What StoneTech says. The total system is so important, not just the esthetics. PICTURES. Always take pictures of the process. I am a DIYer in several areas of my remodels and I take a million pictures of my progress. IT IS SO HELPFUL :) The "top couple feet" of drywall you mention, is that in a shower? With shower surounds there are a couple of feet above the unit that is drywall, so I don't think that is an issue unless it is in the actual splash zone. The ventilation and the paint must be first rate to prevent moisture condensation damage. In my current bathroom project, I will be tiling to the ceiling but not the ceiling. I have a vent fan in my shower, approved for wet areas, to control the moisture. And I will be using paint specifically designed for bathroom use.

Having tile jobs done are gut wrenching. So happy that your builder is making the correct move to remove and replace. Seems like only ten percent of the tile contractors are legitimately good. My builder prepped the tile guy who I had by telling him that I would be doing the bucket test, sliding a 5 gallon bucket across the floor and it should not catch any lips. Also, every morning I had blue tape X marks on tiles that needed to be replaced because he did not use a random of enough color pattern. The fool just grabbed from the same box and went with whatever was in his hand. Could not believe it. Good luck on round 2!

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.

It's a good thing you didn't pay anything that puts you ahead of the game. In most situations homeowners pay a greater portion of the money, the contractor does crappy work and they never return if there is an issue. Tell her that she has 2 choices to make this right... #1 If she wants to get paid, tell her to send you a qualified tile contractor who knows what he is doing to tear out/ fix what needs to be fixed, at her expense and you will pay her the original price per contract. Or option #2 you will hire an independent and qualified tile contractor and use the money owed to pay for everything that needs to be fixed and done the right way because the work they did wasn't done to the industry standards.