Austin’s Custom Tops

I’m giving them three stars because two just seems hateful; and Shaun, Brett, Jason, and Nathan all seem like really nice guys. We have put off getting new counter tops and backsplash in our 50’s kitchen because it’s just so damn expensive. We went through the usual big box options, but decided that we’d rather go local. We chose Shaun over the competitor because he seemed to have more experience and knew how to handle some weird features (like an unsupported portion of our large island). He also would contract out the plumber for us, which was just easier.
There were some issues — like the plumber would have to come out in advance and re-​build some of the pipe into the house. We really appreciated Shaun taking care of that. The issue really came down to communication. My husband had to contact Shaun to update the quote to include new costs, to see when they could do the job, and (after a period of radio silence) to verify the week before that they were still coming.
I know some people have «work from home» jobs, but we don’t. To BE home, we have to take vacation time. Based on the prior verification, my husband took the designated week off. The first day of the demo, when the team was scheduled to arrive between 1 and 2 — Shaun called at 1:45 to say they weren’t going to be able to make it that day. Now – I’m a grown up. I get it — things change. However, I’ve also written contracts, scheduled contractors, and worked really complicated jobs, so I know it’s not always predictable, but it’s always important to communicate with your customers.
Day 1 vacation — burned for no reason, waiting for someone who wasn’t going to show.
Other sad things happened, and I’ll just list them here: after the demo, the counters were installed, and they were beautiful; but Shaun wanted to reschedule the backsplash because his main tile guy wasn’t available (see previous comment about vacation). We couldn’t re-​schedule. We used the B Team, which is Shaun himself and his brother Brett (who should REALLY be the customer service rep. His tech skills are just okay, but he’s a pretty good communicator). We spent the weekend (after the job was supposed to be done) trying to find trim tile because the glass tiles we’d chosen were breaking when they were being cut. Shaun suggested that we might need to have an alternative solution. That was frustrating for everyone, since I feel that if we had not pushed to have the original glass tile used, they would have easily gone with an inferior approach just to say they had «finished». Come on, guys. People make intricate glass tile cuts all the time. If you can’t do it, then you find someone who can — you don’t push plan B just because it’s easy. Long story short, they did find a way to properly cut the tiles, and the backsplash looks really great. I just can’t help shaking the feeling, though, that if we had given in on that Friday afternoon, they would have gladly taken the short cut. Plus, despite insistence that «I’ll have them out tomorrow» to close up the hole in the wall under the sink, after five days my husband closed the wall because it’s not cool to have a hole in your wall when you’re on pier and beam.
I took watch the second week. Although I’d provided my contact information and sent a text confirming the second week of work, Shaun never contacted me. He just went through my husband. VERY FRUSTRATING. The second week, they wanted to cancel on Monday, after already confirming that morning they’d be there that afternoon. Eventually, they did find a way to properly cut the tile and finish the backsplash (YAY!) Once it was done and we cleaned up weird grout bits from the cabinets, floor, walls, etc., I found the rock of grout in the bushes out in the yard and threw it away; and I tried to break up the thin layer of grout on the lawn, so the grass doesn’t die.
The original estimate included items we didn’t use: a lot of plumber time, supports for the island, and covering the hole in the wall. Shaun left my husband a message to see if he could just charge our card for the remainder (which includes about $ 1k of services not provided). I wanted to say «yes,» just because we paid the first installment with a check.
I want to make this very clear: Shaun’s a really nice guy, and his brother’s really friendly. They did a great job and worked really hard. BUT — the communication and planning were very «2 star.» He just needs someone to handle project management and customer service. A cat herder. He needs a cat herder. I can recommend them if you work from home and have a lot of flexibility with your schedule.

Austin’s Custom tops installed our kitchen and backsplash and knocked it out of the park. We worked with Shaun, who was very helpful and responsive. Shaun came to our place twice before install to measure and consult with us on selections, from the countertop to the sink. He got us great pricing across the board and really worked with our schedule. The work was done faster than originally quoted. When complete, Shaun came back to our place to ensure work was up to their standards. We requested a couple of minor additions and he jumped right on it.
I’d definitely use them again. Thanks guys!

For some unknown, obscure reason, our builders installed limestone counters in our kitchen and master bathroom. Initially, they were quite appealing. They were very pretty, but over time, they quickly proved to be a poor, poor choice for a high-​traffic, high-​usage area. The counters were easily stained and scratched. I was always afraid of spilling liquids onto the counter, so I was constantly wiping and cleaning them.
I detested our kitchen counters.
And our master bathroom was in even worse shape than our kitchen.
So, after much discussion and a little research, the guy and I decided to replace the counters with quartz. Making the decision was the easy part. Finding someone to handle the project, from start to finish, was another.
We went to the typical big box stores, Home Depot and Lowe’s, but weren’t sold on their services. We went to UB Kitchens, but had a perplexing experience there.
Then after a bit of research, I found Austin Custom Tops on Unilocal.I called Shaun, who was extremely responsive and professional. He came out within a few days of my call to show us samples, measure our kitchen, and give us a quote.
I have a hard time trusting contractors. We’ve had some mediocre and shoddy work done over the years. However, after meeting Shaun, I could tell that he was someone who really cares about his business and the quality of work that his company delivers.
In the end, we decided to go with Silestone counters and have Shaun’s team install them. His quote was actually a few hundred dollars less than the other quotes we received, and he’d handle the entire project for us (i.e., order the materials, cut/​install, disconnect/​reconnect appliances, etc). His team was professional and friendly, and they did a really great job installing our counters and backsplash. The turnaround on the project was ridiculous: they had our counters and backsplash installed within 2 weeks of placing our order.
We are ecstatic with the results and can’t stop admiring our new kitchen and bathroom.

