Free Homeowner Guide

5 Questions to Ask Any Tile Contractor Before You Hire Them

Most homeowners regret not asking these questions until it's too late. Take 5 minutes to read this before any contractor walks through your door.

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Why this matters: A bad tile job isn't just ugly — it can mean cracked grout within months, water damage behind your shower walls, or a complete tear-out and redo costing thousands. The right questions separate professionals from people who just own a tile saw.
1

Are you licensed and insured in Arizona? Can I see your ROC number?

Arizona requires tile and flooring contractors to be licensed through the Registrar of Contractors (ROC). A valid license means the contractor has passed a competency exam, carries insurance, and is held accountable by state regulators.

You can verify any ROC number instantly at azroc.gov. Takes 30 seconds. Always do it.

Red flag: "I don't need a license for this type of work" or hesitation to provide a number. Walk away.
What a good answer looks like: A confident "Yes — our ROC number is #______. You can verify it at azroc.gov." (Albaner Tile and Stone: ROC #311992)
2

Do you waterproof the shower walls before tiling — and what system do you use?

This is the #1 cause of failed shower tile jobs. Tile and grout are NOT waterproof on their own. Water seeps through grout, reaches the wall substrate, and causes mold, structural damage, and eventual tile failure.

A professional installer applies a waterproofing membrane (such as Schluter KERDI, RedGard, or Wedi board) before any tile is set. This step adds cost and time — which is exactly why low-ball contractors skip it.

Red flag: "The tile itself keeps water out" or "I use cement board, that's enough." Neither statement is true for a shower.
What a good answer looks like: Specific mention of a waterproofing membrane brand and application process. They should be able to explain it clearly.
3

What type of mortar and grout do you use, and why?

Not all mortars are created equal. Large-format tiles (anything over 15 inches) require a large-format tile mortar or medium-bed mortar to prevent lippage and ensure full coverage underneath the tile. Using the wrong mortar causes hollow spots, cracking, and tiles that crack under foot traffic.

Epoxy grout costs more but is far more durable and stain-resistant than sanded or unsanded grout — worth asking about for high-traffic areas and kitchen backsplashes.

Red flag: A contractor who can't explain why they chose a specific mortar type, or always uses the same product regardless of tile size.
What a good answer looks like: They match the mortar to your specific tile and substrate, and explain the reasoning.
4

Will you remove the existing tile, or tile over it?

Tiling over existing tile is sometimes acceptable on floors, but almost never on shower walls. When you tile over old tile, you're compounding any existing problems (moisture damage, loose tiles, mold) and creating a surface that's too thick for fixtures to fit correctly.

A professional will assess whether demo is needed. If a contractor immediately offers to "just tile over it" to save money, that's a shortcut that benefits them, not you.

Red flag: Offering to tile over existing shower tile without inspecting the substrate and giving a clear reason why it's safe to do so.
What a good answer looks like: A thorough inspection of the existing surface before giving a recommendation.
5

Can you show me 3–5 completed projects similar to mine, with photos?

Every contractor will tell you they do great work. Ask to see it. A professional tile installer will have a portfolio of real projects — ideally similar in scope to yours (e.g., master shower remodel, kitchen backsplash, large-format flooring).

If possible, ask for a reference from a previous customer in your area. A single 5-minute call with a past customer is worth more than any marketing claim.

Red flag: Stock photos, extremely generic "before and after" photos, or reluctance to provide references. Any professional installer has a phone full of job photos.
What a good answer looks like: A portfolio of recent local projects readily available, and willingness to connect you with past customers.

Albaner Tile and Stone passes all 5 questions.

Licensed ROC #311992 · Waterproofing on every shower · 9 five-star reviews · Portfolio of 50+ Phoenix-area projects · Free in-home tile evaluation

(602) 882-6513 — Call for a Free Evaluation
Or view our work and request an estimate online

Albaner Tile and Stone LLC · ROC #311992 · Serving Phoenix Metro