Am I in the wrong

After 6 hours work out tiler only manage 1.5 square metre of tiling? It was around a window so perhaps a little tricky, but just standard metro tiles in brick formation. Seems like not very much, but I do want it done properly. In total we have about 5 square metre wall tiles to do and 4 square metre floor tiles- small room and agreed a price before starting (with me sending an email list of things included, to confirm). Withing 2 hours he already wanted extra for items previously agreed were included (he apparently forgot to factor them into the quote) so I'm starting to feel not great about it. We'd pre-agreed to pay extra for Saturday working which he then wanted to get out of but I insisted he do Saturday as agreed. He reckons he can get the remaining 7 square metres done and everything grouted on the Saturday? We had a bit of a row because I said that the tiles are going to need to dry overnight and he can't grout straight away. He dismissed this and said 'I've been tiling x amount of years' etc etc. I'm going to insist that he doesn't grout on Saturday but now he's talking about more money to come back and grouting a different day as requested (like this is some kind of odd request). He quoted a price to do it all. It's going to take the same amount of actual time to do if he does it all Saturday or comes back so why expect to charge more, especially as he did so little in day one. Sorry to start an AITA post but I'll stand corrected if I'm in the wrong. I checked the adesive and it's not quick drying stuff, the tub actually suggests 7 days to dry. Any thoughts?

24 Answers

PPD
0 Reviews
If he’s only done 1.5 square meter in that time you want another tiler
16th Oct 2023
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Should abide by original quote and wait suggested amount of time for adhesive to dry if grout too soon can lead to cracking
24th Oct 2023
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O Whiffin
0 Reviews
If the work was agreed as a total price then it's only him who is losing out by taking so long to do it. On a project like this you should just get quotes for labour only and you should just provide everything the guy needs, that way there's no issues. And I personally would never grout straight after laying the tiles but depending on what product he is using then I don't see why he wouldn't be able to.
28th Sep 2023
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Realdesignz
0 Reviews
. Tiling metro tiles around a window does take time ..
. A standard bathrolm fully metro tiled should take between 5 to 6 days
. Always get a price to do the total job .not a day rate
. Adhesives . Thdebetter option is powdered adhesives .. better grab and better setting qualities
28th Sep 2023
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Zain
0 Reviews
First, the agreement must be implemented
The tiles must be left to dry
If the tiles are not completely dry, they will fall out of place
17th Oct 2023
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The price is the price if he agreed a price with you for the whole job then he should honour that. Any extras that he has supplied ie adhesive or grout ect should be confirmed with you prior to purchase.
8th Nov 2023
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1.5 sq meters in 6 hours is a bit odd indeed. About tiling to dry.. probably he used the wrong materials, usually you can install and grout the tiles in the same day.
24th Oct 2023
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Mazzy Builders
0 Reviews
Hello from Mazzy’s builders . Tiling for a experienced tiler should be straight forward . Yes tiling around a windows is one of the most complicated parts but shouldn’t take too long . And as for the grouting I do not recommend grouting on the same day if it normal tiling adhesive but if it is the rapid set tile adhesive which dries in 2/3 hours then it is possible to grout on the same day
23rd Oct 2023
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Some times going with the cheaper trade is not a good option and is good some times to insist because you sre paying not him so you have to insist for the job to be done correctly .. and you need to make some conversations clear from the beginning if i am asking for X amount tha it not extra charge
25th Oct 2023
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Jb renovation
0 Reviews
If its a quote you have to stand by the quote unless it's major job to change it like if the plaster has to come off and re plasterboard out
31st Oct 2023
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Ben hammond
0 Reviews
Your are not wrong. you are not ment to grout the same day unless you use a rapid adhesive and give the recommended drying time. the tiler has gave you a price for job completion so if it takes longer than expected his quote was not the best to start with some areas do take longer than others but that was ment to be assessed before quote was given
8th Nov 2023
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From my point of view, I only paid them for the tiles installed, maybe something extra for the road and I install the rest. I usually only use quick glue (uncared in 3 hours).
7th Nov 2023
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C&E Multi-Service Ltd
1 Reviews, 100% Positive
Before being able to answer I have few questions.
Does the tiller buy the materials or suggest it to you?
Why you consider tricky or what you mean by tricky around the window?
I will give you an answer about the grout. Basically even if the tilles adesive is quick dry I suggest that at least 24h should be given to dry before grouting usually we give 48h because the tiles could move out of the place and you could develop mould behind the wall because it remains wet.
4th Dec 2023
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You grout after the adhesive is dried to prevent the tiles from moving, with price work you need to see all the cards that are being dealt in order to move forward accordingly
4th Dec 2023
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You got to go with manufacturer’s instructions if drying is 7 days then grout on the 8th
11th Dec 2023
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Tile it
0 Reviews
Prices are agreed before starting any work this will include any extras or discussed prior to work. Tiling can be grouted the same day it really depends on the adhesive and substrate tiling on! 6 hours around a so down seems to be a little too long to be fair but this even if it takes that long will fall into his price!
19th Jan 2024
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Tiler in the wrong agreed a price doesn’t matter how long or how quick it takes as long has within an agreed time
4th Jan 2024
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It sounds like you're dealing with some concerning issues with the tiler, and it's understandable that you want the work done properly and as agreed upon. Here are a few thoughts and suggestions:

