I see no waterproofing system (durock alone is not even close), coupled with the balance of issues = complete do over, unfortunately.

I'm so sorry, but none of that "work" is salvageable. There is no waterproofing, and the tile work is beyond questionable. I'd suggest going to the John Bridge Tile Forum and looking for a professional contractor with experience in your area. If there is no one close to you, then look at Home Adviser, and make your #1 interview question about which waterproofing system they prefer and why. And then view their portfolio, which should contain previous projects with glass. After viewing their license and insurance certificates of course. A properly built and waterproofed shower with glass tile is not a budget project though, so keep that in mind when talking with contractors.

You are learning a hard lesson about priceshopping. Got a sweet deal I see .

For the next person, don't ask the contractor if he is any good. Ask his customers.

We were going to redo one of our bathrooms and see if we liked the contractor. Once we talked with his clients, we did all three bathrooms at once. They are all beautiful.

Could you clarify if the original "installer" was a licensed tile contractor?

The installer was recommended by a good friend, who had used them for a couple of their rental projects.

I did view their work, which appeared fine. The project I viewed was not with glass tiles though.

Im not going to pay them, since I need to either start over or salvage what is there.

I did have a reputable setter cone in, view the project. Stated he can salvage some of it.

Is there actually a separate license for a tile contractor in most states? I've seen it in California requirements, but not for other places.

Bruce

That's unfortunate. I wish if people didn't think they could do something they would say that they can't.

Although quite honestly sometimes when I tell someone "that is outside my scope of practice" or "I don't really get very good results with that procedure" they look at me like I am being weird.

Of course they do say there is an odd correlation with people who are of below average competence also being overly confident and thinking they get better results than they really do.

I'm very sorry for you situation. I have never seen the cardboard, pencil, hammer support trifecta. I can't imagine how any of this is salvageable. proceed with caution. Perhaps try a certified installer. CTEF Ceramic Tile Education Foundation. Enter your zip for installers in your area. Nothing will guaranty a proper installation but it will greatly increase your odds.

thatsmuchbetter Said,"You are learning a hard lesson about priceshopping. Got a sweet deal I see"

That's disrespectful when you have no idea how this came about. I've vetted countless contractors,written scopes and contracted hundereds of jobs over the years. Despite my best effort,there was a few times I could tell the workmen didn't know what they were doing and said time out,stop until I can meet your boss on this site. I give Donna a lot of credit for recconizing what was happening and suspending work before job was complete. Many homeowners wouldn't have made the same call.

I ageee w Creative tile Hire an actual tile professional next time and CTEF is a great way to eliminate the novice handyman thats 1/2 price.

Thank you everyone

this wasn't my first rodeo & I partly blame myself for not being smarter and looking into their experience.

What is really concerning the day I expressed all my concerns, they behaved like "we've got this". So like a fool I trusted them. I came home later that night with more of the same horrifying work!!!

hard lessoned learned!!

I am trying to salvage what I can. I honestly can't dish out another $2000 in supplies. The setter who is going to finish the job does work for a contractor I know.

Wish me luck!

The first sign youve hired another novice is the fact that they will put their name on the line and touch a botched job.

Before doing anything. Plug the drain and fill it with water. You may also want to prepare the space below with a wet dry vaccum and a few 5 gallon buckets.

Sorry I cant wish you luck, you need an epiphany of sorts.

What is your goal with your father's house? To live there or sell?

I don't think you are going be able to salvage the tile very easily, glass tile is brittle and it needs to be taken down.

It would be better to use a basic tile thats not expensive and not spend on the labor of getting that tile down, and start from scratch.

TWI - Tiling While Intoxicated. Friends don't let friends tile drunk.

My thoughts exactly!!

They must have been TWI!!