Granite worktop - could I use the Small Claims Court?

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sam h

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Strange one!!

I have a granite worktop. A while after I got it I noticed my t-shirts had a selection of small holes around the tummy area. After looking at all sorts of options (moths, carpet bugs etc, not to mention going through a large number of t-shirts) I realised it was the worktop.

They came out & sanded it down and all seemed fairly OK for a while (still getting the odd hole in a shirt but not so much)

But the last while, I've gotten loads. I stocked up on about 6/8 new t-shirts a couple of weeks ago & they all have holes in them already. Hubby & kids clothes being affected also....not so much....wonder why:D.

I reckon I've thrown out well in excess of 25 t-shirts due to this. The edges aren't very noticibily sharp, but I have shown with a t-shirt it is causing snagging.

I've gone back to the supplier & waiting to hear back, but not too hopeful as they reckon I'm the only person who has had this problem (which I know for a fact I'm not).

I'd be happy with something painted on to stop snagging or the edges sanded to a different, more curved shape. Do I have the right to insist on this or can I take it further if they refuse to do anything? It's about 3 years since I got it in.
 
Granite Worktops are a very specialised business. Unless you bought it from a less than reputable company i am 100% certain it is not the worktop. It costs 100s of 1000s to set up so there fore the tops will be professionally finished
 
they are a reputable company. When they first came out I used a t-shirt to prove it was the worktop. (just brought it along the edge - it's hardly a coincidence that all the t-shirts have holes at worktop level)

It is a multicoloured worktop with some metalic bits in it, so I don't know if it is :
- small gaps between the different colours (you can see the little holes/gaps)
- metalic bits sticking out a fraction

There was actually a small bit fell off (about half the size of a 1 cent coin & about a 1-2mm deep) - I have no clue how this came off as nobody was hammering anything near it.

Believe me, I'm fully aware of how many €1,000's it costs !!!

Thanks
 
Not really an answer to the problem you have, but I would suggest that you wear a canvas (or similar) apron while working by the worktop.
 
what are you going to court for? the worktops or the t-shirts? big difference it the claim!
 
In my opinion the granite work top was "fit for purpose" and you have no grounds to make a case in the "small claims court". Perhaps you are standing too close to the work top?
 
they could argue that there are different types of granite and yours is more porous or something! It's a weird complaint though! It's only a fiver or so, so you have nothing to lose if you really think you have a case.
 
Just to clarify - I do NOT want to go to court - I just wondering could I if the issue isn't remedied. And if anyone has a suggestion of a suitable product that could be painted on, please let me know.

ajapale - I guess that is the thing, is it fit for the purpose? - yes it is a worktop & cut to size, but has it really been finished correctly. If I bought a car & there was dye coming off the car seat & staining my clothes, would I not be intitled to a remedy (change the car seat I'd guess).

- I didn't think it was possible to stand too close to a worktop - I find when I'm cooking or cleaning I stand up against it. I can stand back from it but only for abit as it feels really uncomfortable.

Donee - hoping to remedy directly with the company as I really don't want to go to court, it is more of a "could I" question, if they don't solve the problem. I wouldn't be looking for the cost of the worktop - I just want the problem solved, so I guess if it went to court the cost of solving the issue (worktops may need to be removed & a more curved edge put on). I wouldn't be looking for the cost of the t-shirts...:)

Billk - yup, an apron would work, but I work from home & spend alot of time in & out of the kitchen - I don't think it is reasonable to have to put on an apron every time I want to clean up, eat at the breakfast bar or make a cup of coffee
 
Hi, in a previous life I had a fitted KIt Co .this guy used to fit marble and granite tops for me and he'd be able to tell you what you need to say to your supplier regarding getting a solution. his name is Dave 087 8337641
 
The edge of your worktop needs to be slightly rounded, it is not a big job. Can you tell me the name of the stone used? Bits should not be falling off! I know a little bit about stone and if you give me the name I'll be able to advise you better.
 
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