Pretty much anyone with kneepads and a tub of grout can call themselves a tiler, which means hiring a tile contractor can be a tricky business. Whether you want to renovate a bathroom, update your kitchen backsplash, or install new flooring, you should know how to vet different tile contractors to find a qualified, experienced team.
Why Hire a Professional Tile Contractor?
Simple tile projects can make for a good DIY day, but improper work can lead to costly mistakes and potential damage. Qualified tile contractors are experts in preparing surfaces, planning layouts, and sealing tiles so they stand the test of time. They’re also familiar with building codes and industry standards, which can help you avoid issues if you’re building fresh or planning a move.
Pro Tip: Mark Ferrante, longtime tiling contractor for This Old House, learned from his father to prioritize what happens before the first tile is ever set: “My father taught me to go all out on the prep work—it takes more time, but we get it right and we don’t have problems.” That level of preparation is exactly what separates a professional tile job from a DIY attempt.
Cutting corners on vetting your contractor—or the subcontractors they bring in—can be costly. As This Old House Magazine’s Tom Baker, Building Technology Editor, recounted, he hired a tiler to replace a fiberglass shower stall with tile and trusted the tiler’s recommended plumber to install the new shower pan. When water started pouring through the ceiling fixture in the kitchen, a different, reputable plumber discovered that the shower pan had been cut at the corners so it would lie flat—a mistake that significantly increased the project’s final cost.
Where To Find Reputable Tile Contractors
Finding the right tile contractor doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Here are some reliable sources to start your search.
Pro Tip: Richard Silva of Silva Brothers Construction advises starting with friends and family, and also stopping by where the pros shop—lumberyards, plumbing-parts suppliers, stone yards—to ask for referrals. As noted in This Old House Magazine, “Contractors are only as good as their last job, so references matter, and visiting a previous or an ongoing project can help you suss out the better pros.”
Referrals and References
Personal recommendations are among the best ways to find a reputable tile contractor. If you’re working with a building contractor or interior designer, ask them which professionals they prefer working with. Friends and family who recently had tile work done might also have some good references for you to consider.
Bart Bettiga of the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) recommends asking these three questions about each reference:
- Was the contractor communicative? Orders can get delayed, and schedules can change. Was the contractor upfront, and did they explain changes to the original agreement?
- Did the contractor look and act like a pro? Did they show up on time and clean up each day?
- Would you hire the contractor again?
Pro Tip: This Old House general contractor Tom Silva advises going beyond just collecting a list of names. He recommends asking for references from customers with projects similar to yours: “You don’t want a new-house builder to work on a restoration job.” Don’t just talk to past clients—visit one of the contractor’s current job sites, too, he says, “to see if the site is safe and if the workers are careful with the owner’s property.”
Online Directories and Associations
The NTCA and other industry groups offer online directories where you can search for certified contractors in your area. Online review sites like Google Reviews and BBB can also be valuable resources for finding what customers say about different tile companies’ service and workmanship.
Questions To Ask Potential Tile Contractors
Once you’ve identified different local tile contractors, ask their representatives these questions to determine the best ones for you.
Can I See a Portfolio?
Ask to see examples of a contractor’s previous work. Some contractors have an online portfolio with many photos and details, while others only offer a portfolio by request. “But make sure your project is of a similar scope to what they had done,” says Bettiga. A fireplace surround is very different from a full bathroom.
What’s Your Estimate for My Project?
Get a detailed written estimate for your project, and be sure the following is included:
- A work schedule
- Material and labor costs
- Terms of payment
- The scope of the project
Typically, homeowners make a down payment before the project begins and a final payment when the work is done. If an estimate seems unusually low, it might signify cut corners or hidden costs.
What’s the Timeline for My Tiling Project?
Ask about the contractor’s current workload, when they can start your project, and when they think they’ll be able to finish it. This isn’t for the sake of having the work done as quickly as possible. Rather, you want to see how upfront the team is about scheduling and any possible delays.
Can I See Proof of Licensure and Insurance?
Confirm your contractor holds the licenses required by your state and local government. You should also verify they carry liability and workers’ compensation insurance to protect you, your property, and their workers in case of accidents or damage.
Unlicensed and uninsured contractors pose a serious risk to your project’s integrity and your finances. If a contractor can’t show they have either one, avoid working with them.
When asking for proof of insurance, request the standard ACORD 25-S certificate — it’s the industry-standard form issued free of charge by the insurer. As This Old House Magazine has advised, don’t accept a photocopy of a certificate issued for another client; it should cite you and your job specifically so that you can be notified if there is any cancellation or reduction of coverage during the course of the work. If your contractor carries liability and workers’ compensation through two separate agencies, make sure you get certificates from both.
Professional Certifications
Industry certifications from the NTCA and other trade groups show a contractor is committed to their trade and more likely to follow the latest standards. Some certifications include courses in advanced installation techniques and cutting-edge materials.
Red Flags To Watch Out for When Hiring a Tile Contractor
Spotting red flags early in the estimate process can save you a lot of headaches. A professional contractor should be transparent, credible, and readily willing to prove their expertise to you. Avoid hiring a contractor if you see any of these red flags:
- High-pressure sales tactics
- Lack of a physical business address or professional website
- Reluctance or inability to prove licensure or insurance
- Requests for large upfront payments
- Unwillingness to obtain necessary permits
Post-Installation Tile Care and Maintenance
One thing many homeowners forget to ask about is upkeep. “This is a big issue,” Bettiga says. “Improper cleaning or maintenance can affect tile performance.” Find out exactly how the contractor recommends caring for the tile or stone. You can also ask about a maintenance agreement if your new tiles require special care, such as sealing.
Our Conclusion
Hiring the right tile contractor can take time, but the better-quality workmanship and service will be worth it. Thoroughly review all bids and contracts you receive, and keep open communication before and during your job.
