I feel qualified to comment on this issue, as we had a similar problem occur in our build with respect to the finish carpentry. To make a long story shorter, the trim carpenter did a horrible job - placing way too many nails in the trimwork, many unnecessary holes in our closet walls, and putting on chair rails upside down, etc. The excuse was that since our trimwork was to be painted, all of the nail holes (sometimes over 30 in a 5' piece of trim) could be puttied and covered. But it was so bad, and our painter wasn't happy about having to do all that nail covering work. So we insisted that the trim be replaced where needed and attached properly to the walls. Painted trim is not an excuse for shoddy workmanship. We thought we would encounter some resistance with our builder, and initially, we did, but once they saw how bad it was, they ordered a new trim package and fixed all of the problems, including recutting all of our poorly cut window ledges. We asked that the original trim carpenters not come back to do this, and we are now very happy and very satisfied with the replacement work. If you don't ask, it won't happen. We are not "picky" people, and we do not wish to engage in unnecessary whining and complaining, but consider the fact that you have paid a lot of money for this and that it is not what you asked for. Your builder is responsible for the work of his subcontractors. I hope that you can get the issue resolved. When subcontractors are working with such expensive materials, they need to be careful and professional in carrying out their work. Jan

It really doesn't bother me all that much. It almost looks like it's intended to be a doorway header. Who's to say where a "completely unacceptable" row of tile might have fallen had he started in the middle of the room and how that would have affected the areas you currently find "completely unacceptable". If it's really bothersome, could the tiles be cut back to the midpoint of the partition and add a piece of wood floor to meet halfway? Will the grout be light or dark?

So "pro" was supposed to come back today and caulk. He planned to do sanded gray caulk OVER the sanded grout he put in the seam between new granite and b/s. Grout is already cracking. Countertop guy came today to fix a scratch and said you never use grout in seam between counter and b/s. Is this correct? Honestly, I don't even want my guy to fix it because he left such a mess and I don't think he'll be careful with new granite when cutting out grout to replace with caulk. I'm at my wit's end. He said he was coming today at 2:30 and called at one and said he was running 2 hours behind. Finally at 5 I texted and he said he had a plumbing emergency and just couldn't do another late night. So we had everything off the counters and waited all afternoon for nothing. He just texted and said our countertops are off 1/4' and that is why he grouted. Is this a valid reason?

Hi HU-585149926! I don't have any technical advice about the job but I wanted to let you know that you aren't alone in hiring/trusting trade people based on a friend's recommendation. My husband and I had a similar situation last year. Our first major reno also. Our friend owned the company and his employee/contractor (who was also the tile guy) ended up walking off the job before completing the tiling in the main bath (we renovated the main and guest bathrooms). Like you, we have learned a ton of what not to do if ever we take on a reno project again. Thankfully, we hadn't paid him everything. In the end, we had to find other contractors to finish up everything (during the first weeks of the COVID situation) and ended up not paying anything else to the friend/contractor. Unfortunately, the situation did "taint" the friendship. I just wanted to offer encouragement. It's likely going to take more work and frustration on your part, but keep plugging along. Good luck!