" for the levels?? thanks

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (11)

brutuses
14 years ago
I don't know anything about levels. I just know when I picked out my GO, it was one of the least expensive granites my guy carried and that's all I wanted to know. LOL I trusted him to pick me a beautiful slab and he did.
crazyhouse6
14 years ago
Ours weren't sold by levels either, but GO was considered "standard" - meaning NOT an upgrade charge. I considered several others with varying upgrade charges. You should certainly not be charged the highest level. Are you sure your KD's numbering system doesn't mean that 4 is the least expensive. I would ask.
Related Discussions
3 CM or 2 CM granite?
Q
Comments (31)
I'm in the middle of trying to figure out whether to go 2cm or 3cm, and I didn't even realize that granite came in two different thicknesses until recently. I wish my fabricator had told me that I could decide because I just learned that the slabyard has both thicknesses available in the stones I'm considering. The funny thing is that I moved to So Cal from Connecticut about 5 yrs ago and have renovated kitchens in both places. In CT, it was never a question, I just got the 3cm and there was no laminated edge and conversely, when I moved to So Cal 5 yrs ago and renovated (yet another!) fixer-upper, no one ever asked which thickness I preferred, I just went to the slabyard, picked a slab and it happened to be 2cm. I never realized that there was a thickness option, or that there even was a difference. Duh!! What should've clued me in was that in So Cal there was a lot of discussion about which edge detail to choose. Because I had black honed granite in CT and like a simple, plain look, I chose the same when we moved to So Cal (and, to make matters trickier, at that time, plain black honed granite was pretty unheard of around here so I don't think the fabricator knew how to deal with it well). He asked me how I wanted the edge, and I told him that I wanted nothing fancy, just a plain eased edge....I was SOOOO disappointed when the counters were installed and I saw this thin seam running through the middle of the edge. I had no idea that they would put an edge over the slab and didn't get how that could happen. Of course, the fabricator, thinking this was standard and thinking I knew what I wanted, having done it before, didn't really explain and warn me strongly about the seam issue. For awhile, I couldn't understand what happened and what was the difference between the way my counters were made in CT vs. here in So Cal. Now I get it. This renovation (yes, we've moved into yet another fixer upper - last one!), I'll go with the 3cm, but from what I understand, I need to warn my cabinetmaker that I'm using 3cm because I've heard he needs to adjust the cabinets tp accept 3cm. That's another difference between east and west coast situations...in CT, the cabinetmaker assumed I was using 3cm, but here in So Cal, the cabinetmaker is assuming I'll use 2cm and needs me to warn him if I use the 3cm. Just something to think about for those perhaps in similar situations - remember to confirm the size of granite with your cabinetmaker, in case he doesn't ask.
...See More
Granite quote - 2 cm vs. 3 cm granite
Q
Comments (30)
We have somewhere around 140 sf of granite in the kitchen; big kitchen with big island plus a buffet separating kitchen and family room. So the $14k price from the second place is about $100/sf (for both material and install). This is a quote for the exact type of granite we chose - we went to yards to look at various slabs and chose the Blue Eyes as the one we liked the look of best. Then our GC sent out the dimensions of our requirements to the two shops for quotes for our specific requirements. From what I have seen/read the Blue Eyes is on the expensive side, it reads more as a gray with blue highlights than blue, but it does have the blue which I guess adds to the expense. But DH is in love with it... The Costa Esmerelda slabs are cheaper - $8500 installed for 4 slabs. I think we're about 110 sf there (quote includes slab granite for shower walls in addition to counter and tub) so about $77 per square foot. I think what we've chosen is on the more expensive side for granite; funny how it seems to work out that way. Original allowances from our contractor were $10k for kitchen and $4k for bath, so we're over that (bath one was for granite countertop and tile shower, but I'm really leaning towards the granite for both and no grout!)
...See More
2cm vs 3cm granite
Q
Comments (27)
"I have also been told that 2 cm is rarely used here anymore." and ..."oh, those over there are just 2 cm so don't bother looking at them." Not really. 2 cm is pretty much the standard on the west coast. I live in the very northern part of San Diego County and have been looking at granite for about 8 months. It turns out we live in Granite Yard City; there are at least 6 granite yards within 5 miles of my house and another 8 or so just 30 min. down the road towards San Diego. Lucky us, the closer ones seems to have a better selection. In any case, about 95% of what we've seen has been 2cm. The place I linked above is absolutely the exception in offering only 3 cm. In the end, our choice was made because we liked this outfit's work, not the thickness of the stone. There are benefits to each choice, but personally, I could readily go either way. I did see a 2 cm quartzite I loved, but it was pricey (!) and we would have needed 2 slabs to be sure there was enough to cut for the extra thickness on the edge. sigh The place we went with charges per square foot and they keep the leftovers. Had the quartzite people offered that, we would have seriously considered it. 2 cm or 3? Don't worry about it, just find one you like.
...See More
Help! Granite tops not level! LONG
Q
Comments (16)
You write that the level is off by 3/8" inches from the front of the counter to the wall. If I understand you correctly that means that it is off by 3/4" over 4 feet, the usual standard I'm familiar with. That's WAY off and totally unprofessional. You write, "He also said that he didn't know that the cabinets were not level until it was too late." That's clearly malpractice--as he admits it's his job to shim. You cannot shim if you don't know the out-of-level. Putting a lien on your house means that he has to hire an attorney who might well charge him more than your bill. If it goes that far, disputing the lien means that you're engaged in a lawsuit. Perhaps you can look to the local BBB for assistance in dealing with the installer. Are they licensed in your locale? Perhaps you can appeal to the local buildings department. If all else fails I think you should send the installer a certified letter writing in detail of your concerns and backing that up with out-of-level measurements made by your contractor. Include the contractors license number if he has one, and include a refernce to his statement that the cabinets were level. Tell him that you are asking by this letter that he come and make it right, and give him a reasonable time frame. Tell him that if he doesn't, you will hire another installer to do the job and you will hold him responsible for ALL costs beyond what you agreed to pay him.
...See More
PRO
Snuggle Mug Co
14 years ago
I had GO in my last kitchen and it was one of the least expensive, it was either a level 1 or 2. I definitely would question paying a level 4.
boxerpups
14 years ago
I found a link from a NJ graite store. I am not
recommending this place. I am not from NJ and do not know
them. I just found that they list their granite prices
based on letters. A, B,C...

