I’s not a matter of ”how bad does it look?” …. it doesn’t look bad , that’s not the point, it’s not what you wanted & contracted for. I agree with Jan, follow her advice.

You have a contract. Most on here don't/ HOLD HIM TO THE CONTRACT! He is trying to gaslight you. HIre an attorney to write a letter if needed.

ETA: I have a top mount, I like it, but that is not what you paid for and not what you wanted. HIs problem, not yours. He pays for the new quartz/

I would not keep that. I would look into whether they can use the quartz if you use a new sink with a slightly larger cutout. They can buy the new sink and thank you for allowing them to fix it without buying new quartz.

There's no reason for hassle of ANY sort. He screwed up; he fixes. Done.

Maybe he will post a sign in his back forty-

"Read CONTRACT before cut. Need help? Do not cut before speaking to ME."

I think what jaja06 says makes the most sense and if that can’t be done go the contract route- you should not be paying for new quartz

Also his “ it will delay by a week” is just bullying room, because of course you’d like to start using your kitchen, but what’s a week, or 2. ( I know, easy for me to say, but taking the long view. Yet there could be people who for specific reasons cannot take more time for this fight). And if you start using it , it’s likely to be construed as accepting the job done.
Of course you have to know your own hassle/ fight tolerance. Also for me, as I noted, it’d be one if the main “ needs” in a kitchen upgrade- there might be some other mixup that I might not mind, who knows.
And while I think it shouldn’t cost you any extra, you might start thinking about how far you’d go— not to pledge a blood oath but perhaps you might end up needing some legal advice or correspondence as noted, if the installer stands his ground, & perhaps that might not be reimbursed ( or not without an additional action/ expense taken to see). Or he might offer to shoulder part of counter cost or something.

If you agreed to an undermount then he needs to fix it…putting your sink in correctly is just as much his responsibility as installing the quartz correctly.

It looks dated. It would drive me crazy not being able to wipe the counter off directly into the sink too. The fabricator is gaslighting you OR he has genuinely mixed you up with someone else. I don't see anything that would make this sink not under mountable. Stand your ground.

Have you paid in full?

If this guy had a brain in his head: ?

Rather than ruin a reputation? He says this :

"You are right, We were swamped, the guys saw the sink and believed it to be top mount. We will fix it. We'll pick up your top, give you a "limp through process" drop in sink, and install a laminate temporary counter in white ( Simple trip to Home Depot ) We really need two weeks, and if you can bear with us? You'll have exactly what you paid for. We're very sorry for the inconvenience - we're short on help and while its not an excuse? We want to make it right."

But maybe he's not very smart.

To any and all:

To the extent it is within your power....be home for template, read the detail, go over veining, seams and ALL.

Be home for install, which will AFFORD you the right of refusal on the spot for a big goof such as this. They can't bill you when you refuse the Work/product.

Thanks everyone. You have given me the confidence to fight this. I'm walking in with my highlighted contract first thing Monday morning.

No top replacement is necessary. The sink is removed, and the top profiled and polished on site. The sink is strapped in place. Half a day job at most. Duh.

Maybe the sink was installed wrong and it has nothing to do with the countertop? I read most of the responses but have to question if the edge is already polished and finished and ready for an undermount sink? Did the countertop people install the sink or did the plumber? Anyways good luck and like Joseph stated maybe it is a much easier fix than replacement.

It is more than a matter of looks - it is a matter of function and being able to sweep food - and liquid, from your countertop into the sink. I love my undermount and would not accept this mistake.

May I ask if you are a woman? I'm a woman and when I bring issues like this to many contractors I've worked with, they make up lies to my face like yours did to you. If I have my husband present, they don't lie, they make the change back to the way it was intended.

I'm way more educated about our projects and construction than my husband who doesn't know how to change a light bulb. I am a woman who knows how to stand my ground, holds up under pressure, I work in politics, have testified in court, and am very good at arguing my point with attorneys, doctors, judges. And yet, when something goes wrong with a contractor, I have my husband come with me so it goes smoothly. Yes, it pisses me off, but it is what I need to do to get the job done. If you are a woman and have a male partner or friend who goes with you on Monday, I'd be curious if the blatant lies is repeated.

Last week one of our contractors told me that the way he installed a dryer vent was fine. I told him it was not to code. He told me he installed it that way in his own house and it is to code. I don't want to be an ass and print out the code to show him and get into a pissing match, but people just make stuff up. It is terribly insulting.

