Most tile problems we are called to fix around Springfield were not caused by bad tile. They came from rushed prep, missing waterproofing or an installer who cut corners. Whoever you hire, these are the questions worth asking first, along with the answers you want to hear.
Are you insured?
Ask for proof of general liability insurance before work starts. If an installer damages your plumbing, cabinets or floors, insurance is what pays for it. A reputable installer will send a certificate without hesitation. D&M Tile is licensed and fully insured.
How do you waterproof a shower?
This one question separates good shower installers from risky ones. The answer should name a real waterproofing system, like Schluter-KERDI sheet membrane or a liquid membrane applied to the maker’s thickness, on all walls and the floor. “The tile and grout are waterproof” or “we use cement board” alone are red flags. More in our shower waterproofing FAQ.
How do you keep large tile flat?
Listen for checking the floor for flatness, leveling where needed and using a tile leveling system so neighboring edges sit flush. Uneven edges, called lippage, are the most common complaint with large tile.
Will I get a written quote?
Always get the price in writing, broken into tile labor, removal, prep and extras, with the square footage. Per-square-foot pricing makes quotes easy to compare. Be wary of a single round number with no detail.
Can I see photos of your past work?
Any experienced tile installer has photos of finished jobs, ideally similar to yours. Look closely at corners, cuts around outlets and valves, and how the grout lines line up.
What do your reviews say?
Read recent Google reviews, not just the star rating. Look for mentions of showing up on time, cleaning up and how problems were handled.
Who will actually do the work?
Ask whether the person quoting is the person tiling, or whether the job is passed to subcontractors. Either can work, but you should know who will be in your home.
How much do you need upfront?
A deposit to schedule the job and order materials is normal. Paying the full price before work starts is not. A fair schedule ties payments to progress.
Is there a warranty, and what does it cover?
Get the workmanship warranty in writing and know how long it lasts. Our installations carry a 10-year workmanship warranty. Want answers to all nine for your project? Book a free on-site measure or see our shower, floor tile and backsplash services.