You said he is "a handyman getting into general contracting"? And this tile job was part of a bigger kitchen remodel contract? So basically, if I'm understanding correctly, he is doing business as a general contractor, but is unlicensed?

A contract requires him to have a license # on it. Maybe he works under a licensed GC? Whoever's lic.# is on the contract is responsible for this mess. But even if there is none, you still have options.

Each state is different, but in my state, he could get big fines for even making that contract with you. In my state, for example, it is around $500 per job that a handyman can charge without a license. He could get fines for each of those "8,000" jobs he claims he did that was over that amount.

All I know is, if he made that completely flippant and rude comment to me, "YOU are killing me...8,000 tile jobs...human hands...not a machine" Oh boy, I will just say, I would not have been as kind and patient as you.

In fact, the more I think about it, the more ticked I get. How dare he say that to such a nice person, while you sit there about to cry staring at such a crappy tile job. He is basically saying you don't have a clue on what a good tile job should look like. He thinks by telling you it looks "awesome" you will accept it?

I am no expert, but I cannot see how just reseting 4 small crooked, uneven tiles and adding a little extra grout will fix this. 4? Excuse me, but every couple tiles, I see a mess. I am so sorry for you because the tile itself is really pretty.

I realize you don't want to make a big stink about this, and you just want to it to be done. I get it. However, if this thing gets any uglier, you might want to mention to him (nicely of course) that if he doesn't fix this and make you happy, that you are not paying him the rest of his fake contract. If he whines about it or says another belittling remark, just say, "Would you rather me call the contractors state licensing board to find out my options?" I am sure he will change his tune after that or else he is really stupid.

If he indeed is planning on getting his GC license in the future, just mentioning calling the state licensing board should get his attention and hopefully change that attitude real quick.

I apologize for going off on such a rant! I don't know why, but for some reason seeing this thread just pushed my buttons today. I sincerely hope he can redo your backsplash without any further mistakes. You deserve your kitchen to be as beautiful as you imagined. :-)