"my GC is doing a great job, but I think some of his workers ...not so much." Then he's not doing such a great job. His workers are his responsibility. This should have been caught before it was caulked and painted. But it's an easy fix for someone who cares about the product they produce and has a small understanding doing the work. I see it more as someone got lazy rather then goofed. " My question, I know this isn't right, but how SHOULD it be done?" It should be done right. The details of how it looks are up to you.

I think if you did wood (or in your countertop material since it looks like you replaced that recently?) with a 12"-15" overhang (assuming that half wall is the standard 42" high) for seating, it would look great. This is also assuming you have room on the other side for said seating. Otherwise, just a wood or countertop topper with a bit of an overhand would be fine for a walk up area. Don't know much about tiling, but I'm guessing tiling that area with the edge etc., might not give the best result. Someone here with more tile knowledge may have better advice on that though. It opened up really nicely! Congrats.

Okay, I really need some advice We are replacing our shower unit with Kohler choreograph panels and pan. Our ceilings are 10' tall but I only want to go to the top of window frame which is at 7'6" tall. How can the wall attach to a concrete floor without wobbling as another half wall will be attached to conceal a commode. Thank you for your advice. Jenn

for now I'd leave the wood since it adds some warmth to the room. paint the walls a soft white, not too yellow. (have you looked at craigslist or offer up for used vanities? for a few hundred you could actually find a very nice one that's larger to work in your space) or even a plain oak one w/a diff countertop? look around. go by a stone yard/fabricators shop and see what they're throwing in the trash. small pieces like that usually aren't sold and instead trashed. see if you can take it and have them cut a hole for you for a few bucks. (less than $50) I've done it. I bought this vintage piece online ($75) painted it black, got the marble remnant for $50, the sink for $30 and added my own hardware. the vanity was modified for the plumbing look around online. you can find all sorts of deals.