Selecting the Right Installer for Your Next Tile or Stone Project

 Are you starting a new construction project? Flooring should be one of the first things to consider, laying the foundation for your design. If you’re looking for a reliable material, you have two options: tile or stone. But before finalizing your plans, make sure you contact a reputable local tile contractor.

Why you should choose a local tile contractor

Flooring can make or break the design of your home, office, or commercial establishment. After all, it’s the first thing a person makes contact with once they step foot in your space, and it’s one of the most used surfaces in a building. 

Luckily, you have numerous flooring materials to choose from, such as hardwood, known for its beautiful natural look, and vinyl, ideal for its durability and water resistance. However, if you want a floor that offers more advantages than disadvantages, tile is the best way to go. 

Here are just a few benefits of tile flooring: 

• Durability

Tile is commonly used in high-traffic areas, and there’s a reason why. It can withstand staining and wear effortlessly, made with tough materials like ceramic and stone. In addition, tile is water-resistant, making it the ideal flooring for bathrooms and humid locations.

However, note that tile does not have substantial impact resistance, so dropping heavy objects like pots and pans can result in chips and cracks.

• Eco-friendliness

Do you want to make your home more sustainable? Ceramic tiles are very eco-friendly, made from materials that don’t harm the environment. Plus, these tiles can easily be cleaned without using toxic chemicals. 

That’s not all—tiles can also be made of natural materials like clay, glass, and sand. As a result, tile flooring is more energy efficient, helping keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter, ultimately reducing your heating costs.

And did you know that tiles can help improve your indoor air quality? These flooring options are manufactured using extremely high temperatures, effectively removing any trace of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Because of this, installing tiles in your home will not lead to respiratory health issues that are common with vinyl and carpet flooring.

• Cost-effectiveness

Despite their numerous advantages, tiles are surprisingly affordable. In fact, they are some of your most cost-effective options on the market. This is because tiles can last longer than other materials, with a lifespan of over 50 years. 

In addition, you don’t need to spend too much money on maintaining your tile floors. To clean them, a sweeping or vacuuming session twice a week is enough, as well as a quick mop with hot water and mild detergent. Meanwhile, for maintenance, you only need to apply sealant once every four to five years.

• Resale value

On top of being cost-effective, tiles can also help increase your property’s resale value. According to real estate experts, ceramic tiles, which cost around 412 to $25 per square foot, can offer a return on investment (ROI) of about 70%. Porcelain tiles are also an excellent option, with an average ROI of 55%. 

These figures make ceramic tiles just as valuable as wood flooring and more profitable than carpet, stone, and marble.

So, which material is best for your needs? Regardless of your choice, you must ensure that your tiles are correctly installed. Therefore, a local tile contractor should be the first person you call. 

But how do I find local tile installers near me? Here are a few tips to make your search more manageable: 

• Find a specialist

Though commonly made with ceramic, tiles can also be manufactured from stone, metal, and glass. So, this means you should hire a contractor that specializes not just in floor installation but specifically in tile flooring.

During your search, make sure you use keywords such as “tile contractors near me” and “local tile installers near me.” This way, you can prevent confusion between both parties once your hired contractor finally arrives.

After coming up with a list of three to five contractors, make sure you ask them the following questions:

• Are you licensed and insured for the work you are doing?

• How long will my project take? 

• Are there any factors that might cause your fees to increase? 

• Do you expect to run into any issues during the installation? What steps can you take to prevent or solve them? 

• Ask for their references.

It’s almost customary to ask any service provider for their references before you hire them. A list of references will not only help you find out if the contractor has enough experience but will also allow you to learn more about how they conduct their work. 

For example, after obtaining the contract’s references, consider calling as many of them as possible. Then, you should ask questions such as:

• What was the scope of your project?

• How long ago was the project completed?

• Did you run into any issues during the installation? What were these issues, and how did the installer resolve them?

• Obtain a written agreement

It’s never a bad idea to be cautious when hiring a contractor. One way to prevent miscommunication is to settle on a fair agreement and ensure you get it in writing. 

Email and text messages are both reliable options, especially when your project is not that big or complicated. However, if you are planning to hire a contractor for a larger project, consider drafting a formal contract or service agreement. 

You and the contractor should also clarify additional details, such as the payment schedule and warranty expectations, before signing any agreement.

• Be present during the installation.

Sometimes, a written formal agreement isn’t enough to give you peace of mind. In this case, it might be best for you to be present during the project itself. If unavailable, you can also ask a family member or someone you trust to oversee the installation.

Your presence will encourage the contractor to do their job well and allow you to ask questions or weigh in opinions at specific points of the project, especially if it will take the entire day. In addition, this helps ensure a successful outcome, preventing mistakes that might need reworking in the future. 

Where can I find tile contractors near me? If you don’t know where to begin your search, consider using an online referral platform! These websites can connect you to the best installers in your area, taking care of the matching process according to your requirements and location.

Leading referral platforms can even connect you to different contractors depending on the scope of your project, whether you need a tile flooring installer, an HVAC specialist, or a landscaping expert!