Referral to Austin Tx tile installer

[nancyaustin]

Please refer me to a skilled tile installer in Austin, Tx.

We are redoing our master bathroom & have interviewed a very nice contractor who comes highly recommended by three clients. One client sent me photos of his bathroom remodel showing the stages of installing the shower. I posted the photos in the bathroom forum of GardenWeb ("tile experts--Is this shower installation correct"), asking tile experts to weigh in on whether it was a good tile installation. Hoped to hear from Bill Vincent or mongoct but haven't so far. Those who have responded think the shower installation is bad because no vapor barrier or waterproofing was used. He installed a sloped mortar bed, then a fiberglass layer, then a second mortar bed before installing the tile. Other than hardi-backer on the walls, there was nothing on the walls.

If you tile experts agree with those who replied on GardenWeb, then it looks like I should hire a different tile installer and perhaps a different contractor.

Please let me know what you recommend.

[cx]

Nancy, I'll move your request to the Professionals' Hangout where a pro in your area might notice. You'll still need to do your own due diligence if you find a new contractor here, though, just as you would anywhere else.

Is this shower one for which you have a thread here?

[Houston Remodeler]

Nancy,

Got a link to the GW thread? I can't seem to find it.

[nancyaustin]

Sorry, I don't know how to link to my thread on GardenWeb bathroom forum. Please search the bathroom forum under nancyaustin and you should find it.

[nancyaustin]

CX, this is the first question I've posted requesting a referral to a tile installer in Austin. Is that what you're asking?

[Houston Remodeler]

Brad Bressler is in Austin....

Nancy's link is here

[cx]

No, I'm asking if there is a thread about the bathroom in question here on these forums where there is discussion of your problem.

[nancyaustin]

Paul, thanks. I found Brad Bressler's website. Does he use the Kerdi system?

CX, no, I don't think so.

[nancyaustin]

And thanks, Paul, for posting the link to my Gardenweb thread.

What do you think of the shower installation shown in those photos?

[Houston Remodeler]

I think he does, but a quick phone call to him will answer for sure.

He's not on the forum a whole lot these days, new wife and all.

From what I can see in the pictures its a train wreck. Granted a nice looking train wreck....

[nancyaustin]

Yes, the bathroom is lovely---I didn't include photos of the finished product.

I'll call Brad. Do you know his work personally or do you know him through this forum?

[nancyaustin]

What is wrong with the installation in the photos?

Should waterproofing be used on the cement board?

Is the Kerdi system the state of the art for building a shower floor?

[cx]

Nancy, if you want to find a contractor through this site, use this thread. If you want to discuss the project otherwise, please start a project thread in the Advice forum and bring your information over from the other site where you've posted your photos. Otherwise it's all gonna become one great jumble.

[nancyaustin]

Ok. I'll stick with asking for a good Austin tile installer (even though I am interested in learning why the installation is poorly done).

[Houston Remodeler]

I've met and worked with Brad. He knows his stuff and is a good and honest man. Can't ask for more than that.