How to Choose a Tile Installer in Asheville: 10 Questions to Ask

Choosing the wrong tile installer can turn your dream renovation into a nightmare of cracked tiles, water damage, and expensive repairs. Asheville homeowners face a crowded marketplace of tile contractors ranging from seasoned professionals to inexperienced handymen posing as experts.

The right installer brings decades of experience, proper licensing and insurance, systematic installation methods, and warranties backing their work. The wrong one leaves you with lippage, hollow tiles, failed waterproofing, and voided manufacturer warranties.

This guide walks you through the essential questions that separate qualified professional tile installers from those you should avoid questions that protect your investment and ensure beautiful, long-lasting results.

1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

Why This Question Matters

Licensing and insurance protect you from liability and indicate professional legitimacy. In North Carolina, contractors performing work over $30,000 must hold a general contractor’s license. While tile installation projects rarely reach this threshold, proper insurance remains essential.

What “Properly Insured” Means:

General Liability Insurance

• Covers property damage during installation
• Protects if installer damages your cabinets, fixtures, or walls
• Minimum $500,000 coverage (preferably $1 million)
• Should be current and verifiable

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

• Required if installer has employees
• Covers installer injuries on your property
• Protects you from injury-related lawsuits
• Critical for your financial protection

What to Request:

• Ask for certificate of insurance showing current coverage
• Verify coverage amounts and expiration dates
• Confirm their insurance agent’s contact information
• Call the insurance company to verify active coverage

Red Flags

• “I don’t need insurance because I’m careful”
• “Insurance costs too much, I pass those savings to you”
• Unwillingness to provide insurance certificates
• Expired or inadequate coverage amounts
• No workers’ comp despite having “helpers” or employees

Leicester Flooring’s Credentials

Leicester Flooring maintains comprehensive general liability and workers’ compensation insurance, plus an A+ Better Business Bureau rating earned through 50+ years of professional service. Our credentials are available for review during your free consultation.

2. How Long Have You Been Installing Tile?

Why Experience Matters

Tile installation requires years of hands-on experience to master. Substrate evaluation, waterproofing systems, proper thinset application, preventing lippage, and achieving professional results all require extensive practice and learning from mistakes on previous projects.

Experience Levels:

1-3 Years: Beginner

• Still learning fundamental techniques
• May struggle with complex situations
• Higher error rates
• Suitable only for simple, straightforward projects

3-10 Years: Intermediate

• Competent with standard installations
• Can handle most residential projects
• May lack experience with challenging situations
• Good for typical bathroom and kitchen projects

10+ Years: Expert

• Mastered installation techniques across tile types
• Experienced with substrate issues and problem-solving
• Skilled at waterproofing and complex layouts
• Can handle any residential or commercial project

20+ Years: Master Craftsman

• Extensive experience with every scenario
• Deep understanding of materials and methods
• Can solve unusual problems creatively
• Delivers consistently excellent results

What to Ask About Their Experience

“How many tile installations have you completed?”

• Hundreds indicate legitimate experience
• Dozens suggest they’re still learning
• “I’ve lost count” from 20+ year veterans is common

“Do you specialize in tile, or do you do other trades?”

• Tile specialists typically deliver better results than general handymen
• Installers who “do everything” often master nothing
• Focus indicates commitment to the craft

“What’s the most complex tile project you’ve completed?”

• Answers reveal capability level
• Look for projects similar to yours
• Complex answers indicate advanced skills

“Have you worked on homes like mine?”

• Historic homes require different approaches than new construction
• Mountain homes present unique moisture challenges
• Relevant experience matters

Leicester Flooring’s Experience

Our tile installation team brings decades of combined experience, with many installers having worked with Leicester Flooring for 10-20+ years. We’ve completed thousands of tile installations across Asheville and Western North Carolina, from simple backsplashes to complex marble showers in historic homes.

3. Can You Provide Recent References and Photos?

Why References Matter

Past performance predicts future results. References from recent customers provide unfiltered insights into installer reliability, quality, cleanliness, communication, and problem-solving. Photos demonstrate actual work quality.

