How to Evaluate a Tile Installer Before Hiring

Your tile installer will have more influence on your finished space than the tile itself. It’s not just about cutting and sticking—it’s about waterproofing, alignment, substrate integrity, and long-term performance. Below are ten refined insights to help you deeply evaluate a tile installer and avoid costly, irreversible mistakes.

1. Assess Their Curiosity, Not Just Their Portfolio

Most homeowners focus on portfolios, but here’s the real test: Does the installer ask you thoughtful, specific questions?

An elite installer will want to know:

Is your subfloor plywood or concrete?
How much direct sun does the room get?
What’s your usage pattern—barefoot, shoes, pets?

Curiosity shows they’re thinking structurally and functionally—not just cosmetically.

Red flag: If they only ask, “What tile are you using and how many square feet?” They’re not thinking deeply enough to ensure a high-quality installation.

2. Ask What Standards They Work By (TCNA & ANSI)

Professional tile setters follow national tile guidelines—not personal habits. The TCNA (Tile Council of North America) Handbook and ANSI standards outline proven methods for underlayment prep, mortar use, waterproofing, expansion joints, and more.

Ask, “Which TCNA method would you follow for my project?”
If they say “I’ve been doing this 20 years, I don’t need that,” run.

This helps you understand whether they work from evolving best practices or outdated shortcuts.

3. Gauge How They Handle Risk, Not Just Beauty

Tile work is as much about risk management as it is about symmetry. You want an installer who talks openly about how to prevent failures.

Ask:

How do you address movement in subfloors?
What’s your approach to waterproofing transitions in a shower?
Do you use expansion joints in large-format floor installs?

A real pro will talk about vapor barriers, uncoupling membranes, or moisture testing. If they don’t bring these up, they may be more focused on speed than longevity.

4. Look for Proof of Problem-Solving on Past Projects

Don’t just ask “What jobs have you done?” Instead, ask:
“Tell me about a job that went wrong and how you fixed it.”

This uncovers their problem-solving mindset—a critical trait on jobs where tile batches vary in tone, walls are out of plumb, or the substrate is off-level.

Every tile job runs into challenges. You want someone who remains calm, communicates well, and adapts without cutting corners or blaming the client.

5. Study Their Photos for Process, Not Just Pretty Finishes

Most portfolios show only the after shots. But that doesn’t tell you much about the quality behind the walls or under the floors.

Ask to see:

In-progress photos of waterproofing membranes
Mortar coverage on backs of tiles
How they level large-format pieces
Layout lines or dry-fitting prep

Beautiful tile is meaningless if it’s covering a poorly prepped surface. Installers who proudly share behind-the-scenes photos are confident in their process—and you should be too.

6. Compare Bids Based on Materials and Methods, Not Just Price

If one quote is $4,000 and another is $6,500—don’t assume the latter is overpriced. Ask what’s included.

Does it use:

Self-leveling compound?
Crack isolation membrane?
Waterproofing (and what type)?
Tile leveling system?
Sealer, and how many coats?

Low bids often skip vital prep steps that lead to failures. A detailed quote shows the installer knows what the job really takes—and isn’t afraid to put it in writing.

7. Check for Range of Skills Across Surfaces and Environments

Tiling a shower wall is different from laying floor tile, which is different from installing heated floors, patios, or ceilings. You need an installer who understands the nuances of each application.

Ask:

Have you done large-format tile on ceilings?
How do you waterproof over heated floors?
Do you float mud pans or use pre-sloped trays for showers?

Each scenario has unique challenges. Someone with a narrow skillset might do a decent kitchen floor but botch a niche, curve, or slope. You want versatility and technical agility.

8. Talk to Past Clients About the Experience, Not Just the Outcome

When you call references, go beyond “Was it a good job?”

Ask:

Were they on time and communicative?
Did they keep your home clean?
How did they handle problems or changes mid-project?
Was the pricing transparent throughout?

The installer’s ability to manage your expectations, keep the site organized, and communicate surprises is often more impactful than the tile itself. A beautiful floor is worthless if the process was stressful, disorganized, or unprofessional.

9. Understand Their Warranty—In Practice, Not Just in Theory

Almost everyone says “I stand by my work,” but what does that actually mean?

Ask:

Do you have a written labor warranty?
If a tile cracks in 12 months, what would you do?
How do you address grout cracking or efflorescence?

Are they thinking long-term—or just until the check clears? A professional will outline what’s covered, for how long, and what voids it. Bonus points if they offer a post-job walkthrough or a maintenance manual.

10. Consider Availability as a Quality Signal—Not a Convenience

If a tile installer says they can start tomorrow, be cautious. The best tradespeople are usually booked several weeks (or months) in advance.

Ask:

How far out are you booking?
How many jobs do you manage at once?
What systems do you use to stay organized across multiple projects?

Good tile work takes time. Rushed scheduling often means rushed results—or juggling too many clients at once. Availability isn’t about you—it’s about whether they respect craftsmanship.

Final Insight: Hire the Mind, Not Just the Hands

Your tile installer is not just setting tiles—they’re setting your expectations, your long-term maintenance requirements, and the integrity of the surface beneath your feet (or behind your shower wall). Choose the person who thinks holistically, plans proactively, and works transparently.

Looking for a Tile Installer Who Checks Every Box?

IY Custom Tile brings deep technical knowledge, elite craftsmanship, and an eye for detail to every project—reflected in over 60 five-star reviews from homeowners who appreciate both the process and the product.

Based in Denver, CO
Call for a consult: 303-931-0966