No one on this thread has addressed the OP's statement: "please tell me what brands brands/models to write into the scope of work for the kitchen sink and faucet". It sounds like one reason you are frazzled about the sink/faucet choice is that you feel you have to put it in the scope of work. You do not have to stipulate these two items cause you should buy them yourself. Just stipulate in the scope of work that you will be supplying them, not the contractor. You will get a better price, and don't pay attention to the contractor saying he'll get you a "contractor discount". Really, you will find better deals yourself. If you buy a single-hole faucet, you don't even have to have it on site right away, since the size of the single-hole is standard for all faucets. You should specify the size of the sink and that YOU will be supplying it, and that it's self-rimming. But you don't need to give the contractor brand and model number info in your scope of work. Regarding the faucet, you will pay more for the brushed finish over a polished chrome finish. So if you are trying to find ways to save money, choose the polished finish instead. If your heart is set on a brushed finish, I think you should check out Costco. Not only do they have name brands and no-name brands (and I agree that no-name brands often are great bargains and should not be dismissed), but you have the amazing Costco return policy, which is basically they will refund your money regardless (except for electronics). I also would get a faucet with the integrated spray - I couldn't live without mine. I just gave a quick glance at the Costco website and they have brushed finished faucets for $99, $169. Regarding the sink - yes to the suggestions already given to buy your sink online at mrdirect, galaxytoolsupply, expressdecor or overstock. Just be sure of the dimensions you want, and I would look for 16 gauge, since all those sites have the sinks @ 16 gauge. I am a single-bowl girl myself, so I am biased toward a single bowl sink.

Rupsup, That is a wonderful transformation and a great way to show everyone how wonderful new counters in a color you like can work. I had white tile, grout cleaning is a nightmare. ~boxer Nicole, Can you post pictures of your space? Seeing how large or small, the lighting, the textures, visual space ... can help with making granite suggestions. TB is a fantastic choice and I agree with Ginny, the slabs vary. What colors do you like? What feeling are you going for? What is your backsplash like? Are you keeping or getting new? Are you thinking rustic, elegant with triple waterfall edge, or maybe contemporary... I am happy to post pictures just need a little more information. ~boxerpups

Well it turns out the sink won't fit :( He said even if we cut the cabinets there isn't enough room front to back to fit the faucet. Argh! But he was at least able to do the template and then just told us to bring the new sink when we go to approve the template at the granite yard before they make the cuts. So now I need to find a new sink- pronto!! Thanks for everyone's input!

cpartist no, hubby doesn't do any cooking, as he leaves the kitchen a complete disaster, uses a hundred dishes, and always manages to use the wrong pots or pans, so has been permanently banned from using it. You would think he wouldn't care what I wanted done with the kitchen, but he is definitely opinionated. He is sweet, though, and did the pantry as a surprise for me, because he thought it'd make me happy. That's what makes my situation so difficult, because I feel bad and a bit selfish for wanting to tear it out. Again, the u-shape is out, because he has set his feet against changing the pass-through. I also don't want to hear another rant about how much he paid for the header beams (apparently they're very expensive) and how he's not moving them ever. Maybe I could convince him to turn it into a doorway and close up the other doorway, but even with the pantry removed, I think it would leave less room for cabinets than I have now. Do you think that would be a good option nonetheless?