What to Request

“Can I contact 3-5 recent customers with projects similar to mine?”

• Recent references (within past year) are most relevant
• Similar projects show relevant experience
• Local references you can potentially visit in person

“Do you have photos of completed projects?”

• Before/after photos show transformation quality
• Close-up photos reveal installation precision
• Photos of projects similar to yours demonstrate capability

“Can I see a project in progress?”

• Shows actual installation techniques
• Reveals job site cleanliness and organization
• Demonstrates professionalism with homeowners

Questions to Ask References

When contacting references, ask:

About Quality:

• “How does the tile look now, months/years later?”
• “Were there any problems with the installation?”
• “Would you hire them again?”
• “Any cracks, loose tiles, or grout issues?”

About Process:

• “Were they on time and professional?”
• “Did they stay within budget and timeline?”
• “How did they handle unexpected issues?”
• “Did they clean up thoroughly?”

About Communication:

• “Were they responsive to questions?”
• “Did they explain the process clearly?”
• “Any surprises with billing or timeline?”

Red Flags in References:

• Installer unwilling to provide references
• Only offers references from years ago
• References seem scripted or suspicious
• Can’t provide photos of completed work
• Shows only photos from manufacturers’ websites

Leicester Flooring’s References

View customer testimonials and project photos on our website, and we’re happy to provide direct references from recent Asheville-area tile installation customers during your consultation.

4. What Is Your Process for Substrate Preparation?

Why This Question Is Critical

Substrate preparation determines long-term tile performance more than any other factor. Poor substrate work causes 80% of tile installation failures: cracked tiles, hollow-sounding tiles, grout failures, and water damage.

What You Should Hear

Competent installers describe systematic substrate evaluation:

“I evaluate the existing substrate for:

• Structural soundness: No flex or movement
• Flatness: Within required tolerances (1/8″ in 10′ for small tile, 1/16″ for large-format)
• Cleanliness: Free of contaminants preventing adhesion
• Moisture issues: Testing for moisture problems
• Suitability: Determining if existing substrate can support tile”

“My substrate preparation includes:

• Repairs: Fixing cracks, replacing damaged areas
• Reinforcement: Adding support if substrate flexes
• Leveling: Using self-leveling compound or thinset to flatten
• Backerboard installation: Over wood subfloors for stability
• Priming: Applying primers to improve adhesion”

Red Flags

Answers indicating inadequate substrate work:

• “The substrate looks fine, we’ll just start tiling”
• “We’ll glue/nail down some plywood and tile over it”
• “A little flex is okay”
• “We’ll use extra thinset to level things out”
• Vague or dismissive responses to substrate questions

Why These Are Problems:

Flexing substrates cause cracked tiles and grout failures within months or years. Wood substrates must be reinforced with cement backerboard to prevent flex.

Uneven substrates cause lippage (tiles at different heights) and prevent proper thinset adhesion, leaving voids that lead to cracked tiles.

Using thinset as leveling compound doesn’t work—thinset is designed to bond tile, not fill large voids or create flat surfaces. Self-leveling compounds or proper leveling techniques are required.

Specific Substrate Questions to Ask

“What do you do if the substrate isn’t flat?”

• Should mention self-leveling compounds, grinding, or proper leveling methods
• “We’ll work with what’s there” is inadequate

“Do you install cement backerboard over wood subfloors?”

• Answer should be “yes” for wet areas and most tile installations
• “Not necessary” or “too expensive” indicates corner-cutting

“How do you handle substrate movement or flex?”

• Should discuss reinforcement, joist sistering, or adding structure
• Ignoring flex leads to guaranteed failure

“Do you test for moisture in concrete slabs?”

• Should use calcium chloride tests or moisture meters
• Excessive concrete moisture causes installation failures

Leicester Flooring’s Substrate Approach

Our tile installation process begins with thorough substrate evaluation during your free consultation. We identify issues before installation begins, provide honest assessments of required work, and never cut corners on substrate preparation—the foundation of quality tile installation.

