Your First Tile/Bath Consultation in NJ: What to Expect & How to Prep
November 2, 2025
A 15-minute prep that can save you days—photos to take, measurements to grab, and how we write a clean, fair proposal.
If you’ve never hired a tile/bath contractor, the unknowns can feel stressful. Here’s how Tillerstead LLC runs a consult so your project starts clean and finishes right.
What we look at (and why)
- Moisture risk: Where water wants to go; true waterproofing, not just “water-resistant.”
- Substrate & flatness: Tile follows what’s under it; large-format demands flatter planes.
- Structure & transitions: Deflection, thresholds, heating/cooling swings.
- Ventilation: Fan CFM and ducting—steam needs a path out.
- Lifestyle fit: Cleaning preferences, grout color tolerance, maintenance appetite.
Five photos to take
- Full room view (include ceiling/floor)
- Wet area (corners/valve wall)
- Threshold/floor at doorway
- Any cracked grout/tile or soft spots
- Exhaust fan and visible ducting
Tip: Snap the shutoffs, trap/drain, and any access panel. Small clues save big time.
Quick measurements
Room L×W; ceiling height; wet area L×W; intended tile size (e.g., 12×24, 24×48); niche/bench ideas; linear vs center drain.
How we price clearly
- Scope (demo → finish) with inclusions/exclusions.
- Method (system + standards) stated in plain English.
- Materials (mortars meeting ANSI A118.4/A118.15 where required; grout class; sealants).
- Documentation (flood test photos where applicable; substrate flatness notes).
- Schedule with cure times explained (for grout, sealers, and membranes).
Next step: Email your 5 photos + quick measurements to info@tillerstead.com or tap Start Your Project for a streamlined estimate.