To set up an appointment or consultation with a tiler during the COVID-19 pandemic, start by conducting an online search for tilers in your area. Ask if the tiler can conduct a consultation through a video call instead of a traditional site visit to limit exposure. It’s also wise to confer about the current state of the pandemic and ensure that it’s safe to complete the project now. If not, discuss postponing for another time. 

To identify essential service providers during the pandemic, visit your city or state’s government website to find a list of recommendations.

A list of national recommendations can be found at CISA’s Identifying Critical Infrastructure During COVID-19 webpage. This service lists 16 different types of essential infrastructure sectors that are approved to continue operation during the pandemic. But note not all jurisdictions follow CISA’s definitions of critical infrastructure. 

If you decide to hire a tiler in your area, stay at least 6 feet away from worker(s), don’t shake hands, sanitize all involved surfaces and use digital payment platforms instead of cash or a check. During the consultation, put a plan together to help ensure everyone's safety.

If the tiling job is located in your house, the tiler will need access to your home. The exception to this would be if the job was taking place in an outdoor area like a backyard.

If a tiler does need to enter your home, take strong precautions. Sanitize all surfaces, avoid being in the same room and conduct payment using digital platforms. Discuss a safety strategy with tilers in your area beforehand.

Digital payment platforms are popular in a wide range of service industries, and many tile installment, replacement and repair professionals now accept them. Common platforms include PayPal, Zelle, Google Pay, Venmo, Square Cash and more. 

Start with an online search for tile companies near you. Ask them if they accept digital payments and which types you can use. Then, put a strategy together to follow social distancing guidelines.

Because tiling is a manual, in-person job, it is not typically considered a remote project. But if you come across a profile that states the tile company is offering remote services, ask them what those services include.

You can put carpet, laminate or engineered hardwood flooring over ceramic tile. Vinyl flooring can go over tile as long as the surface of the ceramic is even and smooth, without any crevices or bumps. 

If this is your first time installing flooring over existing ceramic tile, consider hiring a tiling professional to do the work instead and avoid damages.

If you’re laying a new tile floor, you’ll likely need an assortment of tools and supplies, including (but not limited to):

• Tile
• Tile adhesive
• Tile trim
• Tile spacers
• Underlayment
• Sealer
• Caulk
• Level
• Goggles
• Gloves
• Trowel
• Carpenter’s square
• Grout
• Sponge
• Tape measure
• Etc.

If you don’t have all of the tools, equipment and skills necessary to lay tile in your home, consider hiring one of the best tile contractors in your area.

The time it takes to install backsplash depends on the size of the area and the type of materials you’re using. But generally, it’ll take a few days to finish the project. Porcelain or ceramic tile may take less time than that, while very small glass tiles or complicated designs are likely to add time. 

Chat with the best tile specialists to find out how long it will take to install a backsplash in your home.

Having a tile floor may increase your home’s value, but it might depend on the type of tile you install and the trends in the real estate market.

Chat with your realtor or a real estate expert to figure out what types of home repairs and remodeling projects you should tackle before you put your home on the market. It might make sense to add new tiles when renovating your kitchen or bathroom, for example. 

If you decide to include new tiling in your home remodeling project, contact the best tile installation pros near you to get free estimates.