Beth you have a good eye. So I noticed after they tiled they could’ve came down those 2 inches but that was my call and not theirs. So it’s my bad judgement. I wish we would’ve did a dry layout I dont even know if this company offers that. With this being our very first remodel I came in this very ignorant. My husband didn’t offer any help with design just his pocketbook lol. I have been the one picking out things, running to the stores and overseeing the guys.

So our original guys that was working on the job had a family emergency and they stuck us with 2 other guys that wasn’t so good. I literally had their boss and like 6 workers over today because it was a mess this morning. I couldn’t step on the floor last night so I noticed all the sloppy work this morning. Missing grout in a lot of parts..a lot of lippage everywhere, uneven marble trims and other things. My original guys are back and they are fixing and noticing all the things the other workers did wrong and they are the ones who called out their boss. The company I hired..hires out another company. And the sub company boss is the one who came over today.

Here this is

If it helps, many houzzers including myself have had similar problems. :(

I'm not familiar w/that one.

does it say 100% silicone anywhere on it? It has to say 100%. some are silicone, but not completely.

does it say it's meant for shower/wet areas?

is this it??

Now I know why I'm not familiar with it. Sigh. (siliconized is NOT 100% silicone, fyi)

Don't these tile people read anything???

Please read the portion under LIMITATIONS, specifically where it says, "not for use w/constant water exposure"

Caulking 'around' showers is not that same as caulking "for showers".

SPECTRUM SILICONIZED ACRYLIC CAULK

RECOMMENDED USES:

• ● For caulking around sinks, tubs, showers, countertops, baseboards,windows/glass block and door frames.

• ● For use where tile meets tile or dissimilar surfaces i.e. wherecountertops meet backsplashes or floors meet the walls.

• ● Exceptional adhesive for ceramic tile, glass, stone, wood and marblevanity tops to their bases.

• ● To restore cracked or worn grout joints.Note: Detailed “FAQ” are available @ www.specmfgcorp.com

• LIMITATIONS:

• ● Not recommended for constant water exposure.

• ● Do not apply when temperatures fall below 40o F (4o C).

• ● May stain porous surfaces such as walls. Masking or shielding of theseareas might be necessary. Test in an inconspicuous area if staining is aconcern.

• ● Maximum joint width and depth should not exceed 1⁄4”.

• ● Exact match to Portland cement grouts may vary due to differences inmanufacturing and the nature of Portland cement.

http://www.specmfgcorp.com/pdf/Spectrum_PIS_Caulk-Latex.pdf

Everdebz I’ve been through a roller coaster of emotions this…remodeling is draining. Beth I don’t see on there where it says 100% I’m going to google this product.

Ugh!!! This makes me so frustrated!! The other guys had brought that one here and was using it. I will let the guys who originally started the work know on Monday to use a different one. Is there one you suggest?

Look at this…. my husband knows better than them he keeps this one!

Custom has this one . seee the 100% silicone? It has to say that. NOT siliconized!

This Custom one (avail at Home Depot) Should have a white that matches your white grout. That one is Arctic White.

mapei has this one

https://www.lowes.com/pd/MAPEI-Mapesil-T-10-1-oz-Frost-Silicone-Caulk/1001087072

• 100% silicone for use in interior, exterior, wet and dry locations
• For use in both change of plane and joint applications in tile and stonework
• Can be used in pools and spas

another place:

https://www.contractorsdirect.com/mapesil-t-silicone-caulk (In Frost? is that your grout color) ?

Features

• Formulated to a low sheen to match the gloss of grout joints
• For use in interior, exterior, wet and dry installations on countertops, vanities, sinks, bathtubs, showers, steam rooms, pools, spas, backsplashes and fixtures
• Excellent elongation and flexibility for use in both change-of-plane and joint applications in tile or stonework
• Can be used in pools and spas
• Helps to prevent mold and mildew
• Colors match all of Mapei's color palette

Grout companies should have the matching stuff in the silicone. Custom, above, Bostik, and I know others do too.

