250-886-6968  jonafina@gmail.com  

Users Guide

Hi, and Welcome! Here you will find answers to F.A.Q. about my process and policies.

To get the ball rolling, please answer these 3 questions about your tile or stone installation project: 

 

– What do you want to build

– When do you want it done

– Where is it

 

What:

Describe your project in as much detail as you can, including photos of the area as it is now, dimensions, drawings, drafted plans, tile selection (or size), inspiration Pinterest/Instagram pictures.  Browse my website photo galleries for examples of what I’ve done. Some of what you see there was spec’d by an architect or interior designer and managed by a general contractor with multiple sub trades, some of it was conjured up entirely by myself and/or a homeowner. I’m not an architect or interior designer, but I certainly have a wealth of field experience and ideas to consult with.

 

When:

There are two options here: “ASAP ” and “Fixed Date” – I will provide clients with an estimate of my earliest availability; if the job is ready to go ASAP then I may be able to get to it earlier than a fixed date if my schedule allows. If a timeline needs to be adhered to then I can certainly accomodate that as well.

To ensure clients are fully committed to moving forward with me, particularly for installations that require many days or weeks, I ask for a deposit to hold a block of time for their project. As an independent contractor forecasting and staying on schedule is crucial to the success of my business. More about my booking policies in “Payment Terms” below.

If you’re planning your project months ahead then hey, I like you! Contacting me as early in the planning stage as possible often makes a difference to the cost, timeline and quality of the job.

 

Where:

Where is your job? Commutes over 10km one way from my home (Jubilee) are charged at $2.50/km. This will be factored into the quote for your location. I have worked as far as Duncan, several Gulf Islands and Sooke, but it does add up the farther I have to go.

If you live in a condo or strata, I need to be advised, and so does the management. Any special considerations concerning management or strata counsels needs to be addressed prior to my arrival. 

 

Professional Masonry and Tile Installation Services

What services do you provide?
I specialize in tile installation. I can install in-floor heating systems (testing and hookup by licensed electrician), face plates, shower bars, grab bars, and glass door kits. I do wood stud framing for tile backing and some finish carpentry such as trim work, baseboards, and mantels to support tile installs. I have woodworking tools including a table saw and chop saw.

What services do you NOT provide?
I do not do in-wall plumbing or electrical work as I have limited equipment, proficiency, and no liability insurance for that work. Paint and drywall are usually someone else’s job. I try to avoid demolition when possible, though sometimes it’s necessary. Any pre-1990 drywall, stucco, or linoleum requires hazmat documentation (date stamp, building construction documents, or lab test result) before work can begin.

Do you supply tile and other materials?
I’m happy to supply and/or deliver tile, but most clients prefer to shop for and purchase their own tile. If you do this, please order 10-20% extra, get it early enough to inspect for damage or defects, and ensure it arrives on time. I supply all other materials including cements, adhesives, grouts, caulks, backer board, plywood or framing, waterproofing, in-floor heat mats, cables, thermostats, shower pans and drains, and anything Schluter makes.

How do you price your work?
I do not price by the square foot or by the hour due to too many variables. I price based on many years of experience, evaluating factors such as site conditions, timeline constraints, communication requirements, level of difficulty, quality expectations, and scheduling considerations. All quotes, proposals, and contracts are submitted by email with a well-defined scope of work.

What type of clients do you work with?
I focus on clients who prioritize quality and aesthetics, or general contractors meeting higher standards for their clients. These are typically people who will be personally using the installation for years and want it to maintain serviceability and value. I prefer not to work with clients seeking the lowest bid or those primarily interested in profit margins over quality, such as owners of utility-grade rentals, spec builders, or house flippers.

What site conditions do you require?
Work spaces must be between 10 and 28 Celsius and free of obnoxious dust, fumes, or personal safety hazards. Power and water (outside hose tap) must be available. I need a flat area to set up a wet saw, which can be messy – I can use tarps to protect surfaces, but interior finished spaces or garages with cars are not suitable.

