Help! How do I complain about my tiler?

[Daveyboy]

Hi Leevander..until I can see some photos, I'm not in a position to comment on the standard of work but if you want to pursue the matter formally, speak to your local trading standards staff first...

 

[Time's Ran Out]

So now we know the 'trusted tiler' did the lot!
Plumbing ok.
Tiling not ok.
Then he should have sealed around the shower dial when he completed the tiling and before you used the shower.
Water will ingrees into the smallest of cracks so stop using the shower until its repaired/redone.
Get your trusted tradesman back and point out the faults for him to rectify.
Keep a record of all communication, time of calls, apointment made/not kept etc.
See what happens - as a friend he may surprise you!

Timeless John.

 

[brian c]

i was going to ask..have you actually confronted the tiler about your thoughts?IMO..he should be given a chance to rectify the problems before any action is taken.

 

[tileexperts]

i was going to ask..have you actually confronted the tiler about your thoughts?IMO..he should be given a chance to rectify the problems before any action is taken.

i agree, give him a chance to fix it, if you still not happy, take action.

 

[CBTC]

Plumbers and tiling: usually Im afraid.
"wood glue in the grout - to make it stronger" winging it, to put it kindly. Not a recommended practice by any grout manufacturer I know of, to put it formally.

A TTA report is not really required unless going the court route, as it is expensive. What I would do is ask if a couple of tile contractors / tilers, one at least a TTA member preferably, would inspect and report and/or quote for remedial work.
What sort of value was the job overall may we know?

 

[Ajax123]

As several people have already posted - why not just confront the tiler with the issues you have and ask him to put them rught. He might surprise you and that would save all the hassle of going legal with it. If he won't play ball then speak to the trading standards for advice. The TTA are independent but expensive. The BRE may also be able to help with this. They also independent. NO idea if they cheaper than the TTA or not though.

 

[leevander]

Hi all.
He has come round and I have pointed out the problems. He suggests that the amount of water coming through is more than what the small cracks in the grouting would allow, so we are going to test each element of the system to see where the leek is coming from.
He has agreed to seal round the shower controls and re-grout the areas that have small cracks and says that he did seal the plasterboard prior to fitting the tiles
Movement in the floor is apparently causing the cracks between the floor tiles. He will remove all of the grout and have another go at grouting it but mixing in pva or something? I have to admit that I think the floor will be the biggest bone of contention and that ultimately, the tiles will have to come up and more strengthening beneath is needed. Why wasn't this done first time round!!?

I did contact trading standards and they suggested that he should be given the opportunity to rectify the problems before I take further action.

I have taken pictures and am making notes etc. I am also going to contact the TTA and get a quote for a report....just in case.

Thank you all for your advice. I really do appreciate forums like these that can help people like me. I will keep you updated with the saga....

 

[Deleted member 9966]

lee

please can you tell us what the tiles are? ceramic, porcelain, stone, travertine....

your tilers says the cracks in the grout in the floor tiles is because there is movement in the floor. you say the tiler fitted hardibacker to the floor, but how was this board secured? because if it's not screwed down enough, there will still be flex in the floor.

could you also tell us what adhesives and grouts were used? and were they flexible?

thanks
GRR
:driving:

 

[Deleted member 9966]

and adding pva to the grout? I've never heard of this before....:ninja:

 

[Time's Ran Out]

GRR - I think you're going to have to get yor overalls on in your next picture!
Need to see some adhesive on the face and grout dust in the hair.
Good advice.

John.