Everything you need to know before we install your project

Preparing for your tile installation

Congratulations on scheduling your tile installation! As your project approaches, you may be wondering how to prepare. This guide outlines key steps to help ensure a smooth process, including what to expect from our team and what you can do in advance. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help!

Working hours

• Our installers begin work between 8:00 and 9:00 AM.

• The typical workday ends around 4:00 PM, though the schedule may vary depending on the progress of the project.

• You are welcome to communicate with the installers regarding daily start and end times while they are on-site.

• Our installers typically work on weekdays only, but occasionally, some workers may be available to work on a weekend.
• If your community has specific work hour restrictions, please let us know in advance

Protecting Your Home & Managing Dust

We will do our best to prevent damage to moldings, paint, drywall, or wallpaper and minimize dust. Some minor touch-ups may be required after installation. To protect your home, our installers will:

• Lay down protective coverings in walkways
• Cover furniture and doorways, as well as set up plastic barriers if needed
• Use vacuums at the worksite
• Mop after demolition

Handling Debris

• We will pick up and dispose of all debris offsite.
• Our demo crew will place smaller debris in bins and buckets.
• Larger pieces may be stacked in an approved location until they can be picked up.
• For showers and backsplashes, debris is typically picked up on the same day or the next business day.
• Floor installations generally require multiple trips for debris removal.

Change Orders

During the installation process, adjustments to the original scope of work may be necessary. Any changes will be discussed to determine how they will impact the project timeline and final invoice. Change orders typically fall into two categories:

Unforeseen Work

If underlying conditions are discovered that require additional repairs or prep work—such as subfloor issues, leveling concerns, or hidden water damage—we will notify you as soon as possible to discuss the best course of action.

Design Changes

If you decide to modify design elements after work has begun, such as adding a shelf, changing grout color, or selecting a different tile pattern, we will discuss the details and feasibility with you before proceeding.

Additional Considerations

Consider Alternative Living Arrangements

If your kitchen or main living areas are affected, plan ahead for how you’ll manage during installation.

If the entire house is being tiled, you may want to stay elsewhere during installation. If that is not an option, plan for moving to different areas of the home during installation.

If only part of your home is being tiled and you plan to stay, consider setting up a temporary living space away from the work zone.

Expect Limited Access

• Some areas of your home may be inaccessible for part of the day. Please let us know if you need access to specific spaces.
• If a main hallway or entryway is affected, we’ll work with you to plan access when needed.

Prepare for Dust & Noise

• Floor removal, especially tile or hardwood removal, creates dust and will be noisy.
• If possible, consider being out of the home during the demolition phase.
• Noise-sensitive individuals may want to use noise-canceling headphones.

Provide a Workstation for Installers

• Our team will need an area to cut and mix materials. An outdoor space, garage, or well-ventilated area works best.
• Please ensure access to power outlets and a water source.

Space for Material Storage

• Tile and other materials will need to be stored on-site before and during installation.
• Please designate a dry, secure area such as a garage or an unused room for storing materials.
• Ensure the storage area is easily accessible for our team to transport materials as needed.
• If space is limited, let us know in advance so we can discuss alternative arrangements.

Pets

• If you have pets, please relocate them to a separate area during installation.

Preparing for Your Specific Tile Project

For Showers

• Remove decorations, towels, mats, toothbrushes, and vanity items.
• Take down the shower curtain and rod (if you have a shower door, we will remove it for you).
• Move necessary items to another bathroom for easy access during installation.

For Backsplashes

• Clear countertops of all appliances, bottles, and other items.
• Countertops will be covered throughout the project, limiting access to your kitchen space. We recommend planning meals in advance or considering takeout options during this time…

For Floors

Clear the Work Area

• Pack up small items such as decorations, photo frames, books, electronics, etc.
• If you are having existing tile removed, we recommend taking art off the walls.
• Remove all bed sheets and linens.
• Clear off dressers, nightstands, and any furniture surfaces.
• Remove as many items as possible from inside large, heavy furniture pieces.
• Remove anything from closets and/or pantries that is on the floor or low shelves.
• We recommend removing clothing from closets, if possible.
• Disconnect cords from desktop computers and TVs (if TV is not wall-mounted).
• Furniture & Appliances
• We will move large furniture pieces such as dressers and bookcases. However, we cannot move grand pianos, grandfather clocks, or large safes.
• We will move your washer, dryer, stove, and refrigerator to install tile underneath them (unless you have gas appliances). Please ensure the washer and dryer are empty. While we will not leave the refrigerator unplugged for an extended period, we recommend cleaning it out ahead of time.
• We do not remove dishwashers or install new tile under them, as this may cause issues with the dishwasher fitting properly under the countertop.
• If you would like the new tile to be installed under your water heater, please let us know in advance. We will need to arrange for a plumber to remove and reinstall it.
• For larger furniture that must stay in place, consult with the installers about covering options to protect it from dust and debris.

Additional tips

For single-room installations, designate an area where we can temporarily move furniture.

Discuss your schedule with the installers to ensure smooth coordination and minimize disruptions.

We hope this guide helps you prepare for your exciting home upgrade! Thank you for taking the time to get ready. If you have any questions, feel free to comment below or contact our office at 941-681-2641.