You are right to be concerned but if you are going to oversee the work of the contractor you need to take things less personally. I know that is easier said than done but getting upset only gets in the way of finding a solution.

I would first ask the contractor by email what he plans to do about protecting the floors.

He can hire a professional stone restoration contractor to remedy his carelessness and proceed with protecting them at this stage. Of course, it would have been easier to have prevented the issues on the front end. But, remember that marble is much much softer than ceramic or porcelain, so if he's used to working with that instead he may not realize how fragile and soft marble can be. It might be good for you to have that stone restoration contractor's name for the future! But right now, if the restoration guy can't get the scratches out, it's replacement time.

Before we blame the contractor, we need to see pictures of the damage and pictures of leftover tile still in the box.

Thanks for all the commentary. I, too, thought that protection was standard practice. I've been asking for protection all along, for various areas, and I usually get a resentful response. I've been through many such projects, so I think I know what to expect and what is reasonable on my part. I did insist on better protection after seeing the scratches, and he put down cardboard, taped in some places, some not, and not completely covering the floor. He has now asked that I not enter the work area, which I rarely do, anyway. I only noticed the floor because the electrician told me the floor heat was operational, so I bent down to feel it. I only noticed the exposed flooring initially because, contrary to my requests, the door to the work area was wide open all day. Maybe I was supposed to wear a blindfold while passing it.

We have some leftover tile, although the GC removed them from the box (no clue why), so hopefully, they are still in good shape. I have direct contact info for the tile installer (who did beautiful work and were extremely careful about protection). Maybe I will have to get them involved. The GC told me he had installed marble before, so that's no excuse.

You have my sympathy. All along our GC had his subs cover things, but mistakes were made. The items got fixed or replaced because the "squeeky wheel" gets the grease! I have a really irritating squeek when I need to use it!

The worst not-covering thing to me was my beautiful fig tree. It's a special variety, Panache and was going to shade our dining room. I specifically told them to cover it when they sprayed the wrought iron fence around the deck close to it. We weren't here when they sprayed. They didn't cover it. It died. Set us back 3 years for shade, but we replaced it with another special fig that's growing really fast, and I didn't even make the GC replace it. Not replaceable.

Some of our counter top tiles got chipped when the appliance installers installed. It all got replaced.

Good luck to you!

hey folks, i agree with sophie. but seeing the tile that was in the box would show the condition of it before it went down. granted it could get scratched in the box.

but since the contractor removed them it might be hard to tell

"What is the purpose of seeing pictures of the leftover tile?"

Gene beat me to it.

These tile could have been scratched when packaged. The trick would be to see if the scratches are random, or does a scratch run from one tile to the next, indicating it was scratched after installation?

Either way, getting the scratches out is relatively easy. Determining who is responsible for paying for the fix is not.

Exactly, to see original condition. However, if the tiles arrived damaged (they are scratched and chipped), they should not have been installed to begin with. Tile men should be checking the tiles for defects, not just grabbing and adhering them. I think this is actually stated in the TCA standards for installation.

The OP already said in another thread that the tiles were fine when the tile contractor left ... "Then I went into the newly marble tiled/sealed bathroom and noticed small chips and scratches that weren't there when the tile was installed." This is par for the course on poorly managed jobsites. GC fails to protect work already completed, trades aren't respectful of the work completed by other trades, stuff gets damaged. If I were in a situation where my GC was not properly protecting surfaces, I would do it myself. I would rather deal with the inconvenience of having to cover things myself than have to deal with things getting damaged and then have to fight about who is responsible for the repairs. Besides, when I'm paying for brand new things, I don't want to be left with a bunch of stuff that's been dinged up and repaired with touch up sticks and eyebrow pencils. Feddup, If you notice the GC doing things improperly time after time, you either need to put a stop to it or find a way to make sure it doesn't happen. It doesn't really serve to you walk past things, see that they aren't protected and are becoming damaged, and allow them to stay that way.

Marble comes in all matter of quality, condition, and price points..

A sample is a sample, A 12 case order of the sample not always the same potato.

I still have not seen 1 single picture example of this poor lady's
project. Who can possibly side or Judge
whats actually happened here.

If you are going to put a marble floor in your home, prepare for a lifetime of maintanance and care. It is a fickle material, perhaps next time look at porcelains..

