Have a question about tile that you would like answered? Why don't you "Ask the Expert", Todd Duhe. Todd has been featured in several national magazines and has several certifications under his belt. Todd can assist the end consumer as well as home builders, architechs, and attorneys. So before you begin your next project, ask the expert first.
Q: What questions should you ask before you decide on a tile contractor?
Before you choose a tile contractor, make sure they have the knowledge to make your installation last and the integrity to stand behind their work.
Ask a potential tile installer:
What TCNA method they will use to install your tile? (Tile Council of North America Handbook is an industry recognized guide to assist in clarifying and standardizing installation specifications for tile.)
Where will the movement joints be located and what will they be made of?
What is the span of your joists? (Can your floor carry the weight of tile? How will your substrate and its support structure respond to the tile application?)
What level of service and warranty can you expect on the installation labor and the products installed?
Will you need a vapor barrier? What about crack isolation? Is additional waterproofing necessary?
If you are providing the tile, have they checked to make sure all the shades and calibers are consistent? Has overage been calculated?
What setting materials will be used for your installation? What experience does the installer have with these products? What are their advantages?
How does your installer keep up with the latest industry advances? What associations do they participate in?