.

Kendrah brought up an interesting phenomenon. I have had this happen to me so many times I have accepted it as “the way things are.” I have more experience and knowledge about construction projects than my husband, yet contractors don’t respond to his requests the same as they do to me. Not all contractors, but many. My husband first thought I was imagining things, until I started documenting them. Now, if he’s not with me and I get pushback I simply say “let me call my husband and you can speak with him.” Magically, my request is no longer a problem.

It is possible that there was a different customer who had a dual mount sink who agreed to have it top mounted, but why is he changing his story from “it has to be top mounted” to “it can be done but it will be an extra week?” It sounds like a lie to me. In the age of Yelp and online ratings, I am surprised people aren’t more willing to do the right thing with customers. Good luck with your dispute. Stick to your guns about getting it fixed per your contract and not paying another dime for it.

Yeah don't let them get away with it. You want a undermount sink you get one. I on the other hand went for top mount since just use to it and i am old school i like the 3 inch backsplash. When I am old the next owner can remodel it the way they want it. The only thing i refuse to have is wood flooring in a kitchen and carpet in the bathroom.

FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT

In the long run, the delay won’t matter. Get the undermount installation as specified in the contract. Fabricator error, so you don’t pay a dime to correct the error. Watch the costs closely to make sure other costs are not padded to get the money out of you one way or another.

A top mount gets crumbs, etc under the mount and like stated, there is no way to brush crumbs into the sink. So it's not as efficient as the undermount.

Please let us know what happens.

First people have to realize when they use the word "dated " nothing in building is new everything is dated. This top mount sink is a very clean look. They are more maintenance but a very clean look.

@Antwon, dated or not is not the point and does not matter. Her contract was for an undermount. If she want a 4" hole to set a punch bowl in with no faucet that would be what she should get, period.

"They are more maintenance but a very clean look."

Oxymoron........ and exactly WHY she specified under mount. Jeesh.

Let us know what happens when you speak to your contractor.

Again… is there a balance due or was the job paid in full? Were you given any discount for this?

A contract has never made anyone do anything. A written contract is just a record of the agreement and if someone decides they are not going to honor that agreement your contract isn’t going to suddenly make them.

The threat of suing them or actually suing them has some weight to it. Damage to their reputation has some weight to it. Not giving them their final payment has a lot of weight to it.

The fabricator is obviously at fault here and this is not to imply otherwise but being right and getting right are two different things and you should be aware of that.

Also please be aware that a discount is a settlement. So if the fabricator said, “I will knock a hundred bucks off this,” and you agreed, then enjoy your lovely top mount sink.

Question - to me that looks like a top mount sink, can it be installed under mount? i have had a few kitchens redone. I always purchased/ selected the sink myself. Did you supply the sink? I do agree I would not settle as the contract states under mount. Just want you to be prepared for the conversation. Best of luck !

What happened today?

Sorry this happened. I’d be pissed. It does still look good though.

We actually opted for top mount because it’s easier to keep clean than the hidden cavity under mount creates.

Lesson later learned was top gives added height that plumbing, as is, may rely on if garbage disposal is added to a deep sink. Long story, but top ended up be being beneficial for more than just cleanliness.

For future readers, there is no "hidden cavity" on an undermount sink if you do a flush or positive reveal of the sink. Undermounts are by far, far easier to keep clean, and there are a lot of options for plumbing that don't cost space if you opt for a garbage disposal. Also, burying the lede: it's not what the OP wanted or spec'ed, therefore, doesn't matter but glad you are happy with your sink.

It looks perfectly good ... for an top-mounted sink. If you wanted an under-mounted sink (and I agree they are much nicer and for reasons that go beyond looks), push for him to re-do it. Are you willing to go to small claims court? You know he has no evidence that you said you wanted a top-mount sink.

It looks like a top-mount sink to me….nice finished rim. Still, whenever I have someone working in our house, I am there to supervise and point out anything that is not like what I hired them to do or the way I want it. The wallet talks.

I'm curious to see how this plays out too.

I like it as is. I don't mind a top-mounted sink that looks like this one does. It wouldn't be my first choice, but I don't hate it.

However as so many others point out - whether it looks good or not is irrelevant when it's not what you specified, in writing mind you!

I'm sorry you find yourself in this position. People make mistakes. We're all human. It is how people react to their mistakes that really matter, and I'm sad that this gentleman is attempting to gaslight you, or else he's really confused himself....or something.

