BEHIND THE SCENES AT CUSTOM TUB AND TILE!

Here’s a sneak peek inside our new training booth at our warehouse.  We fully believe in the importance of giving our technicians both in-house and field training so that they can uphold our high standards of quality workmanship.

As a company that grew from one man’s vision and on-the-ground experience, we’ve learned that reputation is key.  We’ve also learned that the key driver of a good reputation is excellent customer service.  Since day one, it’s been a priority to not only provide our customers with superior quality finishes that outshine and outlast those of our competitors, but to also ensure we deliver top-notch customer service every step of the way.  That starts in-house.

No subcontractors here!  Our technicians are full-time employees that are fully dedicated to doing a great job every single time. From their first day on the job, our technicians learn about our process from the resurfacing aspect as well as the customer service aspect.

When you call us to resurface your tub, tile, sink or kitchen countertop, you can rest assured you’ve got an experienced, dedicated and professional technician headed your way.  They’ll walk you through each step of the process to ensure you understand and are satisfied with the service you’re receiving.  Our job is to exceed your expectations. Give us try! Send us an online estimate request or give us a call today!

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

Wishing your family a safe and enjoyable holiday!

And if you’ve still got summer projects to finish, give us a call! Take a break and let us do the heavy lifting. We’ve got the perfect solution for you.

Happy Easter from the Custom Tub and Tile Team!

See how our innovative resurfacing process will breathe new life into your bathroom and kitchen surfaces this spring.

Call us today schedule your service appointment!

Choosing the Right Contractor

When taking on a home improvement project, it’s important to get the right person to do the job. Money Crashers and HomeAdvisor have great tips on what to consider when choosing a home improvement contractor and how to do so wisely.  Here are a few of our own:

1. Stay local!

Selecting a locally-based contractor means you’ll likely receive faster service and be better able to remain in contact with the company both before and after you receive service.  If you have any issues with the workmanship, you’ll have access to the company to get it fixed. Additionally, contractors who operate a physical place of business will be required to maintain valid business licenses. These are easy to verify via public records and can give you peace of mind knowing you’re choosing a credible business. Which brings us to number 2…

2.  Check credentials! 

Ask each contractor you’re considering to provide proof of valid license, as well as proof of insurance, to perform the work you’ll be hiring them to complete. Consider also requesting a list of references of previous customers who will vouch for their customer service and quality of work.  Angie’s List is another great resource for verified reviews specific to service providers.  

3. Get it in writing!

Before any work starts, make sure you have a signed written agreement that details all work to be done, the cost and terms of payment.  This will eliminate any assumptions on your part and on the part of the contractor.  Also ask for a written copy of any warranty you’ve been promised.  Read over it carefully, ask any questions you may have up front, and keep it handy in case you need to request warranty service later on.

4. Know what your downpayment SHOULD be!

Believe it or not, this is something that is actually regulated by the state! Some states have strict regulations on what contractors can require as a downpayment for residential work.  In Maryland, for example, contractors cannot require more than 33% of the full contract price as a downpayment before work begins (learn more about Maryland regulations here).  In Virginia, homeowners can negotiate their own terms, but are advised not to put more than 30% down. By comparison, California has a much stricter policy. Downpayments are limited to $1,000 or 10% of the total contract price, whichever is less.  The moral of the story? Make sure your contractor’s requirements are in line with state regulations, and NEVER pay for 100% of the work before 100% of the work is complete!

Custom Tub and Tile, LLC is a Maryland Home Improvement Contractor (MHIC #102757) specializing in bathroom and kitchen remodeling. Our process provides the perfect solution for revitalizing your bathroom and kitchen surfaces without the expense or hassle of renovation. See what we can do for you!

Buyer Beware! Know what you’re paying for.

When considering the alternatives, homeowners often question the durability of refinishing compared to replacement.  The reality is, quality refinishing or resurfacing work can last several years; it just depends on the process your refinisher uses.  The best jobs can remain in tact for 10 years or more with proper care and use; but poor workmanship can peel in a little as 6 months.  Before deciding which refinisher to use, be sure you understand what each promises with their service, including their coating process and quality of materials used.

MSDS Sheets

All refinishing materials come with what are called Material Safety Data Sheets (known as MSDS sheets).  These serve a similar purpose as the ingredients directions label on other household goods you may use, like bleach–(side note: NEVER use bleach on your refinished surfaces!)— they let you know what each coating contains and how it can be used safely.  MSDS sheets will show you the real deal of what you’re getting for your money.  Check out which- and how many- coatings you’re getting, and demand top quality from your refinisher.

Not All Refinishing is Created Equal

In addition to ensuring the quality of the materials, it’s important to verify the quality of the process. The number of steps and coatings your refinisher uses will determine how long the job will last.  This is especially important if your tub has been done before.  In order to ensure a strong bond between the new top coat and the tub’s surface, it is critical to first remove the tub’s original coating.  (Tip:one sign your tub may have been done before is if you notice peeling around the edges of the tub, near the caulk line or around the drain.) If the old coating is not removed first, the new coating will adhere to the old coating, not the tub itself.  The result you’ll get is similar to what happens when you try to paint glass– it sticks, but can be scratched right off. This is because the window’s glossy surface (similar to a glazed tub surface) isn’t porous enough to lock in the paint.  Removing the tub’s old gloss will expose its naturally porous surface, allowing the new coating to lock in completely.

Why wouldn’t refinishers always remove the old coating you ask? Some companies skip this step to save time and the cost of the extra materials, passing along those cost savings to the customer. However,  the short-term cost savings yield a lower-quality finish that often wears thin, peels and needs to be redone within a year.  You could end up spending twice as much or more to get the tub redone again, especially if you don’t receive a good service warranty (be sure to check that and get it in writing, too!).

At Custom Tub and Tile, we’re proud to offer our customers top-grade materials engineered for customer safety. Further, we employ a 3-step coating process that guarantees maximum adhesion of the new coating to the fixture’s surface, delivering a beautiful, durable finish.  What’s more, our workmanship is backed by a written service warranty for up to five years.  We also provide our customers with cleaning recommendations to help keep their new surface sparkling for years to come.

Give us a call today to schedule your free estimate and learn more about what we can do to transform your bathroom and kitchen surfaces!