Builder? Topps Tiles? Me? Whose fault is it...

WhiteHorse

Is it a reasonable that a customer should have to assume a serious defect and check accordingly? No, it isn't. If the firm is saying it is, then it begs the question, what sort of business are they running?

Furthermore, one lot of tiles were not as described in that 'Artic White' is ... white, not grey. You have an example to prove it. You should therefore be able to look for a refund.

However, neither you or the tiler made basic checks, and you have accepted the goods in that they have been used, so it's rather more difficult. Had you noticed the mismatch at once and returned them (the contract for the tiles is with you), Topps wouldn't have a leg to stand on.

The tiler should have raised the issue of defective tiles with you, but didn't, so the tiler may be liable to some extent. Trying to get anywhere there will be a lost cause however.

You may be faced with writing to head office and looking for a goodwill gesture from Topps, and as has already been suggested, the tiler fitting them for free.

simons_2

Much as I agree with you White Horse about Topps Tiles, I don't know enough about how tiles are produced to know if such variation in colour should be expected. I do know that they have exempted themselves nicely due to their warnings AND that the builder is conveniently telling me that he thinks their attitude is outrageous. So...what do we have here: Topps Tiles won't take responsibility and blame builder; builder won't take responsibility and blames Topps Tiles. Who is left in the middle unable to do anythng other than buy new tiles and pay someone to take old ones off, and put new ones up? Oh, that'll be us then. I am amazed that people think we would unpack tiles and check them? We entrusted all of that to the builder, and I don't think that is unreasonable.

SuzieSue

simons wrote: »

I am amazed that people think we would unpack tiles and check them? We entrusted all of that to the builder, and I don't think that is unreasonable.

And I am amazed how you can't see that if you bought the tiles yourself, that you think it is the builder's job to check them and not yours. That is exaclty why a lot of people opt for supply and fit - I have had my fingers burnt exactly like you in the past and decided the stress and hassle wasn't worth the cost savings.

baldelectrician

Although I think the builder should have noticed and may be slacking on this issue the onus is with the person who bought the tiles

if I give a supply and fit price then there will be a small margin on the materials.
This margin covers things like broken / missing parts, faulty items etc. It's not the first time I have spent 2 hours running round suppliers when something has not materialised correctly from an order, or even going to a different supplier and having to pay more (while the client still pays the lower quoted price)


If you supply then the problem is wholly yours- although the builder should be fair with the labour

iveco_man

being a builder myself as the tiles where being put up i would of stopped the work and asked the question continue or not ?(to the client).To finish the job is the tilers and foremans wrong doing.

jrs200

I'd have stopped as soon as I saw the difference, it certainly would have been noticeable after just one tile.

[Deleted User]

From what I understand it was your responsibility to inspect the tiles since YOU bought them and YOU received the delivery (did they ask you for a signature?). The fact that you gave them to the builders 2 mins later doesn't matter.

Having said this, your tiler should have noticed that the tiles were not matching when he put them up so he is also liable. I would expect him to redo the tiling for you for free.

Oldsoak

Unfortunately this has happened to me as a tiler in the past. However, in the light I was tiling in the tiles appeared the same until the sunlight hit them. In that instance I got the customer to replace the tiles (I negotiated a reduced price from the supplier) and I redid the work for free, as I don't have unhappy customers. Althought the customer nor myself could really be blamed we made an amicable agreement. 40 tiles should not take the tiler that long to replace, maybe a day(at a guess and depending on the size). Topps tiles are not known for high quality tiles the buy cheap and sell cheap so quality is questionable. Buyer beware - cheap isn't always cheerful.

Try a compromise with your builder, he may go for it,then the cost won't sting quite as much.

Good luck.

bungle4by4

who made the tiles? can you give me some information from the box? they may be seconds. and if sold as firsts then topps tiles should be liable.

redlee

As a tiler i dont like criticising fellow tilers but if he could see the shade difference he should never of put them up. The line that you bought them so its your fault doesn't wash - if there was a turd in the middle of the box would he have put that on the wall?
Day 1 lesson 1 (should say on all boxes) the tiler is responsible for checking the tiles.
He should have given the option to put them up or let you get replacements and charge for the return visit.
Having experience of working for builders i wouldn't trust what i'm being told - they may have pressured the tiler to get the job done.
For the foreman to ask what you thought about the colour difference is a joke, if he feels he needs to mention it he knows its not acceptable.