5. How Do You Handle Waterproofing in Bathrooms and Wet Areas?

Why Waterproofing Questions Are Essential

Inadequate waterproofing is the leading cause of bathroom tile failures. Water damage hidden behind tile can cost $5,000-15,000+ to remediate, plus the cost of removing and replacing all tile. Professional waterproofing prevents these disasters.

What You Should Hear

For Bathroom Floors: “We install cement backerboard over the wood subfloor, then apply a waterproof membrane like Schluter DITRA, RedGard, or similar product. The membrane goes under the tile and up the walls 6+ inches, with careful attention to seams and transitions. We use waterproof thinset throughout.”

For Shower Installations: “We build a proper shower pan with slope toward the drain, install cement backerboard on walls, and apply a complete waterproofing system like Schluter KERDI covering all surfaces. We waterproof around the drain, valve penetrations, and corners with redundant layers. We use waterproof niches rather than cutting into studs. Everything is tested before tiling begins.”

For Kitchen Backsplashes: “Backsplashes need water-resistant drywall (green board or purple board) or cement backerboard, sealed with appropriate primer before tiling. While full waterproofing isn’t required like bathrooms, we protect against moisture behind cooking areas.”

Waterproofing Red Flags

• “Tile is waterproof, so we don’t need anything special”
  • Reality: Grout joints let water through; waterproofing goes UNDER tile
• “We just seal the grout really well”
  • Reality: Grout sealer isn’t waterproofing; it slows water penetration but doesn’t stop it
• “We use mastic because it’s waterproof”
  • Reality: Mastic isn’t suitable for wet areas; modified thinset with waterproof membranes required
• “We paint on some RedGard”
  • Reality: RedGard alone isn’t a complete system without proper application and integration
• “Waterproofing costs too much, it’s not really necessary”
  • Reality: Water damage repairs cost 10-20x more than proper waterproofing

Specific Waterproofing Questions

“What waterproofing products do you use?”

• Look for brand names: Schluter KERDI/DITRA, RedGard, Aquadefense, Hydro Ban
• “Whatever’s cheap” or generic answers indicate problems

“Do you waterproof shower niches?”

• Should use factory-made waterproof niches (Schluter, Noble Company, etc.)
• Cutting into studs and improvising fails frequently

“How do you waterproof around shower valves and drains?”

• Should describe proper integration with flanges and sealing
• Vague answers indicate lack of expertise

“Do you test waterproofing before installing tile?”

• Professional installers test shower pans by plugging drain and filling with water
• Testing catches problems before they’re hidden behind tile

Western North Carolina Waterproofing Considerations

Asheville’s humidity and elevation create additional moisture challenges requiring extra attention:

• Proper ventilation planning (exhaust fans sized for bathroom volume)
• Vapor barriers behind cement backerboard in showers
• Moisture management in crawl space homes
• Dehumidification recommendations for basements

Leicester Flooring’s waterproofing systems use proven products and methods, installed by experienced professionals who understand Western North Carolina’s specific moisture challenges.

6. What Warranty Do You Offer on Your Installation?

Why Installation Warranties Matter

Warranties demonstrate installer confidence in their work and provide recourse if problems develop. Installation warranties are separate from manufacturer product warranties on the tile itself.

What You Should Hear

Strong Installation Warranty: “We provide a [lifetime/10-year/5-year] warranty on our installation workmanship covering installation defects, improper adhesion, grout failures related to installation, and waterproofing failures. If problems develop due to our installation methods, we’ll make it right at no charge. The warranty is transferable if you sell your home and is in addition to manufacturer product warranties on the tile.”

