I don't understand what they mean. My sink doesn't sit on or touch the base cabinet at all (it is about the same size as yours, but in a 30" cabinet). It is supported by a sink strapping system - originally it was just attached to the granite with adhesive, though, which is the standard method used by most counter fabricators. When sink manufacturers recommend a minimum cabinet size for a particular size of sink, that is with the idea that the sink will not be resting on the cabinet at all. So it doesn't matter if your sink is smaller. Perhaps your installer was thinking in terms of providing additional support like a strap system would be, but they aren't aware of those products (there is also a rigid metal frame product out there).

ksc36/Joseph Corbett, LLC: I read the instructions and if you read it carefully, the wood block method is an alternative to use only if the clips are too long for the application ; in other words, if the clips would extend past, and sit on the cabinet side walls and keep the counter top from sitting on the cabinets. I don't think this would normally be an issue when installing a 30" sink into a 36" cabinet - both typical, standard sizes. I don't read it as an alternative technique to be used at the discretion of the installer in place of the specified technique using the Blanco instructions and hardware. In my opinion (which I have developed during my ordeal), installers will almost always use wood and screws instead of anchors and hardware because it is simply faster and easier with less chance of making a mistake - plus there's no immediate downside. The customer, unless he is watching closely and knows what he is looking at, will never know what the installer did .................until possibly months or years later. On the other hand, using the anchors requires that the counter top be turned over (bottom up) which would probably require a third installer. The installers that did my counter tops consisted of 1 installer and 1 helper - they were in my house about 2 hours. They said that they had 4 counter top installations to do and they had to be done that day. I don't know how these guys are paid but I suspect that they are paid by the job and the number of jobs they sign up for or are assigned - speed is definitely a factor in their pay. Incidentally, the men that did my installation were also upset at the mistakes in the manufacturing of my counter top requiring them to make field adjustments which ultimately resulted in my counter top not being flat and the "lippage". I tried to get their names so that I could subpoena them to small claims court but M.R.Stone, LLC would not provide their contact information.

1) Regarding the screws.... For the drawer faces: Pocket holes should be drilled into the face frames if they must be attached permanently vs using the hardware to keep them on. The pocket holes should have covers attached (either the plastic or wood options). I personally prefer if they are removable via removal of the hardware so they can be changed out or refaced in the future & since you're going the custom route I'd defiantly want it! Inside the cabinets: A pilot hole should be drilled prior to screw if the wood hardness requires it & the screw counter sunk (slightly below the side walls) with or without plastic caps (depending on the company). Cabinet/Wall Brace:Are all the cabinets secured to the wall with simple screws?? I was really surprised to see this! How are they making sure the bases are secured to studs & not just drilled through into the gypsum board? In the past I've seen cabinet makers use a base board across the run anchored into wall studs and the bases are then secured to the board. Holes: The hole that will be exposed once the dishwasher is installed needs to be fixed. The fridge cabinet with the double screws and the blank hole is ridiculous...whomever was doing the install rushed and didn't care about screw placement or taking the time to properly aline things before drilling. Again= Custom built should = quality control and care! Yes there are MUCH better ways of finding the studs...even just using your knuckles to knock on the wall can get you close enough that a max of 2 holes might need drilled if you miss it the first time....again, sloppy work installing. The range microwave: Did they know that cabinet was going to support a microwave/hood? I'd ask about the install and max weight support. I don't believe 2 screws is enough to hold it (especially if they only screwed it into the wall & not a support board!) but don't know...I'd just hate to have it come crashing down a year from now! *You need to make sure the cabinet makers know that screw placement & finish result is important to you and you expect no screws will be felt or seen once the install is complete. 2) Shims: Yes, it's totally normal for wood shims to be left under the cabinets. Floors aren't completely level and in a new build the house will settle over time and the floor will change so it's important that the cabinets can be leveled. This is why RTA cabinets like IKEA have adjustable feet on the base that's hidden with a toe kick. Custom cabinet makers use wood shims to level on site during install and those can then be removed or added to as time goes on and any changes are required to keep the cabinets level. 3) Fixture & Outlet Holes: Yes, it's common to have large square pre-cut from the backs before install as plumbing is different for every job & since fixtures change depending on the choices made in faucet, garbage disposal, dishwasher lines, etc they can't make exact cuts. Again, this is why a lot of RTA cabinets are backless and if the backing is ordered it must be cut by the installer to fit the existing fixture spaces. HOWEVER- I totally agree with your being upset about the range plug placement and their solution to cut another hole into the side of the custom cabinet boxes. Although- I'm not entirely sure I understand correctly if it had to go through another base to reach the outlet or just the base of that unit vs the back side where a hole was already cut? I don't know what another solution would have been.... 4) Cabinet Face Gaps: Are you doing a full overlay with the new build as well? I completely agree that the gap's should be consistent and you definitely shouldn't be able to see the contents of the drawers! If the cabinets are full overlay why is the frame not hiding the contents? If they are custom inset then I'd be very picky about how it all lines up since this is a fine craft that requires skill & time to get right (hence the excessive cost)...plus wood swells & contracts so they need to fit properly with a slight consistent gap after install.

My GP insisted that I was suffering from the flu and the after effects from having the flu. Age 57, low cholesterol, low blood pressure, generally healthy, extreme nausea, exhaustion and muscle ache in both arms, negative flu test, had flu vaccine, no fever. Diagnosed and treated for the flu by urgent care, 4 follow up visits with Primary GP, partner GP, Nurse Practitioner, referred to a rheumatologist who diagnosed me with post flu tendonitis and referred to a General Surgeon due to development of a hernia after a bout of severe nausea. Same night as I saw the rheumatologist, the day before I was scheduled to see the General Surgeon, I called 911 and was taken by ambulance to the hospital. The EMT suggested that I may be suffering a panic attack. On the way to the hospital the EKG went crazy. I suffered a major heart attack in route to the hospital. Had a 99% block of the widow maker. Cardiologist informed me that tests showed that I had suffered multiple silent heart attacks prior to the major event. Had I waited 30 minutes longer to call 911 I would not have survived. This may have been partially my own fault. . . I knew the diagnosis was wrong, I had had the flu in the past. I knew the symptoms, but had been taught not to question the experts. Told that I'm not qualified. The doctors explained away my questions telling me that I am older and can suffer symptoms longer and more severely than in the past. If that little voice in the back of your head says something isn't right you need to question it, need to push for more information, ask for more expert opinions, trust your gut. There is a known gender bias in the diagnosis of heart attacks leaving women at a greater risk of dying from a heart attack than men.