They should’ve removed some pebbles and placed them to make it more random. Lines won’t disappear

They should have installed the sheets staggered rather than have them all lined up. You will still see the squares after grouting.

youve got shall I say WAY BIGGER issues and this is a total loss and tear out ..... the entire mess.

what's the way bigger issue?

I'm not a pro, but is there even a curb there? How can they even install a waterproofed curb at this point?

that's a really good point on the waterproof curb...

If this turns out to be a waterproofing failure, read this:

https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/5725013/what-to-do-when-a-project-goes-completely-southhttps://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/5725013/what-to-do-when-a-project-goes-completely-south

Do you have in-progress photos?

I don't but the guy who did it so far has been a very honest, hardworking person. I will bring up my concerns tomorrow. he has been very receptive throughout the whole project (a master bedroom and bathroom full remodel). I just need to know exactly what to talk to him about...

Talk to him about waterproofing. And ask him if he knows how to do it. And if he says he knows how to do it, ask him what materials and methods he uses.

Then post what he says on this thread.

sounds good. thanks. he should be there a little after 9am tomorrow (MST).

Where is the drain?

Whoa....that’s a good question.

there is a drain. he plans on cutting the hole for the drain tomorrow.

meaning the hole in the tile. the drain is there.

OP, this is a mess. The drain goes in long before the tile. I’m not a pro. Hopefully a pro will respond to your post.

How is he going to cut the hole after!? How does he know where it is!? Ay yi yi

He may be a nice guy, but he is no tile professional. That is a 100% do over. https://www.ceramictilefoundation.org/homeowners-guide-to-hiring-qualified-tile-installer

To answer your question, no it isn’t getting better. Not done right. If curbless also a problem. If curb big mess. Better hold on to your money. This is probably a redo.

talked to contractor. he did several things to ensure waterproofing. im going to mix up a few names im sure because this is all new terminology to me. he used a gray waterproof board for the backing. then used a a self leveling gray liquid you ensure the floor was level. he then placed a waterproof board on top of that (each side of the board was a different color) and put a vinyl sheet that ran about a foot up the wall onto the flooring to ensure the corners were waterproof. he than used a lot of.... I think he said red guard.... caulked with a special caulk all areas where he did the built ins for shelving before he tiled. he said he likes to cover the drain initially when tiling because it is easier to get a tight fit if he cuts it out after the mortar dries (again the drain is already in place-all plumbing is).
it is a curbed entryway. we are doing a doorless shower so he said he is going to use pressure treated wood to make the curb. than tile that. he said with the slope of the floor and the placement of the showerheads there should never be standing water near the curbed entry, especially since it is a doorless shower. it is more just aesthetics.

and tile lines did disappear with grout!

and tile lines did disappear with grout.

You are being taken for a ride, im hoping its only a 2K ride because you are in for a complete redo very soon. There is no way to add curb at the point shown in the pics. As in ZERO chance . It is not being built correctly but you can choose to use selective hearing and be hopeful. The sheet lines told the entire story, The adding curb and cutting drain later told the novel.

Stop payment and call an actual tile professional if you care.

I agree with all the others. There was nothing done right. And why wasn't the grout removed from the tile? It's supposed to be removed when it's still wet.

You can't put the tile over the drain because then you'll wind up with the drain holes plugged up.

You can't add a curb after because the waterproofing liner on the floor has to go up over the floor, the walls and onto and over the curb so that it's all waterproof. Even I know that and I'm just another homeowner.

When he waterproofed the floor did he do a flood test? Meaning filled the shower floor with water, plugged the drain (before tiling) and then let it sit for 24 hours making sure there were no leaks?

You can put your head in the sand and pretend it will all be good, or you can go hire a certified tile installer to check this guy's work and make sure it's right (it's not) and to make sure you won't be having leaks in a year or two.

the lines are there and if you are like me you will see them forever and it will bother you.

You only don’t see the lines because he has no idea how to clean grout off of tile properly.

thanks for the help.

I know everyone has told me this is wrong but does anyone know what the full process should look like you ensure it is waterproof? the 24 hr test is a really good idea but what materials should they use and what order should those materials be laid? thanks!

Did he do the24 hour test? In my town not only must they pull permits but the town inspector is required to come check the flood test.

At this point it doesn’t matter what should be done because your guy absolutely did it wrong. How do Iknow? The curb wasn’t built and waterproofed at the same time the rest of the shower was built.

Meaning thewholeshowerneeds to be torn out and rebuilt. With a shower you can’t do it piecemeal

So sorry to say, but we know from experience (some sad experience) this is not water tight. Has to be done all at same time. Water seeks it’s own level and it will seek any method to get lower or through a crack or opening. There are some good YouTube videos on how to install a waterproof shower. Check those out.

"he is going to use pressure treated wood to make the curb"

Pressure treated is not allowed in a shower build.

Just another example of the lack of knowledge.

Absolutely no way to add a properly waterproofed curb.

Sorry for your situation but odds are the problems started from the framing and continue.

Here’s what you do;

Explain that it’s built wrong and will leak. Ask contractor if he will tear out and rebuild following TCNA and ASNI guidelines, and manufacture instructions (at his expense). When he says no, you say we’ll I guess that means you are quitting? When he quits, confirm that by email so he can never claim you fired him

Read up of waterproofing methods before you start again.

Then hire a real pro to redo it.

Totally agree with AJCN. Do that.

AJCN, I really appreciate all your links and such. it is going to be a full redo. luckily for us I still owe the contractor enough money that we're shouldn't be out any. I will just subtract what it will cost me to have it redone from what I still owe.... or I guess give him the chance to have it redone... all your links have helped me gain enough knowledge before I talk to him. thanks again!

Tell us what happens then.

...

Oh, don't let him back in -- he doesn't know what he doesn't know! Trust me on this. Be polite but firm.

Glad you are getting it taken care of

completely redone! glad we didn't pay them upfront.