That time I my tile crew lied for free materials
In 2021, after a winter storm wreaked havoc, I found myself design managing five full build-back projects. It was a whirlwind of quick decision-making, problem-solving, and being a shoulder to cry on for my clients. One of the more amusing aspects? I had to carry around a portable toilet. Yup, it’s true—staying hydrated is essential, and no one wants a UTI!
During one of my check-ins on our April project, the tile crew was hard at work. While my main focus was on design project management, I also oversaw this specific job. On this particular day, I needed to assess the tile installation and ensure that the placements and grout colors were in line with our plan.
The primary bath featured stunning white Calacatta porcelain tiles, and I chose a simple white grout called Avalanche, which would also be used in the hall bath. In total, we were working with about 250 square feet of primarily 12x24 tiles that needed grouting. These details are important, I promise!
However, the grout still needed to be picked up because the tile crew had failed to do so. To expedite things, I volunteered to order the grout, pick it up, and bring it back the next day. Interestingly, the lead of this crew wasn’t thrilled to work with me. I can’t say for sure why, but many tradespeople don’t initially appreciate working with a woman—at least until they get to know you. I didn’t have time for any petty feelings; I just needed to get the job done.
I asked how much grout they needed to complete the project, and they stated they required three 25-pound bags. I thought that seemed excessive, so I probed further. The lead insisted that, given the scale of the project, they definitely needed all three bags. Hmmm… Okay, I decided to double-check.
I pulled up the grout specifications on the Floor & Decor website to confirm if their request was accurate. The amount of grout needed can vary based on tile size and layout—larger tiles with fewer grout lines require less grout, while smaller, detailed tiles require more. After crunching the numbers, I realized they really only needed one bag, which would leave some extra.
Instead of arguing, I took them the one bag and dropped it off. Confused and annoyed, the lead asked, “What’s this?” I replied, “That’s the grout you need.” He reiterated that he had requested three bags, and I explained that based on my calculations, one was sufficient. I assured him that I knew the specs and the math—there would be no extra free materials here.
His attitude was unfortunate, especially since the crew was skilled at their craft. But if we can’t collaborate effectively, it’s time to find a new path forward.