What Should Be Covered:

• Installation defects: Lippage, hollow tiles, improper substrate preparation
• Adhesion failures: Tiles coming loose due to improper thinset application
• Grout problems: Cracking or failure due to installation issues
• Waterproofing failures: Water damage from inadequate waterproofing
• Substrate issues: Problems from improper substrate preparation

What Typically Isn’t Covered:

• Damage from accidents (dropped items, impacts)
• Damage from improper cleaning or maintenance
• Natural disasters
• Normal wear and tear
• Manufacturer product defects (covered by separate manufacturer warranty)

Warranty Red Flags

• No written warranty: “My work speaks for itself” isn’t protection
• Extremely short warranty: 1-2 years suggests installer lacks confidence
• Vague warranty terms: No specifics about what’s covered
• Warranty disappears if company closes: Worthless if contractor is gone
• Warranty requires unnecessary maintenance: Like annual professional cleaning

Questions About Warranties

“Is the warranty in writing?”

• Must be written and provided before work begins
• Verbal promises are unenforceable

“What exactly does your warranty cover?”

• Should list specific covered items
• Exclusions should be reasonable and clear

“How do I make a warranty claim?”

• Process should be simple and clearly explained
• Contact information readily available

“How long have you been in business?”

• Long-established businesses (10+ years) are more likely to honor warranties
• New businesses may not be around in 5-10 years

“Are you bonded?”

• Bonding provides additional financial protection
• Shows commitment to standing behind work

Leicester Flooring’s Warranty

We provide a lifetime installation warranty on all tile installations—one of the industry’s strongest warranties. This comprehensive coverage reflects our confidence in our installers’ expertise and our 50+ years of serving Asheville homeowners. Our longevity means we’ll be here to honor our warranty decades from now.

7. Will You Pull Required Permits?

Why Permits Matter

While many tile installations don’t require permits, some do—particularly when they involve structural changes, plumbing modifications, or electrical work. Proper permitting ensures code compliance and protects your home’s value.

When Tile Projects Require Permits

Usually No Permit Required:

• Simple tile floor replacement
• Backsplash installation
• Standard bathroom floor tile (no plumbing changes)

May Require Permits:

• Bathroom renovations involving plumbing changes
• Moving or replacing shower valves
• Electrical work (adding outlets, heated floors)
• Structural modifications (removing walls, raising floors significantly)
• Projects in historic districts (Asheville’s locally designated districts)

Always Require Permits:

• Complete bathroom renovations with plumbing and electrical
• Converting non-bathroom spaces to bathrooms
• Major structural changes

What You Should Hear

“We evaluate whether your project requires permits based on Buncombe County (or Henderson County, or City of Asheville) requirements. If permits are needed, we handle the application process, coordinate inspections, and ensure code compliance. Permit costs are included in our estimate.”

Permit Red Flags

• “Permits aren’t necessary” (without explaining why)
• “Permits cost too much, we skip them”
• “The inspector will never know”
• “We do things right, we don’t need inspections”
• Unwillingness to discuss permits

Why Unpermitted Work Is Problematic:

Selling Your Home

• Title companies may require permits for known work
• Lack of permits can delay or derail home sales
• May need to bring work up to code or reduce sale price

Insurance Claims

• Insurance may deny claims related to unpermitted work
• Particularly problematic for water damage claims in bathrooms

Code Compliance

• Unpermitted work may not meet safety codes
• You’re liable for fixing code violations later

Property Taxes

• Adding bathrooms or significant improvements may be discovered and retroactively assessed
• Permits ensure proper assessment at time of work

Permit Process and Costs

Typical Process:

1. Contractor submits plans to building department
2. Building department reviews and issues permit
3. Work proceeds according to approved plans
4. Inspector visits at required stages
5. Final inspection and certificate of occupancy (if applicable)

Typical Costs:

• Simple permits: $50-150
• Complex renovation permits: $200-500
• Usually based on project value and scope

Timeline:

• Simple permits: 1-2 weeks
• Complex permits: 2-4 weeks
• Can be expedited in some cases

Leicester Flooring’s Permit Approach

We evaluate permit requirements during your free consultation and handle all necessary permitting for your tile installation project in Asheville, Hendersonville, or surrounding areas. Our 50-year reputation depends on doing things right.

8. How Do You Handle Unexpected Issues?

Why This Question Reveals Character

Every tile installation encounters occasional surprises: unexpected substrate damage, plumbing issues, electrical problems, or structural concerns. How installers handle these situations reveals their honesty, problem-solving ability, and customer focus.

