Our tiles were laid incorrectly

7 years ago

The tiler did the kitchen splash back in a herringbone pattern instead of horizontal offset as we requested. I don't know how much of a fuss I should kick up. I really prefer the horizontal pattern because it looks neater. This is too busy on my opinion.

Thoughts?

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PRO

Alistair McLean

7 years ago

I am not sure how such a big mistake could be made, and I would be asking how the tiler could get it so wrong? How was your choice of horizontal offset communicated to the tiler? Where was the communication breakdown? There is a lot more work for the tiler in doing a herringbone pattern and it looks like he has done a neat and professional job.

As the rest of your kitchen is so understated I actually think that the herringbone pattern works really nicely and if it was my kitchen I would be keeping it.

Before you kick up a fuss think about the implications (and timeliness) of removing the tiles. You can't remove the tiles without damaging the plasterboard, which would need to be replaced. But your cabinetwork has already been installed and fixed to the plasterboard. For the neatest job you would undo the plumbing, remove the cabinetwork, remove the tiles and plasterboard, then replaster the whole wall and reinstall. If you just try to cut out the plasterboard behind the tiles you risk damaging your benchtop and your cabinetwork adjacent to the splashback.

How available are your tradespeople to do this remedial work and how far ahead are they booked up for other jobs? Who is going to pay for the replastering and any other non-tiling work? What happens if the benchtop is damaged in the process? How long can you wait for your new kitchen to be finished?

Think carefully about the cost, timing and availability of tradespeople before you kick up a fuss,

Best of luck,

Dr Retro

of Dr Retro House Calls

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Comments (16)

Anne Monsour
7 years ago
Don’t accept this . It will really irritate you . You are entitled to have exactly what you ask for . It is a strong tile and does not need the “ fussy “ pattern .
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KK1000
7 years ago
I like it , ask for discount instead of redo.
Cat T
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks for the comments so far, just wanted to add the grouting isn't set yet so does this make a difference if we could have it redone?
oklouise
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
tell the tiler's boss (your builder?) immediately and double check how you told them what you wanted...if you have written proof of what you expected they should fix it at their cost...otherwise ask their advice about what they can offer to fix it...perhaps you could agree about a price that you are willing to pay for a fix...be nice, they would have had experience with mistakes and mind changes before so they should be able to help you get a better result..not worth living with it unless you love it
siriuskey
7 years ago
I agree, it would annoy me if that wasn't what was ordered, totally different styles, speak to the builder to see what can be done, no jumping up and down, it won't help.
spmm
7 years ago
Highlights why you need to be on site as often as possible and be very very clear about what you want, especially for statement features. - Rather than ripping it all out you could fit a glass splashback in front of it as they are cut to size.
siriuskey
7 years ago
Good advice spmm to be onsite when the detailing is happening, mistakes happen, always good to have it in writing as well so both parties can check back with what was required
PRO
Alistair McLean
7 years ago
Cat T, whether the grouting is done or not will not make a difference. Most of the cost is in the tiles and the labour. Grouting only fills the gaps between the tiles, which are already fixed to your plasterboard. If you do decide to get it replaced takes lots of photos of the existing benchtop, sink and cabinetwork so that any damage that is done to these elements during the removal and replacement process can be pinpointed to a trade.

Best of luck,

Dr Retro

of Dr Retro House Calls
dreamer
7 years ago
In my opinion, I really like the yellow tiles in the herringbone pattern.
The colour chosen is wonderful. I think the doors, without handles, fit perfectly with the unexpected tile layout. They are not fussy, and let's the backsplash be the wonderful hero.
The photo shows ungrouted tiles, unfinished kitchen, with builders items lying around. So we are not looking at the finished kitchen. I think, the tiles, as installed, will be a great feature.
I would ask for a discount on cost, but keep as laid.
cloudpants
7 years ago
Great advice from Dr Retro & others. A considered approach is necessary.
Personally, I think it looks OK herringbone but I also would prefer horizontal because of the bold colour choice. Since it is not something easily changed down the track, I would be asking myself whether I could live with it long term. If, for example it was a rental property, I'd leave it as is.
ton12h
7 years ago
I can understand your frustration if you didn’t get what you asked for, but in my opinion the tiles look fantastic and I genuinely don’t believe this looks any fussier than the pattern that you wanted would look
PRO
MB Design & Drafting
7 years ago
Bit difficult to change now they're laid as mentioned above.

If it was just a verbal then thats also difficult.

I would suggest a quick sketch of the pattern could have saved the day.

'Horizontal offset'...... could be taken a few ways... I guess. Stretcher Bond or Brick Bond is what I have always called the pattern you wanted, Herringbone is what you got.

Sounds like an American terminology rather than Australian?

I don't mind the pattern and in yellow really looks good. I think the 'mistake' is actually a winner!
Cat T
Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you to everyone for their comments. It appears there was just a communication breakdown between the project manager and trades people in the end. As mentioned above, it is a huge effort to rectify and I'm not sure it's worth the time. We are due to move into the place very soon and I don't really want to delay.

If we don't push the rectification, should we be seeking something else from the builder? What usually happens in this situation? A number have mentioned compensation but this hasn't been offered and I don't know what I can ask for. Any thoughts appreciated!
siriuskey
7 years ago
I don't ever think asking for compensation for something like this is the right thing to do, if it wasn't what you asked for and you don't like it you still won't like it even after any compensation.

Tell them that it's not what you want and for them to fix it, I don't agree that it's a big deal in the scheme of building a whole house.

Have what you want, and if anything is damaged (which I don't think will happen) they will have to replace it,

I'am sure it won't be the first or the last time they've had a problem similar to yours and it shouldn't take more than a couple of days to fix if they put there mind to it.
Angeliclee
7 years ago
Cat, in any build or renovation there is always something that doesnt go to the perfect plan. I nearly had the wrong tile placed in my butlers pantry as opposed to my laundry which would have been a disaster - they actually had started in the pantry with the very expensive made to order tile for the laundry and wasted 5 of the 600 x 300 tiles. Just as well the building supervisor checked again with me and there were still enough tiles left. In your case at least they put the correct tile in it just depends how strongly you feel and if this pattern hasn’t grown on you by now then it most probably wont. If it was me in your shoes I would stick what I had originally planned and envisioned and hold back final payment until the job was rectified.

Our tiles were laid incorrectly

Alistair McLean

Comments (16)

Anne Monsour

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