Austin Marble & Granite

Ty (the owner) has good deals on the pricing and has good quality granite available from his distributors. Sometimes I think he gets overwhelmed since he is the only guy running the company. I have had to make several trips to the granite distributor store which was very frustrating because of miscommunications between him and the distributor. But if you can bear punctuality aside his team does a great job. They don't make a mess when removing the old countertops and properly clean any leftovers out. The granite was installed neatly and he can do the backsplash too if desired. Would still recommend him.

Construction on my home was delayed until 4/2015 - I kept in contact with the company and the owner Tyrone Bartos during that time and was assured they would be ready to proceed when I was. Long story short, once I was ready to proceed I found out the original slabs had never been ordered, and I would need to use different stone. 
I was super excited about getting this project done so I pressed on. It started out well but went downhill quickly. Emails/phone calls/texts went unreturned and appointments were blown off. Ty changed the scope of work - starting on the bathroom fabrication without my signoff on material or pricing, refusing to give me an updated contract, taking one month to complete 3 bathroom counters (during which time I had no access to bathroom sinks) and then refused to complete the kitchen on the terms he had proposed, asking for another $4500 (This is after I'd already paid $4600 out of $6000 for the entire project). There was also minor damage incurred to my bathroom walls during the installation process which was never fixed. 
He has refused to return the stone and sink which I paid for directly to the stoneyard and manufacturer (another $3000 on top of the amount I paid to him) and I am in the middle of pursuing civil and criminal charges to recoup these losses. Ty in fact called and texted while I was writing this review to demand additional money, threaten to take me to court, and tell me that he has no intention of returning my property. 
I wanted to go with a local company instead of Home Depot etc. - really wish I had Angie's list then and I hope this helps someone else avoid the costly mistake I made.

Called them on a Tuesday and had my wet bar counter top in on Thursday.  They were aware that I had a tight turn a round schedule and they accommodated.  I picked a remnant (which they had many to choose from in stock) and had my wet bar completed two days later.  I dealt with the owner personally and he went the extra mile.

Key Complaints: Mismatched seams, granite movement from lack of support, surfaces are not level and round objects fall on to the floor, mismatched corner, no supports for bar overhang, the sink cutout was cut incorrectly (an admission by the owner himself), areas were not sealed where the granite meets the walls, epoxy sealant extends 3 inches over painted cabinet surfaces, and worst of all, the granite was not cut to specified size of 84 1/2 inches, the granite measures 85 1/4 to 85.75 (not 90 degrees) .  



Background Information



I found Austin Marble and Granite online 08/12/2013.  I needed granite countertops for the bathroom vanity cabinet,s which were being made.  I informed Mr. Bartos the cabinets were not complete and I had no definitive date.  He said he was having a  'sale' and, he would give me a special deal. I picked out two pieces of scrapped granite. The total came to just under $1300.00 for installation, sinks, and backsplash. He asked if I had anymore need for granite.  I stated 'one day, I would like to replace my countertops in the kitchen.  He stated he would include the vanities for 'free' if I wanted to pick out some granite to do the kitchen as part of this job.  We drove to a granite wholesaler near Burnet and 183.  I found granite, Imperial Gold. He said it would take 2 full slabs to complete the job. He said he would give me a "special deal.  He stated, "usually 'they' charge $69 sq ft",but  he would "do it for $59 sq ft".  We drove to my house, he measured and gave me a quote. I agreed with the price for the total job.  ALL transactions were performed on his IPad.  These documents included the quote, dimensions and contract, a description of the work to be accomplished and my credit card purchase.  He asked if I could print the contract off on my printer, which I did.  I signed the contract, and let him charge half of the quote price.  He took the contract with him.  Stating "I could print off" my "own copy online later". However, he removed the link, and it took me several request to receive a copy of the signed contract after the job in the kitchen was completed.



