Plan tile setting in Madison, WI

Choose an installer for the room and scope

Describe the room, approximate tiled area, existing surface, and tile you want. Send photographs of corners, doorways, fixtures, and damage. Ask each installer to inspect the area before committing to preparation work or a final price. Include your preferred pattern and any trim or accessories that someone must remove and reinstall.

For a floor, ask the installer to explain preparation and the finished height where tile meets adjoining rooms. For a shower, request a written waterproofing scope, drain coordination, and responsibility for each stage. Ask how the crew will photograph concealed work before placing tile over it.

Request photographs of comparable projects and references you can contact. Ask for proof of liability insurance, identify subcontractors, and name your contact during the job. Discuss who handles questions about preparation, plumbing coordination, and unfinished work.

Compare complete quotes and control added work

Ask for separate descriptions of demolition, hauling, surface preparation, setting materials, tile, grout, edge finishes, and installation labor. Confirm who purchases the tile and handles damaged deliveries or unused material. Approve the pattern, grout color, and visible edge treatment before ordering.

Obtain project-specific written quotes to set your budget. Ask installers to identify allowances and exclusions, then explain how they will price each allowance. For concealed damage, agree that the contractor will stop, photograph the condition, and obtain your written approval before adding work or cost.

Madison lists separate plan-review and inspection charges for applicable remodeling work. The selected fees below concern those administrative categories; they do not describe tile labor, materials, or your total permit bill. Ask whoever handles permits to identify the charges that apply to your full scope. [3]

Resolve permits before setting a demolition date

For one- and two-family residential alterations, Madison directs applicants to discuss zoning, prepare plans, submit applicable forms, and obtain required permits after approval and payment. Describe your entire project to Building Inspection at 608-266-4551, extension 2, including any wall, plumbing, or electrical changes. Ask whether your proposed tile-only work requires a permit. [1]

Put permit responsibilities in the contract: identify who submits plans, pays fees, and schedules inspections. Madison requires inspection before you cover or build over permitted work. Ask your contractor to identify that stage before scheduling installation over the affected area. [1]

The city lists 10 to 15 working days for initial review of more complex alteration plans. Account for that review stage before committing to demolition. Ask the installer for a separate room-use schedule, including product waiting times, and arrange another bathroom if your project requires it. [1]

Assess existing materials before removal

Wisconsin DHS assumes untested building materials other than wood, metal, glass, or fiberglass contain asbestos, and includes vermiculite regardless of testing. With limited exceptions, people disturbing or removing asbestos-containing materials must hold asbestos worker or supervisor certification and work for a certified asbestos company. Ask how the contractor will assess existing flooring, adhesive, and backing before scraping, grinding, or removal. [4]

Wisconsin regulates paid renovation that disturbs qualifying painted or varnished surfaces in homes built before 1978. DHS lists disturbance of 6 square feet in a single room among its certification triggers and describes exceptions for qualified findings that the work will not disturb lead-based paint. For demolition near painted walls or trim, ask whether the rule applies and request company and assigned-renovator details when required. [5]

Discuss assessment responsibilities before accepting a demolition allowance. Ask who arranges any necessary professional evaluation and how you will approve a revised scope. Agree on the cutting area, dust containment, protection of access routes, and daily cleanup. Keep children and pets outside the work area.

Approve the layout and plan the handover

Before installation, review cuts at doorways, corners, niches, and visible edges with the installer. Ask to see the proposed layout in the room and record your approval. Confirm transitions and accessory placement, then require written agreement for changes.

At handover, walk through the room with the installer and record unfinished items. Request product names, care instructions, warranty terms, and leftover tile for repairs. Confirm when you can walk on the floor or use the shower, who handles outstanding items, and how to report a problem.

Selected Madison remodeling review and inspection charges

Choose the next step for your project

Your hiring checklist

1. Photograph the room, existing surfaces, damage, fixtures, and adjoining floor transitions.
2. Give each installer the same preparation, layout, material, and cleanup scope.
3. Request comparable project references, insurance details, and a named contact.
4. Resolve suspect-material assessment before authorizing demolition.
5. Clarify permit, fee, and inspection responsibilities before booking work.
6. Include hauling, disposal, dust containment, and access-route protection in the contract.
7. Require written approval before the contractor adds work or cost.
8. Approve the layout and request care instructions, warranty terms, and return-to-use dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does replacing tile require a Madison permit?

The city's alteration guidance describes the broader remodeling process without settling cosmetic tile-only permit requirements. Explain your full scope to Building Inspection at 608-266-4551, extension 2. Include any planned wall, plumbing, or electrical changes. [1]

Can my installer leave demolition debris for city pickup?

Madison excludes contractor-generated building debris from city collection and Streets Division drop-off sites. Include hauling and disposal in the contract rather than planning municipal pickup for the contractor's debris. [2]

Should I remove old flooring before the installer arrives?

Resolve suspect-material questions before removal. Wisconsin DHS assumes specified untested building materials contain asbestos and regulates disturbance of asbestos-containing materials, subject to exceptions. Ask a qualified professional to assess the planned removal before you scrape or grind. [4]

How long should I plan to lose use of the room?

Request a schedule covering demolition, preparation, applicable inspections, installation, and product waiting times. Madison lists 10 to 15 working days for initial review of more complex alteration plans. That review period does not describe tile installation time. [1]