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Electrical Wiring Remodeling Kitchens

Screwless faceplates and quartz backsplash

last year

last modified: last year

I had quartz countertops and backsplash installed yesterday. The installers did remove the existing screwless faceplates. I'm now trying to reinstall them but the little screw for the screwless faceplates can't get deep enough because the cutouts don't account for them.

Should they have accounted for that or is is not possible to cut to account for this?
If it is possible to account for this, what should I respond when they say it is my fault, because I didn't say something in advance? After all, they saw and removed them and they do this every day, whereas I do not.
Any alternative solutions for screwless faceplates that don't require to these contractors?

Thanks for any suggestions.

Featured Answer

wiscokid

last year

Just go to the hardware store and buy longer screws?

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Comments (8)

anna_682
last year
If they removed the outlets or had access to them, they should have accounted for them.
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Somewhere, I think it was here on Houzz, I saw recently a new design for outlets, that didn't require a faceplate. I'm googling it now, but haven't found it yet. However, in my mind, the biggest issue you have is a contractor who wants to charge you hundreds of dollars per outlet to move them. Now, I'm no contractor nor electrician, but I just had an outlet moved, in my very HCOLA area, and I think the licensed electrican charged me $75, which included his service call. And that was only one outlet. In a new build, I'm sure the general can get the electrician back in there and move things around without it costing hundreds of dollars per outlet. That is a signal your builder doesn't care and doesn't want to help you. What I would do in your situation, is let the contractor know you aren't going to need a backsplash at this time, and let him finish the work. A backsplash can be done later, when you have time to explore your options. Take care of your family situation first, before you put in expensive tile, and then find out later it was inelegantly done. I'd want that tile to be a showpiece in the kitchen. It's the first thing people would notice in your space, and deserves more attention.
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PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
last year
"Should they have accounted for that?"

Yes.

"or is is not possible to cut to account for this?

No, it is possibe and their responsibility.

"What should I respond when they say it is my fault, because I didn't say something in advance? After all, they saw and removed them and they do this every day, whereas I do not."

You just answered your own question. They do this every day and should know bettter.

It's a slam-dunk no-charge callback.
Dave
last year
You need box extensions for them now and longer 6/32 screws.
wdccruise
last year
@Dave: "You need box extensions for them now and longer 6/32 screws."

No, the quartz wasn't cut to allow the subplate to be attached to the outlet as shown in Figure 4. Maybe the installer didn't know that traditional outlets whose face plates attach with a center screw wouldn't be installed. Either the quartz has to be cut, extremely short screws have to be used for the subplate, or traditional outlets have to be used.
Dave
last year
last modified: last year
@wdccruise

Guess i didnt look hard enough at the photo. it needs to be notched for the plate screw. you can always cut down the screw and shorten it.

Traditional outlets that have a center screw will work. Decora or gfi will still have the same issue.

It still needs box extensions.
Kevin Nord
last year
last modified: last year
I just ran into this and actually have the quartz installers coming today to install more backsplash so I'll see what they say. However, I was able to find a cover that works well. It's a screwless cover made by Lutron and sold at Amazon and Home Depot (I believe). I don't like having limited choices, especially when manufacturers whites differ, but at least there's a solution.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01F48PP0W/

I also bought some screws that were a little bit shorter:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08YJSV42K/
klkick
last month
Thank you for posting these links and pics! When they came to measure Template guy told me I’d need 1 3/4 screws once backsplash was installed. Went to Lowe’s where I ordered the quartz and didn’t exactly see them in electrical stone. People had no clue what I was talking about so this is very helpful. I’ve ordered them ahead of the install to save my head from exploding many thanks.

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