Home Services Guidelines and Best Practices
Tile Grouting
Tile Grouting guidelines, FAQs and unit pricing information
January 2017
Are you looking for independent, trustworthy advice about Tile Grouting? Do you need to understand common installation options? If your project calls for Tile Grouting work, the following guidelines and best practices will help you understand: Is a subcontractor really necessary for Tile Grouting work? Will a permit be required? What are common problem areas? How much will Tile Grouting labor cost? What are the important Tile Grouting quality checks that should be included in the work requirements?
Tile Grouting - Frequently Asked Questions
| What is a fair price for Tile Grouting? | Costs vary with project size, job quality and time of year. For typical Tile Grouting expect to pay between $1.07 to $2.66 per square foot. Additional fees are typically charged for small projects or rush jobs. |
| Is a permit needed for Tile Grouting work? | Design approval and permits from your local building department are not required for Tile Grouting. If your home is subject to homeowner association (HOA) covenants, you should verify that your Tile Grouting project complies with association guidelines. |
| Is it worth using a professional to perform Tile Grouting work? | The appearance, functionality and useful life of the grout may be compromised by poor installation. Hire the service provider carefully and tie payment milestones to appropriate quality checks (use the list below). |
| Is Tile Grouting something that I can do myself? | The typical Tile Grouting project can be completed by a moderately skilled do-it-yourselfer; as with any project, high quality Tile Grouting requires attention to detail and careful planning. |
| How many days are typically required to complete the Tile Grouting work? | This work can be completed in 1 to 2 days. |
Tile Grouting - Options, Quality Checks and Important Details
Use the list below to document your expectations for level of detail and finish quality for Tile Grouting. Make sure that relevant information is included in any written contracts or work orders on your project. Before any Tile Grouting work begins, review the checklist with the service provider. Tie payments to satisfactory completion of this checklist.
- All grout from the same manufacturers lot
- A detailed grout layout - showing material placement and all joints/seams - will be reviewed and approved before work begins
- No grout or clean up residue will be left on adjacent finished surfaces, trim plates, fixtures or grilles
- All visible grout surfaces will have a consistent texture and uniform sheen
- There will be no grout on hardware, trim plates or fittings; attached hardware and fittings should be removed prior to grout application, whenever possible
- The grout surface and surface finish will be free of surface defects, irregularities and any physical damage
Tile Grouting - Work Milestones and Project Reminders
The following list summarizes work tasks commonly performed during Tile Grouting. These tasks help ensure proper completion of the grout work and compliance with common manufacturer and vendor warranty requirements. Make sure that either you or your service provider takes responsibility for each of these tasks. All service provider task responsiblities should be clearly called out in the written contract or work orders.
- Complete written contract, including scope of work, quality checks, warranty, timing and payment terms; ensure that contract is signed before work begins
- Review and approve floor plan(s), elevation(s), and section / detail drawings
- Select, specify and order grout; verify that type, grade, finish, size, color, any options, and quantity are clearly identified in the order; make sure that delivery date, terms and damage provisions are included in the order
- Store grout in a secure, dry location that is fully protected from the elements prior to installation
- Review material choices for Tile Grouting with the homeowner before work begins - consider toxic exposure, allergic risks and environmental factors; purchase construction materials only after approval
- Prepare area for safe, efficient work; move items that restrict work access or are vulnerable to damage; cover and protect items that cannot be moved
- Clear, smooth and clean surface
- Install specified type and color grout using manufacturer specified materials and methods
- Carefully remove all manufacturers labels and clean the grout surfaces - without scraping, scratching or otherwise damaging the grout
- Remove debris, dirt and dust from all work areas; unless otherwise agreed, all demolition debris and construction waste will be removed from the site within 24 hours
- Inspect Tile Grouting and verify that all quality requirements and punch list items are completed correctly
- Save and label extra grout for future repairs; make sure that manufacturer, model, color, lot and any other identifying information is noted on the label
- Submit final payment; pay with a check to ensure expense can be verified for tax purposes
