Help... what is acceptable tiling?!

[tileform]

I really cannot believe that there are so called tradesmen out there that have the nerve to do a job like this and get paid for it!

Glyphis, i really feel for you here

I did garage doors for over 2 years and yet being new to the trade, i didnt have one complaint about quality. I respected every job and left the customer happy every time.

If anyone for whatever reason complains about my tiling i would gladly go back and put right because at the end of the day:

A GOOD REPUTATION is what makes you!

Good luck with your new tiler doing a quality job that will serve you well for many years to come.

 

[swts]

All i can say is SHOCKING... If I lived anywhere near i'd fix this for you. And as was previously mentioned worse has been observed and yes from tilers with more than 30 years experience. Good luck, and it does look as if it will be a great bathroom when completed to a satisfactory level.

 

[mc497]

RE: pics of bad tiling job.
Just crap really....!
Shorely this guy's got public liability insurance...?
I would go through his insurance myself (if he's got any).
I'm sorry to hear of your bad experience, and hope you have some better luck if you like in the future.

 

[brundlefly]

quick tip on taking tiles off

smash them into a thousand pieces while they are still stuck
this will lesson the force needed to get the pieces off, they may even fall off

this will help preserve the background

 

[Dan]

We would dearly love to involve Trading Standards and have photographed and documented everything... but would they want to come and inspect it do you think? We've been without a bathroom since last September, and it's wearing really thin!! We just want to crack on and get the blasted thing put right.

In my experience trading standards aren't as quick as you'd think. Though each local office may be different.

I'd document as much as possible. And more so in the area's that lead you to believe this tiler was good and trustworthy. So if he said this and that and gave some portfolio example or talked about a process or system to do with the work that is now obviosuly incorrect - then document all that sort of stuff too.

Once the job is complete and you're satisfied with the new tilers work I'd name and shame the bugger in the Rogue Traders Picture Gallery as Dave said. And that'll do more to protect future customers from this so called tile fixer than anything the trading standards can do. Which is usually just write letters and help point you in the right direction for claiming etc.

They say there's always two sides to a story but those photo's say it all. So let the photo's do the work if you do meet up with Trading Standards. Let them first assume what's wrong before you point it out. It stops you sounding like a moaning customers and gets them looking at the job in question.

Then move onto your views. And perahaps print off some replies too as suggested above.

Once again. Good luck. You're certainly going about it the right way this time.
----
I tell you what. When you buy a car you check christ knows what you can before you comit to anything. Yet when it comes to a bathroom job its three quotes and go for the middle one - or some other random technique.

Yet much thought should be given to finding out what standard of work such a trader can provide before even getting a price from them.

Then the price isn't in question. It's what you get for it.

 

[Mac]

The thing that sets a good proffessional appart from a cowboy is EVERYTHING!!! This story has boiled my p**s, I feel realy sorry for you guys and the only advise I can give is to start again, dont let this a**ehole near your walls and floor again name and shame him..... Get new quotes from a recomended source ie, a Tile shop or even post for a tiler in your area on this site then invoice him through your solicitor this might scare the c**p out of him and make him pay, or give the carpenter his address let him have some fun. Hope you get it resolved.
Mac

 

[Sean Garford]

Wow that is diabolical what can I say other than that!

Sorry to see what has happened to you, I am afraid it is numpties like him who give us a bad name!!

Well all I can advise is send him packing and if you can obtain a refund for the tiles he has wasted and do not take any rubbish off him.

Well good luck to you

Sean.

 

[peter241]

sorry to see those awfull pics of what could have been a spectacular bathroom. im sick of cowboys like this. it is sad to see.

I would not stand for the quality of that work, the only addition to the advice already given is try the citizens advice bureau C.A.B. they will point you in the right direction and its FREE.

Fight your corner and dont let this person get away with this.

Good luck and i hope things work out for you.

 

[glyphis]

WOW, everybody, THANK YOU.

This forum is an absolute Godsend for me right now, and I can't hardly believe that so many of you skilled folk have taken the time to offer your advice and support in this matter.

The chap in question should be here tomorrow morning to explain himself. We'll see what happens... and I shall report back.

Trading Standards, Public Liability Insurance, Solicitor's letter... smashing the tile to help preserve the substrate... not to mention all of your reassurances that this guy's work is way below acceptable - it's just SO APPRECIATED.

THANK YOU ALL.

News as it comes!

Scott

 

[eyebeetiling]

Get the tiler to use his head to remove the tiles!:mad2:

I would not be able to sleep if I had done this for someone. I always guarantee satisfaction when I take on a job, and wouldn't expect to get paid a penny for it.

My advice is bite the bullet, get someone in to do the job properly start to finish, then try to put it all behind you.

Good luck.

 

[faithhealer]

Well Scott, the lad's are behind you they haven't even made any spagetti jokes!!

 

[bootsmckiber]

He may have 30yrs experience but it sure as hell isn't in tiling,sounds to me my friend like your a victom of an unscroupulous "hack attack"If I were you I'd get some green painters tape and put a small piece next to every bit of work he did that is not visually pleasing to your eye,the green tape sticks out and shows exactly how many mistakes he's made.Take a level and straight edge and mark where his lines are not level,grout lines that are out,toe stubbers etc..the more you mark,the more he'll see,and if there's a lot ,even an experienced setter has to be accountable.I would also have a proffessional setter come in and write you up a quote for how much he would charge for ripping it down,give him the quote and ask him what he's going to do about it,if you have green tape all over the place,dollars to doughnuts you won't hear from him again,if he offers to do the work,be wary,chances are he is a hack and isn't getting any real tile work.Definatly ask for references.I think he won't have many.And like buddy said earlier,name him,blame him,complain to the better buisness bureu and let your tile stores in town know.Usually a tiling,flooring store will give you names of reputable setters,good luck on that one Bud.
Mike


p.s.you don't happen to be related to a Billy Muggins by chance do you?

 

[mkelly]

hi scott

sorry to see you have had such a poor tiler in (very loosly put ? )
always ask if they have a portfolio and any refs because any tiler worth his salt will have. may be quite a few shots of door frames if mine is anything to go by.

anyone haveing a good job done would recommend some one because no one likes been ripped off.

i think you must give him the oppertunity to put all wrongs right as then he cannot have any defense in court because you gave him the oppertunity.

but personally you really need to salvage what you can and reboard and tile you would never be happy your eyes would be forever wandering to every fault.

good luck
hope you manage to sort it

 

[Deleted member 1779]

Clear case of the job being too big for the installer.

Large tiles can seduce untrained installers to thinking they are easy to work with. Even tilers with years of experience. Materials used in commercial building (hotels, airports etc) can look fantastic in a home when fitted correctly.

The problem is inexperience fitting them. Large tiles need a lot of prep because they kick-out and every imperfection is magnified by the minimal finish drawing the eye in.

Grouting hides a multitude of sins but in this case I think its beyond that..

 

[CJ]

Well

WELL........................The suspense :whatchutalkingabout