The Basics of Backsplash Tile Installation

Professional tile installers, or tile setters, will work to manage several steps when it comes to installing kitchen backsplashes. These include:

Cleaning and prepping the walls

Choosing the right adhesive

Mixing, applying, and sealing grout

Cutting and setting tiles, including around outlets and switches

Cleaning the tile once installation is complete

Reinstalling outlet switches and covers as needed

Backsplash tile installation is an extremely precise job, and often requires the knowledge and expertise to use a wet saw for exact precision. Backsplash tile installation costs can vary based on the quality and experience of a tile installer.

Should I hire a handyman or a tile contractor?

This is dependent on a variety of factors. Here at ALE Renovations, we suggest hiring a single trade specialist. They will know all the ins and outs of the project. They’ll have a variety of expertise and can adjust when unexpected issues might arise.

A handyman may work for smaller, miscellaneous projects; however, they’re often not insured and perhaps not used to working with certain designer materials or products.

Labor Costs for Backsplash Tile Install

Costs depend on a variety of factors, as well as the type of materials chosen. For very small backsplash installation, you may need to pay a minimum fee of around $800-1000, regardless of the total square footage. Feel free to reach out to us today if you have a specific backsplash tile install project in mind, we’d love to discuss pricing further.

How do I Evaluate a Backsplash Tile Installer that I May Want to Hire?

There are a lot of questions you can ask, including photos of previous projects or references. First, take a look at our blog post where we share tips on what questions to ask a potential contractor. A lot of those questions are applicable when hiring a tile contractor. They should be willing to answer your questions, take the time to talk with you and be someone you feel comfortable with having in your home.

Here at ALE Renovations, we work with tile contractors who we would personally trust in our own homes! If you’re still unsure about project costs, or unwilling to manage the project on your own, give us a call today and we’d be happy to help you with your backsplash tile install project. We serve various areas of Houston, including inside the loop, Memorial, West University and Katy.

Remodeling projects can often come with a host of questions, or concerns like budget or time management issues. Working with a remodeling contractor who offers professional management for projects can play a pivotal role in making sure your project stays on track and on budget.

But wait, I thought all remodeling companies employ a project manager or superintendent?

No, this is not always the case. Remodeling contractors often don’t hire a project manager and simply rely on their sub-contractors to work everything out. Reasons they might not hire a project manager include not wanting the overhead of extra employees; undervaluing project management and the benefits it provides to clients; and/or lack of systems in place for a project manager to succeed.

Things a professional project manager should do for a remodeling project

A project manager or superintendent should be on site every day, making sure things are going according to plan, both on time and on budget.

Communicate Daily

The project manager or superintendent is there daily to be a single point of contact for any questions or concerns the client or sub-contractors might have. Project managers take care of the day-to-day management of a remodeling project, and will serve as the middleman between the client and sub-contractors. This means the client can relax and focus on other things besides managing their remodeling project!

Works hand-in-hand with sub-contractors and installers

The project manager is on-hand to review all the details and various instructions that might be needed in a remodel project. What is the tile layout? Is there a grout specification? The project manager will anticipate those questions and have answers for the subcontractors before each step of a project.

Quality control

Again, the project manager is on site every single day to not only oversee, but also inspect the work to make sure it meets the standards set by both you and your remodeling contractor.

Make sure the jobsite remains clean, organized, and safe

With a project manager overseeing the project and visiting in-person each day, they’re holding all the subcontractors accountable and making sure your home is not left in a disarray after work each day.

Predict and troubleshoot problems; be accountable

A great project manager will anticipate problems or issues, and seek out answers before the issue arises. Because the project manager is responsible (along with the remodeling contractor) for a project’s success and results, there is a vested interest. The project manager should be accountable for ensuring the project is completed properly and successfully, within the agreed-upon parameters.

The project manager should have a deep knowledge of construction, along with high standards of quality and detail. They can also manage people with different personalities, and work through conflict management with trade partners or clients.

Here at ALE Renovations, each of our Houston-based remodeling projects is supervised by our full-time superintendent. He will visit your job site every day, sometimes multiple times a day. He serves as a direct point of contact for our clients, should they have any questions, concerns, or aspects they’d like to discuss. We believe it’s extremely important to have eyes and ears on every one of our remodeling projects, daily. It’s just one of the many ways we treat your remodeling project as if it were our own.

The ALE Renovations Blog

Common Backsplash Tile Installation Questions in Houston