My tile woes

[HoneySuckle]

Some of you might remember that I had actually (still can't believe it) recommended my tile setter to a guy called Eric back in late August.  I thought this guy was good.  He talked like he knew what he was doing, and was very approachable.  Boy, was I wrong!

Since late August (around the time of Eric's work) my tile setter supposedly completed the job, and foolish me fell for the, "I really need this money for the wedding" so I paid him.  Yes, I know I should not have done so, but I felt that if something was wrong he would come back and fix it.  I'm still having hassles and had to be very firm and call/text him on a daily basis, including writing to the person who had recommended him.  This person works at a kitchen design store (one who recommended my failure of a tile setter).

What recourse do I have at this stage?  I had reported to him that there were hollow sounding tiles in the kitchen and he came back fixed three of them (after months of calling/texting).  I knew he had personal problems so I made allowances for that.  My biggest mistake was to let him work on the bathroom.  I apparently don't learn!!

[EricP]

Oh God! Did somebody let a toddler loose in the bathroom??? I think I lucked out in having most of my floor tile come out OK other than 1 spot.. that is just awful.

[Jonette]

OMG!!

What is this guys name?


Sounds like a conman I know.


Never let children play in the grout!!!


We need his name so we never hire him.



:-(

[Pebbles]

Looks like expansion/contraction problems.  In corners like that a sanded caulk must be used.  The fix is to scrape out that grout and replace it with caulk which won't crack as the seasons fluctuate.  Typically, grout the grids and caulk the perpendicular planes/corners.

(I have done tile work so I know what the problem is)

[cannon_fodder]

I had a guy tile my office building a few years back that did a really good job, damned if I can remember his name. I'll have to look it up.  But he placed MY tile for a reasonable fee and did a fantastic job.  His only downside was that he like to talk while he worked, I mean this guy could yammer on and on.

Nonetheless, the point is there are good tile guys (people) out there.  You was clearly not among them.

[waterboy]

quote:Originally posted by Pebbles

Looks like expansion/contraction problems.  In corners like that a sanded caulk must be used.  The fix is to scrape out that grout and replace it with caulk which won't crack as the seasons fluctuate.  Typically, grout the grids and caulk the perpendicular planes/corners.

(I have done tile work so I know what the problem is)

I just tiled my bath with marble and am happy with the results. Marble is difficult to lay. However, I didn't take my tile to the ceiling (9'6") which allowed me to place a cap across the top where the cement backer board ended and the wall began. Instructions on the shower base noted to use 100% silicon where the tile met the base and that has allowed for expansion/contraction of the home. Downside is that the silicon seems to mold faster than the grout.

I agree, its not a tragedy. Scrape out the offending grout and replace it up to where the tile meets the ceiling. At that point use a high quality 100% silicon. Then consider attaching a vinyl moulded trim piece along the top. Sounds like the guy got in a hurry or hadn't come across the expansion/contraction issue. Small job that he should repair. Note: never pay the final payment till all work is done and approved. Never.

[TheArtist]

Someone on here recommended "Tile by Tony" and that is the company I used. They did a great job. I called them, they came by the very next day to give a quote, then started the next week. They were here 8:00 every morning and often worked past 6. Were easy to work with, the price was good and they fixed up what the previous tile guy had messed up.

Question... why is it that every time I hire a white guy to do work it gets screwed up big time,,, when they show up that is, but every time I get some hispanics doing the job they work super hard and do fantastic work?

[Kashmir]

HoneySuckle, that is exactly the reason I'm going to try to do my kitchen backsplash myself. (Tiny 12*12 mosaic sheets) I can live with myself screwing it up, but the bitterness, (oh the bitterness!) if someone else jacks me would be too much to live with and I would probably move.

I'm sorry you got ripped off!  It seems nobody gives a damn and it's so frustrating!

[Ed W]

I checked out some books and DVDs on tiling from TCCL last night.  Naturally, I did this AFTER tiling the kitchen.  Sure, I made some mistakes but I'm trying to learn to do a better job next time.  And there will be a next time - probably after Christmas when I get to lay marble across the living room, down the hallway, and into one bathroom.  

So, my advice it to check out some of these items after I return them, or go to one of the big home improvement stores for one of their tiling classes.  Even if you're not going to do the work yourself, it gives you an idea of how it should be done correctly.

And, no, I don't do this for other people.  I'm a life-long indentured servant to She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed.

[HoneySuckle]

Eric, are you the same guy that used Doug?  That's the "toddler" that went wild in my bathroom.  Anyone who wants to know more about this guy can PM me.  

I made the mistake of paying the loser before checking his work thoroughly.  He's a very approachable "nice" kind of guy, so it's easy to be fooled. He claims to guarantee his work for 2 years, but I fear he does not know how to handle problems.  I will check into tiles by Tony, and I agree, anytime I hire a "white" guy to do something, there is always a certain amount of grief!  I regret using the Mexican guy that my friends used.  He is super booked up and told me he would come some nights and weekends, so I thought the job would drag on too much, and I hired Doug M.  Big mistake.

[HoneySuckle]

quote:Originally posted by Kashmir

HoneySuckle, that is exactly the reason I'm going to try to do my kitchen backsplash myself. (Tiny 12*12 mosaic sheets) I can live with myself screwing it up, but the bitterness, (oh the bitterness!) if someone else jacks me would be too much to live with and I would probably move.

I'm sorry you got ripped off!  It seems nobody gives a damn and it's so frustrating!

You are right about the bitterness.  It's not a nice feeling.  I had two others who did similar things with their work, and would never hire them!

So far I have great luck with Rossi Bros (Anderesen window install).  Can't say enough good things about this company. They do excellent work and stand behind it. Second time I used them for window install.  

Robison for A/C-Furnace were also excellent, and I highly recommend.  My drywall guy is a perfectionist and has been back to do work 4 times now (different rooms).  My electrician and plumber did excellent work too.

Doug M, Mark (another general contractor), James V. are the biggest disappointments I've had with my whole house remodel.

Not one of these guys were dirt cheap. You can get cheaper out there.  I really have to focus on those that did excellent work and not on the losers, or I'll end up sick from bitterness.