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Bathrooms Remodeling Home Disasters

Tile Advice - Bad tile job?

Brooke Santitoro

2 years ago

We are having our bathroom remodeled and am very worried we are on our way to a tile nightmare. The tilers continue to reassure us that everything is done correct and will be fine. Any advice would be greatly appreciated if we need to put our foot down and tell them to halt the job. I've done a lot of internet research and this looks a lot like spot bonding to me and I just don't see how this can be an acceptable method of applying tile in a shower.

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Comments (5)

millworkman
2 years ago
It certainly looks like the tile is spot bonded.
RNmomof2 zone 5
2 years ago
I thought large formant tiles should be installed 1/3 offset not 50/50?
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Bad tile job?? Please give input/advice asap!
Q
Comments (22)
"One more question-I was going to see if the builder could get another tile guy in for a consult-to come up with the plan and then this guy can follow that - is this reasonable? Somehow, I'd like someone involved that knows exactly what they're doing. this is so frustrating!! " I'm a builder, but I also do everything from framing to finish work. So I've seen this from both sides of the issue. Now I don't know your tiler, but after years of seeing pretty much all there is to see, and hearing all there is to hear, I'm more concerned with end results rather than assuaging tender personalities. The problem is not that he's working with tricky materials or with a tricky layout. You have a basic layout and a basic tile. The problem is not that "something just doesn't look right" and it's so minute, so buried within the overall aesthetic that we just cant pick it out. It's not a proportion that could have been tweaked. It's not that the golden rectangle could have been honored and it wasn't. Your installation has repeated flaws. They are all obvious. The layout is bad. Grout lines are uneven. Tiles were cut without being measured for the individual space they will fill. That's why having your builder bring in another tiler as a consultant probably won't help. This guy is ether having a rough go of life at this time, or he's simply ignorant and apathetic. His inadequacies are now a part of your house. In your bathroom. Is this what you want to wake up to and go to bed to each day? If you want to nurse him along and offer him yet another chance at redemption, it's up to you and your builder. Honestly? I'd cut the guy loose and bring in a competent tiler. From the builder's point of view, unless he's enamored with this tiler for some reason, the builder wants to get the job done in as few hours as possible. He wants to pay for the job once. Not twice, or four times. I'd put it on your builder. Simply tell your builder that based upon what you've seen, for whatever reasons, the current tiler is not up snuff for executing this job. If your builder insists that this guy be given a second chance, hey it's on your builder. But then when an outside guy needs to be brought in, that'll be on your builder too. Your concern is that the job be done properly. It's up to the builder to bring in people that do competent work. Your mantra that you need to repeat to the builder is that you want it done right; to industry standards and in a workmanlike manner. If you agree to give this guy another chance, legally you've seen the level of his work and you're accepting it. That's why your sole concern is to demand a certain quality of work, and it's up to the builder, not you, to bring in a technician capable of producing. When you agree to a certain person doing the work, you're accepting that person's ability. If they have a good day, you're fine. If they have a bad day, you're stuck. If you agree that the work be done to a certain quality level, then that's what the builder has to provide, whether it take him one try or forty tries. There's a bit of subtlety in that language, and I hate to bring it up, but I've done construction arbitration, I've been a witness in legal cases, and sometimes the minutiae is important. Not that you;re headed in that direction, but I'm tossing that out for consideration. I highly recommend that these things be put in writing. email is fine. Just get written communication going so you have a record of your concerns. The builder will probably drop the "well you know, getting someone else to come in and do the work might cost us a couple of weeks on the timeline" to try to scare you. Just give him a deadpan reply of "well you better get on the phone and start dialing now". Two day, two weeks, it seems like an eternal stoppage at the moment. But when the job is done properly, it'll have been worth it. Remember, this is business. It's not your job to coddle the incompetent. Or pay them YOUR money for work that will raise the hairs on the back of your neck for the next 20 years. If you plan on selling in a few years, it's more important. Do you want potential buyers seeing this bathroom and saying oooooohhhhhhh! or do you want them saying Ugh. You'll make money with oooohhhh. With "Ugh" you'll pay for this tile again when you have to drop your selling price. Brevity is not my strong point, Mongo
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Bad Tile Job?? Need advice ASAP.
Q
Comments (3)
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.
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New backsplash = bad tile job
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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...
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How bad is this tile job?
Q
Comments (7)
You have probably already given the contractor more money than he deserves for such lousy work. Insist on a re-do and file a complaint with your state's home improvement commission so legal action can be taken if work isn't redone to your satisfaction. If you don't have a state commission, research what consumer protections are available in your state to help you have the work corrected by the contractor or to receive money back to have it done correctly by another contractor.
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PRO
Avanti Tile & Stone / Stonetech
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Yeah...that's spot bonding. It should last a year or possibly two....but not much more than that. Get a good tile mechanic and have them tear it out and do it properly....
PRO
Dragonfly Tile & Stone Works, Inc.
2 years ago
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.
dani_m08
2 years ago
Brooke - I’m sure that you’re very upset about what has happened with this project. Please note, regardless of whether you entered into a written agreement with the contractor, you still most likely have recourse. Most (if not all) states in the U.S. have enacted statutes that govern home improvement/renovation work. You should not have to pay for this poor tile installation.

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