Are you looking for tile installers in Palm Beach? When considering bids for your tile project, it can be tempting to hunt for the lowest price. We understand that a good deal can be tempting. That said, the lowest bid sometimes isn’t actually the least expensive one.
Today, we want to discuss qualified labor, going more in-depth on why it’s so important and how you can find qualified laborers.
What Is Qualified Labor?
Qualified labor refers to tile installers who are skilled and conscientious. They’ve likely had training from established, reputable sources. Additionally, they work hard to ensure that every job is performed correctly.
Qualified laborers don’t shoot from the hip, and they always make sure to follow the guidelines outlined in the TCNA Handbook, as well as ANSI Specifications.
They understand that tile installation is both a craft and an art: it’s important to have technical skills, as well as the creativity necessary to really wow clients.
Why Is It Important to Work with Qualified Labor?
Unqualified labor may be able to provide you with the lowest bid, but in the long run, that bid will be costly. Because they don’t have the same level of industry knowledge and training, these laborers are more likely to make mistakes.
One of the biggest advantages of porcelain tile is its longevity. However, if you choose unqualified labor for your project, your tile may not last as long. There are countless errors that may need to be fixed, which can mean ripping up the tile and starting over.
How Do You Find Qualified Labor?
Qualified laborers rely on training and education, because this ensures that they understand industry best practices. As our friends at CTEF explain, here are some of the programs a qualified laborer might have gone through:
- Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers (ACT)
- Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) Certified Tile Installer (CTI) Program
- International Masonry Training and Education Foundation (IMTEF)
- Journeyman Tile Layer Apprenticeship Program
- Natural Stone Institute (NSI) Accreditation for Natural Stone Tile Installation Contractors
- National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) Five Star Contractors Program
- Tile Contractors Association of America (TCAA) Trowel of Excellence Program
Education is important because every tile project has its own specificities, and you want to ensure that the people working on your project are ready for anything that comes up.
When working with a contractor, it’s also useful to ensure that the whole team is qualified.
Looking at their previous experience can give you a good idea of what you’ll be able to expect when you work with them. As Mike Corona of Corona Marble and Tile explains, it takes time to become qualified labor.
CTEF allows you to look for Certified Tile Installers on their site. It can also be useful to visit a high-quality tile store. We supply tile to a variety of contractors in the area, which means we likely already have relationships with qualified labor near you!
Looking for Materials for Tile Installation in Palm Beach?
You’ve come to the right place. At D&B Tile, we work with homeowners, contractors, and designers to ensure that their needs are met. We’ve supplied tile for all kinds of projects and are happy to help you find the perfect tile.
Have any questions about what we can do for you? Would you like to speak with a tile expert? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us today. We’re excited to speak with you!