no, NO, yes, yes, yes. [1,2,3,4,5]
HoneySuckle said:
Maybe instead of tiles that could cause problems down the line I should have them install cultured marble slabs?
They don't look so hot but heck there is no grout to deal with.
yuk. Said panels (slabs) are not waterproof either -- do you know how they make them, and what holds them together? If they could resist passing water through them they would put it in writing and promote it like it was space age stuff. Also, panel edges at the corners look ugly if you silicone them. And, it is real hard to place a big flat heavy thing totally right and plumb on a wall, even for the most skilled installers.
HoneySuckle said:
About barriers - the guy told me he would use tar paper and he acted like it was the 'bees knees' to quote my child. I don't think he heard of anything better or maybe he uses the worst material and charges me high prices so he can make more money?
good point. I have seen guys get subtle, emotional, practically lovey dovey, when talking about materials,
when they are in the client seduction phase of the sale. This means to me that they know how to use emotional triggers to manipulate the whole process from start to finish. Even if you show that it isn't affecting you yourself, they will use emotions as a weapon later when they show they are no longer willing and able to put up with you, after they have received 2/3 of the total budget and given you confusing / conflicting ideas along the way so that you can be at war with yourself. Even if you are "not affected" by their emotional triggering, they will show that they themselves are affected byt heir own emotions, to justify leaving you in the lurch with an unfinished half-assed result. The weapon is that they show it affects themselves not that it affects you. Sincerity plus. They "invest" emotions in materials AND METHODS ("this is what i always do") so that later it works against you, like a lever (tool, weapon). On one side: reality; and on the other side: Sincerity, self-esteem, self-respect and should you dare express anything yourself, add to that a vague "fear" of an unhappy client on top of it all.
HoneySuckle said:
Wish I knew to do this stuff so I could fire them all!
i know twenty or thirty people experienced and willing to help you, on this site and others.
HoneySuckle said:
....directly on studs, and after the backer board is up you put a vapor barrier? Or do we put vapor barrier on the studes and then CBU?
Both ways are done. In your case it is not mission critical !! Your first post, at the top of this thread, said TUB only, not shower, not tub shower. So you don't need a vapour barrier high on the scale of "needs". My saying this is not to be construed as contradicting anything (that I have said or anyone else has said either).
HoneySuckle said:
As for the tape, I could supply the SOB with it since you say it is expensive and these guys won't buy that. Tell me where to get the materials and I might pay for labor only.
in a big box store, ask the clerk who works in the cement area, not the drywall area.
-david