Like your husbnad has! lol

please show them the specs on the one they're using. It clearly says, "Not for constant wet areas!"

Maybe i'm reading it wrong. Constant would mean like a pool or fountain? But still, a shower gets continual water for 10-15 minutes at time. and if it's used more than once a day, will take awhile to dry out.

In any case, using the 100% is a no brainer. Why bother with others if you're not sure?

The things you learn from doing a remodel smh!! I shouldn’t have to babysit or micromanage their work. But I think now that the original workers came back today it’s going to be so much better. I am going to ask them about that caulk the other workers used.

Diona, or just get the one from Mapei. (which grout are you using?)

if it's the Mapei, lowes has the matching silicone caulk. or, just get the Custom brand from HD

@DianaB: It really is a roller coaster as a first timer, but you’re weathering it well and getting great help/recommendations from Beth. I look forward to seeing the finished product.

>I shouldn’t have to babysit or micromanage their work.

True, you shouldn't. But I have yet to do a remodel that didn't require me to check in on the work a couple times a day. I usually come bearing ice water or cookies or something and take the opportunity to look around, ask questions and ask them if they've come up against anything unexpected or if they found clever solutions to fiddly problems. Everyone likes to show off so it's a good way to find out when something may be going sideways.

Of course, I WFH so that makes keeping an eye on things easier.

Beth they are using the Mapei grout in frost so on Monday I will talk to them about using that brand caulk in frost.

Julie thank you….you seen of seen me the last few days. One day I was on the verge of crying then today I was so mad. It’s going to be nice to not have any of these feelings about this project when it’s over.

Jennifer that’s so smart!!! I think I’m going to do that Monday!!! Give them a batch of cookies and start chatting about the work lol!!! Oh I love that idea!!

Sad… one of the mirrors came but the other one got damaged in transit so now I have to wait another week for the mirror.

man, can't catch a break can you?

Mirror was taken down yesterday and it sounded like the guys were having so much fun while doing it.

Ok I need some advice one last time. For the backsplash behind the mirror. Should I do just behind the sink in 12 inch or go all the way around in 6 inch. The reason for just the 6 inch all the way around is because of the light switches. Here are some pics for a visual. I have to decide soon because tomorrow the install.

Vessel sinks need taller backsplash -- is 6" the highest you want?

When you say behind the mirror, what does that mean? .. no one else is 'on' yet, just me... ;(

Everdebz not sure what height to get it at. And I meant behind the sink area.

If I were putting a patterned backsplash behind a visually complex counter (vessel sinks, different counter heights), I'd cover the entire wall to the height of the partial side wall. If you don't, the borders between pattern and plain wall become yet more visual clutter.

I would not tile the side walls at all.

Thank you Jennifer!! I just asked friends too and they said leave the area plain.

Btw, if you do tile the side walls, you don't have to change heights on account of the switches. Just get an extension box added to bring the switch up even with the tile surface.

Ahhhh ok that’s good to know for future projects.
Next time I will also hire a designer because I had the guys already cut so many of these tiles it’s just going to waste now not using them. I have wasted so much money on changing my mind about things.

no side walls. just do the back wall. go up as far as you want., or to the mirrors. (i'd go all the way up)

Thank you Beth!!!

Should I have them to take off the right end mosaic and cut another piece that resembles the piece on the left. Or will it be fine when they grout?

I think it looks fine. the marble will lighten once the moisture has evaporated.

I am questioning why they used a gray mortar though. white marble ALWAYS requires a white thinset just because it can absorb darker colors.

Versabond Blanco Marble thinset mortar is what is usually used.

(do these tile guys understand anything??? lol)

Beth I thought the same thing about the white mortar!!! It’s like I have been doing the research and teaching them. I had another meeting with the owner this morning about how upset I was with their quality of work. They had to take down more tiles today and undo things. They went and bought more tiles out of their money because we said we was not buying any more tiles for their mistakes.

well good. their mistakes, they buy replacements.

