I can't IMAGINE the amount of time it would take to grind out ALL the grout (thousands of grout lines to grind out = dozens and dozens of hours). The cost of the 'fix' is the tile setter's responsibility to 'eat'. Right now, s/he is trying NOT to purchase more tile and more grout, etc. That is money DIRECTLY OUT of his/her pocket. If s/he can get away with getting all that grout out (...wow...just...wow...?) it will only 'cost him/her' a few days worth of TIME (and a couple of packs of grout). BUT...if the tile is removed (which is STILL a possibility...ahem...if the new grout job does not 'fix' the look of the tiles, it will become the REAL fix) then the setter is going to have to purchase all the product s/he mangled installing this. The reason why you want to push for the right fix is this: the tiler must LEARN this lesson. The lesson is, "Don't bid 'low' on penny tile. Don't RUSH penny tile. Don't mess around with penny tile." Those are the lessons the setter MUST LEARN. It sounds harsh, but it is the way of learning the business of renovations. I would push heavily for the full removal and reinstallation of the tile. Sit down with him/her and talk this out. You need to ask what really NEEDS to be done to get this to work 'better'. Things like, how much MORE PREPARATION will you need to do to get the SUBFLOOR ready for this type of tile? If the tiler looks back at you with a blank stare, then you know you are in for more of a wild ride. The 'bid' should have included a PRICE RANGE for the subfloor prep. It should look like: - Subfloor prep: Conditional on tiles chosen and subfloor quality = $2-$5/sf. To Be Determined at time of install. And you would have had to add a signature to that range...beside the numbers...to show that you understood this to be a floating number that will solidify AFTER the job is completed.

LOOKING FOR A QUALIFIED TILE INSTALLER? 14 QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK TO FIND A GOOD MATCH FOR YOUR PROJECT. 1. Do they have liability insurance and if they have employees, are they covered with Worker’s Compensation Insurance? · Make sure you can verify appropriate insurance coverage. 2. Are they licensed (if required in your area)? · Verify. Some states do not require tile contractor’s to be licensed. 3. How many years have they been working exclusively as tile installers? · It takes many years to become proficient as a dedicated, qualified tile professional. Five years or more would be an expected minimum. 4. How was the installer trained? Do they participate in on-going professional industry training from organizations and or manufactures, and specifically what? · Installers who have completed an apprenticeship under a Qualified Tile Installer and participate in industry training are generally more likely to follow standards and recommendations and stay current with products, materials, and industry updates. 5. Are they familiar with the TCNA Handbook and ANSI Standards and do they follow these industry recommendations? · The TCNA Handbook coupled with ANSI Standards are the industry recognized guidelines for the installation of tile for a wide range of applications. A qualified tile professional will be familiar with and know how to specify and use these reference tools. 6. If wet areas (showers/baths) are to be included in the work performed, what approved system/methods will they use to assure a long-lasting installation? · Tile installations in wet areas require some very important preparation to avoid leaks and unwanted moisture problems. Hybrid or unapproved methods, and the use of materials inappropriate for this application can contribute to a very costly and unwanted result that too often requires complete removal and replacement by a qualified professional. A quality installation should last decades or longer. 7. What manufacturer’s products do they use and do they comply with manufacturer’s instructions? · There are many manufacturers of quality tile setting materials. Most perform well with use of approved methods and adherence to manufacturer specifications. Qualified tile installers will be well-versed on the materials and systems they prefer and should be able to answer your questions about the process and materials and their associated warranties. 8. Do they have a company website or social media page with photos of their work? · Professionals will have a public presence that is available to consumers so you can review their work and customer reviews. Lack of a traceable, legitimate, and committed business should be a deterrent to hiring. 9. Can you speak with recent customers and see photos of those projects? · Qualified, experienced tile contractors will have a loyal client base that is happy to recommend them and share their experience. 10. Do they have experience working with the type of tile you plan to use? · There are different methods, materials and considerations when installing various tile products… ceramic, porcelain, large format tile, handmade tile, natural stone, glass. Verify their experience and training with the tile product you have chosen. 11. Talk to them about positives and challenges of past projects · Get to know the tile professional as part of your project team. Do they take pride in their work? If your General Contractor is hiring the tile installer, it may make sense to request meeting with the GC and tile installer in advance of the installation. 12. What has been their greatest challenge as a tile installer? · Listen carefully to understand the installer’s limitations and ability to meet your expectations. 13. Do they or their team belong to a professional organization like NTCA (National Tile Contractor’s Association)? · Industry involvement is one indication of a tile installation company’s commitment to their craft. It gives them access to education, technical information, and other resources to assist them in professionally serving you. 14. Are they, or do they have Certified Tile Installer’s (Certified Tile Education Foundation, CTI) on their team? · The certification of tile installers is an important step forward for the consumer. The industry has established a process to certify tile installers. Certification identifies an installer as being a dedicated and knowledgeable professional whose competence in installing tile has been verified to meet specific tile industry standards.

how is the shower pan constructed, is It concrete? if not you may not be able to use tiles smaller that 2in. penny rounds have a high failure rate of being installed properly, tiles that small also require a Square space or else you can have unsightly reveals around the perimeter. Id look at "Can we install pennys" and how square is the space ill install them in. That may make your decision for you.

Sealing the grout will do nothing to help the tile adhesion. Or are you asking if you should just complete the job? I also suggest you contact the product manufacturers and see what they suggest. Get their recommendations in writing. I see that the tech sheet says not to use tile adhesive over a waterproof membrane. It seems to have dried well underneath. What product do they recommend instead of a tile adhesive? Not sure how well something dries is a gauge for long term performance.