Jacksonville tile setting: Hiring and Planning

Choose an installer for the work beneath the tile

Give prospective installers photographs, approximate dimensions and your preferred tile size before the site visit. Point out cracks, loose pieces, stains and any history of leaks. Have them describe what they intend to remove, what they intend to retain and how they will assess the exposed floor or wall.

For a shower, have the installer name the proposed waterproofing products and explain the treatment of corners, penetrations, the drain and any niche or bench. Obtain the manufacturer's installation and return-to-use instructions with the proposal. Agree on who will document concealed work and how you will resolve a leak or workmanship complaint.

Review photographs of comparable completed projects and speak with references about communication, cleanup and unexpected repairs. Obtain proof of insurance. If the proposal includes work that requires a contractor license, use the city's license-verification guidance to check the contractor responsible for that scope. [1]

Compare the complete installed scope

Get a written total with separate amounts for tile supply, removal, disposal, surface preparation, setting materials, waterproofing where proposed, grout and finishing. Identify who buys the tile, accepts delivery and handles damaged or surplus material. Keep the same assumptions across proposals so you can compare the actual work.

Agree on the layout before installation. Discuss grout color and joint width, exposed edges, doorway transitions, baseboards and the treatment around cabinets or fixtures. Have the installer show you proposed cuts at the most visible edges. For a repair, approve the replacement tile sample beside the existing surface before authorizing the work.

Set a written procedure for hidden damage: the installer should photograph the condition, explain the proposed repair and obtain your approval of the added price before continuing. Include preparation allowances and exclusions in plain language. Avoid an undefined promise to handle whatever appears after demolition.

Budget from a project-specific estimate. Jacksonville publishes separate building and trade permit charges, including a $60 minimum plumbing permit fee under its listed formulas. Have the contractor identify applicable permits and fees in the proposal; that minimum does not establish the total administrative cost of a bathroom remodel. [4]

Resolve approvals before demolition

Describe the entire proposed scope to Jacksonville's Building Inspection Division. Its FAQ identifies construction that changes structures and work regulated by local codes as permit triggers. It also lists specific plumbing exemptions, including replacement of fixtures after the stop, excluding water heaters. Confirm how the city applies that exemption to your project before authorizing plumbing changes. [1]

For exterior tile at a historic property, check designation and review requirements before ordering materials. The city requires a Certificate of Appropriateness application for exterior work and site work at properties within its locally designated historic districts and at local landmarks. Discuss your proposed porch, step or entry alteration with historic-preservation staff. [2]

Name the person responsible for applications, inspection requests and closeout in your agreement. Jacksonville determines required inspections during permit review, and the permit holder must request them. Review the inspection list before the installer starts work that could conceal an area requiring inspection. [3]

Plan access, downtime and handover

Get a schedule that distinguishes demolition, preparation, installation, grouting and the date you may use the room. Have the installer base walking, cleaning and shower-use restrictions on the selected products. If you have one bathroom, agree on fixture access and temporary arrangements before work begins.

Agree on furniture removal, appliance handling, cutting locations, dust containment and debris collection. Specify which doors and walkways the crew may use. Before the final walkthrough, collect care instructions, product names, spare tile and photographs of concealed preparation or waterproofing.

For inspections at an occupied home, Jacksonville requires a representative aged 18 or older who can provide access to the areas under review. Arrange that access with the permit holder. Review inspection results and any remaining corrections alongside the finish walkthrough. [1]

Published plan-review revision fees for a permitted remodel

Match the scope to your next step

Your hiring checklist

1. Photograph the existing surface and disclose previous leaks or repairs.
2. Specify tile size, pattern, grout, edges and transitions for each quote.
3. Obtain a written preparation and waterproofing scope where applicable.
4. Identify who handles plumbing, approvals and inspection coordination.
5. Agree on prices and approval procedures for concealed damage.
6. Confirm room access, dust protection, disposal and return-to-use instructions.
7. Collect care information and spare tile, then complete a final walkthrough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does tile replacement require a permit?

The city's FAQ does not give a blanket tile-replacement exemption. Describe the exact scope to Building Inspection, including any changes to framing, plumbing or electrical work. Obtain a determination before demolition. [1]

How much should I budget for installation?

Obtain a site-specific quote with materials, removal, preparation and finishing separated. Municipal permit fees do not establish your installation budget. Have each installer price the same scope and explain allowances for hidden damage. [4]

Can the installer tile over an existing shower?

Have the installer assess the existing assembly and explain in writing what they propose to retain. Review the waterproofing approach and product instructions before agreeing. If the installer cannot explain how they will assess underlying conditions, seek another assessment.

Who arranges inspections?

Jacksonville assigns that responsibility to the permit holder and determines required inspections during permit review. Name the permit holder in your agreement and agree on how they will coordinate access and share results. [3]