Frequently Asked Questions

Planning a tile project involves more than selecting a beautiful material. Preparation, waterproofing, layout, site conditions, product compatibility, and coordination with other trades all contribute to a successful installation.

These answers explain how Parker’s Precision Tile approaches custom showers, bathrooms, backsplashes, heated floors, fireplaces, and specialty tilework throughout Raleigh and the Triangle. Because every project is different, your written estimate and Service Agreement will define the specific scope, materials, responsibilities, and scheduling expectations for your project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

What types of tile projects does Parker’s Precision Tile take on?
What areas do you serve?
How do I get started?
Do I need to select my tile before contacting you?
Does Parker’s Precision Tile provide interior design services?

Getting Started

  • Parker’s Precision Tile provides owner-led tile and stone installation for custom bathrooms and showers, kitchen backsplashes, fireplaces, heated floors, covered porches, entryways, laundry rooms, bars, feature walls, and other specialty spaces.

    Every inquiry is reviewed based on the project scope, location, materials, timing, and site conditions to determine whether Parker’s is the right fit.

    Explore Our Tile Installation Services

  • Parker’s Precision Tile serves homeowners, designers, builders, and remodeling professionals throughout Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Chapel Hill, Wake Forest, Holly Springs, and surrounding Triangle communities.

    Project availability may vary based on location, scope, and scheduling.

  • Begin by telling us about your project through the website consultation form. Include the project location, current photographs, approximate dimensions, desired timing, and any plans or materials already selected.

    If a designer, builder, plumber, electrician, glass installer, or other trade partner is involved, include that information as well. Trey will review the details and follow up with the most appropriate next step, including consultation availability.

    Tell Us About Your Project

  • No. You can contact Parker’s Precision Tile while you are still developing the project, especially if you need installation insight before making final selections.

    However, final tile, trim, grout, drain, fixture, and layout decisions may be needed before the scope, price, or schedule can be fully confirmed. We can also recommend trusted Raleigh-area showrooms and design resources when helpful.

    Explore Showrooms and Selection Resources

  • Parker’s Precision Tile provides installation-focused guidance related to tile suitability, layout, proportion, edges, transitions, grout placement, drains, niches, and other details that affect the finished installation.

    This is not a substitute for full-service interior design. When broader design assistance is needed, Parker’s can collaborate with your designer or recommend appropriate local resources.

Scope, Preparation and Installation

  • The exact scope depends on the existing space and the written estimate. A custom shower project may include demolition, substrate preparation, shower-system components, waterproofing, drain integration, tile layout, tile and stone installation, grout, sealant joints, niches, benches, curbs, and transitions.

    Plumbing, electrical work, framing, glass, painting, cabinetry, and other trade work are included only when specifically stated in the written scope. Parker’s Precision Tile coordinates with other project professionals when needed, but each party’s responsibilities should be established before work begins.

    Learn About Custom Bathrooms and Showers

  • Tile and grout create the visible finish, but the waterproofing assembly behind them manages moisture and protects the surrounding construction.

    The appropriate preparation and waterproofing method depends on the substrate, shower configuration, drain, selected materials, and manufacturer requirements. These components must be planned as a complete system rather than treated as separate products.

    Why Shower Waterproofing Matters

  • Yes! Curbless showers are possible when the structure, drain location, required slope, waterproofing system, doorway, and surrounding floor elevations can be properly coordinated.

    Because a curbless entry affects more than the tile itself, it should be evaluated early in the planning process. A site review is necessary before we can confirm whether a particular bathroom is suitable.

  • Yes. Parker’s Precision Tile installs heated-floor systems in bathrooms and other appropriate tiled spaces when they are included in the project scope.

    The heating layout, thermostat location, electrical requirements, floor elevation, transitions, and tile assembly should be coordinated before installation begins. Required electrical work must be completed by the responsible qualified trade unless otherwise stated in the written scope.

  • We’re happy to handle that for you! Material responsibilities are established in the written estimate. Depending on the project, tile and other finish materials may be supplied by the homeowner, designer, builder, or Parker’s Precision Tile.

    When materials are supplied by others, they must be suitable for the intended application, available when required, and supplied in sufficient quantities. Tile should also be inspected for damage, shade or lot variation, and missing components before installation begins.