Let me repeat and/or clarify a few things: I don't know why I have to prove to anyone on this forum that my tiles were damaged. Who asked you to judge anything? Why do you think I'm lying? I did not inspect every sheet of tile as it came out of the box. He ordered them, he should have inspected them, and I've been chastised for being TOO on top of the GC. And it doesn't matter: I did see the tiles after they were laid, after they were grouted, and after they were sealed. They were gorgeous and flawless. The tile guys were superb and took great pride in their work.

I picked them out, after considerable research, and chose tiles that did not use cheap marble and were well made. But again, if I see scratches and chips by the tub right after the tub was installed, I don't think I'm jumping to conclusions.

Protection of some sort (like loose drop cloths, now-you-see-it, now-you-don't cardboard) has come and gone. I have asked the GC repeatedly to protect everything. I usually get a resentful snort and sometimes also protection. I failed to invisibly follow him around the minute he was installing the tub. I guess it's all my fault, assuming I'm not, for some reason, making this all up.

If getting the scratches out is easy, please explain, and what about the chips? And HOW do I get the contractor to pay for it?

I am certainly not Chastising you if you are implying that...... did I not say "This poor lady"

Very sorry youv'e had to go thru all this.

Some pictures of the damage can both help us offer a repair or fix and validate the shoddy workmanship you are having issue with. You yourself stated " Is this worth complaining about" ???..........only, we cant see anything. None of us here commenting can see anything thusfar.

Simple as that. No sides taken or judged..

Chips in marble in some cases can be filled. Scratches can be polished out after the grout and tile have set and cured they would likely use a floor polisher and successive grits, It would come at a cost and is a specialty trade, you would have to work that out with the responsible party as to who pays.

By now that could be a tough conversation as it seems you have already a slightly strained relation at least...

You learn with experience how disrespectful or clueless workers can be. You have to be proactive and research the best ways to protect things and what type of damages occur to homes during these projects. How messy projects get. Etc.

For instance, rosin paper is a poor floor protector. Thin, flimsy, tears, etc. Use Ram board (or whatever would be more appropriate). No tape on the floor itself. The guys will choose cheap rosin paper and put masking tape directly on your floors, if they do that much, if you don't know any better.

Drills get dropped on marble counters, dust in drawer glides, no dust control used when it is available, furniture moved that scrapes the floor .... Read around what happens so you can protect things adequately or be proactive in hiring.

But no they won't like it. They just want to get things done, with no fussy customers. I had a tile guy here who was complaining about a female customer wrapping all her banisters in bubble wrap.

I WISH they wanted to get things done. They seem comfortable living here, on and off, and in my garage, and having their toilet in my yard, forever.

Tundra, wasn't referring to you. Others have excoriated me for micromanaging and for not paying enough attention--sometimes both!!

"Let me repeat and/or clarify a few things: I don't know why I have to prove to anyone on this forum that my tiles were damaged."

fedup:

Please reread your original post. Obviously you needed to "clarify a few things". Had you done so we would not have felt the need to ask for more information. We are still waiting on pictures.

"Who asked you to judge anything?"

Ummm...that would be you when you asked in your title if this is something you should complain about.

"Why do you think I'm lying?"

I cannot find where anyone has accused you of lying.

I make a good faith effort at helping folks who write in with problems. My answers aren't perfect, but I do the best I can.

Chips exist. Scratches exist. They were not there before the tub was installed, about a day after the sealer was applied. The chips are small but obvious in person. The scratches are not very deep but more like scrapes that cover about 6 inches. The tiles are mosaic sheets. They are shiny and in front of a window. I've tried capturing the damage photographically for my own records, with little success. I'm now convinced that they merit complaint and redress.

This morning I was able to get decent photos of the damage, as well as an undamaged area (top photo) for comparison. The right of the 2nd photo shows the chipped tiles; the bright spot on the left may just be a reflection.

It's sad when women come here, brainwashed into thinking maybe they are being too picky or unreasonable, wondering if they can raise an issue.

I don't know how repairable the damage is, but some of those photos look nasty. Picky, picky. Of course they should have taken precautions to protect the floor adequately. Now there is this to deal with.

Good luck. What a beautiful floor.

