Unhappy with bathroom tiling - Tile Advice

[Customer]

I’m not happy with the quality of tiling in my bathroom. The builder says the wide, uneven and chipped edges will be hidden by the silicone. I think this will look awful. Some of the tiles are chipped and some are marked. I’d really appreciate views on whether my disappointment is justified.

 

[Ben-gee]

That is one of the worst jobs I’ve seen in ages, no pride in their work - why on earth would you fix a tile that clearly has a big chunk out of it?
I’m afraid they’ve also used a ready mixed tub adhesive, which is not ok on that sized tile.
I’m sorry but you’ve had the work done by someone incompetent and in my opinion it should all be ripped out and started again.
I have my doubts whether the proper waterproofing will have been done in the shower area- but at least that can be addressed on the second attempt.
Do not get them to do it again.

 

[Customer]

That is one of the worst jobs I’ve seen in ages, no pride in their work - why on earth would you fix a tile that clearly has a big chunk out of it?
I’m afraid they’ve also used a ready mixed tub adhesive, which is not ok on that sized tile.
I’m sorry but you’ve had the work done by someone incompetent and in my opinion it should all be ripped out and started again.
I have my doubts whether the proper waterproofing will have been done in the shower area- but at least that can be addressed on the second attempt.
Do not get them to do it again.

Thank you for taking the time to respond.

 

[Dan]

Yeah that is not good work at all. Probably not an actual tiler that's done it? Should have really used a cement-based adhesive due to the tile size. Trim isn't very good. Gap around ceiling does seem to follow the ceiling and tiles run in suit (not jutting around higher or lower etc) but the gap is too big for the recommended industry standard of I think 6mm (don't quote me).

Who employed this 'tiler' did they check their references? That quickly gets rid of the blaggers.

If it was just a case of going with the cheapest quote, then this is what I'd expect from more than 50% of them.

First you have to give the person a chance to correct the issues. So list them. Get the adhesive checked by calling the manufacturer of the adhesive. They're good in the UK and will try help. But you need them to say it's wrong first, then the tile will need to strip them back and do it again properly.

At this point, he will probably go AWOL, but might stay with you and keep working with you. If so then it's a case of taking them to court to get the money back from you paying a real tiler (I can help you use the forum to find one if you wish). If you do end up using the courts, The Tile Association might be able to provide the required expert witness report, its not cheap but might be needed.

Hope this helps. I'm so sorry you've experienced this. That person isn't a tiler though. They'd have known first of all that the adhesive is not right.

Are the tiles porcelain or stone?

 

[Customer]

Yeah that is not good work at all. Probably not an actual tiler that's done it? Should have really used a cement-based adhesive due to the tile size. Trim isn't very good. Gap around ceiling does seem to follow the ceiling and tiles run in suit (not jutting around higher or lower etc) but the gap is too big for the recommended industry standard of I think 6mm (don't quote me).

Who employed this 'tiler' did they check their references? That quickly gets rid of the blaggers.

If it was just a case of going with the cheapest quote, then this is what I'd expect from more than 50% of them.

First you have to give the person a chance to correct the issues. So list them. Get the adhesive checked by calling the manufacturer of the adhesive. They're good in the UK and will try help. But you need them to say it's wrong first, then the tile will need to strip them back and do it again properly.

At this point, he will probably go AWOL, but might stay with you and keep working with you. If so then it's a case of taking them to court to get the money back from you paying a real tiler (I can help you use the forum to find one if you wish). If you do end up using the courts, The Tile Association might be able to provide the required expert witness report, its not cheap but might be needed.

Hope this helps. I'm so sorry you've experienced this. That person isn't a tiler though. They'd have known first of all that the adhesive is not right.

Are the tiles porcelain or stone?

Tha

Yeah that is not good work at all. Probably not an actual tiler that's done it? Should have really used a cement-based adhesive due to the tile size. Trim isn't very good. Gap around ceiling does seem to follow the ceiling and tiles run in suit (not jutting around higher or lower etc) but the gap is too big for the recommended industry standard of I think 6mm (don't quote me).

Who employed this 'tiler' did they check their references? That quickly gets rid of the blaggers.

If it was just a case of going with the cheapest quote, then this is what I'd expect from more than 50% of them.