For years we’ve been interested in upgrading the countertops that we inherited from the previous owner. We first went to Home Depot just to see the variety of options available for new countertops. Once we settled on Silestone I called up a few places based on their Unilocal reviews to give us estimates.
In the end, we went with Austin’s Custom Tops. Their estimate wasn’t the lowest but they seemed to have a vibe and mindset of doing quality work. It came through in the process of getting an estimate and later on as we got closer. We worked with Shaun to get estimates, see samples and plan the installation. Nathan did the installation and did a great job removing the old countertops (but was able to keep our old backsplash in place without damaging it!) and putting the new ones in.
Were very happy with their work and would happily recommend them.

My intent for this review is very much like what Dr. Dan wrote, so I’ll say «read his review» (dated 11÷4÷2009). Especially about the professionalism. But our experience differs in a few ways:
We wanted a recycled product, so we chose Eco by Cosentino. It looks fantastic and has similar characteristics to Silestone.
Also, we had an unusual set-​up: two separate sinks in the corner of the kitchen but one pivoting faucet. This required a «key joint» seam in that area, which the installer, Nathan, suggested and executed flawlessly. The seam is invisible.
A few weeks after the install, we had a near tragedy when a pen on the island countertop leaked a lot of ink. Despite quick wipe up, the surface appeared to be indelibly and very visibly stained. We contacted Shaun, he provided a few potential remedies, but the first two we tried did not work. After a few days, he and Nathan came to the house and Nathan was able to remove the stain entirely!
So we highly recommend this company for their price, project execution and service.

Two months ago my wife and I decided to move forward with new Silestone countertops. We had been shopping for them on and off for at least two years. I had come across Austin’s Custom Tops on craigslist one afternoon while doing research. I proceeded with caution as I contacted Shaun Hrncir for the first time as I was naturally a bit skeptical to spend a large sum of money on something as major as countertops with a vendor I found on craigslist.
Throughout the roughly two month process of comparison shopping Austin’s Custom Tops with several other local companies and the two major «box» stores, Shaun Hrncir was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and not pushy whatsoever. I asked hundreds of questions, changed my mind 5 or six times, and drug him through at least two months of not making a decision. I never once felt rushed or concerned with Shaun’s ability to deliver a quality product at an extremely competitive price.
My wife and I are extremely happy with our countertops. Not only did Shaun Hrncir exceed our expectations, the installers were fantastic. Very friendly and knowledgeable… and for those that care, they spoke perfect English :)
I would highly recommend Austin’s Custom Tops to any of my friends or family.

We were looking to update our counter tops with granite and Austin’s Custom Tops provided an excellent selection in Sensa stone. We selected Cosmos Brown to go with our light color cabinets, and it looks great. Austin’s Custom Tops provided small samples of each stone, but it is difficult to get a feel for how it will eventually look. I recommend going to the yard to look at the full size slates.
Shaun Hrncir provided top service by scheduling a quick appointment, showing up on time, and providing a competitive quote on the same day. Once the stone was selected, Shaun arranged to have the top manufactured and installed within 2 weeks. The cut and and fit are perfect and we are satisfied clients. I recommend giving Austin’s Custom Tops a call when gathering quotes.

I’m remodeling my condo, top to bottom, and trying to do it «on a dime». As anyone who’s done this can tell you, countertops tend to be one of your bigger expenditures in a remodel job, unless you go with a cheap laminate.
Since my place is going to be clean & modern, I decided on a white quartz countertop (stronger & harder than granite, less porous, doesn’t need sealing, gorgeous!). Silestone is the leader in quartz countertops & usually more expensive, but I found Austin’s Custom Tops on Craigslist, and they quoted me cheaper than some of the other «off-​brands» of quartz tops.
AND… that included my 1.5 inch edge, sink cut-​out AND the sink itself! Hell of a deal.
Was a little sketchy about using a Craigslist contractor, but these guys were consummate professionals from the get-​go. Picking up the phone on the first ring, emailing replies promptly, helpful website and very courteous & friendly.
Install went perfectly, on time & looks GREAT! Lovin’ my new kitchen! Highly recommend Shaun and his crew. Thanks, guys!