9-23-2014 This project began with a call to the Ancient Elements Stoneworks office from the client. At that time it was expressed that the client would be purchasing a home in nearby Rockriver, WY, and they were interested in new kitchen counter tops. During that conversation our secretary reviewed our calendar and a meeting to go over details of the project, look at options and samples, and discuss budget was scheduled for 1:00 PM on 9-25-2014; just 2 days later. 9-25-2014 During the meeting on 9-25 many options were discussed, including; material, edge detail, splash, sink, range, and budget. As in all of such meeting at Ancient Elements Stoneworks it was expressed that every option in turn has a different price point, and we pride ourselves on given accurate estimates so that there are no surprises. Therefore our clients are asked to select 1 option from each category so we can figure an estimate, and if things are over budget we can look at more cost effective options at that time. At this point is when budget entered the conversation and it was brought to light that the clients budget was “$4500.00 give or take 5% to 10%”. Ancient Elements Stoenworks secretary suggested that to be close to that budget our clients should be looking at the most cost effective options, which would be: Group 1 material, Flat/Ease edge detail, tile splash, and one of Ancient Elements Stoneworks in stock sinks, and as long as the most cost effective options are chosen, Ancient Elements Stoneworks is normally within 5% to 10% of solid surface pricing. Before the clients had left, they had chosen: Demi-Bull edge detail (a 5th tear option), full height backsplash (a very costly option), and had not selected a material. 9-26-2014 Friday afternoon the client emailed with a material choice of New Venetian Gold 3315 (a group 1 material) 9-30-2014 While working on the estimate just 2 business days later, the clients emailed asking to change the material selection to Verde Fuoco, and certainly with full height splash. Ancient Elements Stonework personnel began corresponding with our vendors to locate enough Verde Fuoco material for the project. 10-2-2014 Ancient Elements Stoneworks received word from all vendors that there was not enough material in stock to complete the project, but the one vendor was going to check and see if they could locate more material. 10-3-2014 Ancient Elements Stoneworks, called the client and explained the situation, and also explained that Verde Fuoco is a premium material. Stone is priced in groups 1 through 6 and premium being the highest price category. There is about a 15% increase from group to group, with no top end on the premium category. If enough Verde Fuoco was found to complete the project, it would most certainly be way over the previous budget constraints. The client kindly informed Ancient Elements Stoneworks that this was their project, and they would make the decision as to what was in their budget, and that it is not Ancient Elements Stoneworks personnel prerogative to say whether it is in their budget on not. Ancient Elements Stoneworks said that was fine, we would continue to try an locate enough Verde Fuoco to complete the project, but to please understand it would probably take about a week to exhaust all resources. 10-13-2014 Ancient Elements Stoneworks called the client to let them know enough Verde Fuoco had been located for the project, and we would be putting an accurate estimate together in the next few days. 10-15-2014 Ancient Elements Stoneworks received an email stating that the client would now like to change from full height splash throughout, to full height behind the range only and 4” splash in the remainder of the kitchen. 10-16-2014 The very next day after receiving the final decision on all options for the project, Ancient Elements Stoneworks emailed the client estimate 1293. 10-17-2014 Ancient Elements Stoneworks followed up with the client to make sure they received the estimate and see if there were any questions. The client responded that the price was out of their budget, and they would have to reevaluate things before moving forward, and that they would be in touch in the next few weeks. Ancient Elements Stoneworks again suggested that a different material, edge detail, and splash option be looked at in order to bring pricing within budget. Also that our next delivery would be in about 3 weeks, so a decision would need to be made in order to have material on that delivery. 11-6-2014 In anticipation of material delivery Ancient Elements Stoneworks emailed the client to see if there was any decision on material. 11-7-2014 The client replied that they had decided against granite. It is unfortunate that the client was unwilling to compromise with more cost effective options. Had this project been priced with Bainbrook Brown (group 1 material), Flat/Ease edge detail (most cost effective), tile splash, and one of Ancient Elements Stoneworks 3 styles of in stock kitchen sinks, the total project price would have been $4420, which would have been under their previously expressed budget or "$4500.00 give or take 5% or 10%". Here at Ancient Elements Stoneworks, we strive for complete professionalism in every aspect of our work, and keep detailed notes on every project so that we are able to evaluate ourselves and make improvements where we can. It is our policy to return calls and emails within a couple days, even if we do not have a complete answer, just to let our clients know that we are working on their project and give a projected time frame. We look forward to every project, and hopefully this client will allow us the opportunity to regain their confidence. Brandon M. Chimenti - Owner