If you’ve never hired a licensed home improvement contractor in New Jersey, your first consultation can feel opaque. Tillerstead LLC makes it straightforward: a calm walkthrough, clear expectations, and a proposal based on your real space—not guesswork or “ballpark” numbers.
This guide shows you how to prep in 15 minutes for a consultation (Atlantic County and all South Jersey) that’s efficient, accurate, and fully New Jersey HIC/TCNA compliant.
What We Assess—and Why It Matters
During a tile or bathroom consultation, we don’t “eyeball it.” We evaluate the factors that determine project longevity and code compliance:
- Moisture management We trace water flow—splash zones, corners, and any leak history—to plan for true waterproofing (ANSI A118.10/TCNA B422), not just “water-resistant” claims.
- Substrate & flatness Tile mirrors its substrate. Large-format tile demands flat, stable planes (TCNA EJ171, ANSI A108.02). We check subfloor, backer board, and any humps or dips to prevent lippage and hollow spots.
- Structure & transitions We assess floor deflection (L/360 minimum per TCNA F250), thresholds, and how tile meets carpet, LVP, or hardwood—eliminating trip hazards and ensuring smooth transitions.
- Ventilation Properly ducted fans (per IRC M1507) protect grout, paint, and framing from South Jersey humidity. We verify fan type, duct runs, and vent terminations.
- Lifestyle fit Your cleaning habits, color preferences, and tolerance for grout lines inform our recommendations. A busy family bath gets different specs than a guest suite.
Five Photos to Take Before Your Consultation
Clear photos enable a realistic, code-based estimate—no phone tag, no surprises. Please provide:
- Full room overview Stand in the doorway; capture floor, walls, and ceiling in one shot.
- Wet area close-ups Show the shower or tub surround, including corners, valve wall, and any visible issues.
- Threshold and floor at entry Document transitions—step into the bath, adjoining flooring, and height differences.
- Problem areas Cracked grout, loose tiles, soft spots, or stains—anything concerning.
- Exhaust fan and ducting Photo of the fan and, if accessible, the duct or vent termination (attic/exterior).
Pro tip: Also snap shutoff valves, trap/drain, and any access panel. These details help us plan demo and tie-ins, minimizing surprises and delays.
Quick Measurements to Have Ready
Precision isn’t required—just enough for scale and material planning:
- Room length × width
- Ceiling height
- Wet area length × width (shower/tub surround)
- Planned tile size (e.g., 12×24, 24×48, mosaic)
- Any niche, bench, or ledge ideas
- Preference for linear drain or center drain
These basics let us discuss layouts, waste factor, and whether leveling or framing corrections are needed.
How Tillerstead Prices—With Full Transparency
Every project is unique, but our proposals follow a clear, New Jersey HIC-compliant structure:
- Scope from demo to finish Plain-language breakdown—demo, disposal, prep, waterproofing, tile setting, grout, caulk—and exclusions (plumbing moves, electrical, glass, etc.), so there are no hidden costs.
- Methods & standards in writing We specify waterproofing systems and installation methods (TCNA/ANSI), referencing manufacturer instructions—no jargon, just clear commitments.
- Materials matched to your tile - Mortars: Modified thinset meeting ANSI A118.4/A118.15 as required - Grout: Sanded, unsanded, or high-performance, per application - Sealants and movement joints: Installed per TCNA EJ171
- Documentation & accountability Where applicable, we provide: - Flood test results for shower pans - Substrate flatness checks - Notation of any pre-existing conditions
- Schedule with cure times spelled out We outline demo, setting, and realistic cure times for membranes, grout, and sealers—so you know exactly when your space is ready for use.
Ready to Start Your Tile or Bath Project in South Jersey?
A little prep delivers a smoother, more accurate estimate.
Next steps:
- Email your five photos and quick measurements to info@tillerstead.com
- Or visit our Contact page and tap “Start Your Project” for a streamlined estimate.
Whether you’re in Egg Harbor Township, Galloway, or anywhere in Atlantic County, our promise is the same: a calm, honest consultation and tile or bathroom work you’ll be proud to live with—built to code, built to last.
Do the work with integrity and care. That’s the Tillerstead approach—every consultation, every project.