5 More Things to Do When Hiring a Tile Installer

Kitchenette with light and dark blue mosaic backsplash, open shelving, copper vent hood over gas stove, black quartz countertops and island.
Tile mistakes are hard to cover up and end up being very costly. Hiring a professional installer can help you avoid costly mistakes.
 
Following up on the Top 5 Tips for Hiring a Tile Installer, here are 5 more tips to find the best professional for your project.
 
Living room with gray terrazzo-look floor tile, blue sectional sofa, picture windows, wooden steps to kitchen with countertop and backsplash of marble-look porcelain slab.

LEARN FROM OTHERS' EXPERIENCES

When researching a potential installer, ask for customer testimonials and search for online reviews. Pay special attention to reviews with pictures so you can verify your contractor’s previous work. Following up with references can give you a feel for the installer’s reputation and expertise.
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THE VALUE OF ORGANIZATION

Tile installation requires excellent organization. An installer must work efficiently because mortars, adhesives, and grout dry quickly and messiness can quickly cause problems. If you can, observe your prospective installer at work or visit their workspace. Here’s what to look for.

• Tiles are prepared and stacked
• Cuts have already been made
• A map or plan of the pattern
• Cuts and cleanup are done outdoors
• Surfaces near the tile installation are covered with plastic
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GET IT IN WRITING


Once you have done your research and chosen a tile installer, ask for a bid in writing. You’ll get a more accurate estimate and show your installer that you are serious about a job well done.

A good installer is never afraid to guarantee his or her work. Get a written guarantee that the work will be free from leaks and other issues. You should expect a guarantee that covers you for about two years.

Renovated bathroom with black & white hexagon floor tile, wet room with gray marble wall tile and mosaic floor tile, and polished brass fixtures.

LET YOUR INSTALLER PURCHASE THE TILE

Your tile installer has the expertise and understands all the technicalities and ratings required for your tile installation, so let them handle the purchase of the tile. You do not want to end up with the wrong tile. Plus, when you let them handle it, you will not be responsible for any issues that may arise with the materials; it will fall under your installer’s guarantee.
 
If your tile installer is reluctant to purchase the tile themselves, consider that a red flag.
Living room with porcelain slab fireplace that looks like black marble with white veins, wood dry bar, white sofa, and floor-to-ceiling windows.

PROFESSIONALISM IS A PRIORITY

Professionalism is the hallmark of an excellent business. You want to hire someone who will be professional through the duration of the project and finishes on time. When meeting with potential tile installers, consider the way they appear, speak and interact with you. These things will tell you a lot about how your project will be handled.

Avoid what can quickly become a do-it-yourself disaster by hiring a professional tile installer who will see your project to completion with total satisfaction. 

More Information

Expert craftsman and HGTV star Chip Wade

5 TIPS FOR HIRING A TILE INSTALLER

Expert craftsman Chip Wade shares his must do's for hiring a tile installer.

Insider Info
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