Something is not right about the manner in which the construction industry and bidding process works, specifically for natural stone. There is a lot of time and effort spent on the front end by architects, designers and owners in selecting products to achieve a certain look for their project. Then, when it comes time to get the job done, the age-old (and antiquated) bid process takes over. Ultimately, that job is awarded to an installer, and the whole design intent goes down the tubes. The “lowest bidder†becomes the stone expert, and in some instances they will offer substitutes or waste time to prove the product is not available -- and the original design goes out of the window. Owners, developers, architects and designers are all frustrated through the whole process, and have to battle to get what they want. Who does this bid process serve?
There is no process for the stone suppliers, and the current process in place borders on “unfair business practice,†in my opinion.