First you have to give the person a chance to correct the issues. So list them. Get the adhesive checked by calling the manufacturer of the adhesive. They're good in the UK and will try help. But you need them to say it's wrong first, then the tile will need to strip them back and do it again properly.

At this point, he will probably go AWOL, but might stay with you and keep working with you. If so then it's a case of taking them to court to get the money back from you paying a real tiler (I can help you use the forum to find one if you wish). If you do end up using the courts, The Tile Association might be able to provide the required expert witness report, its not cheap but might be needed.

Hope this helps. I'm so sorry you've experienced this. That person isn't a tiler though. They'd have known first of all that the adhesive is not right.

Are the tiles porcelain or stone?

Thank you for taking the time to reply. The wall tiles are ceramic. This is part of a bigger contract which included tiling the bathroom. My en-suite is excellent and I had no idea that the builder wouldn’t be using a tiler for my bathroom.

 

[Dan]

Oh okay for ceramics, tubbed can be okay for bathrooms. So perhaps a case of identifying the couple of trims and tiles we don't think are right and give them a chance to rectify. Which is always required by law - looks good on your part like.

But this shouldn't come to that and might be alright if they sort the trim and the odd tile.

That gap at the top might look okay once sealed and if too big for silicone then maybe they were planning on using some sort of trim or something? Anybody said anything about that?

 

[Customer]

Oh okay for ceramics, tubbed can be okay for bathrooms. So perhaps a case of identifying the couple of trims and tiles we don't think are right and give them a chance to rectify. Which is always required by law - looks good on your part like.

But this shouldn't come to that and might be alright if they sort the trim and the odd tile.

That gap at the top might look okay once sealed and if too big for silicone then maybe they were planning on using some sort of trim or something? Anybody said anything about that?

Thanks again for your time. Is it possible to remove individual ties/trim to go some way to making this look better? I’m really concerned that the silicone will look awful.

 

[Dan]

Yes it is. You want nice chrome trim or brushed aluminium effect maybe? But it being pulled off, then all tiles checked for which ones are pushing it out of line and those need trimming.

Can you show us a pic of the trim from the side of the tile. What's that look like? Show me all your trim.

 

[Customer]

Yes it is. You want nice chrome trim or brushed aluminium effect maybe? But it being pulled off, then all tiles checked for which ones are pushing it out of line and those need trimming.

Can you show us a pic of the trim from the side of the tile. What's that look like? Show me all your trim.

Thank you. I just need to be clear what I want the resolution to be and to make sure I’m being reasonable. I’ve attached photos of the trim. To be fair I chose the white trim to blend in. Anyway, I’m grateful for your views/expertise.

 

[Ben-gee]

You guys carry on polishing the turd if you want - it needs doing again if you want a professional finish.
Also I’d be worried about prep work… what stages of preparation did they go through?

 

[Customer]

You guys carry on polishing the turd if you want - it needs doing again if you want a professional finish.
Also I’d be worried about prep work… what stages of preparation did they go through?

Thanks Ben. I’d love to get it done again.

 

[Customer]

Yes it is. You want nice chrome trim or brushed aluminium effect maybe? But it being pulled off, then all tiles checked for which ones are pushing it out of line and those need trimming.

Can you show us a pic of the trim from the side of the tile. What's that look like? Show me all your trim.

Yes it is. You want nice chrome trim or brushed aluminium effect maybe? But it being pulled off, then all tiles checked for which ones are pushing it out of line and those need trimming.

Can you show us a pic of the trim from the side of the tile. What's that look like? Show me all your trim.

Hi Dan

I’ve had difficulty accessing the forum. When I log in it seems to just show a blank page. Have you got any advice on how I establish what is reasonable care and skill? As Ben says I’d really like the tiling done again to a professional standard.

 

[Tile Marble Granite]

That is poor craftsmanship/cheap labor. Trying to fix that botched job might cost you more, I would take it all out and hire a pro tiler to get the job done right. You are not alone!

 

[Tracy100]

That is poor craftsmanship/cheap labor. Trying to fix that botched job might cost you more, I would take it all out and hire a pro tiler to get the job done right. You are not alone!

Thank you for the response/advice.

 

[Dan]

Yeah, now looking at the pictures, OMFG!

Tap the tiling with a coin and see whether there are any areas with no (or very little) adhesive behind them.

Is this the same people as did the ensuite you say?!?