Arts of Stone

New Milford Homeowner

I write to express my disappointment in Jose personally and to offer fair warning to others considering Arts of Stone as a source of their new stone counterwork. I view such a purchase as a large investment in my home and as such am entitled to the finest quality end product proportionate to the money spent. Jose’s quote was the highest of four received, he represented himself as superior to both local and big box store competition and was given the work with the clear understanding of my expectation for a quality installation. On two occasions in regard to scheduling he was told directly not to rush the job that it was most important to get the work done right. I placed my confidence in Jose and he personally let me down both in the product he produced and the excuses he provided as reasoning. The workmanship in templating and fabrication was less than to be expected in the craftsmanship of a person with the 13 years’ experience Jose lays claim to. In example to my installation the largest counter section (11”) was cut too wide and long necessitating the removal of ½” of drywall along the wall and an additional ½” overhang on the counters edge. This condition was attributed to the “flexibility” in the wood template as opposed to a fabrication error. The counter edge in both areas requiring joints were misaligned during the process producing a less than straight bullnose edge which was in part attributed to the router encountering a “soft” part of the stone which deepened the cut. Additionally, the primary joint was poorly matched to the stone pattern and cut in a manner that produced chipping evident to the eye when the seam was complete. One major and one minor chip of the stone edge at the joints required repair by filling and is evident by close inspection. The sink cut out is less than symmetrical and the sink is installed with poorly applied silicone adhesive rather than the retaining clips provided by the manufacturer. The issue with the sink was attributed to the construction of the Kraft Maid cabinetry and the method of resolution customary. Silicone residue remains visible along the surface of the sink with no effort or concern to remove it. The backsplash was hastily installed with excessive gaps along the top edge and walls. The technique of applying silicone and setting the backsplash in place without making any attempt of adjustment produced gaps which were attributed to the “wall being out”. Clearly assuring installation square and true to the counter would mitigate any concern were the time and interest taken rather than the suggested remedy of “painters caulk” being applied. These are the most blatant examples of the issues that experience and craftsmanship could have been avoided during my experience with Arts of Stone. The end result is that I will have to address Jose’s shortcomings myself or live with them as is. I understand this was not a million-dollar kitchen, however it is my home and I have the same expectation for the quality I pay for. Clearly I did not receive value comparable to what was paid. Not only did Jose fall short in providing a quality product, he was indignant when any mention of concern was made. Jose was quick to add the cost of backsplash omitted in his original proposal and reluctant to reduce the actual square footage of the countertop quoted. Jose required waivers stating the work was thoroughly inspected and refused to acknowledge any concerns that arose. I paid the bill in its entirety as I had committed to, in cash as Jose requested. To debate and argue with Jose would have been pointless, the counter is in and it’s over. He knows the truth as well as I.