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Property/DIY

Is this a bad tiling job or am I too fussy?

27 replies

anxiousowl · 24/02/2017 07:14

I'm currently having my ensuite bathroom redone.

Tilers were in a day or two ago - I am unhappy with the work done. The problems I see are:

It looks untidy
The adhesive is visible behind the tiles
The adhesive appears to be too thick
The edging pieces not meet up at corners
The edges of edging pieces are sharp/rough
The tile at the right hand side of the counter is leaning forwards slightly - the adhesive is thicker at top than at bottom so it tilts (hard to get a good pic but I have used a spirit level on it to confirm)
There is a gap between the tiles/wall/my counter - has the counter been made too short? Is there a way to sort this (or should I be requesting a new counter?)

I realise these are a lot of complaints - hence asking for independent opinions.

Many thanks in advance for your help. I find it so difficult to raise issues so it would be very helpful to know whether I am in the right or wrong here.

If it is a bad job - what should/can I do about it?

Is this a bad tiling job or am I too fussy?
Is this a bad tiling job or am I too fussy?
Is this a bad tiling job or am I too fussy?
OP posts:
anxiousowl · 24/02/2017 07:15

Some more pics

Is this a bad tiling job or am I too fussy?
Is this a bad tiling job or am I too fussy?
Is this a bad tiling job or am I too fussy?
OP posts:
PollytheDolly · 24/02/2017 07:19

I can see why you're unhappy, that's pretty poor for a professional. They self-employed or work for a company?

Did they see the job before they arrived/started work?

StorminaBcup · 24/02/2017 07:23

Agree - it doesn't look very tidy and the finish isn't good. If the tiles are uneven I would ask them to do it again.

TheoriginalLEM · 24/02/2017 07:25

I can't really tell from your pictures (phone) but it looks like your walls aren't straight so it means its a bit unforgiving re the thickness of adhesive as they will have had to do that to get the tiles level. I think your choice if edging strip is a bit unforgiving on that score. I can't see any other faults as your pics arent clear on my phone.

You need to point this out asap to give them a chance to do any snagging.

Tiling is not as easy as it looks to get things totally square but generally you should be pleased with the overall look . If you are not then pull them up on it and don't pay or hold a % of the cists back until it is rectified.

anxiousowl · 24/02/2017 07:27

Hi,

I arranged it through a bathroom showroom - paid up front for the goods and now have to pay the plumber separately.

The plumber subcontracts the tilers apparently, so he will pay them from what I pay him, if that makes sense.

Not sure if that is usual or not - first time doing this.

Thanks for confirming I'm not crazy (well, over this at least!). The plumber is due to arrive soon so am anxious about confronting him over it. He hasn't seen it yet.

I couldn't see the finished job as I wasn't able to walk on the floor apparently - so only realised how poor it was afterwards.

To be honest, I'm no nervous about bringing stuff like this up that I probably wouldn't have said anything anyway...

OP posts:
anxiousowl · 24/02/2017 07:33

There's only one tile that looks uneven/squint - it is hard to show on a picture that it tilts slightly forward. My eye seems to pick up on these sorts of things very easily - perhaps others would not find it so annoying. I have checked it though and it is not level.

Mostly it is the thickness/visibility of the adhesive between the wall and the tile. I've never seen this on tiling before - usually is thinner I think or at least covered by the edging strip.

And the edging strip I thought would be seamless.

OP posts:
Namechangeinto2017 · 24/02/2017 07:33

I've just tiles our bathroom and I'm feeling pretty good about my tiling skills now

Honestly I've just done a better job than that and it's the first time I've ever tiled! I used a similar flat metal trim and managed to mitre the window sill corners and everything.

I would be making them redo it.

BrownEyedLady · 24/02/2017 07:35

No need to confront him. Just point out the issues matter of factly and ask how it can be rectified. Be clear in your mind that it needs fixing and be firm in that. Hope it goes well!

anxiousowl · 24/02/2017 08:00

Thanks - sorry confront probably wasn't the best word. Just get so anxious about bringing it up it feels like a confrontation. Good advice re staying matter of fact.

Should I also be asking for a new countertop? Is it too short or is there a way to fix the gap down the side beneath the tile?

Donna

OP posts:
amyboo · 24/02/2017 08:57

The one that's really shoddy (if you ask me) is where the wall tiles meet around the window. He should have used a corner edging strip that the two tiles butt onto. That way you get a nice edge/finish. I don't understand how any professional tiler wouldn't do that.