Installation Problems:



 The work was scheduled for 08/16/2013 @ 9am. I reminded Mr. Bartos, the vanities cabinets were not ready.  He stated he wanted to get the kitchen completed and I could schedule for AMG to come back.  He called the morning of the 16th to tell me that one of the workers did not come in that morning and they were looking a replacement. He arrived with two workers at 10am.  The work was fast and furious.  They set up a saw in my driveway and began cutting and beveling the granite.  There was so much dust, one of my neighbors complained about the thick coat of dust on his newly washed car.  

 

Here is where it all goes down hill...

The bar was placed, the sink side was placed, but while placing the stovetop side, the granite broke.  It was cut too large for the area and they attempted to make the area larger by gouging out the sheetrock down to the studs. As a result of the broken piece, Mr. Bartos left with worker #1 to go get another piece of granite. I was told repeatedly the urgency of the time crunch....worker #1 had to be somewhere at 3pm sharp and the granite had to be in place by that time.  It was now noon.  

 

Mr. Bartos returned with worker # 1 and a piece of granite at 1:30 pm.  The cut-out for the stove top was done on site, in the house.  There was dust so thick I thought it would set off the fire alarm.  The new piece of granite was cut at an incorrect length and not at 90 degree angles. One side of the long piece measures 85 1/4 while the opposite edge measure 85 7/8 inches. The correct measurement is 84.5 to allow room for the refrigerator. I was not immediately aware of the mistake until later.  The dirt, dust and trash left from gouging out the wall prevented me from putting it is place until that area was cleaned up.  My refrigerator presently sits in my living room because it will not fit in the space next to the stovetop. The opening is 56 inches my refrigerator is 55 15/16 inches. 



Mr. Bartos installed the sink.  There was a problem about not being able to secure the back of the sink because, worker # 1 placed the sink opening at a place where you could not use securing clips to hold the sink.  He then mixed up a special epoxy and started gluing the sink in place.  He stated, "you are never going to get this sink out" and "if you ever half to remove the sink, you will have to remove the granite with it".



Upon completion of the job, he stated he would like a check and told me the amount to write.  I wrote the check, and he and worker #2 left.  It wasn't until he was gone that I realized I had written the check for the entire amount plus a charge added to the signed contract for $189 charge to disconnect the gas. This charge was added onto the contract without my knowledge or permission. Also, the vanities have not been completed. I immediately cancelled the check and tried to reach him to ask him to hold off on cashing the check until we talked. I finally reached him on Monday, and explained the work was not completed and the payoff comes when the job is complete.  I also stated I would not pay the additional charge as it was not on the original contract He was cordial and unconcerned.



Tuesday, 08/20/2013, I received an unpleasant call from Mr. Bartos. He called me a liar and a cheat. I stated, the rest of the money will come on the completion of the job. He stated "I gave you the bathroom vanities for FREE, you owe me all the money...$6800+.  He stated the quote was for the kitchen job only and the vanities were not included in that price because they were "free".



Since this time, the seam where the two pieces of granite meet moves up and down with the slightest pressure.  The pieces float freely without anything to hold the pieces together.  The filler which was the only thing used to stabilize that seam eventually separated.   I have sent Mr. Bartos several pictures of these items I have described, and two videos which show the defects 'in action'. One video, shows the granite 'giving' to the weight of my hand pressing down on it, and a video showing a water bottle rolling off the counter because it is not level.  I have been treated with disrespect, threats, and I feel bullied.  He has not revisited his work, instead he stated that the pictures and videos looked to him like the granite has been 'pried, altered or moved" by someone else. "His pictures show no such defects". He has not shared his pictures with me. He stated in our last conversation and he was contacting his lawyer. 



It is my expectation that Mr. Bartos follow his own contract, and do a quality job, however, there is a problem that he does follow industry standards (such as countertop bar overhang support).  If you have any questions about what the standards are, please visit www.marble-institute.com/pdfs/homeownerconsumer_countertop.pdf . 



