NEED HELP Bathroom remodel
Jennifer Michel
4 years ago
Featured Answer
Comments (16)
enduring
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoBeverlyFLADeziner
4 years agoRelated Discussions
Need help with bathroom remodeling grout issue..
Comments (11)What a mess. Sorry for your troubles, these things just shouldn't happen. Here's what I advise you to do: Write down the original problem, then each blunder that followed. Have it ready in an email. No emotion. Just the details. 1) This is what we ordered. 2) This is what was installed. 3) This was the problem with the installation. 4) This is what was done in an attempt to repair the problem (vinegar, stain, paint). 5) Is there a way to repair what has been done so we can have what we wanted in Step 1)? 6) If there isn't, what is the best course of repair so you can be made whole? (Full grout removal and replacement?) 7) Is their an alternative course of repair? (Mask it with Aquamix Grout Colorant?) Now one thing, you certainly don't want to use the AquaMix colorant if you don't like any of the offered colors. Call Custom's tech department. Ask the tech for his email address and while you are on the phone, fire off the email to him so he has the details in writing. I've even emailed photos to techies whole on the phone with them. Have your discussion, and have the tech reply to you in writing via an email. If the tech can't assure you that repairs can be made to the grout "as is", then have him write that the only way to get a proper installation is for the grout to be removed and replaced. The goal is to get specific answers back from him in writing. Some tech guys can suffer from the "I don't know" syndrome, and it's fine if they do...but they still have to recommend a final course of action. The point-of-view I use when dealing with tech support is that if they can't assure me that everything is okay, well, then it's not okay. And if it's not okay, the best course of action is usually full removal and replacement. With it being replaced, then you know it's okay. Your do have a few choices. One would be to have the grout removed and then new grout installed. That would "make you whole" in terms of you getting the installation that you originally wanted. One of the risks with that is when removing the grout, sometimes the tile edges can get nicked here and there. Any damage to the tile can just make this whole experience sink further into the abyss. Small nicks to the tile might not be a huge issue if the tile is a through-body color tile, ie, the color of the "inside" of the tile is similar in color to the surface color. An alternative repair, and it is a "repair" versus "making you whole", can be attacked on two levels, but the overall "repair" is using a grout colorant over the grout you have. Not a grout stain, but an epoxy-based grout colorant. I don't use colorants often, but when I do it's Aquamix Grout Colorant. AquaMix is a product from Custom, so it'd be right up the tech's alley in terms of a product that he could recommend. But again, you have to like one of their offered colors to want to use the product. One level of repair depends on the "paint added to the grout". I'd get an answer from Custom Tech on this. Is the grout okay? Will the paint prevent the epoxy colorant from adhering to the grout, etc? Will the stain used create adherence issues? If the messed up grout is a concern, would a proper repair be for then to remove the polluted grout from those sections. Install new cementitious grout. Then the grout colorant can go over the entire floor? It's difficult because your proper repair is removal of the grout and installing new grout. But the nature of that repair can cause damage to the tile...and sure, damaged tiles can be pulled and replaced. But does your C/H have the ability to carry out a repair like that without causing more problems? Your interaction now is pretty much between you and your contractor/handyman. Sure, your tile guy did the installation. But once your C/H jumped in with the paint and stain, he sort of absolved the original tile guy of all his installation sins. The fact that your C/H followed bogus advice from the tile store versus calling the grout manufacturer's tech department for repair advice, that's all on your C/H. He can certainly blame the sales guy at the tile store for giving him bogus advice. But that's not a concern to you. Let the C/H argue with the sales guy about that. Only your C/H is a concern to you, he's the one you hired, he's the one who really buggered up the installation. He should have done what you're going to do...and what it says on every bag of grout to do...if you have problems, call tech support. Sorry for the wordy reply. This is one of those cases where I was interrupted by several phone calls while typing, etc...ramblin' man...oh yes oh yes oh yes...oh nooooo.... Custom Customer Support 800-272-8786 Custom Technical Services 800-282-8786 Good luck....See MoreNeed help for Bathroom remodel
Comments (4)If you don't have an adequate wall to place your controls in your plan, perhaps it's time to reexamine the design....See Moreneed help with bathroom remodel
Comments (2)Sounds good - pictures please. What is their budget....See MoreIs this Tub surround dated? Need help for bathroom remodel
Comments (10)White surrounds are not going to look as dated as white marble surrounds. The yellow was a popular color. This would be a good time to add a couple grab bars. If you are accustomed to cleaning the yellow surround with a few quick swipes, then you may not want to get grouted tile. Although new tile is a piece of cake to clean compared to tile whose glazed surface has worn off, grout is grout and does require occasional sealing to minimize effort in cleaning. Ledges have better air circulation than niches. Add a good exhaust fan to ventilate quickly....See Morefelizlady
4 years agoenduring
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoGreenDesigns
4 years agoJennifer Michel
4 years agoJennifer Michel
4 years agoBeverlyFLADeziner
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoJennifer Michel
4 years agoJennifer Michel
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoJennifer Michel
4 years agoGreenDesigns
4 years agoJennifer Michel
4 years agoFrameMyMirror
4 years ago
Related Stories
SELLING YOUR HOUSE10 Tricks to Help Your Bathroom Sell Your House
As with the kitchen, the bathroom is always a high priority for home buyers. Here’s how to showcase your bathroom so it looks its best
Full StoryBATHROOM WORKBOOKStandard Fixture Dimensions and Measurements for a Primary Bath
Create a luxe bathroom that functions well with these key measurements and layout tips
Full StoryBATHROOM DESIGNKey Measurements to Help You Design a Powder Room
Clearances, codes and coordination are critical in small spaces such as a powder room. Here’s what you should know
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDESWisdom to Help Your Relationship Survive a Remodel
Spend less time patching up partnerships and more time spackling and sanding with this insight from a Houzz remodeling survey
Full StoryHOUZZ TOURSMy Houzz: 38 Years of Renovations Help Artists Live Their Dream
Twin art studios. Space for every book and model ship. After four decades of remodeling, this farmhouse has two happy homeowners
Full StoryBATHROOM MAKEOVERSRoom of the Day: See the Bathroom That Helped a House Sell in a Day
Sophisticated but sensitive bathroom upgrades help a century-old house move fast on the market
Full StoryWORKING WITH PROS5 Steps to Help You Hire the Right Contractor
Don't take chances on this all-important team member. Find the best general contractor for your remodel or new build by heeding this advice
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDESKey Measurements for a Dream Bedroom
Learn the dimensions that will help your bed, nightstands and other furnishings fit neatly and comfortably in the space
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNHere's Help for Your Next Appliance Shopping Trip
It may be time to think about your appliances in a new way. These guides can help you set up your kitchen for how you like to cook
Full StorySTANDARD MEASUREMENTSKey Measurements to Help You Design Your Home
Architect Steven Randel has taken the measure of each room of the house and its contents. You’ll find everything here
Full Story
BeverlyFLADeziner