Would you ask for a discount? How much?

[susana1954]

I decided to get quartz countertops put in my kitchen, and I ordered from a full-service (not discount) business.  I really didn't care if I got them before Christmas and said that repeatedly.  But they were insistent that they could do that.  Originally, they were going to install them Thursday, and I told them that the timeline was just too tight since they have to settle for at least 24 hours before the plumber can come out to reconnect everything.  I reiterated that I'd rather have them installed after Christmas rather than face the possibility of doing without water over Christmas.  The sales manager assured me that it was no problem and moved the install to today (Tuesday).

Minor problem . . . I am having a 4.5 inch quartz backsplash installed as well, and one piece was a quarter inch too short.  I could live without that section until the piece could be recut.  But in taking pictures, the installer noticed that one area was darker than the rest.  It looks like a shadow at first, but once you see it, you won't unsee it.  He explained that part of the slab had been "sunburned." (He is Hispanic so that may not be the technical term.)  I would have seen it after they left, but I am grateful that he owned up to it so I didn't have to have them come back out and see it for themselves before proceeding.  He talked to his manager, and they will have to recut the large piece that runs from one side of the stove, around the corner, and over the sink and then dishwasher.  They left the defective one in place so that I don't have open top cabinets, but I cannot have the plumber come back out and reconnect until the new slab is cut and installed.

And so apparently my fears came true--I will not have water over Christmas.  I had 3 different groups coming over--my son and his family on Saturday, my daughter and her family on Sunday, and a few friends who also have nowhere to go to have lunch and play board games on Monday.  I guess in the best case scenario they would cut it tomorrow, install on Thursday, and the plumber would come on Friday.  But I don't even know if they will put a rush job on it or if my plumber is working on Friday.  I am going to my son's and my daughter's homes instead.  I haven't reached my friends yet.

The business is supposed to call me tomorrow to give me the details of when it will be fixed.  So back to my title:

Would you ask for a discount?   Or would you just consider it part of the renovation process and be glad they noticed it first?

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Have them pay the plumber to come in and get your water going and have them come back to disconnect afterwards.  You have paid for this once, their turn.

[susana1954]

Good suggestion and close to what we decided to do.  I went there today to talk with the sales manager because no one had called this morning to tell me the progress.  She agreed that I deserved some sort of discount because it looked like I would be without water in the kitchen until Wednesday because my plumbing company is closed Monday and Tuesday.  She set up the install for Friday and the plumber for Wednesday.  They will pay the plumber's reconnection fee.

Then everything shifted . . . for the better.  They got the slab cut and will install in the morning (Thursday).  The plumbing company, who has done my work for years, said to call them as soon as they are finished, and they will start the 24-hour clock.  It has to sit that long before they can reconnect.  So they are coming some time on Friday afternoon.

I still expect them to pay the reconnection costs as a discount, but we will see.  The sales manager had called the plumbing company directly to ask them to send her the invoice.  And they should.  I cancelled all 3 sets of guests coming to my house, and I can't even think of reinviting any of them until I definitely have countertops and water.  So the inconvenience is still there.  I don't think anyone will want to come, anyway.  My kids prefer me to go to their homes because it is easier on them, and my friends reserved the common area in their apartment building.

[bean29]

I am glad you got it worked out, and I am sorry you had to cancel/reschedule your plans with family and friends.