CHARLOTTE – Start your project off on the right foot.

We have gotten a lot of clients lately asking for estimates based on pictures. While everyone is busy and clients want to limit who comes into their home, getting a solid estimate and hiring the right contractor comes down to two things: meeting your contractor in person (or even via Zoom) and getting a detailed estimate based on a visual inspection. Even a seemingly simple job can go wrong when these steps aren’t taken.

1. Meet the contractor and build a relationship. The contractor will be spending a lot of time in your home. Get a feel for their personality, how they work, and work ethic. Interview each contractor. Have they done this kind of work before? Will he be doing the work himself? Do they use subcontractors? If you don’t feel comfortable or if the contractor isn’t able to answer questions or explain the project, find someone else.
2. Measuring properly. When pricing, contractors consider square footage and many other factors. When considering tiles, contractors take note of interior structures such as columns, corners and outlets–this impacts the time and precision for measuring and cutting tiles. Pictures don’t tell the whole story.
3. Understanding what’s behind/beneath/around. When estimating a floor, it’s important for the contractor to understand what’s underneath and to check for signs of visible damage. Pictures don’t show this! Unfortunately, the only way to see what’s going on under a floor is to remove the old floor. The contractor won’t do this during a consultation, but they can point out any concerns from the visual inspection. And then, when it’s time to rip up the floor, the contractor should show you exactly what’s going on (if anything), what steps need to be taken, and if this changes the project’s timing or pricing.

Nothing compares to an in-person consultation, which usually lasts about 30 to 60 minutes. This meeting will help you decide which contractor you feel most comfortable and confident hiring, and which one has the experience to do the job right the first time.

For any home project questions, email us at MrTileNC@gmail.com, visit tileandhome.com, or call (704) 256-3750.