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Chipped glazed ceramic tiles

2 months ago

We're in the middle of a bathroom reno and I'm unhappy with some of the tile work. The GC is asking for a milestone payment for completion of tile, but hasn't been out to the site yet to review. I told him I have a bunch of issues. Specifically some fragrantly chipped tiles and some very rough edges of glazed ceramic tile (Daltile). I'm guessing the tile contractor didn't attempt to buff them out smooth.

Also the alcove isn't symmetrical. It looks like they planned on trimming out the tub even on both sides but then changed their mind? It's noticeable when you stand outside the tub. Am I being too picky? I don't think so...

At a glance...

Large chip ~0.5" (he cleaned up the terrible caulk job on the niche)

Tiled alcove not symmetrical even though looked like he prepared to tile out that way????

Bad lipping from subtrate not being square

Lots of chips like these on some of the cut tiles

Thoughts?

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Comments (7)

PRO
Mint tile Minneapolis
2 months ago
This GC is arguably not qualified to use your money to source SUB contractors nor oversee quality control. Many GCs only make it a year or two. even more supposed tilers only make it that long.

In the old days when i would meet GCs to look at sub contracting tile work id be told time and again im way to expensive. Even with the high roller design build firms...That being said there are some worthy high quality GCs and tilers out there still boy are the good ones busy and not cheap..
Brandon J
Original Author
2 months ago
Wedi board. The tiler apparently went to Wedi the month before to learn their new system.
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Brandon J
Original Author
2 months ago
His prep looked reasonable to me.
Brandon J
Original Author
2 months ago
last modified: 2 months ago
Are those large and small chips acceptable? I think the GC thinks they are...

Also I come home and after they did some drywall finishing. Why would they NOT cover the floor and prevent all the mud from getting in the CHARCOAL grout?!
PRO
Mint tile Minneapolis
2 months ago
last modified: 2 months ago
The $60 snap ccutter tells a story alone when combined w tile pics.

the drywall mud work tells another story or perhaps part of one combined story.

Wedi is as easy as it gets and im hoping it was Lapped properly OVER the tubs tile flange.

I fear youve got a GC that shop prices subs and a tiler thats in his infancy stages. This may all be fine if the price point was appealing to you. Its very hard to help folks that dont first come here to HOUZZ to ask HOW to qualify and vet both a GC and A tile sub situation prior to hiring. Theres many things you could look closer at to find points of argument other than just the cosmetic lack of eye for detail/skill if you choose.

Youve def got a battle on your plate if you do decide to stomp your feet. good luck moving fwd.
Brandon J
Original Author
2 months ago
last modified: 2 months ago
@Mint tile Minneapolis I took progress pix. There is some sort of flange installed into the penetration of the Wedi board. He had a shower kit shipped to my house so I assume that came with it. I'm not sure he was supposed to use the wedi polyurethane adhesive gray stuff around that or what to bond the blue flange to the wedi board?

Also I believe the boards are lapped and sealed over the tub flange.
Brandon J
Original Author
2 months ago
@A Handy 1 only a few grand cheaper than the next highest bid. Perhaps a bit naive on my part for not going with a larger, more established class A contractor.

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