TERRAZZO & MARBLE SUPPLY COMPANY

Description of Work: I originally contracted with T&M for purchase of marble for kitchen countertops, but cancelled the order when the fabricator (Tithof Marble and Tile) they and my kitchen cabinet/designer (DDK Kitchens) strongly recommended proved to be totally unacceptable. The encouragement came in the form of advising that in their opinion their preferred supplier is the best in the Chicago area and insisting that the marble slab order be sent to their preferred fabricator. I countered that if they wanted me to obtain a quote from their preferred fabricator, they had to provide pricing specs to my chosen fabricator (Newport Design), whose price for marble slabs and fabrication turned out to be about half the price quoted by T&M's preferred fabricator. It was only because I insisted on the 2 quotes from 2 fabricators that they agreed to do so: their original response was that is not what is usually done. I also found that T&M was more difficult to deal with than other marble suppliers. To view anything, you have to make an appointment and their appointment availability was not always convenient for me. I also found when I made the appointments, viewing conditions are not optimal.Their spacing and warehouse lighting to view slabs were inferior to most of the other suppliers I visited. I canceled the order with T&M and their recommended fabricator and purchased a superior marble from American Granite, which I think had better inventory for what I was looking for and provided superior viewing conditions of slabs for selection. No appointments were required from me and the whole process was much easier. For example, when I told them that my fabricator would be Newport Design, there was no pushback or attempts to convince me to use someone else. The purchased slabs were fabricated by Newport Design and the end product is stunning. Everyone who has come into the totally redone kitchen comments first on the marble countertops. Only after they examine (with sight and touch)the countertops for several minutes, do they make any comments about the new cabinetry, appliances, and wood floors. If you are purchasing stone for countertops, my recommendation is to visit a number of suppliers, including T&M. I've told you what my experience was, but you need to make your own comparisons regarding stone supplier and fabricator. I am exceptionally pleased that I backed out of purchasing from T&M and their recommended fabricator. My choices please me every day when I look at the countertops, but you may feel entirely different on matters of service, cooperation with what you want, accessibility, pricing, and end results. Total kitchen remodels are expensive and disruptive (count on at least 8 weeks from start to finish), so don't compromise on what you want. Once the project is complete, you won't have re-do opportunities any time soon, so insist on what you want and pay what you think is a reasonable price.