Marble Expressions Inc

It went very well. They were in and out. They were quick and clean. They were very polite. They were detailed with what was going on or in decisions that needed to be made. They had a lot of really good selection of nice stones. We were able to redo our bathroom with the pieces that we purchased from there. The prices for the stone was just really good. They were really good with pricing. With the installation, they were very detailed. They made sure that whatever they were going to be doing was understood right and that it was going to do what we wanted. They let us know. They didn't just come in and installed it. They even make sure before they left that the color and the calking was right and it was the way that I wanted it. They were just really great. We plan on using them again. Overall, the pricing was just excellent compared to everyone else and no one else wanted to to do like the smaller job. They're perfect for those small jobs. They were able to fit me in within two weeks to get everything in and done. They scheduled me within two weeks.

They were awesome, did great work. Good to work with, great at communicating. Good craftsmanship. They were always on time. They stayed within my budget.

On time more was provided than in contract. workers excellent polite helpful. I was referred from co worker who had a botchedinstall. She called the above and still refers to this day.

I'm going to write this review in two parts - first the workmanship of MEI and second the whole process of remodeling with granite. Part1: Without doubt, the office staff at MEI were the nicest and most patient people I've ever dealt with in the construction trades. Pat Denecke, the office manager, exhibited inexhaustible patience in answering my questions and working through three revisions of the contract. Rene, one of the partners, also took the time to give us a tour one morning when we stopped in to see their fabrication shop. Antonio also impressed us with his knowledge in measuring our kitchen and laying out the slabs. Although it was a bit extreme, he managed to cover our 17’ x 7' L-shaped kitchen counter (with a bay window) using only 2 seams! However, there was a definite gap between the front office and the fabrication and installation crews. In spite of lengthy conversations, we still ended up with a different bullnose design than specified. Also, had I not been home, they would have installed the granite without any reinforcement in front of the sink or stove - critical to avoid cracking. To their credit, they immediately took care of this after I pointed it out. However, their shimming of the original subdeck was marginal and their use of caulk between the backsplash and wall was excessive. Many people would never notice, so I can't mark them down too much for this. They also did an amazing job of protecting my hardwood floors with both rosin paper and cardboard during demolition and construction - plus wrapping all cabinets and appliances in plastic. Finally, they touched up the two seams and applied a second coat of sealant (at my request) when they returned to install the remnant piece. MEI is not the cheapest shop around, but they are very professional as you would expect from their A+ rating in the BBB and their membership in the Marble Institute of America (one of the only ones in San Diego). Part 2: I've said this before - you get out of a remodel what you put into it. We spent nearly two months shopping for the right slabs, finding the right fabricator and negotiating the contract. First, there's slab shopping. Take large paint samples from your kitchen and spare floor tiles or planks if you have them to really see the effect in the slab yards. Second, get the free samples of your favorites that most yards offer and take them home to view in your normal lighting (versus warehouse halogen or direct sun). If necessary, buy a remnant for $25 (remember you're investing several thousand). When you find the right slabs, buy them immediately. A dozen yards may carry Yellow River, but each slab is a unique slice from the quarry. The more flow/pattern in the granite the less likely you are to ever find that particular visual impact again. Most yards have a captive fab shop or recommended fabricators. These will be attractively priced, so by all means let them quote. However, make sure that you visit any fabricator that you intend to have bid. They should have CNC equipment for cutting and grinding the granite with diamond tools. They should use water-based cutting fluids and have air-handling equipment to protect their workers (who should be wearing masks while cutting and grinding). You're looking for an orderly and professional operation. Obviously, you also want to see samples of their work so that you can inspect the uniformity of the edge work and the tightness of their seams. Back the message of you reap what you sow. Carry a drawing and photos of your kitchen with you. A reputable shop can provide reasonably accurate quotes from theses, but of course will need to visit to make a binding quote. Have a list of all your special issues - whether it is protecting your floors, cutting a specific edge profile, location of faucet holes or handling any related plumbing work. As always check not only Angie's List, but the BBB and your contractor state licensing board for information on your contractor. You can also click on the "Membership" link of the MIA website to see if they registered professionals. That site also has a great Consumer Resources section including an invaluable document describing the installation of natural stone countertops. You really need to understand what the industry standards are for flatness, squareness, plumb, seam fitup, edge reinforcement, overhang support, etc. http://www.marble-institute.com/consumerresources/homeownersconsumer_countertop.pdf I could go on and on about construction details and working out your contract Tand Cs. However, I'll end here with two comments. First, there's no substitute for being hands-on. Measure your counters, check the squareness and plumbness of the walls and cabinets so that you can discuss it in advance with the fabricator. Be there for the templating of the counter, the layout of the slab, the demolition of the existing countertops and the installation of the new ones. Finally, keep in mind that stone is a natural product. Even with bookmatched slabs, you'll have some mismatch in seams. There will be small cracks and pores and tiny areas that do not have the mirror polish of the main slab. If those "defects" bother you, then shop for Silestone, Corian or another fused quartz product. Selecting, installing and owning granite is a true labor of love.