Here is the letter I sent this contractor about his company's work (unevenly applied shower tiling and floor tiling, damaged wall):
"I have a number of concerns, still, about the work. You agreed with me that the quality of the tile-work on both the shower and floor was unacceptable. I am not feeling satisfied with the solutions you have proposed to solve these issues.
1) Adding grout to the unevenly laid floor tiles will not fix this problem. I do not want to be left with poorly-laid flooring. Installing vinyl flooring overtop, as you previously proposed, does not address the issue, either. I started with a ceramic floor and that's how I'd like it to end. I had just enough of my original tiles leftover to do this work, and they have now been compromised via the shoddy laying job.
2) I asked whether the backboard will be replaced because it is damaged (e.g. no longer water-resistant), since removing the also poorly-applied shower tiles resulted in exposed paper and drywall in many areas. It is also covered in mortar. I am not happy with your answer that the new tiles are going to be affixed to a damaged, uneven backboard.
3) No satisfactory solution has been presented to fix the damaged wall. As I previously indicated, adding a piece of wood overtop of the whole area is not a satisfactory solution for me.
4) My understanding is that there needs to be a 1/4" gap between tile and tub. The mortar has been applied all the way down to rest right against the tub. You indicated that it would be fine because there will be caulking overtop, hiding it. The issue is that the lack of gap between tub and mortar will not allow for expansion and contraction, which will compromise the tiles over time.
All in all, Mark, to say I am unhappy with the state of things is an understatement. I signed up for a new tub, replaced wall tiles, and replacement of a few floor tiles. What has been provided is badly laid wall tiles, a damaged wall, and floor tiles removed and replaced badly; not to mention a new tub that may be scratched and marks on my stairs and hardwood owing to the workers' carelessness. My confidence in your company being able to resolve these issues in a reasonable manner, given the quality of work so far, and your willingness to proceed with layering more work overtop of bad work, is nil.
The tiler is not welcome to come on Thursday if the plan is to tile over the damaged backboard and grout the floor tiles as-is."
Outcome: he walked.
I entered the total of his quote, but thankfully I hadn't paid for any of the work in advance. However I'm pretty sure the cost of repairing my floor, shower, and wall after this botch-job will be more than the cost of the tub and fixtures that he "gave" me when he walked.
"Run fast" would be my advice.
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- Approximate cost of services:
- $4,300.00
