Preparation is always beneficial and can save you time, money, and many headaches.
Before scheduling appointments with contractors, follow these guidelines to get the best results.
- Read and collect magazine photos or internet images that best represents the look your aiming for.
- Visit several tile stores to compare the different tile and selections to best meet your design. Ask the tile store for samples of the tile so you can compare them in your own house and show to the tile contractors.
- Sketch out your room, make copies, and then draw on the pages different patterns.
Our Virtual Imaging Service can make exact photographic simulations for you. - Get references of contractors from family, friends, or tile suppliers. Reputable companies last the test of time and will still be in business.
- Schedule appointments with more than one contractor several weeks before you need one. Reputable contractors have schedules that can be more than a couple weeks out.
- Require that the bid includes: the square footage of the space, which materials are included in pricing, which materials the homeowner must provide, detailed description of work and designs, payment methods & schedules, work schedule and length of time to complete work, pricing for removal of prior materials, terms and conditions of contract, and warranty details.
- Request references from past customers with recent work similar to your project. Be sure to contact them and ask if they were satisfied with the contractor's work and final results.
- Call local tile suppliers and ask if they are familiar with the contractor and their business.
- Consider if the contractor is a General Contractor, Flooring Contractor, Tile Specialist, or Do-Everything Handyman.
- After receiving the bids, compare the combination of pricing, quality, professionalism, and warranty. Caution: If the bid or estimate doesn't offer a guarantee or "binding price", then you could see additional surcharges to your surprise when the project is completed then it will be too late to dispute the pricing.
- Generally an up-front deposit (50% or less) is requested from the client . A deposit indicates a commitment to the project and holds both parties responsible for fulfilling the contract.
- For additional levels of assurance, consider if the contractor is a Registered Business with the State, a Licensed C-51 Tile Tradesman, listed with the Better Business Bureau or any other associations.
