Before You Tile: Essential Questions to Ask Your Contractor

Hiring the right tile contractor is crucial for a successful renovation. Asking the right questions upfront can save you from costly mistakes and ensure quality workmanship. Here are the essential questions every Ottawa homeowner should ask before signing a contract.

Licensing and Insurance

1. Are you licensed to work in Ontario/Ottawa?

Why it matters: Licensed contractors have met minimum competency requirements and are registered with the province. In Ottawa, tile contractors should be licensed through the Ontario College of Trades or have appropriate business licensing.

What to verify: Ask for license number and verify it online. Unlicensed work can void insurance claims and may not meet building code requirements.

2. Do you carry liability insurance and WSIB coverage?

Why it matters: Protects you from liability if someone is injured on your property. WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) coverage is mandatory in Ontario.

What to ask: Request proof of insurance and verify coverage amounts (minimum $1-2 million recommended).

3. Are your workers covered by WSIB?

Why it matters: If a worker is injured and not covered, you could be held liable for medical costs and lost wages.

Experience and Qualifications

4. How long have you been installing tiles in Ottawa?

Why it matters: Experience with Ottawa's climate and building codes is valuable. Local experience means understanding of:

• Ottawa building code requirements
• Climate-specific installation techniques
• Common issues in Ottawa homes
• Local suppliers and material availability

5. Do you have certifications or specialized training?

What to look for:

• CTEF (Ceramic Tile Education Foundation) certification
• Schluter Systems certification (for waterproofing systems)
• Manufacturer training on specific products
• Ongoing education in tile installation techniques

6. Can you provide references from recent Ottawa projects?

Why it matters: Recent local references let you verify:

• Quality of workmanship
• Timeline adherence
• Communication and professionalism
• How issues were handled

What to do: Contact at least 2-3 references and ask specific questions about their experience.

Project Details and Process

7. What's included in your quote?

Essential items to confirm:

• Materials (tile, thinset, grout, sealers)
• Labor costs
• Subfloor/wall preparation
• Waterproofing systems (for wet areas)
• Underlayment
• Cleanup and disposal
• Warranty coverage

Red flags: Vague quotes, "we'll figure it out as we go," or significant cost additions later.

8. What waterproofing system do you use for showers/wet areas?

Why it matters: Proper waterproofing is critical in Ottawa. Ask about:

• Specific products (Schluter-KERDI, RedGard, etc.)
• Installation methods
• Warranty on waterproofing work
• Compliance with ANSI A118.10 standards

9. How do you handle substrate preparation?

Why it matters: Proper preparation prevents future problems. Ask about:

• Subfloor leveling methods
• Uncoupling membranes (especially for basements)
• Expansion joint placement
• How they address existing issues

10. What's your installation process?

What to understand:

• Timeline and daily schedule
• When you'll need access to the space
• Curing times between steps
• How they handle unexpected issues

Warranties and Guarantees

11. What warranty do you provide on your work?

What to ask for:

• Written warranty document
• Length of warranty (1 year minimum recommended)
• What's covered (workmanship, materials, both?)
• What's excluded
• How warranty claims are handled

12. Do you warranty the waterproofing?

Why it matters: Waterproofing failures are expensive to fix. Ask for:

• Specific warranty period (5+ years recommended)
• What triggers warranty coverage
• Who pays for repairs if issues arise

Cost and Payment

13. Is this a fixed-price quote or an estimate?

Why it matters: Fixed-price quotes protect you from cost overruns. Understand:

• What could cause price changes
• How change orders are handled
• Payment schedule

14. What's your payment schedule?

Red flags:

• Requiring full payment upfront
• Cash-only payments
• No written contract

Standard practice: Deposit (10-30%), progress payments, final payment upon completion and your approval.

Ottawa-Specific Questions

15. Are you familiar with Ottawa building codes?

Why it matters: Ottawa has specific requirements for:

• Waterproofing in wet areas
• Expansion joints
• Permit requirements
• Inspections

16. How do you handle Ottawa's climate challenges?

What to ask about:

• Freeze-thaw considerations
• Expansion joint placement
• Material selection for climate
• Humidity management

Communication and Project Management

17. Who will be on-site daily?

Why it matters: Know who to contact with questions or concerns. Ask about:

• Project manager or lead installer
• How to reach them
• Response time for questions

18. How do you handle problems or delays?

What to understand:

• Communication process for issues
• How delays are handled
• Who makes decisions about changes

Quality Assurance

19. Can I see examples of your work?

What to look for:

• Portfolio of completed projects
• Similar projects to yours
• Attention to detail in photos
• Consistency in quality

20. How do you ensure quality during installation?

What to ask about:

• Quality checkpoints
• How they verify level, plumb, and spacing
• Final inspection process
• Your involvement in quality checks

Red Flags to Watch For

• Unwilling to provide references or proof of insurance
• Pressure to sign immediately
• Significantly lower price than competitors (may indicate cutting corners)
• No written contract or vague contract terms
• Requires full payment upfront
• Can't explain their process or methods
• No warranty or very short warranty period
• Poor communication or unprofessional behavior

Questions About Your Specific Project

• Have you done similar projects in Ottawa?
• What challenges do you anticipate with my project?
• What materials do you recommend for my application?
• How long will my specific project take?
• What can I do to help ensure a smooth installation?

Get Everything in Writing

Ensure your contract includes:

• Detailed scope of work
• Materials to be used (brands, quantities)
• Timeline with milestones
• Payment schedule
• Warranty terms
• Cleanup and disposal
• How change orders are handled

Ready to start your Ottawa tile project? Contact MY Tiles Ottawa—we're happy to answer all these questions and provide detailed information about our process, warranties, and qualifications.