Custom Build or Tract/Developer Home? Do you own the home or are you purchasing it upon completion?

We weren’t there for templating and didn’t even think to ask (dumb on our part now I guess). Just didn’t even imagine this would be an issue, and based on the sample of granite we chose from design center it wasn’t even apparent there was a directional flow to be considered.

Developer home. Paying upon completion, but they know we have sold our home (contingency) and put down earnest money that would be tough to walk away from.

It’s fine.

They did it in our master bath too. I just don’t have a great photo. It essentially looks the same as kitchen on our vanity right down the middle. Why there’s even a seam here is confusing. It’s not that large, so I don’t see why one piece of granite couldn’t be used (as they did in other homes we walked through in neighborhood).

What does your contract say?

I wouldn't be happy with that but you may not have a choice. Was this the standard granite or was it an upgrade?

I am guessing that to have the grain in only one direction would mean more seams because of the size of the material.

That's a good point...

I don't think we have a choice at this point, which is disappointing. I can see how this is a very subjective topic, but they say it's like that in every home (not accurate) and there is nothing wrong with how it was done. I actually think they did a great job with the seam itself, but unfortunately the disruption of the visual pattern makes it look sub-par.

In order to get the pattern to align better, it would have required more material and or seams. They obviously chose the way that was most beneficial to them, and since you were not at the templating (since you do not own the house yet technically they don't have to invite you) I am afraid your complaints will fall on deaf ears.

I appreciate the reply. I think you're right :( Fingers still crossed they are willing to compromise somewhere. Thanks

Developer home. Their completed homes likely serve as models and standards in your purchase contract.

We just completed building our beach house and had much wringing of hands over granite seams. The funny thing is that when I packed up our old beach house for the move (which we didn't build), I noticed, for the first time, that our granite was seamed exactly as your picture above, at both corners (u-shaped kitchen). It gave me a good laugh as we've been in this house since 2009! Is your seam perfect. No. Will it matter at the end of the day. No.

On the other hand, putting the seam in the center of the vanity is a big no no, IMO. I think I'd ask for a new counter there. It looks too long to do in one piece but they could have put the seam in a less conspicuous place.

Well done. That looks much better than a miter.

You lost your right to complain when you picked a material with directional movement.

@Joseph Corlett- I was hoping you respond on this thread. Does your response mean that this is the best way to have done it? I would have thought a 45 degree miter in the corner would have made the most sense... But I'm not a counter top expert. Educate me and all of us?? :) Thanks in advance :)

No, the best way is to use more slabs to match the movement of the stone, but a tract builder isn't going to care about something looking really pretty.

"No, the best way is to use more slabs to match the movement of the stone, but a tract builder isn't going to care about something looking really pretty."

Not necessarily. This is subjective. My personal preference is for stone with movement to be done as these were. The only thing this tract builder is guilty of is not properly setting customer expectations.

It's clearly the same granite and has a tight seam, the rounding at the corner is smooth ... unless your contract specified that you had final approval over layout of the granite, it's up to the cutters and installers to make the most cost-effective use of materials.

What did your contract say about aligning the directional flow?

45-degree cuts are common only in laminate countertops, and only because the stuff won't make an interior bend like that. The kind of corner they made for you is stronger.

Three more seams to "turn" the flow? I can only imagine the complaints on that.

I honestly think once you get some items on the countertop and live with it for awhile, you'll never notice it again. I have a granite with some directional movement and I have the exact same type of seam placement. As long as the seam is technically done well (and I think you said you're pleased with that?), then I'd chalk this up to the 47 million things you learn about when you build a house. ;)

I think it's a beautiful kitchen. I've been where you are - so close to being done that you can almost taste it - and yet worn out and trying to decide which battles are worth fighting.

That's a very good point. The slab that matters is the ISLAND & the rest is background.