Pietra Custom Tile Works

I strongly recommend Pietra Custom Tile Works. My project was a remodel of my master bathroom. Martin was recommended by two tile stores. I had previously received 3 other bids that seemed unreasonable high. To my surprise, Martin turned out to be the same contractor who had installed the granite countertops in the kitchen of my previous home about 20 years ago. He did a great job then and I loved that countertop for years.
Marin responded promptly to my call and gave me an estimate that was about half of the previous lowest estimate. He was able to start the job as soon as I purchased the main materials. He was easy to reach by call or text. He said it would be done in 8-10 days and they finished in exactly 10 days. The tile for the shower, the bathroom floor, and the vanity countertops were expertly installed. There are no flaws anywhere, and nothing had to be changed or redone. They took great care to match the tile pattern from one tile to the next. I love my new bathroom; it's all so beautiful. From start to finish the project was easy, and Martin and his crew were a pleasure to work with. The price I paid at the end was exactly the same as the original estimate.

I had high hopes because this company came highly recommended. So, if you average my friend's rating with mine, the company gets 3.5 stars. My issues:
Firstly, they were in such a rush, they didn't seal the grout. When I complained, they showed up the next day and only put on one coat. I did a simple water-drop test later and it was clear it needed additional applications, which I did (they also used the lowest-rated, i.e., cheapest, product sold by Home Depot). Their actual quality of putting down tile was just average - there are numerous areas where corners aren't flush and edges where their cuts were short and so they filled the gaps with extra grout. When I asked the owner if he was going to come by and inspect his crew's work, he said no. They also jacked up the feet to my dishwasher, so now the shelf comes flying out when the door is opened because it's not level. Finally, their attempts to keep our home clean, and then clean up at the end of each day, were horrible. I spent way too much time every day cleaning up after them. But, it could've been worse - they did start according to the schedule and finished early (perhaps because they didn't finish the job...).

I have used this guy once before 10 years ago and he did an excellent job. But now I have been trying to schedule him for the last 6 months and he always has an excuse why he cannot come even after he makes a firm date. He is very hard to get a hold of and does not return emails or messages.