What a Free Tile Estimate Includes: How We Measure

Inviting a contractor into your home for a quote is the first step toward a successful remodeling project. When you schedule a consultation with First Choice Tile LLC, you get a transparent assessment of your space rather than a quick guess over the phone. We visit your home in metro Atlanta to inspect the job site, take exact measurements, and discuss your design goals. Understanding what happens during this visit helps you prepare for the project and ensures you receive an accurate price.

Preparing for our visit

Before we measure, you can help the process by clearing personal items from the work area. We need access to the floors and walls we will be modifying. If you are planning a bathroom renovation, leave fixtures in place unless we discussed removing them beforehand. Our crew arrives with tape measures, laser levels, and moisture meters to evaluate the current state of your rooms.

Measuring square footage and layout

Getting the math right prevents material shortages and reduces costly waste. We measure the length and width of the room, multiplying those numbers to find the total square footage. Floors are rarely square, and walls have quirks, so we also account for angles, alcoves, and closets.

Material waste is a standard factor in any construction project. Straight layouts usually require ten percent extra material to cover cuts along the edges. Diagonal patterns, herringbone designs, and rooms with many corners require fifteen to twenty percent extra tile. If you are comparing quotes, make sure other contractors factor in these waste percentages so you do not run short halfway through the job. You can review our standard pricing guides to understand what tile installation costs in metro Atlanta.

Checking subfloors and wall conditions

Tile requires a flat, rigid foundation to prevent cracking. During the estimate, we inspect the subfloor to determine if it meets industry standards. Plywood subfloors might need an extra layer of cement backer board or uncoupling membrane to handle deflection. Concrete slabs require checks for moisture and levelness.

Uneven floors need self-leveling compounds or grinding before installation can begin. If we find water damage, rotted wood, or structural sagging, we document it immediately. Addressing these issues upfront prevents tile failure later, and we include any necessary subfloor prep in our detailed quote.

Discussing material choices and patterns

Different materials require different installation techniques, which affects the final price. Ceramic and porcelain are durable choices for floors and walls. Natural stone needs sealing and specialized cutting blades. Large-format tiles require flat substrates and specific mortar coverage to avoid lippage.

Installed prices combine material and labor into a single figure so you know the total investment. Ceramic installations generally run eight to fifteen dollars per square foot. Porcelain falls between ten and twenty dollars. Large-format tile ranges from twelve to twenty-five dollars per square foot. Natural stone spans fifteen to thirty-five dollars, while glass and mosaic tiles run twenty to fifty dollars per square foot.

If you prefer luxury vinyl plank, LVP installation costs four to nine dollars per square foot. For wet areas, a tiled shower including waterproofing ranges from six thousand to twelve thousand dollars. A full bathroom renovation typically spans nine thousand to twenty-five thousand dollars. Backsplashes range from four hundred eighty to fifteen hundred dollars, or fifteen to forty dollars per square foot.

Evaluating demolition and disposal

Many projects start with removing old flooring. Pulling up old ceramic tile, carpet, or vinyl takes labor and creates heavy debris. We check how much material we need to tear out and haul away. Labor and prep make up forty to sixty percent of most installation jobs. We calculate these labor hours into your quote so there are no surprises on the final invoice.

Specialized features and custom work

Custom details change the scope of the estimate. Shower niches add one hundred fifty to twelve hundred dollars each. Heated floor mats cost eight to twenty dollars per square foot for the material, plus four hundred sixty-five to seventeen hundred dollars for the hookup and thermostat. If you want intricate patterns, expect an addition of ten to sixty percent to the baseline labor due to the extra cuts and layout time required.

Receiving your written quote

After we finish measuring and evaluating the site, we compile the numbers into a written proposal. This document breaks down material costs, labor, prep work, and disposal fees. We outline the expected timeline for the work so you can plan your schedule around the renovation. We stand behind our workmanship, ensuring your floors and walls are installed to last. You can read more about our process by visiting our faq page.

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