What You Should Hear

Honest, Customer-Focused Answer: “When we discover unexpected issues during installation, we stop work, document the problem with photos, explain the situation to you clearly, provide options for addressing it with cost implications, and get your approval before proceeding. We’re upfront about problems and work with you to find the best solution within your budget. Most unexpected issues add 10-30% to project cost, but we minimize impact whenever possible.”

Examples of How They’ve Handled Surprises: “On a recent bathroom project, we discovered subflooring with water damage when we removed old tile. We photographed the damage, explained the safety issue to the homeowner, and provided three options: minimum repair replacing only damaged sections, mid-level repair with additional reinforcement, or complete subfloor replacement. We helped them understand pros and cons of each approach and worked within their budget.”

Red Flags

• Vague responses: “We’ll figure it out”
• Blame shifting: “The last guy did a terrible job”
• Minimizing: “Problems are rare, don’t worry about it”
• Pressure tactics: “You have to decide right now or we’re leaving”
• Unclear cost handling: Not explaining who pays for what

Specific Questions About Problem-Solving

“What unexpected issues do you commonly find?”

• Water damage in bathroom subfloors
• Structural movement in older homes
• Outdated or incorrect plumbing/electrical
• Asbestos in old tile or adhesive
• Greater-than-expected floor unevenness

“How do you charge for unexpected work?”

• Should explain clear process (time and materials, fixed pricing by situation, etc.)
• Reasonable markup (10-20% over costs) is normal
• Should always get approval before additional work

“What if I can’t afford the additional work?”

• Should offer options and alternatives
• May be able to phase work
• Should explain consequences of not addressing issues

“Do you document issues with photos?”

• Professional installers document everything
• Photos protect both parties
• Helps with insurance claims if applicable

Common Unexpected Issues in Asheville Homes

Historic Homes (Pre-1950):

• Irregular floor framing requiring extensive leveling
• Undersized joists needing reinforcement
• Settling and movement
• Knob-and-tube electrical that needs upgrading
• Old cast-iron plumbing with corrosion

Mountain Homes:

• Moisture damage in crawl spaces
• Structural movement from settling
• Unique framing methods
• Access challenges

1960s-1980s Homes:

• Asbestos in old vinyl or tile
• Particleboard subfloors needing replacement
• Outdated plumbing vents and drains

Leicester Flooring’s experienced installers have seen virtually every scenario in 50+ years. We communicate clearly, document thoroughly, and work with you to solve problems within your budget.

9. What Is Your Timeline, and How Do You Handle Scheduling?

Why Timeline Questions Matter

Professional installers manage their schedules systematically, communicate clearly about start and completion dates, and honor commitments. Poor scheduling creates stress and disruption beyond the installation itself.

What You Should Hear

Clear Timeline Information: “Based on your project scope [bathroom floor, kitchen backsplash, etc.], installation will take [X] days from start to finish. We typically schedule work 2-3 weeks out. Once we start, we work continuously until completion—we don’t start multiple projects simultaneously. After installation, tile needs 24-48 hours before you can use the space. We provide specific start dates when you sign the contract and confirm 2-3 days before we begin.”

Project Timeline Examples:

• Bathroom floor (50 sq ft): 2-3 days
• Kitchen backsplash (40 sq ft): 1-2 days
• Shower tile installation: 4-5 days
• Large kitchen floor (200 sq ft): 3-5 days
• Full bathroom renovation: 7-10 days

Scheduling Red Flags

• “I’ll start when I finish my current job”: No specific timeline
• “I can start tomorrow”: May indicate lack of other work (why?)
• “I work on multiple projects at once”: You’ll wait between phases
• “Timeline depends on how it goes”: Indicates disorganization
• No written start date in contract: Verbal promises aren’t enforceable

Questions About Scheduling

“Do you work on multiple projects simultaneously, or finish one before starting another?”

• Continuous work is preferable
• Starting and stopping causes delays

“What are your hours?”

