Frequently Asked Questions
Real answers from SAVU LLC for Southern NH & Northern MA homeowners — not sales talk.
Why choose labor-only over a one-stop shop?
Big showrooms charge a middleman markup on materials and send a rotating crew you've never met. With our labor-only model, you pick exactly the tile you want — and get the same master installer on-site from the first thinset trowel to the final grout polish.
We focus on the science of installation, not the profit margin of materials.
What's the most critical part of a shower renovation?
Waterproofing. It's what you don't see that matters most. We don't just install tile — we build a complete waterproof system using Schluter KERDI membrane on shower walls and pans, protecting your home's structure for decades.
An installer who rushes this step is setting you up for mold, rot, and a costly rebuild.
What is substrate prep and why does it matter?
The substrate (underlayment) is the surface beneath your tile — where most tile failures begin. Before we set a single tile:
- Floors get Schluter DITRA uncoupling membrane to prevent cracks from subfloor movement
- Shower walls & pans get Schluter KERDI waterproofing — never drywall
Cracked grout two years later is almost always a substrate problem skipped at the start.
What is lippage and how do you prevent it?
Lippage is when tile edges don't sit flush, leaving uneven ridges between tiles — the #1 sign of a rushed or unskilled installation. We prevent it through:
- Precision substrate leveling before any tile is set
- Tile leveling clip systems during installation
- Careful batch matching — tiles from different boxes can vary in thickness
Do you provide a layout plan before starting?
Absolutely. We perform a full layout analysis before the first tile is set — ensuring you never end up with awkward, tiny slivers in corners or off-center patterns.
A professional layout is the difference between a project that looks okay and one that looks like a high-end magazine feature.
Can you tile over my existing tile?
Sometimes — but we usually recommend against it:
- Adds height that conflicts with doors, transitions & cabinets
- Traps any moisture or mold already beneath the old tile
- In showers, bypasses the KERDI waterproofing layer entirely
A clean demo and fresh substrate is the right foundation for a tile job that lasts 20+ years.
Porcelain, ceramic, or natural stone — which is right for me?
- Porcelain: Dense & water-resistant — best for high-traffic floors, wet showers, and outdoor use
- Ceramic: More affordable, easier to cut — ideal for walls and lighter-use floors
- Natural stone (marble, slate, travertine): Premium and beautiful — porous, requires sealing and regular maintenance
Choosing the wrong tile for its location leads to premature failure. We'll guide you.
Are custom tiled showers better than prefab systems?
- Design: Unlimited options — any size, shape, or pattern
- Durability: Lasts decades vs. prefab that chips, yellows & leaks at the seams
- Home value: Significantly boosts resale appeal
- Waterproofing: Schluter KERDI prevents leaks at the source
Yes — custom tile always wins.
Does grout choice really matter?
Tremendously. Grout isn't just filler — it's part of the design.
- High-contrast grout highlights your tile pattern
- Tone-on-tone creates a seamless, modern look
- High-performance grouts resist staining & color fade for years
Read our full grout color guide before you buy.
Should I seal my grout and natural stone?
- Cement grout: Seal 72 hrs after install, then every 1–2 yrs in wet areas
- Epoxy grout: Non-porous — no sealing needed
- Natural stone (marble, slate, travertine): Must be sealed before grouting — unsealed stone stains permanently
- Porcelain & ceramic: Only the grout joints need sealing, not the tile itself
We'll give you a complete maintenance rundown before we leave your project.
What should I know before buying tile?
- Floor vs. wall: Floor tile is thicker. Wall tile on a floor will crack.
- Wet areas: Shower tile must be rated “suitable for wet areas.”
- Overages: Buy 10–15% extra for cuts and future repairs.
- Spares: Keep leftovers — discontinued colors can’t be matched later.
Unsure about your choice? Send us the link — we’ll check it in minutes.
Do you handle tile removal and demo?
Yes — tile removal is included in every full installation and full replacement project we take on.
Proper demo and substrate preparation before setting new tile is part of doing the job right. We don't cut corners by skipping the tearout, and we don't do standalone demo-only jobs.
Do you repair tile or fix another contractor's work?
No — we only do complete tile installations and full replacements.
A leaking shower is almost always a waterproofing failure beneath the tile. Patching the surface just masks the problem — the leak comes back. The correct fix is a full reinstall with Schluter KERDI waterproofing done from scratch. That's what we do.
If another contractor left your job unfinished — call us for a full redo, done right.
Do you install large format tile or slabs over 24"×24"?
No — and we'd encourage you to reconsider them too.
- Require specialized machinery & major substrate upgrades
- Far higher risk of lippage, cracking & hollow spots over time
- More prone to failure with normal home settling
The same modern, seamless look is beautifully achievable in 18"×36" or 24"×24" — with significantly better long-term durability.
Do you take on commercial tile projects?
No — we work exclusively with residential homeowners in Southern NH & Northern MA.
This focus is deliberate. Residential tile demands a different level of craft and personal attention than commercial work. You're never competing for our schedule with a hotel lobby or apartment complex.
