Class 1 of 6 — Tile Design, Waterproofing Choice & Owner Approval

Purpose:
Ensure tile design enhances drainage, durability, and long-term performance — not just looks.

Key Responsibilities

• Confirm all tile specifications:

  • Tile type, sizing, thickness

  • Pattern direction (herringbone, stacked, brick)

  • Niche + bench + curb location & proportions

• Waterproofing system selection (Kerdi, RedGard, Wedi, etc.)

• Confirm heat floor compatibility

Action Items

• ✅ Confirm drain style + alignment (centered or linear)

• ✅ Pick grout color + edge detailing (Schluter, pencil trim, etc.)

• ✅ Homeowner signs off on layout & finish selections

• ✅ Add photos + example inspiration on Detail Page for clarity

• ✅ Mark tile transitions on printed plans (floor to wood/carpet)

PM Tip:

Tile should never be planned by tile installer alone — DESIGN FIRST.

Class 2 of 6 — Material Take-Off, Delivery & Warranty Setup

Purpose:
Prevent shortages, mismatched batches, or delays.

Key Responsibilities

• Installer must confirm tile counts using your spec page

• Confirm waterproofing components & drain kits included

• Allocate extra for waste (10–20%, depending on pattern)

Action Items

• ✅ Document all batch/lot numbers in case of color variations

• ✅ Confirm arrival dates + add to PM calendar

• ✅ Store tile on flat level surfaces — protect from moisture

• ✅ File product warranties in digital Home Manual

Class 3 of 6 — One-Week-Out Jobsite Protection & Prep

Purpose:
Prepare workspace to prevent damage to finished surfaces.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish tile cutting + mixing station

• Confirm waterproofing inspection scheduled where required

• Pre-mark layout lines and niche cutout locations

Action Items

• ✅ Plastic protection around entire tile zone

• ✅ Ensure water source + power supply accessible

• ✅ Verify drain + plumbing centered to design intent

• ✅ Coordinate garbage station — tile debris gets heavy fast

• ✅ Moisture testing required on concrete slabs

PM Reminder:

Once waterproofing is covered… mistakes are very expensive.

Class 4 of 6 — Installation Day: Alignment, Waterproofing & Workmanship

Purpose:
Ensure professional tile standards and functional drainage.

Field Responsibilities

• ✅ Perform flood test on shower pan if applicable

• ✅ Confirm tile follows snapped lines — not crooked framing

• ✅ Monitor grout joint alignment + consistency

• ✅ Test niche slope toward shower

• ✅ Watch for:

  • Lippage

  • Hollow under tile

  • Thinset coverage (full back buttering on tile 12×24 or larger)

• ✅ Photos of waterproofing BEFORE TILE for homeowner survival manual

Tile Rules:

Slopes must drain properly.
No corners touching without grout line.
Waterproof details must be visible in documentation.

Class 5 of 6 — Grout, Sealing & Specialty Finish Verification

Purpose:
Protect tile surfaces for long-term sanitary performance.

Action Items

• ✅ Correct grout spacing & smooth joints — no low spots

• ✅ Ensure sealants (silicone) at:

  • Inside corners

  • Changes of plane

  • Around niches & curbs

• ✅ Confirm color uniformity — no haze left behind

• ✅ Protect edges & decorative pieces during cure time

Class 6 of 6 — Final Tile Close-Out, Punch Walk & Payment Approval

Purpose:
Deliver a waterproof, clean, and client-approved tile installation.

Close-Out Requirements

• ✅ Blue Tape Walk — mark:

  • Lippage

  • Alignment errors

  • Texture differences

• ✅ Verify slope in shower bases goes to drain

• ✅ Confirm:

  • ✔ No scratches or cracked tiles

  • ✔ All sealants correct

  • ✔ No haze residue

• ✅ Ensure tile photos + waterproofing docs saved correctly

• ✅ Office approval BEFORE releasing payment

🎯 Objective:
Zero callbacks.
Zero leaks.
Zero ongoing tile maintenance complaints.

Thank you for completing this Session!

Home Building Master Class | The Contractor Checklist

Video Explanation

www.thecontractorchecklist.com