Hiring tile contractor for backsplash...what questions to ask?

16 years ago

We need to hire a tile contractor for our 26 sq ft backsplash. I don't have any recommendations, but the place we ordered tile from gave us a list of area contractors.

I plan on just picking some names and calling.

What questions should I ask to make sure they are a good contractor? I have been having the worst luck as of lately.

My list so far of things to ask/ask for:

Do you work with Natural Stone?

List of references

Photos of previous work

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Comments (12)

Buehl
16 years ago
Bill V? It may be too late for FirstHome, but some of us (me!) are still interested!

Anything to add?
debo_2006
16 years ago
- Ask if he is licensed and insured.
- How long he's been in business or doing that kind of work (experience).
- Go and see his work in local homes, etc.
- Get the quote in writing with details.
- Ask if he caulks or grouts the tile leading to the countertop. (note: his answer should be caulk).

We're our own contactor but this list is based on the poor planning by my sister who had a terrible tile guy because she assumed he knew what he was doing. He didn't and the work shows it.

I'm sure others will chime in.
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chan123
16 years ago
i just had mine done as the last thing on my remodel. i also had 26 square feet. i used the guy who tiled my laundry room and he did a great job. i watched both projects fully. i used a nice travertine 4x4 stone.i did a small center design and a border. i was suprised how many small cuts were needed around the receptacles.if you do diagonal with a 4x4 travertine you needed sanded grout as travertine has many wholes in that must be grouted. whats very important is the sealing. the stone must be sealed before its grouted . after its grouted and tried use an enhanced sealer like aquamix that brings out the color of the stone. its awesome how it darkens it. after studying i diasgree one has to caulk the line between the countertop and backsplash. i left it grouted and if it starts to crack i'll either dig the grout out are caulk over it. i bought sll amterials and paid $350 for labor. its a 8-10 hr job and takes 2 days
ntt_hou
16 years ago
Mine was done by a handyman that I've used for years and he just used grout between the tiles and granite. Now that's all done and set in, how about using a clear caulk and go over the line to seal it in good. Has anyone tried this method and would it work?
bill_vincent
16 years ago
buehl-- where abouts are you?
Buehl
16 years ago
Maryland...Howard County. A little over a month ago you did send me the name of someone who works for a Design & Build company in Silver Spring....but I'm trying to do my homework b/f talking to anyone! If you know anyone else down here I'd be interested in their names as well. TIA!
osxaddict
16 years ago
Not sure where some of you all are, but I'm in the So-Cal area and they've got Dal-Tile stores in this area and you can visit one of their showrooms and they've got tons of tile on the floors, walls, etc.. This is done by local tile installers and their names are on each piece of work giving you an instant idea of whether or not they know what their doing, showing creativity, etc. We're just finishing a large tile job that is costing us almost $15k in labor alone (and another $11k in materials) -- that's probably a coverage on the floor of ~1500 SF and three more bathrooms as well..

Anyway, I would also query some local neighbors or friends in the area for references.. That is the way we learned about our tile guy -- a friend of my wife's had him do their house recently and we liked the work.. Believe it or not, tile work not only takes patience to do, but also a bit of creative genius.. The tile guy that is experienced should also know what wont work in certain area as it will look odd afterwards.. Our guy knows all of that stuff and had made suggestions to avoid those sorts of issues. My wife & I are very pleased with his work -- completely top notch!
osxaddict
16 years ago
I should also note (as this not only applies to tile guys but any contractor) -- if they can start your job immediately, then run -- run, far away! That means a lot.. If a contractor (or tile guy) is busy for a month or two that is GOOD! Just make sure you line that guy up in advance for when you need his services.. We did that and had our guy lined up 6 months in advance..
bill_vincent
16 years ago
Matter of fact, I do. One of the partners from the John Bridge website is in your area. He's also a top notch contractor. Shoot me an email, and I'll send you his info.
Buehl
16 years ago
Thanks Bill, I got it a few days ago. I replied to your email, but just in case it didn't get to you I wanted to be sure you were thanked!

:-)
MariposaTraicionera
16 years ago
Osxaddict, that isn't necessarily true. I waited on a contractor for my bathroom and would you believe he was the WORSE person I have ever had working in my home? I cannot understand how he was recommended, and why I waited two months for him to begin!

The tile setter I used was available immediately. I called his references and they were glowing. He had been out with a back injury from an accident, and was beginning to start his business once more. Someone had to get the ball rolling (two customers) and they said he was amazing. Only problem we had was the grout drying lighter than the chart, but as far as his measuring, cutting and setting is concerned, he reminded me of Bill V :-). Very particular, and took almost a day lining up, measuring, marking, eyeballing etc. I thought he would NEVER start, lol

So it depends. Sometimes we'll win, and sometimes we'll lose. Unless maybe we DIY everything? :-)

Mari
dixie615
16 years ago
Make sure that his experience includes tiling WALLS - not just floors.

Fortunately, we were able to recover from our near disaster with our backsplash that was caused by a sub-contractor from HD Expo. He worked a half-day; the tile person who corrected all the problems worked a day and a half. He pointed out to me that many tile people have not worked on vertical surfaces. They are getting jobs because of the high demand for tile work.

We didn't get perfection, but were able to live with the results. Fortunately we had enough extra tile.

Hiring tile contractor for backsplash...what questions to ask?

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Buehl

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