• Professional installers typically work 8am-5pm weekdays
• Evening/weekend work may be available but usually costs premium

“How do you handle delays?”

• Weather rarely affects indoor tile work
• Material shortages can delay projects (whose responsibility?)
• Customer changes may extend timeline

“Will the same crew work my entire project?”

• Consistency is important for quality and efficiency
• Different people each day can cause coordination problems

“What happens if you can’t meet the deadline?”

• Professional installers build in buffer and meet commitments
• Should explain consequences and compensation if they’re late

What Causes Tile Installation Delays

Common Delay Causes:

Material Issues

• Incorrect tile order or shortage
• Discontinued patterns requiring reorder
• Damaged tile in shipment
• Specialty tiles on backorder

Unexpected Conditions

• Substrate problems requiring extra work
• Hidden plumbing/electrical issues
• Access problems or space constraints

Weather

• Extended humidity affecting cure times
• Frozen pipes preventing bathroom use
• (Rarely affects indoor work significantly)

Customer Changes

• Changing tile selection mid-project
• Deciding to add scope
• Unavailable for approvals

Installer Issues

• Equipment breakdown
• Illness or emergency
• Poor planning or scheduling

Professional installers minimize delays through careful planning, material verification, and clear communication.

Bathroom Access During Installation

If you’re tiling your only bathroom, plan for:

• Alternative bathroom access (friend/family, gym membership, portable facilities)
• 3-7 days without bathroom access depending on scope
• Additional days before shower/tub use (waterproofing cure time)

Many Asheville homeowners stay with family, use their Leicester Flooring showroom bathroom during the day, or arrange portable facilities for major renovations.

10. Can You Explain Your Pricing and Payment Terms?

Why Payment Terms Matter

Clear pricing and reasonable payment terms indicate professionalism and protect both parties. Confusing pricing or problematic payment demands are red flags.

What You Should Hear

Clear, Detailed Estimate: “Our estimate breaks down materials separately from labor, shows substrate preparation costs, includes all supplies and waterproofing, and lists any additional work like old flooring removal. Pricing is per square foot for materials and installation with clear quantities. Total price is $X, due in three payments: 25% deposit when we order materials, 50% when installation begins, and 25% upon your satisfaction at completion. We accept check, cash, or credit card.”

Estimate Should Include:

• Tile quantity and cost per square foot (materials only)
• Labor cost per square foot or project total
• Substrate preparation scope and cost
• Waterproofing materials and labor
• Removal and disposal fees (if applicable)
• Supplies (thinset, grout, spacers, sealers, etc.)
• Permit fees (if applicable)
• Sales tax
• Project timeline
• Payment schedule
• Warranty information

Pricing Red Flags

Vague Single-Line Pricing

• “Tile installation: $3,500” with no breakdown
• Impossible to verify or compare
• Hides where money is going

Too-Good-to-Be-True Pricing

• 30-50% below other estimates
• Usually indicates corner-cutting or hidden fees
• May increase dramatically mid-project

Pressure to Pay Large Deposits

• Requesting 50%+ upfront is excessive
• Professional installers have supplier credit
• Large deposits put you at risk

Cash-Only Requirements

• Legitimate businesses accept multiple payment methods
• Cash-only often indicates tax evasion
• No paper trail for warranty claims

No Written Estimate

• Verbal estimates aren’t enforceable
• Professional businesses provide detailed written estimates
• Changes should be documented in writing

Standard Payment Terms

Typical Payment Schedule:

• 25-30% deposit: When materials are ordered
• 40-50% progress payment: When installation begins
• 25-30% final payment: Upon satisfactory completion

Some installers offer:

• Net 30: Full payment due 30 days after completion
• 50/50 split: Half at start, half at completion
• Financing options: Through companies like Synchrony

Never acceptable:

• 100% payment upfront
• 50%+ before work begins
• Final payment before work is complete
• Cash-only with no receipt

Questions About Pricing

“Is this estimate guaranteed, or can it change?”

• Should be firm unless you change scope or unexpected issues arise
• Material price changes before ordering may affect estimate
• Changes should require written approval

“What’s not included in this price?”