I also find the gap under the counter top really bad - how is it well supported if there's a gap like that between the worktop and the wall?

I think the thickness of the adhesive behind the tiles is pretty shocking too. Why on earth has he made it so thick?

I'm a bit of a perfectionist and those tiles would drive me crazy! We just had our bathroom redone, and thankfully the tiler was also a bit of a perfectionist and has done a wonderful job....

anxiousowl · 24/02/2017 09:00

The plumber is here and has admitted it is shocking.

Should I be holding out for a new countertop? Or would it be okay if they tile down the side of it so the counter meets the tile? (this is his suggestion)

OP posts:
anxiousowl · 24/02/2017 09:01

Good point re it being unsupported - didn't think of that - was focusing on the aesthetic.

OP posts:
Sudocreamface · 24/02/2017 09:02

If it was free it will do. If you paid for it, it's not good enough. It's shoddy work.

anxiousowl · 24/02/2017 09:08

It was definitely not free! :)

Apparently its been tiled in such a way down the side of the unit (next to the shower) that means the door furniture won't now fit.

Am concerned the furniture will be damaged while removing it and also that the gap between the counter and the wall is unsightly/leaves the unit unsupported. I have small children who will inevitably try to climb on the toilet and lean on it/the basin at some point!

OP posts:
anxiousowl · 24/02/2017 09:10

sorry - i mean the door of the furniture won't fit, not the door furniture (the tiles take up space where the door should sit)

OP posts:
LIZS · 24/02/2017 09:14

Did you purchase any corner strips? Did the tile company survey before fitting? The gaps at the edges and to the window are untidy.

anxiousowl · 24/02/2017 09:25

I didn't purchase anything personally - it was arranged via a bathroom company that organised everything.

The plumber they hire subcontracts the tilers - so no they hadn't seen the job first. Do tilers normally survey before doing a job (noting for future reference!)

OP posts:
Kiroro · 24/02/2017 09:45

Not too fussy - that i a shocking job!

JaniceBattersby · 24/02/2017 10:20

Christ, yes, this is a shit job. The plumber needs to rectify it so it's perfect, tbh. If it's left dangerous or you're not satisfied then please don't settle the bill until you are. My husband is a tradesman and you wouldn't believe the things people withhold payment for. For example, one of his client owes him 10k for a floor he supplied (he works in high end houses). He won't pay because there is a 10mm piece of grout that is loose. Husband can't get there to fix it until next week (it's 100 miles away) so client won't pay until then. That is standard.

ChishandFips33 · 24/02/2017 10:28

Don't pay the plumber until you're happy; that's not a professional job
Make sure he (written) guarantees the work in case anything loosens etc

DonkeysDontRideBicycles · 24/02/2017 10:36

It's not good enough is it. Don't hold back.

A tradesman suggested his brother do our kitchen tiles (which we had piled up and waiting) and we stupidly thought great, save a bit and said yes but long story short, he wasn't a tiler. We said the work let the rest down and wasn't up to scratch. He squirmed but we wouldn't pay for the labour. Ended up paying a proper expert.
Lesson learned.
After all, you have to look at it all the time you live there, it will bug you every day.

BedHeaded · 24/02/2017 10:45

I wouldn't be happy with that finish if I'd paid a professional to do it.

I wouldn't even be happy with that if DH and I had done it ourselves.

It's so stressful when this kind of thing happens.

Just remember, you've paid for a high standard of service that you haven't received. You're well within your rights to ask them to fix this.

Good luck!

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DonkeysDontRideBicycles · 24/02/2017 10:56

I am glad the plumber acknowledged it's poor and really, the company whose reputation was probably a factor in you choosing them wouldn't think it reflects well on them.
Of course your opinion as client matters but you shouldn't have to be the one masterminding the solutions if you see what I mean. What can they do to remedy it? They must see this kind of thing all the time surely being as it's their expertise you pay for.

anxiousowl · 24/02/2017 12:02

Hi everyone, thank you for your replies. It gives me so much confidence to know that I am not making this up.

I know I can be a massive perfectionist but also suffer from huge self-doubt so it is very difficult for me to stand my ground.

It is currently being removed and hopefully be rectified next week.

OP posts:
anxiousowl · 24/02/2017 12:02

By a different tiler!

OP posts:
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