http://www.tsstone.com/page3.html

And I found this second site it lists some prices too.
G G is considered a Group C and is about $53-63 dollars
per sq foot but this also depends on edge, location,
seams... I do not recommend this place. I do not know
them. Maybe they will be fine. I was just doing a search
of prices in New Jersey.

http://www.stonegalaxy.com/index.php?option=com_rsgallery2&gid=5

G O was in the same price range as Uba Tuba and Verde
Peacock. (Within a 100 dollars.) from my quote.
Sometimes granite yards have a bunch of slabs they
want to get rid of so offer them to installers at a
specific price. I am not a granite guru just guessing why
the GO was so much cheaper in New England.

Best of luck on finding a good price. G O is a pretty
stone. I saw some amazing slabs in New England.
jan_jan
14 years ago
I'm in southern california and Giallo Ornamental was very available which made it cheaper. I can find it everywhere and my guy had extra slabs and reminants of it so we could buy one slab and then buy one of his reminents for way cheaper than another whole slab. If I went with GO it was $29 sq ft. and that was material and installation. No demo, plywood, or sink hook up. It was a deal! I really think it's a pretty stone too. It has great soft neutral colors and I think its' beautiful. I don't have enough brown in my kitchen so I didn't go with it but I really like it. Good luck
mom2reese
14 years ago
Around here, GO is among the more affordable granites (the same as Venetian Gold, etc., and slightly more thant Uba Tuba, Santa Cecilia, etc.)
msgreatdeals
14 years ago
I'm also in S. CA and was looking at GO slabs near by and they were running 12-14$ a sf. The least expensive that I have seen in granites.
sweeby
14 years ago
GO is NOT an expensive stone...

Wonder what would happen if you were to say to him/her: "We've been spending all this money on this kitchen and I'm afraid I need to cut somewhere. I'm going to need to go to a Level 1 or 2 granite instead..."
PRO
Choices Design by Sherran
9 years ago
Giallo Ornamental is a beautiful granite that has been around for a while. Makes a lovely kitchen countertop. It is less expensive because it has been available for some time and is considered a classic. If you do more research you will discover that there is no true grading system for granite. There is commercial, medium and exotic. Commercial being the least expensive and the thinnest.
rantontoo
9 years ago
I found some suppliers have pricing based on 10 levels while others used 5 levels for pricing. GO was one of the lowest priced granites under either pricing structure.

I would be tempted to take my design prints and get a second estimate. Do you have to buy through your KD...was this part of your agreement?
nosoccermom
9 years ago
This thread is almost 6 years old!

Related Stories

WORKING WITH PROS 3 Reasons You Might Want a Designer's Help

By Apartment 46 for the Home

See how a designer can turn your decorating and remodeling visions into reality, and how to collaborate best for a positive experience

COLOR Pick-a-Paint Help: How to Quit Procrastinating on Color Choice

By Laura Gaskill

If you're up to your ears in paint chips but no further to pinning down a hue, our new 3-part series is for you

DECLUTTERING Downsizing Help: How to Edit Your Belongings

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Learn what to take and what to toss if you're moving to a smaller home

LANDSCAPE DESIGN California Says Goodbye to the Sprawling Ornamental Lawn

By Annie Thornton

New state rules will effectively limit turfgrass to 25 percent of the landscape in most new and renovated yards

HOUSEKEEPING When You Need Real Housekeeping Help

By Becky Harris

Which is scarier, Lifetime's 'Devious Maids' show or that area behind the toilet? If the toilet wins, you'll need these tips

SELLING YOUR HOUSE 10 Tricks to Help Your Bathroom Sell Your House

By Mink Home Staging

As with the kitchen, the bathroom is always a high priority for home buyers. Here’s how to showcase your bathroom so it looks its best

KITCHEN DESIGN Key Measurements to Help You Design Your Kitchen

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Get the ideal kitchen setup by understanding spatial relationships, building dimensions and work zones

PETS 6 Ways to Help Your Dog and Landscape Play Nicely Together

By Marianne Lipanovich

Keep your prized plantings intact and your dog happy too, with this wisdom from an expert gardener and dog guardian

ORGANIZING Get the Organizing Help You Need (Finally!)

By Laura Gaskill

Imagine having your closet whipped into shape by someone else. That’s the power of working with a pro

LATEST NEWS FOR PROFESSIONALS Talking About the Budget Doesn’t Have to Be Awkward

These 4 tips can help when you’re discussing project costs with clients

Sponsored

More Discussions

kitchen design feedback

6

Does anyone have Medallion cabinets in Maple Biscotti?

7

wide double under mount stainless sink

5

cabinet overlay question

0

Kitchen remodel in my future

0