Please go back to Joseph's post. They may have cut the hole to the right size but have the sink in wrong. It would be great if that were the case.

I hate to agree with the others, but bring a man with you. Find a big burly threatening looking guy, then go in. It works.... sadly

Yes, I have been treated like that buying cars and stereos. My car and my stereo.

@wiscokid we both agree that the most important issue is an incorrect install.

As far as cleanliness, there is in fact a cavity between undermount and counter. Depending on cut, it may be out of plan view (hidden).

As far as plumbing options for sink depth vs. p-trap and garbage disposal, you’re right. There are options, and they aren’t ideal (get more shallow sink, lower drain line cutting through back wall, remove GD). What I share are facts gained from experience. You shouldn’t let facts trigger you. My lessons learned offer was merely an attempt to find positive takeaways from undesired results.

"As far as cleanliness, there is in fact a cavity between undermount and counter. Depending on cut, it may be out of plan view (hidden)."

There is no "cavity" between a sink flange and the bottom of a countertop; there is silicone. With a sink properly strapped in place, there is virtually no silicone exposed and nothing to maintain. Cleaning couldn't be easier with a slight positive reveal.

So sorry this happened to you! It seems many of us ladies have had similar experiences with make contractors….most of us run our home improvements, it’s a shame we’re still treated like “the little housewife”. I’ve gotta say, this is a sign of a sloppy shop….they should have detailed notes they can refer to, cell # so they can call in case of questions….I know our fabricator left nothing to chance. Being precise is to their benefit, as well….no mistakes, no costly re-dos! It’s 100% their fault, they need to fix this. But I think Joseph is right and not all is lost; they might need to clean up the edges around the sink after removing it, perhaps come back and “pretty up” the edges, but you shouldn’t need to start over. Good luck!

I have a top mount in the kitchen and under mounts in both bathrooms. I hate the under mounts. They always catch dirt and everything else. I can clean and rinse the baths and I NEVER get rid of everything. The kitchen is fine. Maybe once or twice a year, I run a toothpick around the edge. The baths are never ending.

Old toothbrushes "fix" both rooms in a two second run around the reveal edges. EVERY week or more often. Mere seconds really..........

Maybe, but it is six monts to a year for a top mount.

It really is a matter of preference. They both have their pros and cons as with all things.

Just playing devil's advocate: There is one other possible reason it was done top mount. When the "ballpark quote" was done, an undermount cutout was priced and on the contract. THEN, at the template, the fabricator did all of his dimensions and realized that the sink was too big for the sink cabinet to be undermounted. This happens more than you know...especially with DIY peeps. You need more cabinet interior room to do undermount than top mount.

For instance, if she had frameless cabinets...you can't alter them to fit a bigger sink. Maybe that's what happened???

If the sink could have been made either way....then the fabricator is at fault here.

But shouldn't the buyer be made aware of this, if that is the case?

Maybe she was made aware. We don't know the fabricator's side. Maybe they spoke at the template and realized the sink was too big to undermount...fabber suggested top mount in passing...and that info was missed or forgotten....and the worst....not written down. I'm not saying this is what happened. Just thinking about the reasons this may have been done this way. There are a lot of ways this went down. Maybe the fabricator didn't realize it was too big until he got back to the shop...and saw that the sink was universal and took it upon himself to make it top mount. In that case, he was totally wrong.

They look frameless (hard to tell)....but this very well could have been the reason he cut it for a topmount. So even if he remakes the top for her, she'll need to pick out a smaller undermount that fits.

The sink looks nice..one of the nicer looking topmounts I've seen.

If that sink can fit undermounted....then have them remake it. Or ask for a discount to accept it.

I'm sorry, but that is ludicrous. Who in their right mind would risk F'ing up a $5,000 piece of stone to salvage a $400 sink?

An undermounted sink with a slight positive reveal is easy to keep clean, shows virtually no caulk, and never needs maintainence.

2 things: we have only undermount sinks and zero cleaning problems with any of them; and IF there was a realization that the sink couldn’t be installed as requested and contracted by the homeowner, the fabricator should have made extra sure that the homeowner was made aware immediately, no excuses!

I agree with that...the fabricator was in charge and needed to question things if the sink wouldn't fit. And I could be wrong..maybe sink would have fit undermounted. Was just giving a possible reason. Not saying the fabricator wasn't at fault.

As long as the cutout is about 5/8" smaller than the sink, that sink will undermount in that opening.

Has OP been back yet with an update?