Top 7 Mistakes Homeowners Make When Hiring Bathroom Tile Contractors

Renovating a bathroom is exciting, but hiring the right tile contractor is crucial to your project’s success. Unfortunately, many Chicago-area homeowners make avoidable mistakes during the hiring process. Below we outline the top 7 mistakes and how to avoid them. These tips provide practical, experience-based advice – with Chicago-specific insights – to help you steer clear of costly or frustrating errors when selecting a bathroom tile professional.

Mistake #1: Choosing the Lowest Bid Based on Price Alone

It’s natural to want to save money, but hiring a contractor solely because they offered the lowest price can backfire. A rock-bottom bid may signal that the contractor is cutting corners on materials or lacks experience. Quality tile installation requires time, skill, and proper materials, so an unrealistically low quote is often “too good to be true”. In high-cost markets like Chicago, if one bid is dramatically lower than others, be especially cautious – local labor and material costs are higher than national averages, so a very low price might mean they plan to skip important steps (like proper subfloor prep or waterproofing).

How to avoid it: Don’t automatically choose the cheapest contractor. Get multiple quotes and compare what each includes. Look for a reasonable, detailed estimate that covers quality materials and all necessary steps. A slightly higher upfront cost with a reputable, thorough installer can save you from paying for repairs later (remember the old saying: “If you think a good contractor is expensive, try hiring a bad one – you’ll pay twice”). Always balance cost with the contractor’s reputation and scope of work, not price alone.

Mistake #2: Not Verifying Licenses and Insurance

Another common error is failing to check the contractor’s credentials. In Chicago, contractors typically need proper licensing (especially if pulling permits for a bathroom remodel), and any contractor you hire should carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation. If a tile installer is unlicensed or uninsured, you as the homeowner could be at risk – for example, you might be liable if a worker gets injured on your property. The City of Chicago even provides an online lookup tool so you can verify if a contractor is currently licensed, which shows how important this step is.

How to avoid it: Always ask for proof of licensing and insurance before hiring. A reputable tile contractor will be happy to provide their Illinois or Chicago license number and insurance certificate. Verify these credentials through official channels or city websites. Hiring a properly licensed and insured professional protects you from legal and financial headaches and ensures the contractor has met basic industry and code requirements.

Mistake #3: Skipping Reference and Review Checks

Trusting a contractor without checking their references or online reviews is a big mistake. Many homeowners rely solely on a friend’s recommendation or hire the first person available, but you should always do your homework. Past customers’ experiences can reveal a lot about a contractor’s workmanship, reliability, and honesty. If a contractor can’t or won’t provide references from recent clients, or if the references are unreachable, consider that a red flag. Similarly, consistently bad online reviews on sites like Yelp, Google, or Houzz are warning signs you shouldn’t ignore.

How to avoid it: Ask for at least 2–3 references from past bathroom tile jobs and actually call them. Inquire about the quality of work, whether the job was finished on time, and if the contractor was easy to work with. Additionally, read online reviews for patterns (e.g. multiple people mentioning sloppy work or no-shows). One or two minor complaints might happen with any business, but a pattern of issues means you should look elsewhere. Doing this due diligence will help you hire a contractor with a solid reputation for quality and customer satisfaction.

Mistake #4: Not Demanding a Detailed Written Contract

Proceeding without a written contract (or with a vague, one-page proposal) is a recipe for trouble. A handshake deal might feel friendly, but it leaves you unprotected if something goes wrong. A proper contract should clearly define the scope of work, materials to be used (including specific tile products or waterproofing systems), the payment schedule, project timeline, and any warranties. Without these details in writing, you could face disputes about what was promised, or the contractor might disappear after taking an upfront payment. Remember: “The beauty of a contract is that it sets expectations for you and the installer… It also provides you with recourse if you aren’t satisfied with the work.” In other words, a signed contract keeps both parties accountable.

How to avoid it: Always insist on a detailed written contract before any work begins. Review it carefully to make sure it covers: the exact work to be done (e.g. “retile shower walls and floor, install backer board, apply waterproof membrane, etc.”), brands or quality of materials, start and finish dates, and a payment plan (never pay 100% upfront; a common practice is a reasonable deposit, then incremental payments as milestones are met). If you discussed specific details like a niche in the shower or a custom tile pattern, ensure those are written in. A clear contract helps prevent misunderstandings and gives you a document to reference if issues arise.

Mistake #5: Overlooking Permits and Building Code Requirements

Homeowners may assume that replacing bathroom tile is a minor cosmetic job, but in Chicago many bathroom renovations do require permits and inspections. Skipping the permit not only violates city law – it can lead to costly problems down the road. In fact, over 60% of problematic renovation projects in Chicago involve permit issues that could have been avoided with proper planning. Chicago’s building codes are stricter than in many suburbs, and unpermitted work can result in fines of $5,000–$25,000 or force you to redo work to meet code. Moreover, if you ever sell your home, unpermitted bathroom work can derail the sale or require expensive corrections. A good tile contractor should know the local code (for example, requirements for a shower waterproofing inspection or ventilation) and guide you on permits.

