When buying from a tile store in Manhattan area, you may be shocked to discover (if this is your first time buying tile) that the store is not the one who will be installing it for you. You have to hire that guy on your own. Since this is presumably your first time, as stated above, you’re probably looking into how to go about hiring a tile installer. But what’s equally important is what not to do when going about this process. Tile installation is bar none one of the easiest home improvement jobs to screw up. One slip and the whole design gets thrown off. So here’s what you should definitely not do in order to make sure that doesn’t happen to you.
#1. Avoid non-experts
Tile installation should be handled by trained professionals. Again, tile installation is very easy to mess up. It’s a job of fine details, complex math and measurements, and requires an in-depth knowledge of geometry. This is not something you hand to your carpenter friend who says that they worked with a tile installer one time. Be assured, removing a messed-up tile job will double the job’s expense, and that’s if you’re lucky.
#2. Check installer’s qualifications
This is not something you can afford to assume. Always double check to see if the installer you’re considering is properly insured, certified, and licensed. Especially for a professional grade job, membership in the NTCA is an absolute requirement. And although it isn’t nearly as necessary, training by the CTEF is also a huge plus to an installer’s qualifications.
#3. Ask the important questions
Make sure to write down all the important questions when going in for the interview. Ask them how long they’ve been working, who they’ve worked with in the past, if you can see examples of their work, how long the project will take, and how many will be working on it. You may feel self-conscious about bringing a written list of questions, but rest assured, it only makes you look prepared, and if anything, should make the installer feel self-conscious that he’s talking to someone prepared.
Hiring a tile installer is not something you want to go in half-cocked. The results may end up being more expensive than a normal tile installation could ever hope to be. But while on the subject of tile, if you’re still on the first part of this whole process: looking for tile, then look no further than Italian Tile NYC. Their staff of seasoned professionals and decorative experts will help you find the perfect tile for your home, whether it be your bathroom, kitchen, living room, or all three.