• Furniture moving
• Significant substrate repairs
• Permit fees
• Custom work beyond scope
• Better understand total potential costs

“Can you break down the labor and material costs separately?”

• Transparency indicates honest pricing
• Lets you understand value
• Helps compare estimates fairly

“Do you offer financing?”

• Makes larger projects more affordable
• Professional companies often have financing relationships
• Leicester Flooring offers Synchrony financing

“What forms of payment do you accept?”

• Multiple options indicate legitimate business
• Credit cards offer dispute protection
• Get receipts for all payments

“When is final payment due?”

• Should be upon your satisfaction, not before
• Walk-through and approval should precede final payment
• Never pay in full before work is complete

Comparing Multiple Estimates

When you receive estimates from multiple installers:

Don’t Just Compare Bottom-Line Price

• Lowest price often means lowest quality
• Highest price doesn’t guarantee best work
• Compare scope, materials, and timeline

Compare Scope of Work

• Does each estimate include same work?
• Substrate preparation included or extra?
• Waterproofing specified?
• Removal and disposal included?

Evaluate Value, Not Just Cost

• Warranty coverage and length
• Installer experience and reputation
• Material quality
• Insurance and licensing

Ask About Differences

• If estimates vary significantly, ask why
• What accounts for higher/lower pricing?
• Are materials comparable quality?
• Is scope identical?

Consider Reputation

• Google reviews and ratings
• BBB rating and complaints
• References and referrals
• Years in business and local presence

Leicester Flooring provides detailed, transparent estimates with clear pricing, standard payment terms, and multiple payment options including financing. Our 50-year local presence means we’ll be here to honor our commitments.

Additional Questions Worth Asking

About Their Business

“How long have you been in business in Asheville?”

• Local longevity indicates stability and reputation
• Out-of-area installers lack local accountability

“Do you have a physical business address?”

• P.O. boxes or no address are red flags
• Physical location indicates established business

“Can I see your showroom or meet at your office?”

• Leicester Flooring’s showrooms let you see materials and meet the team
• Established businesses welcome office visits

About Materials

“What tile brands do you recommend and why?”

• Should mention specific brands like Shaw, Mohawk, Emser
• Generic “whatever’s cheapest” indicates lack of expertise
• American-made product knowledge shows commitment to quality

“Where do you source your materials?”

• Professional suppliers vs. big-box stores
• Can affect quality and consistency
• Leicester Flooring uses American-made tile from trusted manufacturers

“Do you guarantee the right amount of materials?”

• Overordering costs you money
• Underordering causes delays
• 10% overage for waste/future repairs is standard

About The Installation Process

“Do you use tile leveling systems?”

• Modern systems prevent lippage
• Shows attention to quality
• Indicates current with best practices

“What thickness thinset do you use?”

• Different tile types require specific thinset
• Large-format needs special thinset
• “Whatever works” isn’t an acceptable answer

“How long until I can use my new tile?”

• 24-48 hours for foot traffic
• 72 hours before heavy use
• Week before wet-area grouting fully cures

About Cleanup and Completion

“What does cleanup include?”

• Removal of all installation debris
• Cleaning tile surface completely
• Disposing of materials
• Protecting adjacent areas

“Do you do a final walk-through?”

• Professional installers review work with you
• Explains care and maintenance
• Addresses any concerns
• Shouldn’t ask for final payment until you’re satisfied

Warning Signs: When to Walk Away

Some red flags are so serious you should immediately stop considering an installer:

Absolute Deal-Breakers:

• No license or insurance (or won’t provide proof)
• Demands 50%+ deposit upfront
• Refuses to provide written estimate
• Won’t give references
• Pressures you to decide immediately
• Can’t explain their installation process
• “Too busy” to answer questions
• Bad reviews mentioning lawsuits, liens, or fraud
• Cash-only business
• No physical business address

Serious Concerns:

• Minimal experience (less than 3-5 years)
• Can’t show photos of their work
• Dismissive about waterproofing
• Vague about substrate preparation
• Significantly cheaper than other estimates (30%+ below)
• Can’t explain warranty terms clearly
• No permit discussion for work that likely requires permits
• Poor communication (doesn’t return calls, late to appointments)

Trust Your Instincts: If something feels wrong, it probably is. Professional tile installers welcome questions, communicate clearly, provide detailed information, and make you feel confident in your decision.

