Cracked Ceramic Floor Tiles

[Tuckstar]

I purchased a house from Persimmon just over 2 years ago. As part of the package I had the living kitchen floor 9 x 6 meters fully tiled with midrange cost ceramic tiles.

I reported within the 2 years builders warranty that 2 tiles had now cracked. One near the back door and the other in front of the cooker, both in plain view.

It has been accepted by Persimmon/Tiling Company that they need replacing. The tiler has now been on his second visit to try and match up the tiles that need replacing with batches they have acquired. Unfortunately, the tiles have not matched the ones that need replacing (same pattern but different colours). The Tiling Company have informed me that they are unable to replace the broken tiles with ones that are the same as they are no longer available.

On speaking with Persimmon's area customer care manager today, she has informed me that they will replace the broken tiles with ones that are from the same batch but are a different colour but are not prepared to replace the whole floor with new tiles of the same colour.

I dont think I am being unreasonable in asking for the broken tiles to be replaced with identical ones as the floor is one of the main features of this room but Persimmon are adament that no identical tiles are available.

I do not wish to have the a patchwork kitchen floor as I would have ordered this initially from Persimmon.

Can anyone give me any advice on how I can get this matter resolved?

[nem39esis]

Call the NHBC and ask for their advise on the matter, it may be all down to what is deemed a reasonable colour variation. But if it is as you say very different then i dont think its unreasonable for them to replace all the tiles. You paid for a product which included its fitting, if the product was found to be faulty or workmanship poor, which it is then you should have it replaced. What you need to ask is why these tiles cracked in the first place. Floor tiles are extreamelly hard, for them to crack would meen they wernt on an even bed, which would raise alarm bells to me as if 2 tiles have cracked, whats to say others wont at some point.

Its all covered by a guarantee. The tilers work was shoddy causing tiles to break. They should replace the floor if they dont have matching tiles. They should have stocked spares or given you some in this case but they didnt, that theie problem and not yours. Stick to your guns, its supposed to be done to your satisfaction and not theirs as you paid for it.