About splotches and blotches . . .

The terracotta tiles needed a make-over . . over the years, the previous sealant had served its purpose and a good stripping and scouring before applying a new layer of sealant were on the charts.

In order not to make mistakes in choosing the correct flooring company to do this job, a local big tile business was consulted and  a reference was supplied. . . .

From there, everything were handled so professionally: or was it?
The quotation was not exorbitant, but demanding a fairly large deposit as not welcome . . . it was made off as "company policy" . .

When the stripping of the old sealant started, (a proper machine with a rotating scourer together with stripper, were used) it soon became evident that it would take a couple of attempts . .  and so it did - third time lucky.

Yesterday afternoon the new sealant was applied, and oh dear. Looking on as the job progressed, gloom and doom filled my heart. What was meeting the eye, were blotches, splotches, open spaces (no sealant!!) lines and marks. And when the sponge used as applicator,  started to disintegrate . . . it felt like watching a horror movie.

Initially the workmen said that one layer of sealant would be enough . .  but I think even they saw that something horrific was unfolding . . so, it was arranged that they come in early this morning to apply a second layer, which was done.

It is now late afternoon, and the image shows, or partially show, what the tiles are currently looking like - and while I am looking at the fouled up job - to put it very mildly, I just wonder how to remain civil, civilized, friendly, a nice person, slow to anger - because I am NOT satisfied with this bad workmanship and ruined job!

My husband, not being a handyman, used to clean the tiles previously and he, as an amateur, applied the sealant in a way that gave a smooth and uniform appearance. Bearing that in mind, we know that this job was really badly handled and done, considering the Flooring Company to be professionals . ..?

Since Wednesday my kitchen, diningroom and a large section of the lounge, had been housed on a semi-closed stoep where there is only one wall plug. From this plug power is supplied to the freezer, the fridge, the microwave, the kettle . .  the washing machines and tumble drier have now gone on a sabbatical . . .

It is still winter and cold, and we either have our meals on the freezing cold stoep, or in a bedroom - which is not desirable.
It has just started to rain, and with temperatures down to 13*C, snow may be expected on the mountain peaks.

I do not know how this problem is going to be fixed. To start all over again (that is to strip the unsatisfactory work), means that
'camping' on the stoep will be extended much into the new week.

A nearby laundrette offers relief as far as the laundry is concerned, but fixing another meal on a one plate cadac gas stove is really asking for a great effort!

So, we have had bad experiences before. Did we learn from it? I think so.
But when the need arises for another job to be done, all of the nice promises and words pull a curtain over all the flashing red lights that say: be careful.

Well, tomorrow is another (cold and wet) day, and it will be interesting to see what the week holds . . . We still owe a couple Rands for this job which will stay secure in our pockets until such time that some miracle happens.