One month on....

18 years ago

So, we've been done about a month now. A few minor punch list items which have been/need to be addressed included tightening a screw in one of the stair treads, adding an extra strip of wood to the plywood under the counter so the dishwasher could be properly screwed tight (he screwed it into the plywood originally, but it was too thin and the short screw didn't hold) a floorplank that needs additional glue so it doesn't click (we had such major levelling issues with the subfloor it's a miracle there weren't more) etc etc. Minor stuff. Bits and pieces, which I assume is normal and which aren't a problem for us because our GC 1. lives around the corner and 2. is totally willing to do it without so much as a grumble (although I suspect it may take a little while since he's REALLY busy on other projects now, but nothing is urgent enough to be a "problem").

The one item that has us all scratching our heads, however, is the kitchen tile grout. Less than a month after installation, small sections started crumbling and coming out. It was regular sanded floor grout from HD, there's no obvious flexation in the floor that anybody can see or feel, (they used standard hardiboard screwed down through the previous laminate and into the subfloor underneath it so the floating floor wouldn't cause problems), and it's coming out in random places with no clear pattern or reason - it's not even happening only in the heavy traffic areas.

There's no question of them doing anything other than replacing it - and they will be doing so at some point in the next few weeks - but the "why" of it has kind of left us all baffled. Anybody have any ideas? They're planning on replacing and then, even though it strictly speaking didn't "need" sealing, they're going to do so anyway.

Just curious.

All that said, living in the new spaces is GLORIOUS and we couldn't be happier. I still can't get over what a total change the remodel has made in how we get on with our lives - pressing ahead with this project (despite the teetering economy) was without question the smartest domestic decision we have ever made. We're thrilled!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

raehelen
18 years ago
Nice to hear that things are almost all done- have no suggestions for the tiling- could the grout have been too dry? do they mix it on site, or does it come pre-mixed?

Was hoping we'd be close to finished by now too. Carpenter had said two weeks to get final cupboards/trimming/crown moulding/pullout shelves/drawers made and done. That was Wed., I've phoned Thursday and Friday, and just now. Haven't been able to reach him, guess I'm on the phone again first thing Monday! Granite replacement pieces were supposed to sail from China Feb 25, have been delayed until March 5, then have to wait 2 weeks for them to arrive, then ??? to clear customs, depending on how many port stops they have, we're now looking closer to end of March than middle, sigh! Can't finish toe kicks & back of peninsula until granite is in. I used to joke about having it done before Christmas- now I'm joking and it's not really funny, about having it done before a year is up- that would be May 8!

But even with disappointing delays, we are the same as you- I think it has really improved our marriage, cuz we're so happy- AND I just got back from a check-up and my blood pressure which was hovering on high for the past year, is now back to normal- Whew-
divamum
Original Author
18 years ago
I'd have to agree with you, Rae. I'm happier, my husband is happier, my daughter is happier (now she has her big room).
We spend lots of time in the new dining area - everybody who comes in the house just plonks themselves down around the new table and stays for hours! And we're all talking more, the TV is off more...

It sounds crazy, but the remodel has, if not "caused" this, at least enabled it. It's been a huge change in quality of life above and beyond added storage and easier cooking :)

Congrats to you too (and have you resolved your granite issues yet? I keep wondering how you're getting on....)
Related Professionals
Louisville Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Covington Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Bartlesville Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Killeen Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Waterbury Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Lincoln Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Eau Claire Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Fort Collins Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Poughkeepsie Kitchen Remodelers · Lima Kitchen Remodelers · Dalton Custom Countertops · Saint Joseph Custom Countertops · San Antonio Custom Countertops · Rockford Custom Countertops · Modesto Custom Countertops
raehelen
18 years ago
Well, we'll have to wait and see how the replacement pieces look and how they get installed (sometime in March?) till I can answer that question. I just got a phone call from them on Friday (they wanted to know how things were going with the carpenter- who they hired to fix my cabinets)- and as they told me of the new delay on the shipment- they did say they REALLY REALLY appreciated our patience. I then said, OK, we're being patient cuz we believe they are doing their best to make sure we're satisfied, and in that same vein, I asked, has 'Kitchen guy", manager and now granite fabricator gone to school and learned any more about how to fabricate granite? When she said, "NO", I then sent her a link to Kevin's School of rock in Arizona, and suggested that the company pay to educate him some more, and I sent her a link to Gorilla Grips, cuz I really want some nice 'invisible' seams! :>) So, we'll see. At least, with all the delays, KG has had a chance to get better. I was firm about saying that I felt I didn't want him 'learning on my jobs' anymore. So, here's hoping the granite Gods look kindly down on me, and things work out.
pcjs
18 years ago
That's great you only have minor things - we have a couple of things like painting, but have moved on to other rooms - we're in wall refinishing h@ll with the rest of the house. You are very lucky to find such a good contractor - you'll have to convince him to head this way to do our second story (or at least the framing and major work, we can do the small stuff) when we are ready.
divamum
Original Author
18 years ago
bump....

Anybody with ideas on the tile/grout issue? Enquiring minds and all that...

Thanks!
wisrose
18 years ago
You need to find that tile guy, Bill V (Vincent I think) I see him a lot in the bathroom forum. Good Luck cuz you need to know the problem or it can happen again.