Should these 4 mistakes be fixed before tile is grouted?

last year

The tile installer is almost done with the walls and I think it is OK overall but there are 4 things that bother me and I wanted to know if it is possible to fix and reasonable for me to ask him to do it before he grouts.

The first mistake is a black jolly trim that is chipped.

Second is a black jolly with an exposed end that is not glazed - these come with one end glazed for these situations but he apparently didn’t check.

Third is one section of the marble mosaic trim is crooked.

Fourth is one black square at the bottom of one of the mosaic sections sticks out past the rest.

I will attach the pictures in order. I hope this can be easily fixed. I am paying a lot of money for the job and had to start off with these little mistakes if fixing is not an issue.

Happy Holidays to all!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (17)

H Briz
Original Author
last year
forgot to include a picture of how it looks overall.
User
last year
Poor workmanship. In addition to what you’ve pointed out, the grout line widths aren’t consistent, either. If you allow them to proceed, those flaws will always be a thorn in your side. Have it ripped out and hire a more qualified tile man.
Related Discussions
4 Those with smaller 4X4 or 6X6 TILE Kitchen Countertops..Grout?
Q
Comments (2)
I actually ended up going with 1/4" which I regret because it's a lot of grout look, very rustic. I wish I'd gone smaller, but that would have meant A LOT more cuts in the tile. I think the 1/8 would have been perfect. I used unsanded because I used glossy ceramic tile. I've not had any trouble with it, and it's been about a year. My only problem was two edge pieces came off, but it was because they'd not been stuck to the mastic appropriately. I used black tile with black grout. I DO like the look.
...See More
I need help with fixing my tile grout - any suggestions?
Q
Comments (16)
Oh wow, thank you guys! Just when I'm having a bad day, I jump on here and get complimented, and it makes my day! :) G - thank you! I didn't know people even looked at my kitchen on the FKB anymore since it was such a long time ago. I do enjoy my kitchen and still feel like it's brand-new. I can't stand clutter on my counters so I have to constantly clean, because I want it to stay new as long as possiblw! yes, I just love my corner sink. I also moved our sink from under a window to the corner, and it was a wonderful decision. I probably have 24 inches between the sink and the stove (to my left) and three feet between the sink and my dishwasher (to my right), so it's in a perfect position. If I would have had to sink under the window, I would have had to drip water on the floor all the time moving from the stove to the sink, know what I mean? It's been perfect, and I wouldn't have it any other way, seriously. It's great! You will love it! My mom still gets annoyed when she comes over because she's old school and does dishes in her sink, and hates my single sink. I love it though! It's nice and roomy. Email me if you have any more questions. I'd love to help! Claybabe - thanks! Okay, no white then, huh? I admit the grey grout I have now matches the counters perfectly, so I'm kind of reluctant to change it. but I have to do something. There are places where the grout is missing, so I guess I have no cnoice but to re-do it, or at least mis some up and fill in. Thanks, guys! Beth
...See More
Will grout fix this tile job?
Q
Comments (36)
schreibdave - tile is about as "natural" as drywall... you like your drywall to be random too? What about tiles on the floor being uneven? Sharp protruding tile edges aren't gentle on bare feet! In addition the style (herringbone pattern, etc) of the OP's bathroom doesn't lend itself for the "random look" you advocate. On the contrary. Plus, why should the cost of this tear out be the OP's? If the tile setter is indeed a professional, there are rules and acceptable tolerances that a professional tile setter has to adhere to, in order not to make him/herself liable for damages. By the way, yes, grout helps to hide minor irregularities. No grout in the world will mask such severe lippage and shoddy work. jwamelink - I highly suggest you go over to the "Tile Forum" and post your pictures and questions to the tile pros there. There ARE rules and guidelines regarding accepted procedures and tolerances in tiling. Real professionals adhere to these. Anyone who is selling this shoddy job as acceptable and standard, and making you feel "unreasonably picky" is essentially a con man or just utterly clueless. I surely wouldn't trust him to have properly waterproofed behind the tile. It takes more than just using concrete board. Did he tape and thinset the gaps and corners using the correct tape? How did he construct the mudbed, etc, etc? I'd post your pictures on the "Tile Forum" and ask the helpful pros over there to guide you on how to solve this. A couple of years ago, DH and I tiled our hall bath (with the help of the pros on the above mentioned Tile Forum). Despite being total newbies, we managed to get even grout lines and clean cuts throughout, no uneven tiles (lippage), and surely had no tiles "pop off". Best of all, we get to sleep well at night knowing the bath/shower area has been properly water proofed behind the tiles. Here a couple of pics from this "newbie tile project":
...See More
First time tiler, shoul I fix mistakes?
Q
Comments (13)
Hey everyone! I did it. I took out about 5 tiles and readjusted. The perfectionist in me wanted to do more, but at some point I had to give myself a break doing this for the first time LOL. To answer the grout question, I used Mapei from Lowes. It was the only actual BLACK that I saw there and I needed as dark as possible. I just finished grouting, I have to clean up and touch up, but the floor is essentially done. I didn't check to see if the grout needs a sealer or not using the pre mix, but that is the next thing. I appreciate all of your help. This is such a great resource and gave me a little more confidence taking out the tiles and making it right.
...See More
H Briz
Original Author
last year
Unfortunately, I can't afford to have it all ripped out to start over with someone else. But, from what you are saying, it isn't unreasonable for me to ask him to replace the tiles damaged sections. I was trying to find out how easy it would be to do that without causing more damage to the surrounding tiles since it has not been grouted?
H Briz
Original Author
last year
and he is a licensed tile guy who is not cheap. We had an unlicensed guy do a small tile job for us a few years ago and I was expecting to get a much better job from a licensed guy who charges more than double. :(
H Briz
Original Author
last year
when you say the grout lines are not even, are you talking about the mosaic tile or the white field tile?
millworkman
last year
If he thinks that is ok workmanship, he is not the person to ask for "repairs", he will make a bigger mess that you already have.
acm
last year
mosaic -- look at your first picture.
Sammie J
last year
I would be SO unsatisfied with the results. To answer your question, YES, he should redo those 4 mistakes, and many more, on his dime.
H Briz
Original Author
last year
I feel so sick. What other mistakes do you see that I need to get redone?
H Briz
Original Author
last year
acm - is it possible that the uneven grout lines in the mosaic are because of how they were put on the mesh? Or are the tile guys supposed to adjust those by taking them off?
catbuilder
last year
The whole installation is poorly done. Have him fix everything while he is fixing the areas you pointed out. He probably won't be able to do that, so he should refund any money you've paid, then you can hire someone else.
H Briz
Original Author
last year
last modified: last year
Several have said the entire installation is poorly done and I would like to know what specifically is it that you see besides what I pointed out? Is it just with the mosaic tile or are any of you seeing something wrong with the installation of the subway tile and what specifically is wrong? And if the grout lines are different with the mosaic, what did he need to do to fix that since they were on a mesh? Catbuiler, what do you see when you say, "have him fix everything?"
H Briz
Original Author
last year
I also want to say that the little black jolly trims are not all on yet. I am trying to understand what I am not seeing overall.
cpartist
last year
I feel so sick. What other mistakes do you see that I need to get redone?

