I actually bought the house recently, and the home inspector missed it ... there was some epoxy filling on the chip (not even polished) which helped the disguise. I scratched it with my fingernail this week and the epoxy fell off, exposing the chip.

Is it possible that the chipping on the top happened because of something heavy falling on the counter?

How about the thin crack - could it be from the same or is it something to do with support?

Lastly - to get a reasonable smooth and polished surface - is this a DIY job?

Thanks !

"Is it possible that the chipping on the top happened because of something heavy falling on the counter?"

Yes, even likely.

"How about the thin crack - could it be from the same or is it something to do with support?"

If I were doing a warranty assessment, I'd more than likely note this as "fabricator error" due to lack of support.

"Lastly - to get a reasonable smooth and polished surface - is this a DIY job?"

Unlikely. You can buy a light cure fill kit from Granite City Tool Works that will do a fair job, but to get it flush, refinished, and unable to be felt it will need diamond pads and that's not DIY."

The chip could be a hole left from a crystal pop-out. I have one that was filled by the fabricator, and I was told there's no guarantee the epoxy won't pop out in the future. Some people have repaired chips with Superglue.

Anyone who guarantees top repairs is a fool; I get about one repair callback per decade.

Looks like the chip, while wider, is less of a problem.

Should I be more concerned about the thin crack next to the cooktop (picture is in original post)? What could happen if I don't treat it?

thanks

"What could happen if I don't treat it?"

ry12:

If I were there, I would examine your cabinets. Is there a rail supporting the stone, or are they frameless with a stretcher on the flat that provides no support? I've had to epoxy aluminum channel as an external rod on jobs similar to this for support.

If you don't do anything and there is no support, expect a matching crack on the other side eventually or several. If you do nothing, expect the crack to become black from contamination. It'll really show up then. The home inspector isn't going to miss it when you go to sell.

The longer you wait, the higher the bill.

Got it.. would the original fabricator take responsibility for this issue, given that it's 2 years after the house was built?

Officially, the builder is saying "house had 1 year warranty".

No probably not, but they might consider fixing it. The top guy is going to blame the cabinet guy, and the cabinet guy is going to blame the top buy, and the builder is (has) told you the house had a 1 year warranty.
The subs (cabinet/top guys) have to warranty a year (hence how the build warranties it).

I would try the original installer/fab shop, if you talk calm and non-threatening they might come look at it, and offer to fix (or discount the fix). Of course, this depends on the reputation of the sub the builder hired in the first place.

If it was my job, I would at least come look at it, and try to find the reason for the crack. Whether it is a quality/workmanship issue, or a damage/abuse issue. Depending on what I found, and the attitudes of those involved, I could be moved to either fix it, discount the fix, or nothing.

In your case, you have nothing to lose by being nice and calm, and asking for a fair solution.

If he's like most, your builder has put tremendous downward price pressure on his fabricator which would also explain why there's no rodding, internal or external. Your builder and sub have gotten their money; you won't be seeing them again unless you've got more.

How about a motivation to keep their good reputation ... Naive, I know.

If I were a fabricator, or GC, regardless of the time frame*, if I found something was done incorrectly or even marginally inadequate, I would take care of the problem.

You have the GC's response. I would give the fabricator a call.

P.S. * Or terms of transfer of warranty. I would stand behind my work.

Warranties are generally not transferrable, except under specific provisions.. Had the original owner of the home asked for the fix, there would be a higher chance of it happening. It never hurts to ask nicely, but don't expect a thing.

Another reason to buy solid surface countertops. 10 and 15 year transferrable residential warranties.