Hiring a Tile Contractor? Watch for These Red Flags!
- Tudor Codreanu
- Mar 2
- 4 min read
Hiring a tile installation contractor is a big decision, but what if you start noticing things aren’t quite right during the project? Poor tile preparation, rushed work, and a messy job site can be early signs that you hired the wrong person. Catching these issues early can save you from costly tile repairs and replacements.
🚨 Early Warning Signs: Poor Preparation = Bad Tile Work
1. Messy, Unorganized Job Site
A professional tile contractor keeps their work area clean and organized. If your home is covered in dust, tools are scattered everywhere, and tiles are stacked carelessly, it’s a sign of a lack of attention to detail. A messy tile installation site often leads to a poor final result
2. Skipping Proper Surface Preparation
For floor tile installation or shower tile installation, proper surface prep is crucial. Warning signs of bad prep work include:
❌ Installing tile over old flooring without checking for issues
❌ Uneven or bumpy underlayment
❌ Failing to remove dust, dirt, or grease before tiling
A contractor who rushes a tile installation without preparing the surface properly is setting you up for cracks, uneven tiles, and tile failure.
3. Poor or No Waterproofing (For Showers & Wet Areas)
One of the biggest mistakes bad contractors make is skipping waterproofing in showers and wet areas. If your contractor is tiling directly onto drywall or cement board without using a waterproofing membrane (like RedGard, Schluter Kerdi, or Hydro Ban), you’re at risk of mold and water damage behind the tiles.
🚩 Red Flags: No waterproofing materials visible before tile installation, using regular drywall in wet areas (this is a HUGE mistake), ignoring seams and corners—these are the most vulnerable to leaks! If your contractor dismisses waterproofing as “unnecessary,” stop the job immediately and get a second opinion.
See the example below of terrible waterproofing and prep work in a shower tile installation:
🚧 More Signs of a Bad Tile Contractor
4. Uneven or Sloppy Tile Installation
Tiles should be evenly spaced, level, and follow a straight layout. Early warning signs of poor tile installation include:
Uneven tiles or lippage (one tile higher than another)
Large, inconsistent grout joints
Tiles cut too short, leaving gaps
5. Poor Grout Work
Grout is essential for durable tile installation. Warning signs of bad grout work include:
Uneven or too-wide grout lines
Crumbling grout within days or weeks
Gaps where grout is missing
See below for unacceptable corners and grout work:
6. No Expansion Joints (Especially for Large Floors)
Tile expands and contracts with temperature changes. Without expansion joints (small gaps at the edges or in large tile areas), your floor could crack or buckle over time. If your contractor tiles wall to wall with no gaps, they don’t know proper tile installation standards.
7. Adhesion Issues – Hollow or Loose Tiles
Tap on a tile—if it sounds hollow or moves when you press on it, the contractor likely used the wrong adhesive or didn’t apply enough. Proper tile adhesion is critical for longevity.
See below an example of adhesion issues:
8. Rushed or Cut Corners
If your contractor is installing tile too fast, skipping levels, or failing to check adhesive coverage, the job is being rushed—leading to cracks, loose tiles, and uneven grout lines.
💰 Other Warning Signs That Could Cost You
9. Constantly Adding “Unexpected” Costs
While some unforeseen issues can arise, a contractor suddenly claiming they need way more money to finish the job (without clear explanations) is a red flag. A professional tile contractor near you should provide a detailed estimate upfront.
10. Poor Communication & Unprofessionalism
A reliable tile installation contractor should:
✔ Answer your questions clearly
✔ Keep you updated on progress
✔ Address concerns professionally
11. No Warranty or Guarantee
A confident licensed tile contractor stands by their work. If they refuse to offer any warranty, they might know their work won’t last.
🔧 What to Do If You Suspect a Bad Tile Job
1. Speak Up Immediately
If you notice something wrong, don’t wait until the job is done—address it right away. Show the contractor the issue and ask them to fix it before they continue.
2. Take Photos & Document Everything
Keep records of the work in progress. If things go south, having photo evidence will help if you need to dispute the work later.
3. Research Industry Standards
If you’re unsure whether the work is acceptable, check Tile Council of North America (TCNA) guidelines or consult another tile professional for a second opinion.
4. Withhold Final Payment If Needed
Do not pay the full amount until the job is completely finished and meets proper standards. If major issues exist, withholding the last payment may give you leverage.
5. Get a Second Opinion & Consider Hiring Someone Else
If the work is seriously flawed and the contractor refuses to fix it, you may need to bring in a qualified tile installer to assess and possibly redo the job.
6. Leave an Honest Review & Report Fraudulent Work
If the contractor truly did a poor job and won’t take responsibility, warn others by leaving an honest review. If they were unlicensed or engaged in shady practices, report them to consumer protection agencies.
🚀 Avoid a Bad Tile Contractor From the Start
✔ Research and check reviews before hiring
✔ Ask for a detailed contract outlining materials, costs, and timeline
✔ Confirm they are licensed and insured
✔ Ask about waterproofing and technical knowledge
✔ Never pay the full amount upfront
A bad tile job can cost you time, money, and stress. The earliest warning signs appear during the preparation stage—so stay alert and don’t ignore red flags! If you’re investing in a tile project, make sure it’s done right the first time.
Here, you can see an example of botched work that TC Construction Solutions LLC professionally corrected.
See below TC Construction Solutions LLC's gallery showcasing expertly installed tile with perfect alignment and seamless grout lines!
At TC Construction Solutions LLC, we specialize in professional tile installation in Scottsdale, AZ. Whether it’s a custom shower, tile flooring, or a kitchen backsplash installation.
💬 Ready for a stress-free tile installation? Contact TC Construction Solutions LLC today for a free tile installation quote!