Hiring a qualified and competent tile professional is just as crucial as deciding on the right tile for the project. A competent tile professional can make quite a difference in the end execution, timeline, and functionality of the tile project. But where do you begin? With the wide variety of choices available, it is often difficult to decide which tile professional to hire for certain projects. The following is a list of some key questions you should ask any tile professional that you may be considering for your project:
– warning signs of a less-than-professional contractor. First, you need to make sure the contractor has the proper training and experience for the job. Ask for the license and insurance information for the state where the installation will take place, as well as for certifications such as those provided by your state’s department of building maintenance. If you are hiring a tile placer or an installation professional, you also need to check their prior work experience and on-the-job references. If a tile contractor does not have any prior experience or on-the-job references, take your business elsewhere.
– warning signs of a less-than-certified tile contractor. Ask if the tile contractor is a certified tile installer by your state’s department of building maintenance. Often there is a difference of only a few points when comparing certified installers to uncertified installers. Also, some states require tile contractors to be bonded and certified, so inquire about this when interviewing contractors. In either case, it is important to understand that bonding and certification are not legally required for a contractor to be insured, licensed, or bonded.
– recommendation from friends and family. Ask friends and family for recommendations regarding a tile contractor, and also ask them to provide their own recommendations. It is always best to get at least three quotes, as even a single quote from a competing installer can vary dramatically. A quality installation expert will know exactly what his or her price range is for particular job specifications, while an unknown installation pro may try to inflate costs just to get more work done.
– tiles. Before hiring a tile contractor, make sure that the job site meets your construction guidelines. Tiles that are too large, too small, or have a design that does not match the rest of your home can cause problems down the road. Also, if your home has historic bricks, look for a tiler who has experience working with historic bricks. Finally, before hiring a tiler, make sure the installer uses high quality chemicals to protect the tiles during installation.
In addition to hiring a tile installer, when hiring a general contractor for a bathroom remodel, make sure to communicate clearly about your expectations. Be sure to discuss payment methods and time frames. Be clear on whether payment will come in installments or straight up front. Communication lines should be open and responsive from the start of the project to the end. A bathroom remodel is a major investment, so it is important to make sure that it is a project you will love for years to come. With a little of communication, everything will go smoothly!