So this is the Second tile hack you’ve hired? I’m guessing that they were both “affordable.”

https://www.ceramictilefoundation.org/homeowners-guide-to-hiring-qualified-tile-installer

yes the second tile guy. the second came highly recommended and we were definitely not trying to ho the "affordable" route after the first mishap. the only thing is that the tile guy that was so highly recommended had workers coming to do the job.

I don't think it's horrible but it would get to me like it does to you. Can you try living with it for awhile and see if it still bothers you? If so, you can always change out the grout color. Not sure I would fuss with it right now. I've been in your situation so I know the feeling. At the moment it's all you can focus on. Maybe just wait and see? Before ripping it all off the wall?

the 1st photo -- that edge can easily be replaced. the ceiling part is not really noticeable. as for the corner...that's not great, but were you planning on putting something there? an appliance or jar full of utensils will cover that up.

but yeah, that's bad enough that I'd want to ask for a partial refund or do-over. I'm not a pro, so I'm not sure how much leverage you have here.

I can’t be positive, but it doesn’t look like this tile is rectified. It’s also long and narrow. 1/16” grout joint + 50% offset on a non-rectified, long and narrow tile will never look good, regardless of the ability of the installer. That being said, a pro installer would never have set these tiles at 50% offset and 1/16” joint to begin with.

the times are 2x8. what should the grout joint be? and what % shouldn't have been?

If they’re non-rectified, I’d suggest 1/3 offset at 1/8” grout joint.

That being said, nearly all tile comes with specifications as to these questions. Manufacturer install recommendations trumps any advice you receive on Houzz :)

ok, thx! I'll look at the specs. still not sure if we should redo the entire project, but at least I'll know for the future.

You should have gone with grout that matched the tile color so it would hide these imperfections. If you go for a 3rd time I would go with white grout & skip the tile over the range.

yes, I actually didnt want it beyond the cabinets either. I made that clear to the tiles but they said it should be flush with the countertops. That makes since but it still looks odd

You mentioned your realtor...are you doing this to sell? Or are they just giving advice on your recent purchase? How you proceed may vary depending on that. I actually would try to regrout with white before ripping everything out. I’m not a pro but I like where the backsplash ends in relation to the top cabinets. It think would look stranger to have a small void at the end of the counter with no tile above it.

we just moved in so shes giving us advice on our recent purchase