I will be getting quotes from other contract

Complete disaster.   Ty Bartos (owner) talked a great game.  He insisted in payment in full up front (first mistake).  He then scheduled me for demolition and install of my counter tops for the next week.  I took him at his word (second mistake). When the install date arrived - no show and no call.  I called and he made excuses as to how busy they were.
When the crew finally arrived (two weeks past when promised).  Ty was not there - it was 2 guys I never saw before.  They did the granite counter top install and the granite breakfast bar shelf.  I was told I could remove the 2x4 supports under the bar shelf after 48 hrs.  To be extra careful - I waited 36 hrs.   20 minutes after removing the supports, the bar shelf collapsed smashing my floor tiles and almost killing my dog.  Turns out they only liquid nailed the bar, did not clean and prep the surface they mounted it to and did not install the require metal brackets to support such a long, heavy piece (about 6 ft in length).  Also, after I ran my dishwasher the first time after the install,  the new disposal they installed  caused my dishwasher to leak all over the floor because they had not popped the drainage plug from the disposal when they installed it.  Complete amateurs!
I called Ty and he acted concerned but would not give me a refund. I just wanted the bar portion money back and money to have my tile repaired and the disposal / dishwasher leak fixed.  I had to go to his warehouse/office and negotiate with him and his office manager (which is his mom).  After a frustrating discussion they refused to fix my plumbing issue that they caused installing the disposal, but they agreed to fix the broken tile & put in the proper supports (which he said I should pay for but I refused). The supports are standard to support such a heavy piece!
I found to Ty to be disrespectful, condescending and unprofessional.
Worst contractor experience ever!   Stay away from this business (or you will regret it)
Ty Bartos 
13200 Pond Springs Rd. Building D35 
Austin, TX 78729 
AustinMarbleGranite.com
If you do a BBB (Better Business Bureau) search on him you will find multiple complaints that were never responded to. ( My third mistake for not researching BBB prior to hiring).

I have lived in my home for 28 years and remodeling the kitchen would have been a daunting task without the guidance of such knowledgeable people at Austin Marble and Granite.  Austin Marble and Granite helped walk me through the process of picking out granite for my kitchen and explained the process so I felt comfortable every step of the way.   My kitchen is even more beautiful than my expectations.  They were a joy to work with and I highly recommend them.

They let me go to the wrong address !!!  At first I spoke with Ty...he invited me to the shop to view my choice for a counter top.I went to an address of theirs on the map,Ty did not bother to tell me he had moved a year prior.
After a phone call,he told me his new address and I was there in approx 1/2 hr...
Ty showed me his stock,I made a selection,,,,he wrote me an estimate for a little over $2000.00 ...
Since the material was a remnant, I thought that unusual and too high a price,,,,I told 'em NO ,I will not accept that price,,,,
A few days later Ty left a phone message,to say he wanted to further explain this estimate.One day after that,Linda,from his office called,to tell me ,"ty was mistaken,the last line on the estimate of $498.00 should not be there".I said ,"its too late to get honest".
I explained,I have contracted with another company.
A day after that,someone named Ray called me in an attempt to know who I did 
go with!! Its not your business ..
They are a small company,,very friendly and welcoming.

Services were never performed and in process of filing claim with credit card company, awaiting response.

I have a kitchen remodel tomorrow.  Ty Bartos of Austin Marble & Granite promised to remove the granite countertop 2 days before the remodel.  He collected half of money up front, $684.00.  Then he changed my appointment one time due to another job.  This morning he was supposed to show up.  But he simply disappeared and did not return phone calls.  Now I am scrabbling to find another company to remove the granite and I have to change my appointment as well.  Very bad experience.

I hope to find this guy and get my money back.  Beware of this person!


Update on 8/31/2011
Ty promised me on two occasions to refund the deposit but it has not happened.  I filed a BBB complaint and I am going to file a small claim if necessary. 
 

Update on 3/12/2013
I filed a small claim at the end of 2011 and it was heard in court until 10 months later.  I won the case by default.  It took another few months before I finally got all the money back.  Not a pleasant experience but it is time to move on.