Sorry, I was having an issue uploading a picture. I did add one

It looks like the grout may have been mixed with too much water (so it wasn't stiff enough) and/or they started to wipe it down before it was set enough. An experienced, competent tile setter would have easily seen what was happening and slowed down.

Thank you! We suspected these things but weren’t sure. I appreciated you answering

I agree with kudzu9! They definitely did not do their job properly.

No they definitely didnt. Pretty upsetting seeing as we will probably have to rip it all down and re-do it because I don’t trust them to do it properly

The tile is set. They finished the tile work several days ago and they grouted 2 days ago. I was unable to get a close look at it until today because of the floor being done and unable to walk on it

If the tile is set well and the only issue is the grout lines, consider redoing them instead of tearing everything out. There are various tools for doing this, but the power ones are the fastest and easiest if you are careful. Here is a useful, short video on this subject: Re-grouting

The only time I would recommend ripping out the tiles in such a situation is if they were badly set, and/or they didn't use cement backer board and a waterproofing membrane on the walls.

Ok, thank you for the advice. We may go that route. As far as I can tell the tiles are set well, The horrible grout lines seem to be the main issue.

Is the only option at this point to tear the grout out and start new? This is the second pretty big issue we’ve had with them in the week they’ve been here. Not sure that I would trust them to re-do it correctly at this point. Just exploring my options for when they come to discuss this with us tomorrow

Have you watched the video link I provided? You don't have to tear out all the grout.

However, you might want to fix the grout yourself if you don't have confidence in their skills.

They waited too long and the grout dried up before they started the wipe-down. It needs to be re-grouted.

Two problems: the grout used (what was it?) and their application skills. I might be more concerned with what's "under" the tile if this is the skill level of the installer. It would also help to see it from further away.

I agree with Dragonfly, my main concern would be the waterproofing under the tile. If they did such a hack job on grout which is easy how did they do with the harder job of waterproofing.

My dad did put cement board behind the tile before they laid it, is there something else that needs done to the cement board? Sorry for all the questions, my father typically does most of our home improvements but had to leave the country for work. These guys were recommended by a well known realtor in our town who uses them a lot. Guess we should have done more research on them

Cement board is not waterproof it still needs waterproofing so rip it out and start over IMHO

My dad did put cement board behind the tile before they laid it

You hired a hack, this was your first warning flag. Never do I tile any substrate I didnt install myself. Not even for GC's

Most all tile pro's will insist on taking everything from the studs or they will pass on the project. When you find handymen that are willing to engage in partial projects be warned. They will also likely come in at a very attractive pricepoint.

A properly prepped waterproof tiled tub surround and subway install such as you have should be starting around $35/sq plus actual tile cost. How did you find the handyman and what did you pay? what does your contract say about industry standards to be followed?

Tundra- these guys were recommended to us by a local reputable realtor in our town. As far as I know, there is no contract. But my father worked out those details. We were quoted $1000 to install the floor tile and shower walls, and that is not including the tile we had to purchase that ourselves

Thats a less than half price deal and Realtors are almost always the last person id take any reno advice from. Tough way to learn Id agree. If you had a proper written contract you'd have recourse.

So what your saying then, kectstein is there is no waterproofing behind the tile? Cement board is not waterproof on its own, there needs to be either a liguid or membrace waterproofing over the top of the cement board after the joints are taped properly.

Tundra- lesson definitely learned here, so appreciate the response

Millworkman- yes I’m pretty sure there is no waterproofing. Just the cement board

https://www.ceramictilefoundation.org/homeowners-guide-to-hiring-qualified-tile-installer