Expert opinions needed - should we believe my contractor?

16 years ago

Dear all,

This is a follow up to my previous message about the lousy job my contractor did in our bathroom.

Met with the foreman yesterday to inspect the bathtub installation done by his crew. He told us not to worry about anything we see as the job was just "roughly" done since the crew was in a rush on the day they did the work, but they are going to fix everything.

When we questioned about the lack of mortar bed underneath the bathtub and that the tub is not leveled, the foreman said they have yet to build a frame in front of the bathtub (which will also provide the surface for tiling the front of tub) to hold the tub and to level it. And "if need be", they will add "liquid foam" underneath the bathtub, which serves the same purpose as the mortar bed.

Should we believe what the foreman said about the tub's not going to level until they build a frame to hold it up? What is "liquid foam"? Can it be used to substitute "mortar bed"? Should we demand to have the mortar bed prepared beneath the tub regardless?

Please help!! Thanks a lot!!

P.S. Our bathtub is Kohler Hourglass (with integral tile flange, without apron)

Here is a link that might be useful: Previous Message:

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

bill_vincent
16 years ago
Should we believe what the foreman said about the tub's not going to level until they build a frame to hold it up?

Although I'm not impressed by this guy at all, what he says about this could make sense. Let him build his frame and then check it.

What is "liquid foam"? Can it be used to substitute "mortar bed"?

It comes in an aerosol can, and yes it can be substituted. There are two types, though-- low expansion and high expansion foam. MAKE SURE he uses low expansion foam. The hish expansion stuff could lift a sherman tank thru the roof!! I've seen that stuff lift a drop in tub 2 inches off of the tub deck, with a minimum of foam shot underneath.
MongoCT
16 years ago
"We were in a rush, so since we didn't have time to do it right, so we did it wrong. But now that we're not in a rush we have so much extra time that we can now take apart what we did that was wrong and then redo it so it'll be right.

We work faster this way."

Uh huh, uh huh.

Sorry. I'm in a sarcastic mood tonight.

I'd have him show you in the Kohler instruction manual that came along with the tub where it describes installing this tub with foam. Kohler manuals should be available on line as well.

I could be wrong. But my recollection is Kohler favors either construction adhesive to directly adhere the tub to the subfloor, or a 2" mortar bed to cradle the entire footprint of the tub when bedding these tubs.

With repeated loading and unloading cycles, foam can compress over time. That'll put stress on your flange and could cause it to fail.

Sure a framed apron under the front edge will level it. It should, at least for the front edge.

Did they install a 2x4 support ledger on the other three walls to support the flange? That way when you put weight on the edges of the tub, the ledger below the flange is taking your weight instead of 3 drywall screws run through a flimsy flange and into the wall studs. the flange can eventually fail.

An unsupported flange can also result in excessive flexure of the edge and eventual caulk failure between the tub and the tile. That flexing can occur just from filling the tub with water.

I'm not sure if Kohler requires a support ledger or batten unde the flange, but I'd certainly read up on it, or call their tech support line to find out.

If a ledger is installed, it may have to be cut away where the overflow tube is. Depends on the clearances.

I hate to be doom and gloom on this forum, but whatever happened to "do it once, do it right?"

