If you don't have enough ceiling height for a new subfloor, just put the old tiles back and add the padding and carpet. Just make sure your basement has never leaked before you lay down carpet. We installed vinyl tiles over the old one and just put down area rugs because our neighborhood has a high water table. If the basement ever floods, we can just take the rugs to the cleaners.

#2 - insulated ceiling/air tight (IC/AT) is mandatory in many areas and always recommended if installing in a ceiling that is insulated, or should be. Most low voltage housings are only IC/AT if new construction type. Light shop was correct in recommending new construction. #3,4 - looking at attic for access does not mean that the housings will fit where desired unless they also carefully measured the layout to see what may be in the way of each fixture. The layout is generally done from below and projected up onto the ceiling with exploratory small holes to then locate in the attic. That the electrician found the space issues when starting the project should be foreseeable by him. How the electrician priced the project may reflect his experience. Low voltage new construction housings are generally larger and harder to place than non low voltage new construction housings. The fixture you ordered may be a brand or model he hasn't seen before. For example, Halo has a 3" low voltage fixture made for shallow depth but the housing is huge in length and width and can be quite a surprise if one hasn't used them before. If you don't need the shallow depth it is also a mistake to order that model. #5 - sounds like store does not stock the housings. Buying product that may or may not fit well from stores that don't stock and won't accept a return is risky. Electrician should try to put in the new construction. If you aren't in a mandatory IC/AT area then you can substitute remodel housings where necessary and at least limit the number you must return or eBay. And then there is the issue of why and how you ended up with the number and type of fixtures you are using but I'm sure others will add to the thread about that.

Looks absolutely FAB U LOUS! One thing you may want to consider? In lieu of the "fluffed" leopard accent pillows on sofa? Cover the smaller bolster pillows behind them, same leopard.Why? Because your seating is so beautifully crisp and architectural.! I wouldn't detract from those lovely shapes. I also notice no lower lamp lighting and it IS possible to add that with no loss of that beautifully edited result. !! Lovely room : )

Hi Patricia and thank you for your comment. However, I did not post on the same subject. My other question is separate as I indicated in this post. If you'd like to check out the other post I welcome your feedback on that grout issue as well. And, as I said, we've been happy with our contractors work overall. That's why discovering this mistake and his lack of communication about it surprised us so much. 90% of the job is done and done well, so I'm not too concerned about that. I know he'll come for his last check, and I expect that he will fix it per what we request. I am seeking advice on exactly what to ask him to do from those with tiling/tile-fixing experience. Replace the whole tile on each piece that is chipped/or has the accidental hole? Or, is there an acceptable enamel-type fix anyone would recommend? I am the painter on this project and 2 of these tiles are next to the ceiling. I'm worried about damage to the new drywall, ceiling, and time I don't have to paint again as hubby and I are working full time during this closure. So, rather than flippant calls for shame, why not thoughtful ones about what to ask my contractor to do?