How to Prepare Yourself For an Estimate Visit With a Tile Contractor

There are some very important questions you should ask a contractor for hire when you meet with them to acquire a gauge for your tile installment project. Be certain and get more than one gauge and put forth a valiant effort to ensure when you compare the estimates, you have enough information to compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges. If a question arises after the appointment, do not hesitate to call the contractor for more information. 1.Obtain a drawing of the area where you plan to have tile installation. 2. Gather background information on each contractor you are planning to talk with. Visit their website, contact the Better Business Bureau or similar organization, and talk with anyone who has used the contractor. 3. Decide the period in which you would like to have the venture done. 4. Do you have a financial plan set up for the tile installation? 5.Choose the shape and color of your tile and choose the color of the grout. If you have not selected tile ask the contractor if his company has a showroom or where he would recommend you shop for tile. 6. Can the tile contractor leave samples for you? 7. Acquire a gauge for the tile installation without the expense of the tile included and with expense of the tile included. 8. Does the tile have to be sealed? If so, is there an extra charge? Are there advantages to have the area sealed? 9. How might I get some answers concerning the nature of the materials the worker for hire will utilize? 10. How long after the tile installation can the floor be walked on? 11. Have each contractor evaluate the square footage of the tile installation project and ask them to include it in their written estimate. 12. Ask the tile contractor how much it will cost to have the existing floor removed and prepared before the tile installation. 13. Is there a guarantee on the work? If so for how long? Does it cover cracking, sinking, and possible drainage issues? 14. Ask for a written proposal that includes all tile installation details and guarantees. A proposal should include: materials to be used, begin date, completion date, and price and payment schedule. Certify, in writing, that there will be no "extras" or cost variations during the project execution. 15. Ask the tile contractor whether he will obtain a permit or whether you should. (CAUTION: When a homeowner obtains the permit, he/she is the liable one.)