PROPOSAL & ESTIMATE PROCESS
Our goal is to provide every client and GC with a professional, accurate, and transparent proposal while protecting both the client and Craftmaster Tile Co LLC from misunderstandings about the scope, price, schedule, and responsibilities.
Step 1 – Initial Contact
When a potential client or GC contacts Craftmaster Tile Co LLC, we collect the basic project information:
-
Client / GC name and contact information
-
Project address
-
Type of project
-
Areas requiring tile work
-
Approximate project size
-
Desired start date
-
Project plans, drawings, specifications, and tile schedules, if available
We determine whether the project is within our scope and whether an onsite visit is necessary.
Step 2 – Review Project Information
We review all available plans, drawings, specifications, elevations, and project information.
We Identify:
-
Tile installation areas
-
Floor and wall quantities
-
Shower and wet areas
-
Waterproofing requirements
-
Dry-pack or mortar-bed work
-
Wall floating
-
Niches, curbs, benches, and other details
-
Large-format tile
-
Stone or slab installation
-
Crack-isolation requirements
-
Special patterns or layouts
-
Material requirements
-
Potential access or scheduling issues
Any information that is unclear or missing is identified before preparing the proposal.
Step 3 – Site Visit / Field Verification
When required, we visit the project to verify existing conditions and measurements.
During the site visit, we look for:
-
Substrate conditions
-
Framing and wall conditions
-
Floor elevations and slopes
-
Existing finishes
-
Plumbing locations
-
Drain locations
-
Waterproofing conditions
-
Access to the work area
-
Material storage
-
Jobsite conditions
-
Potential conflicts with other trades
Measurements and photographs may be taken for estimating and project documentation.
Step 4 – Prepare the Estimate
Using the project information and field measurements, we calculate the labor, materials, equipment, mobilization, and other costs required to complete the work.
The estimate is broken down by scope whenever practical, such as:
-
Floor tile installation
-
Wall tile installation
-
Dry pack
-
Floating walls
-
Waterproofing
-
Crack isolation
-
Shower pans
-
Niches
-
Curbs and benches
-
Stone/slab installation
-
Demolition, if included
-
Other specialty work
Step 5 – Define Inclusions and Exclusions
Before sending the proposal, we clearly identify what is included and what is not included.
Typical exclusions may include:
-
Tile and stone
-
Finish materials
-
Design work
-
Plumbing
-
Electrical
-
Framing
-
Structural repairs
-
Removal and disposal
-
Substrate correction
-
Work by other trades
Any materials that Craftmaster Tile Co LLC will provide are clearly identified in the proposal.
Step 6 – Review Pricing
Before sending the proposal, we review the estimate for accuracy.
We verify:
-
Measurements
-
Quantities
-
Labor pricing
-
Material costs
-
Additional work
-
Mobilization
-
Schedule requirements
-
Overhead and profit
-
Exclusions
-
Payment terms
The goal is to make sure the proposal is accurate, competitive, and profitable before it is submitted.
Step 7 – Send Proposal
The completed proposal is sent to the potential client or GC through Contractor+.
The proposal includes:
-
Scope of work
-
Pricing
-
Inclusions
-
Exclusions
-
Payment terms
-
Important project notes
-
Contract terms
-
Proposal validity, when applicable
The client/GC is given the opportunity to review and ask questions.
Step 8 – Follow Up
After the proposal is submitted, we follow up professionally to confirm that it was received and answer any questions.
If the client requests changes to the scope, quantities, materials, or pricing, we revise the proposal when appropriate.
We do not assume that a project is awarded until the client/GC provides written approval or otherwise formally authorizes the work.
Step 9 – Approval & Contract
Once the proposal is accepted:
-
Confirm the final scope.
-
Confirm the contract price.
-
Confirm payment terms.
-
Confirm project schedule.
-
Obtain the required signatures/approval.
-
Confirm insurance and other required documents.
-
Collect any required deposit or initial payment.
-
Schedule the project.
The approved proposal and signed agreement become the basis for the work.
Step 10 – Pre-Construction Confirmation
Before starting, Craftmaster Tile Co LLC confirms:
-
Final scope
-
Current plans and specifications
-
Tile selections
-
Material availability
-
Jobsite access
-
Start date
-
Other-trade coordination
-
Waterproofing system
-
Layout requirements
-
Special installation requirements
Any changes or unforeseen conditions discovered before or during the work are addressed through the appropriate written Change Order process.