Please assist with some Tile/Grout finishing questions.
Shane
7 years ago
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GreenDesigns
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoShane
7 years agoRelated Discussions
Hex tile and grout colour questions, answered
Comments (6)Most welcome, Nutherokie. I hope you'll post photos of your finished bath. I really vacillate between grout colours that blend or contrast with the tile. Very different looks, but sometimes I regret not using the classic light grey. Renov8r, I don't, just at the moment. Although the bathroom has been technically finished for quite some time, we neglected to take final photos. And then, in the intervening time, our white oak vanity succumbed a little to the ravages of UV from all the windows, becoming just slightly orangey--just enough to clash with the neutral palette and make me crazy. I am determined to grey things down a little, both vanity and trim, before I take the final shots. But when I do......See MoreBill V. Question- Please Help w/Grout Problem in New Shower
Comments (2)I agree with his fix, although I'd be using siliconized latex caulk from the same company that made the grout. In fact, it shouldn't be "the fix". It should've been done that way in the first place. I would have him score out the rest of the grout in that joint around the shower and caulk the entire thing, because the rest of it WILL come out, sooner or later....See Morefinished kitchen people -- some advice please!
Comments (13)There are so many different situations! But really the contractor is suppose to get you to sign immediately for change requests and size requests and material requests ***Well: we always put allowance: unless they come in first day stating: "I want Blue Pearl in my kitchen" I call : get pricing right then and there and that goes in the quote. Changes: along the way: SHOULD BE signed for! "Mr Customer: your tile allowance is for 12x12 and you want 16x16." Sign New REVISED:Estimate! Very important: 9 times out of 10. I call the customer and tell them their $900 allowance for their granite turned into $1100.49 (slab price) no upcharge: delivery usually $65. They scream and call my boss! They usually get their way: and my boss "eats" the cost and loses money!!!!!!! I see this every week!!!!!! same with tile: they want 18x18 but allowance states 12x12 @ $1.89 sf but the 20x20 are $2.44 sf. They scream and call my boss and she doesn't want them to cancel. they get their way and my boss loses money! I don't surprise people. another example: "listelli" allowance $4.00 each: they turn around and want "glass" tiles: $18.00 sf. Yeah they are going to pay the upcharge! or they aren't getting the glass they want. Or they can go buy their own glass and I will take the "listelli" allowance off their estimate and invoice. This is a daily issue for me and I have learned the hard way: I communicate with customer at all times! Or it doesn't get installed. I have a hugh problem right now: (see my side of it) Customer signed an estimate in SEPTEMBER! yeah: and now he has modified his cabinets. We did templates 2 weeks ago. 15 sf extra added. We could have done the kitchen as it was with a HUGH one slab that I found and had on hold: So adding 15 sf: kicked him into 2 slabs.3cm "Tan Brown" is granite: fyi: so now it's going to cost $1500 for the "Tan Brown": to buy them from vendor! His allowance is for $1000.00 (the difference is because I found 2 smaller slabs that are $750.00 each) + my boss is still paying his $65 shipping not on his estimate) #1 we have him @ out the door priced $52.63 sf for 3cm "Tan Brown 95 sf kitchen. $5000.00. His original September 2008 estimate is for $4400.00. My point: he won't sign new estimate and he is LIVID mad! This is just the things I have to deal with on a daily basis. Yes, we have 1/2 his money for old estimate. If we allow him to stay at the $4400.00 for his kitchen: that will be $46.32 per sf. 95 sf kitchen. That includes demo, undermount sink cut out, and drop in stove! And granite 4" splash! Unbelievable. Basically we are installing his kitchen for FREE if he gets his way! Great last example: what if your granite allowance is $1000 on 70 sf kitchen. You sign and give your 1/2 down: Then you turn around and pick-out "Labrador Antique" Granite. Those are $1700 slabs! can be! now: why would we give the customer $1700 slabs X 2 = $3400.00 and lost $2400 on the deal. My boss or myself tell the customer they just picked a granite WAY out of their allowance! New Estimate: and Signature required! CYA (I am venting: a little: but I mean there is always two sides to every issue. There are contractors out their who are not upfront and honest and then their are: but in the end: what matters is that the customer is happy and tells a good story about their INSTALL EXPERIENCE to their friends! I always keep that in mind!) ~I hope this helped you and others~ ~Best wishes~...See MorePlease help w/ grout question. pics please
Comments (8)Everyone is mentioning epoxy grout or unsanded grout. What is the difference? Which is the best? Unsanded grout is the more conventional of the two. It's basically portland cement, pigment, and dry polymers to give it strength.it's the normal grout used in grout joints under 1/8" in size. Epoxy grout is just as the name implies. It's epoxy based, and is tough as nails. Epoxies make several claims. They claim to be more color fast than normal grout. They claim to be alot more stain resistant than normal grout. They claim to be much stronger than normal grout. In all three cases, the claims are valid. However, in residential installations, with the exception of maybe countertops, it's my feeling that epoxy grouts are bigtime overkill. Common sense in picking grout colors will go just as far. In addition, epoxy grouts are about 4 times as expensive as conventional grouts, and if you're having a pro do the installation, there's usually an upcharge for grouting with epoxy. Personally, depending on which epoxy, I'll charge 1.50 to 2.00 a foot more just for grouting with epoxy, because it's that much more difficult to use. One other thing to think about-- if you decide to go back to the white grout, you definitely don't want to use the epoxy. Because of the color of the epoxy resin, white epoxy grouts tend to take on a yellowish hue. Also, you talk about using hex tile-- the choice is then epoxy or SANDED grout. Otherwise you'll end up with a grouting nightmare, due to pin holes and shrinkage. Trust me on this....See MoreShane
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoShane
7 years agoShane
7 years agoShane
7 years agoShane
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoShane
7 years agoShane
7 years ago
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