Should I pay for repairs on cracked kitchen tiles or request the contractor to fix it for free since it’s his work?
Asked by Sam Sanchez 
3 months ago
Last Updated: September 25, 2024
Hey, so we recently got our kitchen floors tiled and already we’re having some issues. A couple of tiles have cracked, and the grout is starting to crack in different spots. It seems like a leveling problem to me. We talked to the contractor who did the work, and he suggested that heavy items might have caused the damage, but that doesn’t really add up to me. I mean, we haven’t even installed our appliances or cabinets yet, so what gives? My husband thinks we should ask the contractor how much he’ll charge to fix it, but I feel like he should be taking care of this for free. What should we do in this situation?
Does your house require restumping? Or is the foundation sinking? Was there a crack in the sub floor previously? It wouldn’t be fair to blame the tiler if the crack wasn’t there when he installed it… often kitchens are floored after the installation of the kitchen.
Did he make sure the sub floor was level?
I wouldn’t trust that contractor again. You should definitely look for someone else. It’s unfortunate to have to take that loss, but don’t allow him to do any more work in your house!
I was holding a 50-pound metal container and had to set it down quickly because it was heavy. I ended up dropping it just 12 inches and it cracked one of our tiles.
I agree, it’s best to find a different person to fix the issue and determine what the problem is. If the original tiler didn’t properly level the mud and there are air pockets, the tile could end up cracking. It’s time to move on from him, since he doesn’t seem willing to take responsibility.
It’s not acceptable. You should ask the contractor to fix it, especially if he values his reputation. If the tiles are too thin for the floor, someone should have warned you – either the salespeople or the contractor. A reputable contractor should have insurance to cover this kind of situation. Otherwise, you may have to live with it or share your disappointment on social media. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.