It’s important to choose the right tile installer – one that is dedicated to high quality work. An improperly set installation can cause significant damage to your home costing a lot more money in the long run. And it can be frustrating to work with someone who does not conduct the project professionally. The Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) has a great checklist for choosing the right team:
• Is the installer a highly skilled Certified Tile Installer (CTI)? If not, a minimum of two years verifiable experience as a lead tile installer is strongly recommended. Additionally all reputable installers will be licensed, bonded and insured. Look for the contractor’s license number.
• Is it easy to communicate with your installer and do they listen to your questions?
• Does the company have good references?
• Have you seen good photos or projects in person that the company has worked on?
-Questions to consider asking of references-
• Was the team neat, clean and respectful of your home and did they show up in a timely manner?
• Was the project completed on schedule? Did the installer meet the terms of the contract?
• Were unexpected situations handled professionally?
Based on these guidelines, it’s easy to see that choosing an installer simply by price and availability is not always the best strategy. The highest quality contractors will often have a longer lead time and a higher price point. If you can, try to plan your project a few months in advance so that you can research all your options and get scheduled with a preferred contractor.