How to avoid it: Check with the City of Chicago’s building department or website to see if your project needs a permit (even things like installing a new shower base or moving a plumbing fixture will require one). Discuss permitting with each contractor you interview – if a contractor suggests “we can do this without a permit to save money/time,” that’s a huge red flag. A trustworthy professional will never encourage you to bypass legal requirements. Make sure your contractor is willing to obtain the proper city permits and schedule inspections as needed. It might add some upfront cost and time, but it ensures the work is up to code and safe. In the long run, playing by the rules protects your investment and peace of mind.

Mistake #6: Hiring a General Handyman Instead of a Tile Specialist

Not all contractors are created equal – and not all can handle a complex tile job to a high standard. One mistake homeowners make is hiring a general handyman or a jack-of-all-trades who says they can “do it all,” including tile, rather than someone who specializes in tile installation. Tile work, especially in bathrooms (think waterproofing shower walls, creating a proper shower pan slope, or cutting large-format tiles cleanly), is an extremely specialized trade that requires specific knowledge and experience. We’ve seen cases where homeowners trusted someone like a plumber or a general remodeler to do the tiling, only to end up with crooked grout lines, improper waterproofing, or tiles that pop off because the surface prep was wrong. In older Chicago homes, this is even more critical – for example, a 100-year-old house might have uneven floors or old plaster walls that need special attention before tiling. A tile specialist will know how to handle these challenges, whereas a generalist might not even address them.

How to avoid it: When vetting contractors, ask about their specific experience with tile work. Do they do tile installation every day or is it just one of many services they dabble in? A dedicated tile contractor (or a bathroom remodeling company with certified tile installers) is often the safer choice for a quality outcome. Look for credentials like being a Certified Tile Installer (CTI) or membership in tile professional associations – these indicate a commitment to the craft. Also, ask to see examples of their past bathroom tile projects. If possible, choose someone who has done work similar to what you need (e.g. installing tile in a vintage Chicago bungalow bathroom or a high-rise condo) so you know they can handle the specific conditions. In short, hire a pro who lives and breathes tile; your bathroom will thank you with a beautiful, long-lasting finish.

Mistake #7: Poor Communication and Not Clarifying Expectations Upfront

Even after you’ve checked credentials and agreed on price, a project can go awry if there isn’t clear communication. One common mistake is not discussing all the details and expectations before work begins. For instance, homeowners might assume the contractor will handle every aspect (like removing old tiles, disposing of debris, or fixing any water-damaged subfloor) while the contractor assumes the homeowner will take care of some items – leading to confusion and extra costs later. Additionally, if you have a specific design in mind (say, a diagonal tile layout or a certain grout color), failing to communicate this upfront can result in disappointment. Good contractors will ask you a lot of questions and listen closely; if the installer is not listening to your requirements or gives vague answers, be concerned. A quality tile job only happens when the contractor and customer openly discuss the project details and how to achieve them.

How to avoid it: Take time before the project starts to go over all expectations in detail. This includes the design/layout, who provides the tiles and materials, any prep work needed (will they need to replace backer board or repair plumbing?), the anticipated timeline and work hours, and how surprises will be handled. For example, ask the contractor what their plan is if they discover mold, uneven flooring, or other issues once demolition starts. Make sure you’re on the same page about how changes or additional work will be approved and billed. Also establish a good communication channel – you should know how to reach the contractor or project manager, and they should provide regular updates. If a contractor is hard to reach or unresponsive during the bidding stage, that’s likely to continue during the job (which is a bad sign). Prioritize hiring someone who communicates clearly and professionally. Clear communication from the start prevents most misunderstandings and keeps the project running smoothly.

Conclusion

Hiring a bathroom tile contractor can feel daunting, but avoiding these seven mistakes will greatly increase your chances of a successful renovation. Do your due diligence: verify credentials, talk to references, insist on a written agreement, and ensure your contractor is reputable and knowledgeable about Chicago’s local requirements. Taking these steps may require a little extra effort now, but it protects you from nightmare scenarios like shoddy workmanship, legal issues, or projects that drag on unfinished.

In the end, the goal is to have a beautiful, durable bathroom that adds value to your home. Working with a qualified, trustworthy tile professional means you’ll get expert guidance, quality installation that stands the test of time, and peace of mind throughout the process. The best contractors want you to ask questions and be comfortable – they know an informed homeowner is a happy homeowner. By avoiding common hiring pitfalls, you set the stage for a smooth renovation and a stunning new bathroom. Do your homework, choose wisely, and you’ll enjoy the benefits of working with a true tile expert who delivers the results you’re dreaming of.