Mongo
Related Discussions
Urgently need canning experts opinion on what to do!!
Q
Comments (2)
Well this is difficult to answer as it is basically going to boil down to your choice. From your description of the steps these in no way whatsoever would be considered safe to eat per the recognized USDA guidelines. And unfortunately since they are packed in oil there isn't anything you can do to make them safer. This is a very old European or perhaps Middle Eastern method of "preservation". Those that practice it would argue that it is safe because no one has died from doing it. At least not that they know of. Those of us who prefer a somewhat better guarantee of safety would never eat them. Your choice. Peppers are a low acid food and to be properly preserved they must either be (1)pickled in a strong vinegar solution and processed in a boiling water bath OR (2)they may be pressure canned in water OR (3) they can be fermented for 1-2 weeks in a salt solution and then refrigerated OR (4) mariated using the tested and approved instructions of: MARINATED PEPPERS Bell, Hungarian, banana, or jalapeno 4 lbs firm peppers 1 cup bottled lemon juice 2 cups white vinegar (5%) 1 tbsp oregano leaves 1 cup olive or salad oil 1/2 cup chopped onions 2 cloves garlic, quartered (optional) 2 tbsp prepared horseradish (optional) After blistering skins, place peppers in a pan and cover with a damp cloth. Cool several minutes; peel off skins. Mix all remaining ingredients in a saucepan and heat to boiling. Place 1/4 garlic clove (optional) and 1/4 teaspoon salt in each hot half-pint jar or 1/2 teaspoon per pint. Fill hot jars with peppers. Add hot, well-mixed oil/pickling solution over peppers, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace if needed. Wipe rims of jars with a dampened clean paper towel. Adjust lids and process for 15 mins You do not have to roast them but then you'll need to cut slits in them and the oregano, onions, garlic, and horseradish are optional. If these jars are less than 24 hours old you might be able to dump them and re-do them using that recipe. The steps you describe above sound like an attempt to do all three but for far too little time each step of the way. Then storing them in oil with no aded acid only serves to create the ideal environment for anaerobic bacterial growth and isn't recommended. Hope this helps. Dave
...See More
To experts on exterior painting: HOW mad should we be?
Q
Comments (6)
Hi all--thank you for all the feedback. First in response to the $$ question--I feel we got taken because the paint is failing, that's for sure! Our house is not enormous, but it is TALL--3-story Victorian. There is a lot of trim (big porch with columns, balusters) and also a garage with a deck on top (more railings). I don't remember all the details but I think we got multiple estimates, and went with the middle one like you're supposed to... Anyway. The paint issues. I think they scraped and power washed. I don't remember if they primed but since it was already stained I assumed they didn't need to. I honestly did not pay super close attention to every step, because I thought we were in good hands. They painted in September and it was good September weather as I remember--hot but not too hot, dry. AS far as northern vs. southern exposure--it first started to peel on the SW corner and I thought, oh well, but when it started to go on the N side of the house that's when I relaly started to get mad and think it was methods, not conditions. Rob, the shingles are cedar, I think. Thank you for the info on "Direct to Substrate" paint. At this point I wish ALL the paint would peel off so we could go back to stain. The stain we had before (don't know if latex or oil) was doing well; we painted mainly because the trim was flaking and we wanted a color change. Paintguy, I am not knowledgeable but I have a hunch that spraying wasn't the best thing either. What you say makes a lot of sense. If the original stain was holding up, then how could this paint failure be the fault of the stain--the first layer? But it is true that everything (including original stain) is coming up,not just the paint. How could water vapor be trapped? What I am hearing is that next time prep is key (already knew that!!), that stain is better but probably can't use it again, and that brushing/rolling is better than spraying. Is that right? thanks so much! Holly
...See More
Need Expert Opinion re Cellular White Pipe!
Q
Comments (6)
Thank you very much for everyone's advice so far. I've learned my lesson. I'm now seeking a contractor who only uses a licensed plumber. I've wasted money on first guy and would still like to know if he used the right pipe or was trying to rip me off by using wrong pipe. He has since come and removed the extra piece of pipe that said "Cellular" on it. I lifted up the PVC pipe that has been installed (supposed to connect to new toilet) and these are the letters that I can see: ME 2010 Jan 26 17 2....and further down, maybe an O then an M then EAO. It also says in big letters "Nonpressure only." To make matters more confusing, the second contractor's licensed plumber, who said this pipe was the wrong one, said I should put all new pipes in the bathroom but would use PVC. Then I brought in another contractor who said he would put all new pipes in the bathroom (original pipes are from 1950s) but should use copper pipes. I am going to get a permit on the job, so that should dictate what can be used. But would like expert plumbers' take on all this. Thank you so much!
...See More
Debating if we should put an offer on this house—need opinions!
Q
Comments (21)
when I buy houses I get every contractor there is out to inspect the critical elements, someone mentioned above HVAC, roof, septic if applicable - to cover the big stuff... if I think aesthetic work needs doing I get a contractor out (usually your realtor knows at least one) and get an idea for costs from them. I then use that info to decide whether I think the aesthetic updates make sense vs the purchase price or you if they're even in my budget at all. if not then I either have to live with things or work around them or walk away. If this is going to be your forever home you can do it over time but plan on big bucks for the columns and the kitchen. professional painters are big bucks too.
...See More
dmlove
16 years ago
Mongo, that was a laugh-and-repeat out loud moment!! Thanks for the chuckle.
formosalily
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks a lot for all the replies. This has been such a headache....... what the contractor did in a rush has destroyed our confidence in him (them), it doesn't seem to help restore our confidence regardless of what they are going to do to fix the problem....
talley_sue_nyc
16 years ago
what the contractor did in a rush has destroyed our confidence in him (them), it doesn't seem to help restore our confidence regardless of what they are going to do to fix the problem....

I think I'd be tempted to say this to him, in a very level and regretful tone of voice.

Expert opinions needed - should we believe my contractor?

Comments (5)

bill_vincent

MongoCT

Related Discussions

dmlove

formosalily
Original Author

talley_sue_nyc

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Expert opinions needed - should we believe my contractor?

Comments (5)

bill_vincent

MongoCT

Related Discussions

dmlove

formosalilyOriginal Author

talley_sue_nyc

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

formosalily
Original Author