Tiler left Jerusalem Marble tiles unsealed

[stevetalbot]

As many of you know, I have recently completed a Cappuccino Marble hallway (25sqm 'ish). I had to prepare the subfloor with slc and cut around and under the bullnose stair. This job took a few days and I made sure that I kept the customer informed and educated. I used a rapid setting adhesive and ensured that the last tile was fixed at least 2 hours before the time that I knew my customer would be returning home. I ensured that the fixed tiles were covered until I had a chance to do the sealing and I advised my customer of the importance of keping off the floor as much as possible, and the risks of staining and scratching.

My customer was very keen for the perfect finish and made sure that the floor was respected, so all went well.

The tiler should ensure effective communication with the customer so that the perfect finish can be achieved, it's just common sense and respect.

Looks nice.

 

[DHTiling]

Yes steve there is a commission time before turning it on..usually around 14 days...thern turn it on at one degree intervals each day...gradual warm up..

Right so a project manager was over seeing it....he is the guy you need to talk too about your concerns....i just didn't want a tiler hung drawn and quarted for something that wasn't really his fault..

 

[Colour Republic]

I agree and it would be down to him why you have cuts around the units as both the kitchen fitters and tiler would be taking directions from him.

Can I ask what type of kitchen it is? Budget, Mid Range or High Spec?

 

[kilty55]

i can see issues and valid points on both sides to be honest.
you say you supplied the tiles ,,and adhesive/grout and sealer but the sealer didnt turn up?? were you aware what the sealer was for at this stage and its importance in the job and if so why did yourself or the tiler not go and buy some from another source?

the tiler should have at least covered the tiles or sdvised you not to use the kitchen until it was completed properly giving the nature of the tiles laid.

i dont know where you stand with this to be honest but if you were supplying the materials which included sealers then is the tiler liable for the mess incured to the tiles over the weekend given the fact he wasnt supplied witht the materials or is the customer(yourself) at fault? either way i hope you get it resolved mate

 

[david campbell]

Dave - see post 17.

I was not giving my opinion on whether it was easy or not - just giving as full a response as possible to the question asked. My main problem on the time taken is that it must have taken alot longer because of all the cuts, it does not look as good because of the cuts and I do not see why they could not lay before the kitchen (the same company did both jobs) this is not the tilers fault but the project manager.

would the floor not look the same with the cuts after the kickboards have been inserted anyway?you would only see the same amount of tile if the tiles or kitchen had been put in first!

 

[kilty55]

im assuming there are 2 end panels and not kickplates all round it on 4 sides? leaving 2 sides with visible cuts?

 

[Colour Republic]

would the floor not look the same with the cuts after the kickboards have been inserted anyway?you would only see the same amount of tile if the tiles or kitchen had been put in first!

It's not the kickerboard that's the problem it's the Decor ends (of which you would see a grout line round)

 

[stevetalbot]

would the floor not look the same with the cuts after the kickboards have been inserted anyway?you would only see the same amount of tile if the tiles or kitchen had been put in first!

No. The decor ends, curved posts and seperator panels were not removed and hence are not hidden by plinths.

 

[david campbell]

It's not the kickerboard that's the problem it's the Decor ends (of which you would see a grout line round)

can thes not be removed and trimmed or at very worse replaced!
worth going to the project manager and giving it a go,then the tiling would look like it runs continiosly under the island!

 

[stevetalbot]

im assuming there are 2 end panels and not kickplates all round it on 4 sides? leaving 2 sides with visible cuts?

Yes. Plus seperator panels (plinths fitted between these) and curved posts at corners of island.

 

[kilty55]

so why is the tiler refusing to grout?

 

[DHTiling]

I normall try and stress i want the centre island leaving out....much easier for setting out and especially better with pattern floors...

I have cut around posts before..if done neatly it looks fine but i agree much neater without...but thats an ideal world and tilers dream...:lol:

 

[stevetalbot]

I agree and it would be down to him why you have cuts around the units as both the kitchen fitters and tiler would be taking directions from him.

Can I ask what type of kitchen it is? Budget, Mid Range or High Spec?

Marpatt Bespoke In-Frame

 

[Colour Republic]

Marpatt Bespoke In-Frame

Ok so you're at the higher end of the market, these kitchens start at £15k and can rise to £35K+ as i'm sure you are aware.

Were the units made to order and at non-standard sizes?

I've worked for these firms before. I take it you approched the kitchen manufacturer direct and they either reccomended a fitter or they dealt with it from start to finsh.

Judging by your replys they reccomended the various trades who you dealt with direct but the kitchen company oversaw the project.

Which makes things a little different as the tiler would have given you the price and invoiced you direct. So really you do need to take your issues up with the tiler but if you also notify the project manager then he may have some clout with the tiler as they may not reccomend him in the future if they believe he is at fault

 

[stevetalbot]

Ok so you're at the higher end of the market, these kitchens start at £15k and can rise to £35K+ as i'm sure you are aware.

Were the units made to order and at non-standard sizes?

I've worked for these firms before. I take it you approched the kitchen manufacturer direct and they either reccomended a fitter or they dealt with it from start to finsh.

Judging by your replys they reccomended the various trades who you dealt with direct but the kitchen company oversaw the project.

Which makes things a little different as the tiler would have given you the price and invoiced you direct. So really you do need to take your issues up with the tiler but if you also notify the project manager then he may have some clout with the tiler as they may not reccomend him in the future if they believe he is at fault

Actually the kitchen was part of a larger job overseen by a design and build company - the tiler and kitchen fiiters are employed by them but we chose and planned the kichen and sourced the tiles. I have plenty spare now as I ordered enough to cover the whole floor as I wanted the kitchen laid on top.