Is waste removal included in your quotes?
Waste removal and dump fees are not automatically included in quotes. Many clients have more cost-effective disposal options. If included, it will be a line item in the written proposal.

What are your requirements for level surfaces?
Substrates that are out of level require more time and materials. Acceptable tolerances for walls and floors are 1/4 inch in 10 feet (per TCNA Handbook). I can work with slightly more room than that. It’s usually simpler to correct surfaces before tile installation. Small corrections under an hour will not be charged. Tubs and shower bases installed by plumbers must also be level and square to walls.

What warranty do you provide?
I do not offer warranty on wet area and shower cement backer board installed by others – my install must start with plumb, bare wall studs. I do not warranty tile over linoleum or other inadequate substrates. Cracks caused by excessive building movement or seismic activity are not covered. However, I always take care of any deficiencies in my work.

What are acceptable tolerances for tile work?
Small discrepancies of 1/32 inch or less are common in tile setting; 1/16 inch is acceptable. Tiles aren’t always exactly the same size, square, or flat. Best practice is to meet on site on or just before my last day to inspect and sign off on work, especially for distant jobs.

What are your payment terms?
A 20% deposit on labor is required to hold your booking and is non-refundable if cancelled. Materials deposit (cost of goods) is required upon delivery if materials exceed $1000. E-transfer is preferred; cheques are fine if delivered in person on or before the last day or mailed immediately. For jobs lasting more than 2 weeks, I may ask for a progress payment. Late payments beyond 2 weeks are charged at 1% per day. GST of 5% applies.

What happens if there are schedule delays?
Short-notice unplanned interruptions beyond my control are billable to the client at $500 per day. I use discretion – justified causes like medical emergencies will be deferred, but negligence or poor planning requires compensation. If I’m delayed due to illness, family emergency, or delays on a previous job, I will advise immediately and may work weekends/evenings to catch up.

Do you handle asbestos or hazmat materials?
No, I do not handle asbestos or hazmat materials. All drywall, plaster, and floor tiles must be tested prior to starting any removal or demo work. All waste disposal companies require documentation before allowing dumping in their bins.

What is your hourly rate for extra work?
Work beyond the scope agreed in our contract is billable at $100 per hour plus the cost of materials at retail.

How do you protect existing surfaces during work?
I protect tubs, fittings, cabinets, countertops, and finished floors in the work zone from damage. I inspect these items prior to beginning to note any existing marks. I am very careful not to stain pavement with cement products. I cannot be responsible for unpainted drywall or mud filler at the edge of the tile field, as tile work is messy. Anticipate touch-ups or final coat of paint following my work.

What are your requirements for drywall around tile areas?
Ideally, drywall should be mudded, primed, and have a first coat of finish paint that is lightly washable without damage, and can be grouted to cleanly in the joint where tile runs into corners or ceiling. Taping off walls with painters tape often results in peeling the paint, so I don’t do it.

Do you have insurance coverage?
I am covered for injury by my Worksafe POP plan, but owners can still be liable for gross negligence. I do not have liability insurance for in-wall plumbing or electrical work, which is why I don’t provide those services.

I created this document to familiarize clients with my process, what they need to do to prepare, and to avoid any surprises or misunderstandings. Some of it is just a recap of basic business etiquette as applies to dealing with any small independent service provider that relies on appointments and bookings to earn a living. I have operated for many years as a sole proprietor tile assembly specialist and twice as many before that in carpentry, masonry and general construction on good faith, without all the wordy “fine print”. For almost all of my gracious and respectful clients it hasn’t been necessary. Yet there will always be the exception, who by ignorance or intent, push the boundaries of any ambiguity or grey area that exists, so I’m taking steps to manage those risks as I grow my enterprise. None of it is directed at anyone in particular, no offence is intended. Please feel free to ask questions or for further clarification of any of these clauses.

Thank you for taking the time to read all of this, and if you’re still here I look forward to doing business with you!

 

Regards,

Jonathan Finlay 

The Micromason Tile & Stone Installation Specialist