Signature Tile

Serves , WA

35244

Hired 38 times

1 employee

17 years in business

Free on-site estimate

5.0

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Credit card, PayPal, Square cash app, Venmo, and Zelle.

Next Service

Credentials

Background Check

Chad Nickless
Completed on 6/30/2021

Introduction

It's hard to beat a 20 year warranty that is offered by a tile installer, even harder to beat a 20 year warranty that is backed up by that installers supplier. I've taken the time to not only find the best products to use for my installations, but I've met with the manufacturers and been trained so that my installations meet or exceed their standards necessary to qualify for the warranty. Make sure to ask competitors how long their warranty is good for. I've been installing tile for 28 years, and I've been the owner of Signature Tile for 14 years. If you're looking for a cheap installation to flip a house for a quick profit, no offense, but find another installer. However, if you are looking for quality that will last, contact me about your project. Every day is a new challenge. A new homeowner, a new job environment, new designers and suppliers and materials. I like not sitting behind a desk every day under fluorescent lights , and I like being the boss. When problems arise, it's up to me to solve them and make the customer happy. When a job is complete and the customer loves my work, it's all worth it. Being able to stand back and look at a newly remodeled bathroom or kitchen, and know that it not only looks good, but will provide decades of worry free use to the homeowner, as well as adding value to their property, is a feeling I look forward to with every job. Let me help you bring that remodeling idea to reality.

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

While some installers give a flat hourly rate, I feel that is little incentive for them to get the job done in a timely manner. Our estimates are detailed enough so you know exactly where your money is going. If a tight budget needs to be met, adjustments can be made without any suprises at the end of the project. Too often I hear about companies that offer a low estimate to get the job, and end up charging much more on the final invoice. Any changes to the estimate are approved before work is started.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I am a daily visitor to the John Bridge forums where professional tile installers hang out and help DIY (do it yourselfers) with questions on their projects, as well as hang out, brag, and educate each other on everything you can think of related to tile. New products, reviews of new and old, sharing techniques, showing off pictures of jobs we are currently working on, or just sharing pictures of the catch from the latest fishing trip. It's known as the friendliest DIY forum on the internet. I've been going there and learning from other professionals for a long time. if a customer has a tough question, or he doubts my answer, it's good to be able to send him somewhere where he can openly ask other professionals. I'm also certified by Laticrete with all of their products, a certified installer of Wedi products, certified with all of Masterheat's in-floor heating products and I attend several home shows during the year representing them and talking to homeowners about their products.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

I actually kind of stumbled into it. Looking for work, my sister worked at a tile supply company, and heard that someone needed some help. I started out on the ground level, literally, my first day was spent on my hands and knees, grouting a floor for 8 hours. 13 years later I'm the owner of my own company and still loving what I do.

What types of customers have you worked with?

Bathroom remodels are by far the largest part of our workload. Whether it's a leaking shower that needs replacement, or just an outdated bathroom that needs a new look. With designers, general contractors, painters, electricians and carpet/hardwood installers we have worked with for years, if we can't do it, we can get you in touch with someone who can.

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

Insurance job for a remodeling company based in Sammamish. Large home in Redmond that had flooded while they were out of the country. Over 1500 sq ft. of tile including a large marble entry floor and a very large master bath. Job was completed on budget despite the difficulties of the homeowner being out of the country for most of the project. Working in Seattle can have it's challenges, with pay parking and limited hours/space, but each city will have it's difficulties. Mercer Island, Redmond, Kirkland, Bellevue, Newcastle... We are even working on a project on Herron Island right now.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

Ask for references and check on them. Don't go by pictures they show you. Do you know for a fact they did the work or did they just Google tile bathroom and print out a few nice ones. I've torn out a lot of shower over the years, and far too many of them were just a year or two old. Mold everywhere, no waterproofing, no liner in their shower. Mistakes no self respecting knowledgeable tile installer would ever make. Installing pressure treated wood in a shower may sound like a good idea to the average person without doing his homework, but in reality, if the shower were done right in every other way, that pressure treated wood would dry out and then begin to warp and twist. Slowly cracking out grout, popping loose or breaking tiles. A little bit of knowledge can be a dangerous thing.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

If you are looking to hire a tile specialist and you go out and ask for 5 different bids.... You really need to ask more questions than just what will it cost me. If all you want is the lowest bid, you are going to end up with the lowest quality level of work completed. Period. It's that simple. You don't have to take the highest bid, but you can educate yourself easily on what you need to look for before hiring anyone. Check if their license is valid. Check their insurance and bond. Ask for references. Ask them what materials and waterproofing methods they use. Do they only offer 1 year warranty or can they give you a lifetime warranty. It will be more expensive to get a bathroom that will last a lifetime, but do you think it will be more expensive than tearing out that same bathroom in 2 years when the shower is leaking into your living room and you find out the contractor is now out of business?