    Confirm tile quantities, trim pieces, grout, transitions, drains, and other installation details with us before placing final orders.

  • Final selections and layout decisions should be approved, required materials should be onsite and inspected, and prerequisite work by other trades should be complete.

    The work area should be cleared and accessible, with agreed-upon access to parking, loading, water, electricity, climate control, and other necessary site conditions. Pets, children, furniture, and personal belongings should remain outside the active work area.

    Specific requirements will be confirmed before the scheduled start.

Cost, Estimates and Scheduling

  • Tile installation costs vary substantially because square footage is only one part of the project.

    Pricing may be affected by demolition, substrate condition, preparation and waterproofing, tile material and size, pattern complexity, edges and transitions, niches or benches, heated-floor components, access, site protection, and coordination with other trades.

    Parker’s prepares a project-specific written estimate after reviewing the available scope, selections, and site conditions. Generic online price ranges are rarely accurate enough for a custom installation.

  • The expected duration depends on the project scope, preparation requirements, materials, cure times, site conditions, and coordination with other trades.

    Parker’s Precision Tile provides a good-faith scheduling estimate once the estimate is approved. Material availability, concealed conditions, inspections, approved changes, and work performed by others can affect that timing. Meaningful schedule changes will be communicated as the project progresses.

  • Some conditions cannot be fully evaluated until demolition or preparation begins. Examples may include damaged substrates, moisture-related deterioration, out-of-level surfaces, inadequate framing, or previous work that is unsuitable for the planned installation.

    If an unexpected condition affects the work, Parker’s Precision Tile will document the issue, explain the recommended response, and identify any effect on scope, price, or schedule. Additional work will require written approval before it proceeds, except where immediate action is necessary to protect the property or maintain site safety.

  • Changes may be possible, but they can affect material quantities, installation requirements, price, and scheduling.

    Any revision affecting the agreed scope, price, or timeline must be documented and approved in writing before the revised work begins. Making important selections early helps protect the design intent and keeps the installation moving efficiently.

Working in Your Home

  • Yes. Parker’s Precision Tile is an owner-led company, and Trey is closely involved in project review, planning, layout, installation oversight, communication, and the final walkthrough.

    This direct involvement helps preserve continuity between the initial conversation and the finished installation.

  • Site protection is planned according to the project and may include protecting travel paths, adjacent finishes, and nearby work areas. Parker’s also maintains an orderly work area and communicates access or staging needs before installation begins.

    Tile work, demolition, cutting, and preparation can still produce dust and noise. The specific protection plan and homeowner responsibilities should be discussed before work begins.

  • Yes. We regularly work with homeowners, designers, builders, plumbers, electricians, glass professionals, and other project partners.

    Coordination is especially important when tile work depends on framing, plumbing locations, drains, electrical systems, cabinetry, countertops, or shower glass. Work performed by other parties remains outside Parker’s Precision Tile scope unless it is specifically included in the written estimate.

Completion, Warranty and Care

  • Parker’s Precision Tile completes a final walkthrough of the tile installation, including visible grout lines, edges, transitions, sealant joints, and overall finish quality.

    You will receive applicable cure and first-use instructions, project-specific care guidance, and information about key installed products when available. Any appropriate punch-list items will be documented with clear next steps.

  • Parker’s Precision Tile provides the workmanship warranty stated in the signed Service Agreement for the project. Product and manufacturer warranties are separate and remain subject to their own terms, limitations, installation requirements, and care instructions.

    Warranty coverage does not replace routine maintenance and may not cover product defects, structural or substrate movement, concealed conditions, improper cleaning, misuse, premature use, or work performed by others. Your signed agreement is the controlling source for the specific warranty applicable to your project.

  • Follow the project-specific care instructions and the recommendations provided by the manufacturers of the installed tile, stone, grout, sealants, and setting materials.

    In general, use compatible pH-neutral cleaners and soft cleaning tools. Avoid bleach, vinegar, strongly acidic or alkaline products, abrasive tools, and aftermarket sealers or coatings unless their suitability has been confirmed for the installed materials.

    View Tile, Stone and Grout Care Guidance

Still Planning Your Project?

Every tile installation has its own materials, conditions, details, and coordination requirements. Tell us about your space, location, selections, and desired timing, and Parker’s Precision Tile will review the information and recommend the most appropriate next step.

Tell Us About Your Project