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Bathrooms Home Disasters Remodeling

Bad tile job done. Would dark grout make it less noticeable?

2 years ago

Hi Everyone
We are in a bind with what is becoming a terrible situation. Our contractor assured me the sheet lines from the hex tile he laid in our only shower would not be evident once it was grouted. As you can see, that is not the case.
We have no other option at the moment but to stick with what has been done. We don't have the time or patience for a redo. Would dying the grout black be less noticeable? Is it really as bad as I think it is? Thank you all so much!

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Comments (4)

Fori
2 years ago
Black grout would be better.

And yeah, it's as bad as you think. If you aren't looking to sell in the near future you might get used to it and just let it be....
K R
2 years ago
Another vote for black grout.
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Well, unfortunately, homeowners don't KNOW their tile person is inadequate (especially when there has been a credible referral) until the bad deed is done. It's too bad he's been paid, but that's also done. I'd probably have him back to see what he suggests (for no more $) then take lots of pictures and sue him in small claims court. If you don't give him the opportunity to fix it, it could affect your ability to get $$ in court, but if you are dissatisfied with what he says his "fix" would be, or if he refuses, then you could be covered because he doesn't know what the heck he is doing. Find someone better, get it fixed right, then take more pics for court as a "before" and "after".
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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.
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@Samantha Fellenz - I hope that you will look at this post again. This post has caused me to decide that I need to make a general post about people providing legal advice who are not qualified to do so. Please look my new post up if you’d like some actual guidance re: what occurred with your shower install. Unlike what you’ve been told - you do have recourse (still do now four months later). FYI - it appears that in AZ there is a 6 year statute of limitations for breach of contract actions and a 2 year statute for negligence.
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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!
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olychick
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
That looks like it was costly and would be so disappointing. I think he did a poor job of layout on the rest of the tile as well, especially in the niches. You might be able to color the grout you have so you don't risk harming the waterproofing on the floor (and someone is going to come along any minute and ask how he built the guts of the shower and waterproofed it). It that's as bad as the tiling, you may have no choice about a redo. Look for grout colorant for the type of grout you have.
Jen Lewis
Original Author
2 years ago
Aloha to the 3 awesome people who responded to me.

Just wanted to update you that I followed your suggestion and half the first coat down of black on my grout. Second goes on tomorrow and you were correct...it looks so much better.

I also wanted to show that the wall tiles look odd in the cubby from the angle I took the pic but they are actually symmetrical.

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