How did he waterproof around the tub? I would be very concerned about that based on the poor job he did on the rest.

Yes a good tile guy will adjust the mosaic as he goes. It won't be perfect, but it will be better than what he did here. The tiles will line up.
Gerry
last year
Not related to the tile but that looks like a soaking tub that you are using as a tub/shower combo. Seems awkward to shower in it.
PRO
Steveworks LLC
last year
It's possible that the tile is not set up on the mesh evenly, but the tile installer should have pointed that out to you before installing. If he's a pro, he should have enough pride and rip it out and do it again. If not, pay him as much as you think it will take to keep him happy and find someone else.
Stephanie
last year
@Gerry it is a vintage American Standard ”cinderella” tub from the 50s. there are threads from a few months back helping her keep the original tub and incorporating it with the new bathroom remodel.

Should these 4 mistakes be fixed before tile is grouted?

Comments (17)

H Briz
Original Author

User

Related Discussions

H Briz
Original Author

H Briz
Original Author

H Briz
Original Author

millworkman

acm

Sammie J

H Briz
Original Author

H Briz
Original Author

catbuilder

H Briz
Original Author

H Briz
Original Author

cpartist

Gerry

Steveworks LLC

Stephanie

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Should these 4 mistakes be fixed before tile is grouted?

Comments (17)

H BrizOriginal Author

Related Discussions

H BrizOriginal Author

H BrizOriginal Author

H BrizOriginal Author

H BrizOriginal Author

H BrizOriginal Author

H BrizOriginal Author

H BrizOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

H Briz
Original Author

H Briz
Original Author

H Briz
Original Author

H Briz
Original Author

H Briz
Original Author

H Briz
Original Author

H Briz
Original Author

H Briz
Original Author