Confused with kitchen company

[ovenlove]

In the process of buying a kitchen and tweaking the final details before we pay deposit. We originally opted for an island, ktichen worktop and splashback all in the same stone. We have since decided to go for tiling instead of the stone splashback which was still a fair size. Kitchen company said ok and the amended spec now says 'removed stone splashback (fabrication cost only).

I questioned why the cost for the stone splashback material hasn't also been removed and they just reiterated it's only the fabrication cost that will be removed. DH said if we went the other way and had started off with tiling and changed to stone splashback we would pay for the stone splashback and fabrication so why are we still paying for the splashback material?

I told the company if we're paying for the stone splashback material we would like it to be delivered. They responded by asking what are we planning to use it for and saying it needs a specialised company to shape it. I haven't responded by almost want to say 'If I'm paying for it I want it' or 'to stop you from charging someone else for material I've already paid for'.

Is this odd behaviour from the kitchen company? Or does fabrication make up 80% of the cost for a quartz splashback and I'm nitpicking at small costings?

Sounds odd tbh! If you’re not having it then you shouldn’t be charged for it? Only time I would say different is if you’ve already ordered it and they’ve started production and then you change your mind.

Please tell me you aren't using Magnet.....

No, we were yet to pay the 10K deposit which would put the kitchen into production. They were insisting on us paying the deposit to avoid delayed delivery but we wanted clarification on some final points including the splashback. Part of me wondered if they jumped the gun and kick started production assuming we wouldn't make any big changes involving the stone and they are trying to cover up that mistake?

Also no not magnet.

If you haven’t paid any deposit you are free to make any changes you want , you can even just walk away and go somewhere else if you choose.
I does sound like your kitchen has been pre ordered by the company though to save time and they don’t want to take a hit on being stuck with the splash back .
Id let them know that if they don’t cancel the splash back off your order that you’ll go elsewhere for the whole kitchen or worktops as they can’t make you pay for things you haven’t ordered .