An estimate is just an estimate unless you have a signed contract from them saying what the total charge is. If you don't have a contract, then you're under no obligation to go with them if you think their price is too high. On the other hand, you should be pleased that they caught the error now rather than after they actually fabricated your counters - some people have had counters show up at their house that weren't the right size!

I got 3 estimates on the granite install and each one had different square footage. Two said I needed 3 slabs and 1 said 2 slabs would do it....he promised me if he needed more than 2 he would pay! 2 was enough.
I guess it would depend on how much more and if you need more granite.

Total bummer. It seems so unfair when you are prepared for
one price and then have to adjust your checkbook or cash
for their mistake.

You are not alone. My first estimate is not the price I
finally paid but I will say our granite guys were very fair.
In fact they negotiated and accepted an offer my Dh
gave. A similar issue because the sq footage and edge
we chose were not part of the orignal offer.

Did you talk to the granite guys? Maybe they could
or would be willing to negotiate a little to make it
fair to you. At least ask they can only say no.

Thanks, boxer, I think, more than anything, I wanted sympathy. Sad, huh? This is the second time I've thought I would finally be able to get the granite I've wanted and now the bad measurements and the change in price have put it out of my reach again. So I'll do what I keep doing. Save the $$ and hope that granite prices will continue to go down.

Appreciate everyone's responses.

I agree with Boxer, there are alot of granite guys out there desperately needing work. I have 3 almost calling me every other day to get my business. It really is worth a try. One of my estimates had the job at 43.99 a square foot which was broken down to the granite itself being 14.99 a sq ft and the fabrication at 29.00 a sq foot. Seems to me that the fabricators may be able to negotiate a bit. Also if you find a place that does both the granite and the fabrication (a one stop shop) you may be able to get a better deal.
Hope that helps, we are pulling for you :)

Thanks, nurse. I think I'll begin the shopping around again. It's worth a try and I appreciate the push to stop pouting and get on with it. :)

IF your granite has veins or movement, that would explain the need for an addiational slab. They may need to cut the slab a certain way to ensure that the veins all go in the right direction. Some guys require a high deposit, install in all such directions( the veining going horizontal and vertical on the counter) and then demand the payment in full since they granite is installed. Make sure this doesn't happen to you!

I don't know if this applies to your situation or not... I wanted Costa Esmeralda granite, but the slabs tend to be shorter than average. The fabricator told me we would need 2 slabs, and the material cost was $1100/slab. I got my graph paper out and went to work. I figured out that if I got a counter depth farm sink (which I found inexpensively at IKEA and LOVE!), we could get it out of 1 slab. The fabricator didn't see how, so I took my graph paper down and convinced him. And now we have our beautiful Costa E. counter tops!

Good for you bestyears, that's what I call using your head!

I thought granite was out of my reach until I found a combination importer/fabricator who ended up having a stone I loved. It worked out great! Now I'm waiting on him to do a remnant for my bathroom vanity. The downside is that his remnant business is even busier so even though I ordered in May, I'm still waiting for an install. Hang in there, it'll happen for you if you just do some more legwork.