100% of our attention goes to your home.
Do you work under general contractors or designers?
No — we work directly with homeowners only. Here's why that's better for you:
- No GC markup: GCs add 15–30% to sub labor — you keep that money
- Direct line: You speak to your installer, not a middleman — no miscommunication
- You're the priority: Not a line item on a builder's schedule
- Direct warranty: Our 5-year guarantee runs straight to you, not through a contractor chain
Designer picking tile? Great — we'll coordinate. But the contract is always with you.
Why not use Lowe's or Home Depot's installation service?
Big box stores subcontract tile installation to regional third-party networks — you don't know who's coming to your home or what credentials they hold.
- No guaranteed certification — anyone in their sub network qualifies
- No direct relationship — you contract with the store, not the craftsman
- Warranty claims go through layers of corporate customer service
- Material markups mean the store profits on product, not your install quality
SAVU LLC: same named, CTI-certified team — direct 5-year warranty to you.
Why not find a tile installer on Thumbtack or Angi?
Lead platforms charge contractors $20–$150+ per lead — and that cost gets built directly into your quote. Beyond the price:
- Minimal vetting — anyone can list with few credential checks
- Race to the bottom — low prices mean skipped substrate prep & waterproofing
- You're a transaction — your quote goes to 4–5 contractors at once
SAVU LLC doesn't buy leads. Our reputation is 150+ genuine five-star Google reviews, earned one project at a time.
What about tile installers in Google's sponsored results?
Appearing at the top of Google — through Google Ads or Local Services Ads — means a contractor paid to be there. That says nothing about their skills or reliability.
- Google "Screened" = a background check, not a craftsmanship standard
- Ad spend is a cost built directly into your quote
- Ranking by budget, not quality
SAVU LLC earns its ranking through expert content, CTI certification, and 150+ real reviews — not ad dollars.
Do you provide free estimates?
Yes — every quote is 100% free with zero obligation.
Submit your project details in about 2 minutes and we'll email you a precise labor quote within 24 hours. Accurate numbers, zero pressure.
Can you come in person to give me an estimate?
We offer free remote consultations instead of on-site estimates — so you get a clear, accurate quote faster, without disrupting your day.
Photos and measurements give us everything we need for the vast majority of projects. We'll let you know if an in-person visit makes sense for yours.
What info do you need to give me a quote?
- Photos of the project area
- Images or a link to your chosen tile
- Your desired pattern (if you have one in mind)
- Approximate square footage or room dimensions
Submit it all through our quick quote form — takes about 2 minutes.
How far in advance should I book?
Quality tile installers in Southern NH & Northern MA are typically booked 3–6 weeks out, with spring and fall being the busiest seasons.
Secure your date with a deposit as soon as your quote is approved — don't wait until your tile is already sitting in your garage. The schedule fills fast.
How do I prepare my home before installation day?
- Clear the room completely — furniture, décor, items under the sink
- Have all tile and materials on-site before your start date
- Ensure parking access near the entry for our tools and equipment
- Secure pets away from the work area
- Plan to avoid the tiled space for 24–48 hrs after for cure time
We'll send you a project-specific checklist when we confirm your date.
How much does backsplash installation cost?
Labor cost depends on:
- Square footage of the area
- Tile type & size — mosaic takes longer than subway
- Pattern complexity — herringbone & chevron cost more than straight lay
- Removal of existing backsplash tile
See our backsplash cost guide or request a free quote for exact pricing.
What materials will I need to purchase?
For a typical installation you'll purchase:
- Tile — buy 10–15% extra for cuts
- Thinset (adhesive mortar)
- Grout and caulk for corners & transitions
- Sealer — required for marble, slate & all natural stone
We provide a precise materials list so you don't over- or under-buy.
How long does a tile project take?
- Backsplash: 1–2 days
- Bathroom floor: 2–5 days
- Custom shower: 5–10 days
- Multiple rooms: 7–15 days
Timelines include proper adhesive and grout cure time. We never rush a step that affects the final result.
Do you install electric heated flooring systems?
Yes. We install Schluter DITRA-HEAT electric heating mats beneath tile — a popular NH & MA bathroom upgrade given our winters.
A licensed electrician is required to wire the thermostat and power connection after we set the mats beneath your tile.
Do you offer a warranty on your work?
Yes — a comprehensive 5-year labor warranty from project completion date, covering all workmanship under normal use.
If something we installed fails due to our work, we make it right. No runarounds, no corporate hotlines — direct accountability to you.
That's the SAVU LLC promise — backed in writing.
What certifications and credentials do you hold?
- CTI — Certified Tile Installer (CTEF)
- Schluter Systems Certified (KERDI & DITRA)
- Laticrete Certified
- NTCA — National Tile Contractors Association member
- 5.0 ★ Google — 150+ five-star reviews
- Best of Houzz award winner
- Fully licensed & insured in NH & MA
What payment methods do you accept?
We offer flexible, convenient options:
- Check & Cash
- Venmo (credit cards accepted through Venmo)
- Zelle
A deposit secures your project date — your spot is confirmed once received.