If you are looking for a simple repair or a straightforward project, Eshed may be a great option…read more
However, if you are looking for very utmost craft, precision (ie. 1/8" grout lines), working with curved tile shapes and expect a professional partnership throughout where there is no harassment and unsolicited comments beyond the scope of the agreed upon project, then this is not the small business for you. I, too, found Eshed via his five star reviews but was completely disappointed with the way the project unfolded.
The initial project quote was 15 business days. Though I had to unexpectedly travel for work and attend jury duty, I ended up being without a kitchen for 2 months. Expectations were not met.
Partway through the tile project, my closet broke and a closet expert came to assess my storage needs while Eshed was at the property working on the kitchen backsplash. While showing the closet designer my dresser drawer, it tipped over due to all the drawers being opened. We called Eshed in to help us rotate the dresser back upright and I thanked him for his help. I carried on with my closet consultation. At the end of the work day, while Eshed and I were discussing progress, Eshed made a comment about seeing all of the underwear in my dresser drawers and breezed past it as if it was part of standard conversation practice. In addition to this, while wrapping up on a Friday, he has sent me photos of where he's headed for the weekend and at one point even verbally suggested that I go with him to climb rocks on the beach. These instances, though not tied to the project, demonstrate a lack of professional standard that I expect from the highest quote that came in during my research for a quality tile installation.
When all the tile was installed, right when the first wall's grout was applied in the kitchen, I was shocked to realize that the spacing that we were aiming for (1/8") was not at 1/4" or greater in some areas. I asked him if he used spacers to control the spacing and he said no. I asked him why he didn't use spacers and his response was aloof, telling me it was inefficient. This is not the bar of craft of excellence once expected from a project where the tiles cost more than the labour and the labour was already the highest bid across 5 businesses.
Upon project completion, the matte black door knob on my front door looked like a blender had been taken to it because of all the broken tiles he was managing while going in/out of the property to cut tile pieces. I pointed this out and he did not make any suggestions to make this right or compromise.
Lastly, he had an unprofessional meltdown in front of my electrician, a fellow tradesperson after passively suggesting that the electrical outlets need attention and that I should bring the electrician back (for the 3rd time). He raised his voice, got overly dramatic and read the text message he wrote me in front of the electrician to prove a point that only worsened his credibility.
On the final day of completion, instead of calling me out of my office to confirm that the project was complete, he texted me while leaving the property and told me to send a check. No final walk through of the work was discussed. It is likely Eshed will respond publicly with a rebuttal, but I hope these examples as a whole give you the context you need when considering your next tile needs.