On the kitchens where you have a raised "bar" around the sink area, the receptacles and the switch for the lights above and the switch for the disposal are very close to the countertop itself. They cannot be centered because it is almost impossible to cut a 2.5 inch high rectangle in the middle of a 4" backsplash. So, they cut a notch from the bottom.

When you then spill anything on the counter the water can flow down the notch and down into the wall. IF after they remove the existing laminate countertop they raise these electrical boxes about an inch or so, the granite backsplash notch can be cut from the top. This gives you a continuous seam that is caulked below the receptacles for a much better look.

During warranty inspections homes who have the granite installed with the lower receptacles I write this up and have the Electricians caulk a clear silicone "dam" behind the plates so no water can get down into the wall. This does not need to be done if the receptacle boxes are raised before the backsplash is cut.

This can not be done in the bathrooms usually because of the exposed top of the backsplash, but it can be done in the kitchens.

I hope I am explaining this well....if not I could post a picture, as I write this up all the time.

Frank

We used Wildwood Kitchen and Bath for our 10 foot bathroom vanity granite and custom rectangle sinks. They did an outstanding job from START TO FINISH, showed up when they said they would and followed through on everything. Great Job!
For our kitchen countertops, we are using Formica Carrera marble design with bullnose end as we plan on refacing/replacing cabinets in about 6 years (had cabinets painted by Investment for now). Burns had the BEST pricing on granite....I will report on the install process........Better pricing than Duncan..

Yes, yours currently are because they are still laminate countertops. The granite will be thicker, so if you leave the boxes as they are the granite backsplash will be notched on the BOTTOM, thus needing caulk. If after they rip out the laminate countertops you raise the electrical boxes up an inch or so, the granite notch will be on the top, the better looking, safer method. Just tell the installers to raise the boxes up a bit and make the granite notch cut from the top. The better installers do this and will know what you are saying. Hope this helps! Frank