Is the box metal? Is AC cable(Armor Clad, often incorrectly called 'BX') present? Use a volt meter to test of the box os grounded (hot to box should be ~120 V). If the box is metal and grounded there should be a tapped hole in the box you can put a ground screw into (10-32). If there is no ground in the box just put a wire nut on the ground to the fixture and tuck it in the box.

I'm going to play devil's advocate here and also try to fill some holes in your story. This whole thing could have certainly been handled better, for both parties. It was an unfortunate mistake on their part, but would you rather they'd gotten it done faster with the wrong wood? Everyone makes mistakes. If I was faced with a potential 4 week delay without a stove I'd go to a used appliance store the first day, buy a cheap stove, bring it home, use it, then donate it later. In a 3 to 4 week period it's not unreasonable to think the furniture situation could have been remedied to make your lot more palatable. You could have prevailed on the floor man to set up your rooms and he would have likely complied. Now let me address the 48 days vs. 7 to 10 days. Where did the 7 to 10 day timeframe originate? It sounds implausible, at least the way I do floors. When the proper floor arrived, how soon was it installed? How long did it take to install? Did they start sanding and finishing right away? How many square feet of flooring was there to sand and finish? What type of finish was used. Answers to these questions will determine how long it really should have taken. Most of this is really pointless at this point because as the tired saying goes, it is what it is. From a retailer's perspective, if you didn't pay me, I'd lien your house. Once I liened your house (which takes my time and costs money) I'd be far less willing to provide any price concession. I would suggest you be proactive to make a settlement. The time you lost is water under the bridge but the floor finish is a real issue. Ask the retailer how much he would charge you to sand and finish the floor and suggest he deduct that amount from the bill. Tell him that in the future, you'd expect him to do the job for that amount of money, to keep him honest. In fact, make him give you a written estimate with no expiration date. I've done that in the past when something didn't turn out well and there was no time to re-do the job. Contact another reputable finisher for a quote so you can compare. Or get the other quote and deduct it from the invoice. PLEASE, PLEASE don't burden another finisher with a long tale of woe. While I might derive a little schadenfreude from hearing of the shortcomings of one of my rivals, I don't want to get the impression that a potential customer will be difficult to work for. Someone who tells me that a 7 day job took 48 days doesn't come across as reasonable when I know that it's not a 7 day job. Keep it short and simple.

You sure about the code on impact? I know there is some interpretive stuff out there on the impact code if you are far enough back from the coast and below a certain peak roof height. I am putting laminated glass in my windows when we re-do the facade. What part of the OBX? Who is your builder?

I don’t think it would look too bad but yes, might raise questions about why the pantry isn’t in the corner instead of breaking up what otherwise would be a long counter. From a looks standpoint, I’d think about adding the base cabinet & counter & have open shelving above instead of an upper cabinet. I think that would give more use options. A set up for wine bar or even just more storage with bottom cab for infrequently used items & display above on the shelves. I wouldn’t use for trash storage - too far away from area where trash generated at the sink clean up and the prep areas. Won’t want to be walking over with messy trash or constantly dragging trash can across kitchen. Look on line at this Nettleton model - the one I looked at had open shelving there & was different than the picture you posted. Seeing the other options might help you visualize the open shelving