Summary

Choosing the right tile installer in Asheville requires asking informed questions about licensing, insurance, experience, waterproofing methods, warranties, and payment terms. Professional installers welcome detailed questions and provide clear, comprehensive answers that build confidence.

Red flags include vague responses, pressure tactics, inadequate insurance, lack of written warranties, and pricing that seems too good to be true. The right installer demonstrates expertise, communicates clearly, provides references, and stands behind their work with strong warranties.

Leicester Flooring welcomes these questions and provides transparent answers backed by 50+ years of professional tile installation experience in Asheville and Western North Carolina. Our lifetime installation warranty, comprehensive insurance, and A+ BBB rating demonstrate our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Schedule your free consultation to discuss your tile installation project and ask all the questions you need to feel confident in your choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a tile installer is qualified?

Qualified tile installers demonstrate experience (10+ years preferred), hold proper insurance (general liability and workers’ comp), provide recent references, explain installation processes in detail, offer written warranties, and work with professional-grade materials and tools. They welcome questions and provide clear, comprehensive answers. Leicester Flooring’s installers average 15+ years experience with systematic training in modern tile installation methods.

Should I hire the cheapest tile installer?

Almost never. Installers charging 30-50% below market rates cut corners on substrate preparation, waterproofing, materials, or skill level—leading to failures within 5-10 years that cost more to repair than professional installation would have cost initially. Focus on value: experience, warranties, references, and quality rather than lowest price. Professional installation costs slightly more but delivers decades of performance.

What’s a reasonable deposit for tile installation?

Standard deposits are 25-30% when materials are ordered, with remaining payments split between installation start (40-50%) and satisfactory completion (25-30%). Deposits above 30% are excessive—professional contractors have supplier credit and don’t need large upfront payments. Never pay 100% before work is complete. Be wary of cash-only requests exceeding normal deposit amounts.

How can I verify an installer’s insurance?

Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) showing current general liability and workers’ compensation coverage. The certificate should list your project address, show coverage amounts ($500K-1M general liability minimum), and include expiration dates. Call the insurance company directly (contact info on COI) to verify active coverage. Don’t accept “I’m working on getting insurance” or expired certificates.

What should I do if my installer finds unexpected problems?

Stop work immediately and request photo documentation of issues. Ask for a detailed explanation of the problem, why it needs addressing, and options for repair with associated costs. Get everything in writing before approving additional work. Reasonable unexpected costs add 10-30% to projects. If costs seem excessive, consider getting a second opinion. Professional installers communicate clearly and work within your budget.

Do I really need professional waterproofing in my bathroom?

Yes—absolutely essential for bathroom floors and critical for showers. Inadequate waterproofing causes water damage costing $5,000-15,000+ to remediate, plus replacing all tile. Proper waterproofing systems (Schluter KERDI, RedGard, etc.) cost $500-1,500 but prevent disasters. Never accept “tile and grout sealer are enough”—they’re not. Professional waterproofing goes UNDER tile with redundant protection layers.

How long should a tile installation warranty last?

Quality installers offer 5-10 year minimum installation warranties, with top installers like Leicester Flooring providing lifetime warranties. Warranties should cover installation defects, improper adhesion, grout failures, and waterproofing issues. Get warranties in writing before work begins. 1-2 year warranties suggest installer lacks confidence in their work. No warranty is a major red flag.

What’s the difference between licensed and unlicensed contractors?

North Carolina requires general contractor licenses for projects exceeding $30,000, though most tile installations fall below this threshold. However, licensing for related work (plumbing, electrical) may be required. Insurance matters more than licensing for tile installers—verify general liability and workers’ comp coverage. Long business history (10+ years) and strong references often indicate reliability better than licensing alone.