We hired DJ Construction for a bathroom remodel. The contract stated that it would take 18 to 26 working days to complete the project. I was very happy with the demo process. His worker came every day on time, worked all day, and cleaned up before he left. DJ went with me to pick out tile and told me where to go to pick out granite and cabinets. He used a licensed plumber to do the required plumbing.
Problems began with the installation of the tile. DJ charged me for an upgrade on tile installation to a staggered pattern (brickwork). Since the tile was the same for the walls and floor, I requested a herringbone pattern for the floor to set it apart from the rest of the bathroom tile. He said that the brickwork pattern would normally take a day for installation, but the herringbone pattern would take six days. However, he never said he couldn't do it - only that it would take longer.
About halfway through the floor installation, I pointed out a couple of areas where the tiles didn't line up, leaving sharp edges that were not only noticeable but would catch your toe and cause injury. They told me it was because they didn't level (or float) the floor. They replaced several tiles in one area, but it did not correct the problem. I told DJ that those corners were not just sharp on the toes but would likely break from people walking on them. He advised that it was due to the pattern because the tiles are not all uniform. We talked about it at length, and he would tell me that it was because of the design, and then he would say it was because they didn't float the floor.
His final answer was, "this is as good as it gets" because of the pattern. However, when taking a closer look at the shower that was installed from the pattern HE picked, it had the same, very visible issues as the floor. So, I told him I didn't think it was the pattern because the shower has the same problems, but it wouldn't cut anyone's toes because no one would be walking on the wall.
Then they said it was the tile - which he helped me pick out and never said they didn't know how to install it properly. I finally asked if he would be happy if this were his floor, and he admitted he would not. He acknowledged that it was poorly installed but that he would not fix it because that was the best he could do.
DJ said he would send his handyman back to attempt to fix the floor tiling with grout, but after that, "by law," he could send a final bill, and I would have to deduct the cost to fix the problems. He advised that I should call a couple of other tile installers to get bids. However, after speaking with three contractors, they've all stated there is no 'fix' for the improper tile installation. These tile installers advised that DJ should complete his contract by hiring a tile installer rather than a handyman because DJ has better access to the tradesmen who can correctly install the tile.
I relayed all this information to DJ and didn't get a response. Finally, I sent him a letter with a deadline for resolution. He responded by asking when we could meet to discuss my concerns again. I gave him a date and time, asking him to respond with his confirmation. I did not receive a response, nor did he show up.
While he did 'complete' his installations within the 26 days, it appears that the poor workmanship throughout the bathroom may be a result of cutting corners to make his deadline since he seemed to be very concerned that the pattern would take six times longer than his original plan.
Now I am left with an unfinished bathroom with sharp and dangerous installation issues and a contractor who won't complete his contract or respond to my requests. read more
