Home Services Guidelines and Best Practices

Tile Countertop Installation

Tile Countertop Installation guidelines, FAQs and unit pricing information

January 2017

Are you looking for independent, trustworthy advice about Tile Countertop Installation? Do you need to understand common installation options? If your project calls for Tile Countertop Installation work, the following guidelines and best practices will help you understand: Is a subcontractor really necessary for Tile Countertop Installation work? Will a permit be required? What are common problem areas? How much will Tile Countertop Installation labor cost? What are the important Tile Countertop Installation quality checks that should be included in the work requirements?

Tile Countertop Installation - Frequently Asked Questions

What is a fair price for Tile Countertop Installation?	Costs vary with project size, job quality and time of year. For typical Tile Countertop Installation expect to pay between $7.63 to $3.81 per square foot. Additional fees are typically charged for small projects or rush jobs.
Is a permit needed for Tile Countertop Installation work?	Design approval and permits from your local building authority are usually not required for Tile Countertop Installation. If your home is subject to homeowner association covenants, you should verify that the Tile Countertop Installation complies with association guidelines.
Is it worth using a professional to perform Tile Countertop Installation work?	The appearance, functionality and useful life of the tile 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 Countertop Installation something that I can do myself?	The typical Tile Countertop Installation project can be completed by a moderately skilled do-it-yourselfer; as with any project, high quality Tile Countertop Installation requires attention to detail and careful planning.
How many days are typically required to complete the Tile Countertop Installation work?	This work can be completed in 6 days.

Tile Countertop Installation - Options, Quality Checks and Important Details

Use the list below to document your expectations for level of detail and finish quality for Tile Countertop Installation. Make sure that relevant information is included in any written contracts or work orders on your project. Before any Tile Countertop Installation work begins, review the checklist with the service provider. Tie payments to satisfactory completion of this checklist.

All tile from the same manufacturers lot
The layout, location, style and finish appearance of ALL materials used in Tile Countertop Installation will be approved by owner, before any work begins
A detailed tile layout - showing material placement and all joints/seams - will be reviewed and approved before work begins
Installed tile surface variations along a 4 foot straight edge will not exceed 1/16 inch - from any location along any direction
All tile edges at surface edges and trim intersections are sharp and crisp, forming a clean, straight line
All holes, cuts and notches necessary to complete the work will be no larger than 25% of the object routed through the opening; cuts will be clean and uniform; all framing holes, notches and modifications will fully comply with local code guidelines
All corner tile joints will be cleanly mitered; There will be no visible gap along the joint edge and the tile profile will be completely aligned along the joint edge
Installed tile will be level to within 1/64 inch in any 2 foot direction
All visible tile surfaces will have a consistent texture and uniform sheen
Owner to specify grout type ( __sanded __ unsanded __ epoxy __other), grout color and grout finishing directions - before any grout work begins
Finished tile will feel uniformly solid and rigid under pressure
Installed tile surface variations along a 4 foot straight edge will not exceed 1/16 inch - from any location along any direction

Tile Countertop Installation - Work Milestones and Project Reminders

The following list summarizes work tasks commonly performed during Tile Countertop Installation. These tasks help ensure proper completion of the tile 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 detailed layout / plan that shows location, orientation and placement of tile, before any work begins
Select, specify and order tile; 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
Manage delivery of tile; verify that delivered model #, grade, finish, size, options, and quantity match the order precisely; thoroughly inspect all items for damage and proper operation; make or authorize final payment only after complete order is delivered
Prepare flat, solid, firmly supported mounting surface/base for tile
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
Install tile using thinset adhesive, in compliance manufacturer recommendations and applicable local building code(s)
Scribe edges to match contour of mounting surface
Apply grout and apply suitable grout sealer after grout has fully cured
Inspect Tile Countertop Installation and verify that all quality requirements and punch list items are completed correctly
Apply sealing compound to surface
Cover and adequately protect the installed tile from damage during completion of additional work
Submit final payment; pay with a check to ensure expense can be verified for tax purposes