You didn't opt for an undermount sink from the counter fabricator? Just a topmount? If topmount, then a bead of silicone around the perimeter and drop the sink in. You'll need to be able to fasten the sink clips to something, so you may need to epoxy some thin wood underneath to fasten them too.

We just had our template done yesterday so I won't have granite for another 2 weeks or so but I'll probably do something similar to what I've done in the past. I have a clear glass bowl that I keep lemons and limes in (I use lemons a lot in cooking) I also have a paper towel holder and my my coffee pot out and usually a small potted plant on the sunny part of my counter. I cannot live without having my cookbook out so I have a decorative plate stand that I use for it (see link below). The majority of my cookbooks are stored over my range in the cupboard and I have to drag a chair over...so instead I've compiled my most frequently used recipes into one book and it sits on the counter. Here is a link that might be useful: plate stand similar to the one I use for my cookbook

"If you sound crazy, his potential customers will feel sorry for him, not you." I doubt it. A sloppy contractor is enough to drive anyone crazy." jellytoast: Don't ever doubt it. I've shown up for jobs and had customers say "I read your reviews. What's with the lady with the caulk?" I just shrug my shoulders, roll my eyes, and get to work without saying a word. Customers are much more sophisticated than many contractors give them credit for being. They worry to death about a poor review and shouldn't. I wouldn't remove a single poor review I have; they are pure gold as far as credibility. The customers I want have a fully operational kook detector.

Sealing...it depends on your stone. Stone with an absorbency rate of less than 0.25% don't need to be sealed and, if they are, will develop a haze over time or even streaking or ghost etching. Contrary to popular belief (outside of Kitchens!), not all stone counters need or should be sealed. So, what's your stone? [E.g., We have Absolute Black Premium and have never sealed it - it's too dense to accept a sealant.] Using it...What you're supposed to do and what many of us do are not necessarily the same. Trivets (or not) - Like others, I take pans/dishes out of the oven and put them directly on the counter all the time. However, stone can crack if you do that. Knives - the instructions to always use a cutting board are for the knife's sake, not the counters (usually)! Most stone counters will dull a knife blade. The exceptions are soft stones; knives may nick or scratch softer stones. Thread that discusses how to test your stone (among many other stone topics): Stone Information and Advice (& Checklists) http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2558824/stone-information-and-advice-and-checklists .