Communication is Key:

Clearly communicate your expectations and concerns with the tiler. Make sure you both are on the same page regarding the scope of work, the timeline, and any additional costs.
Reiterate what was agreed upon in your initial email list, emphasizing that it was a comprehensive agreement.
Timeframe Realism:

It's important to be realistic about the time needed for the work. Tiling can be a meticulous process, especially around tricky areas like windows. Ensure that the tiler understands the importance of allowing proper drying time before grouting.
Grouting Timing:

Stick to your decision about not grouting on the same day. Explain that it's for the longevity and quality of the work. Quick drying adhesives still need adequate curing time.
Additional Costs:

Discuss any additional costs that have been proposed by the tiler. If you have a written agreement or email confirmation, use that as reference to avoid any discrepancies.
Quality Over Speed:

It's crucial that the work is done properly, even if it takes a bit longer. Rushing the process can lead to mistakes and a poor-quality finish, which may cost more to rectify later.
Review the Contract:

If you have a written contract, review it thoroughly to ensure all aspects of the job are covered. If not, try to create a written agreement or confirmation of the scope of work and terms.
Seek Professional Advice:

If the situation escalates and you're unable to come to an agreement, you may want to seek advice from a professional, such as a construction consultant or legal expert, to understand your rights and options.
Remember, it's essential to have open and honest communication with the tiler to find a resolution that works for both parties. If he agreed to a certain price and scope of work, he should honor that agreement. If there are legitimate additional costs, they should be discussed and agreed upon transparently.
31st Jan 2024
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BCL Maintenance
0 Reviews
You can usually grout a few hours later with most adhesive. As it doesn’t necessarily have to be bone dry to grout it
17th Jan 2024
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Paul Hunter Tiling
0 Reviews
My advice is to get a quote in writing or by email including the extent of works and the total price including any materials supplied by the trade. In this case however your within your rights to only pay the quoted price but by the tone of your text it sounds like the chap might not return, in which case you would have difficulty find someone to complete the work. Unfortunate situation
4th Jan 2024
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So...
The primed surface can be tiled after 24 hours.
7m2 walls bathroom- one day of work.
Cost £570 including tax and materials.
Thank you.
16th Jan 2024
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richard
0 Reviews
Tell him not to carry on if he ant sticking to his Agreement
29th Jan 2024
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Marshalls
0 Reviews
A good background on your situation but not enough for a tiler to comment. We always grout 24 hrs after tiling, but it depends on your substrate. Tubs are rarely used unless solo on herringbone above counters. As regards demanding additional monies I would stick to your guns if its included in their quote. The fear of course is losing the trade.
7th Mar 2024
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if the tiler wanted to complete the job within the time scale given he should of used rapid set. also he should of fully explained to the client the process.
The tier and the client should of came to an agreement first of all before the installation process started and both fully aware of any added cost' terms and conditions.
19th Mar 2024
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