Yes, it WAS beautiful. I have contacted the company that installed it as well as the wonderful person who headed the crew that did the actual work. I want to get their opinions on repairs and the cost, so I have this info before my GC submits his final bill. I suspect the guy who owns the company may contact the GC, since they work together frequently. If so, maybe the GC will realize he needs to address this or deduct the cost of repairs. If he doesn't realize it on his own, we will make it clear to him.

The pictures make it clear the damage was done after installation. No, you're not being "too picky" to expect those tile to be repaired/replaced. In a way, it's good that it's so bad and obvious that there can't be any argument.

hi feddup, thank you for the pix. yes damaged most certainly done after install. don't know what they dragged across the floor but that looks like it eeds to be replaced.

It had to be the tub; it's right in that area. I don't doubt it was heavy and hard to move (cast iron), but the GC bragged on facebook about how clever he was to use his air sled, and besides, all the more reason to be careful and protect the floor. It seems to me that whatever exactly caused such damage must have been noticeable when it occurred. He should have told me, apologized, and made arrangements to fix it.

I never brag or post online until the final check has cleared. Scratching the floor is dumb, but that's really bad.

" I have contacted the company that installed it as well as the wonderful person who headed the crew that did the actual work. I want to get their opinions on repairs and the cost, so I have this info before my GC submits his final bill."

If I were that sub, I'd call the GC and tell him his customer is asking me how much I'm going to charge to fix his screw-up and how would he like me to handle this?

If any sub of mine gave a price to a client without getting my permission first it would be the last time he subbed for me.

Get a few estimates and opinions .

Joseph Corlett, as I noted, I'm aware the sub may call the GC. I'm asking in case the GC refuses to fix it. I will then know how much to deduct from his bill, but hopefully, if that happens, the GC won't put up a fight to pay for the repair.

Just don't pay the bill until the floor is repaired. Whether it costs him $5 or $500 or if he makes the tile guy come back and do it for free, it shouldn't cost you a penny.

I agree. DH didn't think this was trivial after all. I now learn he was just concerned that repairs would extend this project. He wants them OUT.

I'd get an independent estimate to repair, then inform the GC that he has a week to get it fixed or you will be getting it fixed and have the repair taken off his final bill.

Joseph Corlett

" If any sub of mine gave a price to a client without getting my permission first it would be the last time he subbed for me."

Why cant the subs give client a price without be retaliated against?

what are they supposed to say? "Oh, I cant give the price".

Sounds rediculous to me.

Joseph Corlett was right. Sub put me off, said they'd take care of it with the GC. They may have maintained their relationship, but I may think twice about using them again. At least I should be able see if there's an additional charge for them, i.e., whether the GC passed it on to me.

On a side note, think about your industry and why so many homeowners put contractors somewhere between Congress and used car salesmen, if not ISIS.

Feddup said: "think about your industry and why so many homeowners put contractors
somewhere between Congress and used car salesmen, if not ISIS."

Theres bad apples in every orchard, you are getting feddup at every orchard now....

"Sub put me off, said they'd take care of it with the GC. They may have maintained their relationship, but I may think twice about using them again."

A tile guy who does excellent work isn't going to have to rely on one GC to get work. It's likely he's as unhappy about what was done to his work as you are. He's not so much "putting you off" as he is honoring the agreement he made with the GC going into your job and that agreement most likely includes him not having direct discussions with you regarding any problems.

Tundra said, "Theres bad apples in every orchard, you are getting feddup at every orchard now...."

Based on the experiences of every homeowner I know or hear, this contractor orchard is badly infested and has a preponderance of bad apples. To mix food metaphors, finding a good contractor should be easier than hunting truffles.

Jellytoast, the guys who did the excellent work are the laborers. They don't book the work and probably don't profit from it, beyond having a job, probably at minimum wage, possibly less since they may not have green cards.

I misunderstood ... I thought your GC subbed out the tile work to a tile contractor.

was I just compared to isis ????? no way. really. wow tough crowed

I thought it would be Congress that really hurt.

jellytoast, the GC did sub out the tile work. I was distinguishing between the blue and white collar folk at the tile company. The GC actually subbed out the GC work, too. To the homeowners. I'm not sure what he thinks he did to earn money. We started wanting to pay him to go away. Maybe that's his shtick--he grinds on you until you just say "uncle."

" If any sub of mine gave a price to a client without getting my permission first it would be the last time he subbed for me."

