Can a bad tile job be saved?

4 years ago

Hello! I recently had a subway tile backsplash done in my kitchen by a local company that also installed my new countertops.

The backsplash was really not done well, and i'm really dissapointed. They apparently had failed to order any edge/bullnose pieces, so the edges are all raw tile edge. The window above my sink bumps out, and the ledge and area surrounding the bump out are tiled as well, with the rough tile edges very obvious as they face forward into the room!

Additionally, the grout color is very inconsistent throughout. It's supposed to be a light taupe and it varies from a light light taupe to a dark gray/brown.

The company claims they can fix this and wants to send someone out to remove the edge pieces and replace with bullnose, and somehow fix the grout coloring issue. I asked them to send someone out first to show me exactly what they plan to do, but I don't have high hopes for how that's going to go.

Are there any tile experts here who can weigh in? My understanding was that once tile is in, it's done, and there's not much you can do with it. I'm uneasy about allowing them to "fix" anything.

Any thoughts??

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

millworkman
4 years ago
Pictures would help as sight unseen it is close to impossible to tell..............................
klpanda
Original Author
4 years ago
Sure - i should have thought of that. Here are a couple of the edges around the window and one where you can kind of see the grout discoloration, although the lighting made that part had to photograph! Thanks for your quick reply!
Related Discussions
Help: Bad Shower/Tub Tile Job?
Q
Comments (5)
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
...See More
New backsplash = bad tile job
Q
Comments (25)
This just happened to us in a guest bath. I was so distraught and just wanted the guy out of my house so I did pay him and told him how disappointed I was and asked him if he was proud of his work and he said no. I asked what he thought we should do about it and he said well if you hire me to do more work I could fix it then. At this time I considered I was dealing with an unreasonable incompetent, unprofessional and decided to cut my losses and move on. It was not easy as I don't have a money tree in the back yard but I couldn't even look at it. Like you, we had tile falling off and he poured grout and caulk into the places he didn't cut the tile to fit, it was crooked and the thresholds were metal strips he found somewhere that looked more like carpet tack strips. OY VEY. We hired someone else and I had to go and buy new tile because they said it could not be saved. They charged me extra to tear out the old. It makes me sick to think about it, but it looks nice now. Remodeling is not for the fainthearted and heartbreak is nearly always involved. Disappointment in people always included. It can be a little depressing both for the outlay of money and for the things you learn about people that sadden you. Good luck! Cut and run...
...See More
Is this bad tile job going to cause me problems?
Q
Comments (35)
Yes, the wall tile is bad. Probably, based on the drywall next to it, because the wall is bad. I see zero evidence of durarock peaking out behind the tile, so I suspect you might just have sloppy drywall behind the wall tile which is why it looks so uneven. And which also means you likely do not have proper waterproofing. You didn't ask, but the shower pan is absolutely wrong and should be taken out. Even if the missing curb was not an issue, which it is, the size of the tile doesn’t allow for a proper pitch to the drain in such a small span. Your shower door will not be able to contain the water. Please fix this before you invest any further. Best of luck.
...See More
Bad tile job...can it be fixed?
Q
Comments (10)
Sarah- I was going to suggest discussing the issue with your tile installer, and explaining that you will not accept the product. Some people use payment as recourse. Normally, the grouting is done with a rubber or plastic float, then sponged down. It would be unusual for any metal tools to be used. It really looks like it was cut, perhaps to try and correct something for straightness? It's plausible a metal tool was used to try to scrape down uneven grout after it was dry. In any case, if you leave it as is, you may want to place a bead of clear silicone at the countertop so it is a bit more watertight.
...See More
zmith
4 years ago
Yeah, I wouldn't be happy with the way the outside corner was done. There are pre-manufactured metal or plastic trim pieces that are used when you can't get matching tile corner trim.
eam44
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
The idea that once tile is done it's done isn't really accurate. Once it's done to your satisfaction, it's done. The question is, how much time and money do you want to put in, and do you trust the guys that did the install - apparently without using spacers or levels - to actually fix the tile? I think this should all be demoed. I would ask them to do the demolition, repair the walls and credit you for the tile work and materials so you can go with an actual tile setter.
klpanda
Original Author
4 years ago
That's kind of what I would like to do - but I am not experienced with dealing with home contractors, and honestly wasn't sure if I had a right to demand that after agreeing to hire them for the work.

Do they have the right to insist they try to "fix it" to my satisfaction?
klpanda
Original Author
4 years ago
Also - they seem to think they can remove the edge pieces and replace with bullnose. Is that even possible? What kinds of questions should I ask them about how they plan to fix it? (That is, if I don't just say never mind, I'm not paying for this, we're done :) )
zmith
4 years ago
I think generally it's good practice to give the contractor a chance to make it right. Depending on what the tiler proposes to use at the corner, you might wind up with little pieces of tile. Something to keep in mind.
eam44
4 years ago
Everyone here advocates for letting contractors try to make it right, and half of these folks are contractors. I would listen to them. I would also make a numbered list of everything you don’t like - everything in descending order of importance - and go over every detail writing down a plan you both agree to. I would want to know how they will protect your counters during the repair, and I would photograph them before the work begins.

Can a bad tile job be saved?

Comments (8)

millworkman

klpanda
Original Author

Related Discussions

zmith

eam44

klpanda
Original Author

klpanda
Original Author

zmith

eam44

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Can a bad tile job be saved?

Comments (8)

millworkman

klpandaOriginal Author

Related Discussions

zmith

eam44

klpandaOriginal Author

klpandaOriginal Author

zmith

eam44

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

klpanda
Original Author

klpanda
Original Author

klpanda
Original Author