It's a shame you have to babysit pro tile setters! I hope you've come up with proper payment for all the mistakes they've made.

But yeah, marble and white thinset is Tile-101. Rookie mistake not to use white.

Update….

woohoo. looking good girl! love the tile splash

ttwo diff levels. are you short? lol

I’m loving it….a few things they still need to fix but otherwise I’m happy. Yes I am short barely 5’2” lol. We ordered the shower glass in 3/8 low iron with showerguard. One of my family members suggested just do rain-x but I think showerguard would be better.

that's good. I haven't tried showerguard on my glass. I also use the rainx, but you still have to squeegee. the water is so hard here.

Yep the same for us too here in Texas.

wow, this looks great! way to see it through!

try to bring in a some warm elements. maybe a vase w/a green plant. a wicker tray, maybe a stool w/wood legs.

then a small runner.

you could also put some shelves between the mirrors. I did it w/mine

(my entire ceiling in here is wood, plus I have a wall w/teak and plants (off in ithe shower) so I didn't need to have warm elements in this exact spot. Oh, I also have a large overdyed rug in the same blue as the window now.

just an example of some things you could try. (not all of them. although I do like the shelf, one, with some items like shown, the green plant and a runner. you could do a diff color. if you don't like the shelf, then do a tall vase w/tall green stems in it to take up some height in the middle

see this tall glass vase and green branches? something like that for the middle.

maybe a little vanity tray w/some pretty items in it

Beth because I have this blue Roman shade do you think it will clash with any of those runners and items. I love the idea of a clear vase with the greenery!! I wonder if it would look good with like some silver dollar eucalyptus.

Thank you Rl…. I love how everything came together even though I doubted a lot of the choices. We did the glass order and decided to have it look like the first picture and they charged us extra for it. I wanted the clip to be 6 inches down from the middle like the first picture. They was going to add a clip at the top of that corner like the second picture. I didn’t like that look.

Beth what about a ghost chair something like this with the clear vase and greenery.

I think it's too wide.

since you have the blue shade, how about a blue ceramic garden stool?

find a runner w/shades of navy, light blue, indigo, etc, colors in it. maybe whites/grays, or even some contrasting warmer colors.

So I found these item….

those could work. (how tall is the vase?) Everything is going to be on the 'colder' side. (you have grays and whites but nothing 'warm' to add to the mix.

maybe if you add a walnut tray, the green leaves, or a textured basket, maybe some art w/color, a textured rug, it would work a bit better

I still like this one.

try to find a rug w/a bit more blue to pull from your curtain.

maybe a blue garden stool?

or, what if you did the sisal/jute rug,,,

but in blue?

lowes has this one

then do a woven vanity tray w/that vase and some green stem (crate/barrel)

amazon has this one nw/the wood

https://www.amazon.com/Round-Rattan-Decorative-Tray-Natural/dp/B08HR5HYTT

Bamboo tray styled like this would also work

I also added these items.

To help bring in warmth.

with some white hand towels, and maybe a little bit of art, I think this would look nice

love the plant and the tray. your art selection, not so much. its the wrong color (the frame, the mat, the overall subject. just doesn't go w/the room)

if you do a white/gray rug, then try this type of stool. or, try putting a plant on it

Love this mock up. The art was from a very close friend that passed away…was trying to use it somewhere. I bought these to add to the counter.

you can try diff colors.

same fiddle leaf. but see how they brought in the other warm elements and garden stool?

I'd prob put a few orchids over on the window sill, or you can bring in one of these for them

one of these types of rugs would also look good. (try the Loloi collection)

love this wood looking one too.

what if you did the vase/w/the flowers on a stool over by the window or the tub? I like the tray on the vanity

is it possible to reframe the art? I think if you did a white frame (or even silver) it would look better in your room. you have no gold or black.

maybe bring in a black garden stool? and add some type of pink somewhere? maybe a bit of pink and navy in a rug?

this would tie everything together. but do a nice silver frame for it

the art may look nice between the mirrors. if you had it reframed, what about putting it there?