Tips For Choosing the Best Tile Installer
You've chosen the perfect tile that is going to beautifully enhance your home or business. Now comes the time to find the professional installer that is right for the job. Making a decision can be daunting; after all, you want to protect the investment you've made into both the tiles and the location of the installation. When assessing the capabilities of tile installers, here are some key things to keep in mind:
VIEW THEIR PORTFOLIO
Seeing examples of the installer's completed projects is an essential way to gauge their capabilities when it comes to your project. Have they completed a wide array of project types or are their work examples limited to a specific type of tile work? You'll likely be able to get a less-experienced tile installer for a lower price, but assuming this risk with a project as delicate as tile installation is not advisable.
SPEAK WITH REFERENCES
Asking for references actually serves two goals at once. Not only will you be able to get first-hand accounts of the installer's past work, but it will be a significant red flag if the installer refuses the request. Prepare questions about installer communication, whether the project was completed on time and on budget, and whether all terms of the contract were upheld.
CHECK FOR ONLINE PRESENCE
Maintaining transparency with customers is an essential quality for a reputable professional. Do a bit of online research to verify the business' current location, contact information, and public reviews from past customers.
VERIFY LICENSES AND INSURANCE
Reputable tile installers will have acquired all necessary business licenses and insurance to work in the area, so be sure that your installer of choice has completed these vital steps.
PROGRAM PARTICIPATION
Master craftsmen are constantly improving their skills, and tile installation is no exception. In fact, there are a number of programs – Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers and the National Tile Contractors Association Five Star Contractors Program, to name just a couple – that can bolster an installer's credibility.
PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS
Another way to tell if an installer is reputable is to identify affiliations to professional organizations. Groups like the National Tile Contractors Association, the International Union of Bricklayer and Allied Craftworkers, and the Tile Contractors' Association of America have centuries of combined experience in the industry and can be a great indicator of an installer's professional standing.
We're here to help you with every step of the tile buying process! Be sure to give us a call or visit our tile store in Easton, MA for expert assistance.
