Poor Tiling or just being picky

[HMer123]

Hi,
We are currently in the process of having our kitchen tiled and have some concerns about the standard of the tiling so far. The tiler is due back this morning but as of a few minutes we have asked him to stop any works until we can reach a solution regarding the concerns that we have raised to him.

We obtained a couple of quotes and both we near on identical and picked this tradesman as 1) we wanted other works in the house completed and 2) he has great reviews in our area (althoigh im beginning to feel people don’t write bad reviews these days). We were required to provide all materials and the quote was for labour only. He was at the property for 4 hours yesterday and is was due to return this morning to complete above the oven hood to the ceiling and the utility area.

Our areas of concern are:
1) Dot and Dab looks like it has been used to apply the tiles/adhesive. I believe this to be the incorrect way to apply the tiles and this method is also not the method detailed within the installation instructions on the adhesive.

2) tiles not flush to the wall/ adjoining tiles. Uneven surface which I feel could be down to the dot and dab installation.

3) Tiles cut to short around electrical sockets.

4) Installation of edging trim to a poor standard.

5) Poor finish to tiling cuts around under counter lighting.

6) 2x tiles with chipped corners.

7) One tile has been installed with cut edge within a tile run. This tile also does not have space for 3mm spacer.

8) tiling by oven hood has not started centrally with the oven hood/hob causing cuts to be off centre to the left.

Are our expectations to high? We have asked for a complete take-off and redo due to the amount of areas we are concerned about.

What are your thoughts?

 

[Qwerty]

It all needs to be redone I'm afraid. Poor attention to detail and sloppy workmanship. Unacceptable

 

[Cranbrook]

You mention you chose him because you wanted other works done? Is he a general builder who does a number of trades or is he an actual tiler? I'm not suggesting there aren't builders around who are excellent tilers, but one thing I've noticed is that the majority of builders think that they can tile as it's 'easy' and then they produce work like this where the attention to detail is missed. And furthermore, it's usually these type of builders who undercut us tilers, and then more often than not, win the job. But as the old saying goes, you get what you pay for (most of the time)

 

[HMer123]

He’s a handyman, so we were looking to get him to finish off the kitchen (glossing, tiling, sealant etc) We looked at previous pictures of his worked and all looked good. As the tiles were large and what we thought to be uncomplicated we weren’t expected any problems. I’m not a tiler but even I know some basics of what to do from an appearance point of view. He’s was £60 cheaper a than the tilers quote but we were providing materials whereas the tiler was providing adhesive etc so we thought the quote was a fair comparison

 

[Waluigi]

This sort of thing is quite typical these days. It’s not the worst I’ve seen but still shows a complete lack of conscience and the opposite of what a good Tiler strives for - perfection.

Either a general trade or very poor Tiler. It’s irrelenant really who did it, it’s not acceptable either way.

In answer to your original question; No you are not being picky.

 

[GoneGuy]

Lack of attention to detail and poor installation

 

[Wayne Brown]

Very poor in my opion make a list of the faults and raise this with the installer one chance to rectify the faults at his cost then it's on your way if your not happy . Kop

 

[Cranbrook]

Handyman - say no more. It takes a long time to learn our trade correctly, and a lot of money to buy the best tools available. Get a professional next time.

 

[acaciaguy]

In the top picture under the hood. Has that top row of tiles been removed. Hence the evidence of d and d? If so it’s been tiled on paint too? Has else where been tiled onto paint?

 

[HMer123]

[There was a chrome back splash there from when we moved in that had Dot and Dab on the back so that is what can be seen in the picture. Previously was an upstand around the worktop and painted walls with Valspar paint

 

[acaciaguy]

So all of the walls that were tiled had paint on

 

[HMer123]

yes, what that cause further problems?

 

[acaciaguy]

Possibly. It depends how well adhered the paint is to wall. It is in effect the only thing holding the adhesive and tiles. If d and d was used I’d be a bit more concerned. Personally I never like to tile on to paint. Some do but only if they have tested soundness of the paint and provided some key such as sanding or wire brush to remove a proportion of the paint.

 

[demi34]

Very poor work, do not pay him till you 100 % happy with his work.

 

[One Day]

Brutal truth is that you got a handyman, not a professional tiler, so you have work which is befitting of a handyman.
Some people are actually happy with that standard surprisingly.
It's certainly not professional standard though.