Seattle Ceramic Tile Installers Seattle, WA

Bellevue homeowner wants bathroom tile grout repaired

COMPLAINT: Julie Scharlin, Bellevue, Wash.

"Vick Mironyuk [owner, Tile Seattle], was helpful when he came to my condo to discuss my bathroom remodeling project. Once tile was chosen from Home Depot, he purchased it and began installing the ceramic tile in the bathroom and shower.

"The condo was vacant, and the bathroom had been gutted. I gave his crew keys. When I paid Vick, I expressed concern that I never had anything in writing from him for the cost of the project or for his warranty. He said he guarantees his work and if I had questions to call him.

"In the first few months of using the shower, the grout wasn't completely drying out after use. So, I would leave my heat light on all day to dry the tile. I also resealed the shower, curb and ledge. This helped a bit, but now there are small sections of grout that seem darker than the rest.

"The big issue involves the cracking grout on the inside curb of the shower and the grout on the inside wall where Vick created a ledge. I sent photos of the cracked grout so he could see what was happening. He claimed the manufacturer of the easyboard was ultimately responsible and that Home Depot no longer carries the board. He said he was going to contact the manufacturer directly for resolution.

"I called Vick, but he never replied. The curb is now lifting up, because the grout is cracked on both sides. I submitted a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. He is not a BBB member, and they never heard from him.

"I have had three estimates since from other tile specialists. They tell me that it appears Vick may not have used the proper materials when building the shower pan and curb, and he didn't seal it well. They cannot give me a repair cost, as they must remove the curb and ledge tiles to see what is happening underneath."

DESIRED RESOLUTION: "My desired resolution is to get the shower and other affected areas in the bathroom repaired as soon as possible. I want Vick to reimburse me in full. If he is willing to do the repairs, I welcome him, as long as he uses the best materials and doesn't drag out the procedure."

STATUS: Penalty Box