Why cant the subs give client a price without be retaliated against?

what are they supposed to say? "Oh, I cant give the price".

Sounds rediculous to me."

tibean2004:

I don't know how much experience you've had with general contracting, but a perfect recipe for disaster is to not have a strict chain-of-command. Anytime a customer and a sub make a deal without the GC's knowledge and permission, the possibilities for trouble expand exponentially.

More importantly, it's a matter of respect. As a GC, the customer is mine, not the subs. I work for the homeowner and the sub works for me. When a sub screws up, I promise you, I'm going to hear about it. It sounds like you're expecting me to have all the responsibility for subs while having all my authority over them overridden by homeowners.

To answer your question, a sub should say, "I'll get back to you right away.", then call the GC and ask how he wants it played.

What kind of subs are needed for counter repairs?

Jim Heaphy.

Getting down to the (cross my fingers) end of project, and GC is behaving strangely IMO. Partly based on advice on these forums, I hinted I might not pay him further until he finished his work. That seemed to perk up his ears (the ones that ignore me most of the time). He called a meeting with a couple other issues as a pretense before asking about my comment. I said I had no intention of stiffing him but expected him to finish the work before he got paid for it (I've been paying increments all along). He said he'd finish the next week, then did only part but wanted his check. I retorted, "when the work is done, not in advance." We have a contract. I've paid each bill promptly. But now he seems all paranoid about not getting paid (again, all he has to do is earn it by finishing the work and getting out of my life). He keeps sending his invoice, then sending another message asking if I got his invoice, if he can have his check when he's done, all things I've agreed to in the contract and reiterated on several occasions. He's starting to frighten me. Do I need a lien release or waiver? I hadn't thought of that before, so it's not in the contract; please don't excoriate me for this. What's done is done. Just want to protect myself--financially and physically--now.

Make him give you an unconditional release before you give him the final payment. There is no reason he should balk at giving you one. If it were me, I'd send him an email telling him you are sick of the job dragging out, you want him to be done, and when he finishes the job and hands you the release, you will hand him his check. Honestly, I don't know how you continue to put up with him.

feddup:

Hold your ground. You will never be in as good a position as you are now. Make a punch list and stick to it. No moving the goalposts.

Thanks jellytoast and J. Corlett. Is unconditional release the official name? I researched various releases and waivers today but got confused among the various types and whether it has to be in the contract. He keeps coming back with "wasn't part of my agreement," even for things that were.

I should add that this is the penultimate bill: progress invoice, then punchlist, then retainage.

There is no reason for him not to give it to you. The only reason he wouldn't is if he had done work and hadn't been paid. I imagine lien laws vary from state to state, but here in Cali it is called an Unconditional Release Upon Final Payment. But he might balk at that if he believes you will stop payment on the check. In that case, he would give you a conditional release upon final payment that will be effective once the check has cleared. He is a contractor so providing lien releases to customers likely isn't new to him and it's not extra trouble on his part to provide one to you.

Do I provide the form? I saw various forms that you can print yourself.

This may all be academic, given this info I just found online (so it must be true):

• Lienable Properties – In Maryland, mechanic’s liens can be placed on
  non-public new construction or renovations that increased the value of
  the property by 15%. [so, not applicable to my house I believe]

• Waiver of Mechanic’s Lien Provisions – Maryland does not permit the waiver of a mechanic’s lien
  provision in a contract. As a result, if the contract states that a
  contractor has waived its right to bring a mechanic’s lien claim in
  Maryland, it may be unenforceable.

but...

• Protecting against Mechanic’s Lien – obtaining lien releases for
  work performed and materials furnished will protect owners and
  contractors from mechanic’s liens.

He not only has to sign a lien waver, but every sub and supplier as well.

Chances are that you are worrying needlessly. Here in Cali, suppliers and subs would have had to send you a 20-day notice to let you know they were supplying labor or materials to your job and that they have lien rights for non-payment. Otherwise, a homeowner has no idea who the GC has subcontracted or bought materials from. As long as you two settle up and you pay him for the agreed upon amount, he doesn't have any right to file a lien. He can't lien your property for money you don't own him. You aren't preventing him from finishing the job. He has no right to expect payment for work not completed. Regarding the forms, he should have them in his office.

Jellytoast--not in washington. So, it is very state dependent (and not in the favor of HO).