Nu Stone Transformations

Our condo apartment had a very small, out of date kitchen. We contracted Granite Transformations for both cupboards and counter because the showroom products looked excellent and their price was much better than competitors. What followed was something of a nightmare.

They arrived to do the cupboards first but were unable to complete the job because they had forgotten to order the end panel for the corner section; similarly someone had forgotten to order the glass for the cabinet doors. So we had to live with half a kitchen for the next 3 weeks. They guarantee their products for 10 years but within a week, 3 of the 4 drawer fronts had fallen off. They did eventually come (3 weeks later) and complete the work.

We chose their 'overlay' counter because they assured us that it was indistinguishable from solid granite and was much cheaper. When the counter was completed however there was a very noticbale seam in a very obvious place, right next to the sink. In addition their was no corresponding seam on the edge so that it was obvious that it was not a solid piece of granite. When we complained about it they sent two of their senior people to look at it. We were told that with our shape kitchen a seam was unavoidable and that they were unable to make it look like solid granite on the edge for 'technical reasons'. When I asked why we weren't told this in advance so we could discuss our options we were told 'we expect customers to do their homework'. Not exactly the kind of customer service we expected. In the end all they would do was tint the seam with a black stain.

Be aware that the counter installation is extremely messy and leaves a fine layer of granite dust everywhere. Fortunately they were able to cut it in our sun room so that it was contained. They did vacuum the area when they'd finshed but they did not clean up the considerable mess in the hallway outside our apartment. We received a complaint from the building super and had to clean it up ourselves.

If you do decide to use Granite Transformations they will bill you in 3 payments, initial deposit; second payment when materials are ready and the final payment when the work is completed. If you use a credit card for the deposit, they will automatically bill your credit card for the second and third payments - your approval is not required. For the cupboards they did not take the final payment until we were satisfied with the work but the final amount for the counter was taken before we even had time to voice our dissatisfaction.

We would not use or recommend Granite Transformations because of the problems we encountered but if you do make sure you pay by cheque not credit card.