Like most things on the internet, a search for a professional tile and grout restoration company will bring back an unnerving amount of options – the good, the bad and the ugly.

It can be a lot to wade through and the cost of making a poor choice can be extremely high. So, what are some things to look out for when your tile and grout surfaces need professional attention?

Demos and Warranties

Choose a company that stands by its products and services. Any quality business that restores tile and grout should be happy to demonstrate the effectiveness of its restoration products and methods.

In other words, be wary of any company that isn’t willing to perform demos or can’t give clear answers as to how products work or how long they will perform. It’s also a good idea to ask if the work can be warrantied. If not, proceed with extreme caution.

Honesty

Everyone wants a cheap and easy solution for their tile and grout issues, but the hard truth is there are no self-cleaning floors and walls.

The success of any tile and grout restoration work will only last as long as the area is properly maintained and periodically serviced. If a tile and grout company is promising a one-and-done solution–a quick and permanent fix–avoid it.

The products that eliminate grout porosity and protect tile surfaces don’t last forever. Over time, impregnating sealers and floor shields break down. How fast depends on the level of foot traffic, exposure to harsh cleaning and chemicals, and a variety of other factors.

Any business that promises a permanent solution isn’t being honest. A reputable company will have no issue sharing critical data about the product or service it is providing, such as maintenance requirements.

Business Longevity

Running a successful business is never easy and poorly managed companies tend to fail quickly. Keep your eyes open for a business that’s been serving the local area for a long time.

A business’s longevity not only speaks for itself, but it also makes it easier to find customer reviews about work they’ve done in the past. Always do your research.

Customer Reviews and Referrals

Customers love to complain when they are unhappy, so there’s usually plenty of evidence when a business does poor work or is unprofessional. It’s obviously wise to avoid a company with a long list of unsatisfied customers.

Conversely, while happy customers may provide repeat business, they often don’t invest their time in actively promoting it to others. As stated in an entrepreneur.com article, “…a Texas Tech University study found that while 83 percent of customers say they’re willing to provide referrals after a positive brand experience, only 29 percent actually do.”

Because of that, positive customer reviews or client referrals tend to be a strong testament to a company’s commitment to value and service.

Good Communication, an Abundance of Options and Quick Service

Once the background research is done, reach out to the companies that interest you via phone, email or social media platforms.

Note how quickly they respond to inquiries. Great products don’t mean much without good service to back them and swift, concise communication is a critical part of that.

It’s also wise to choose a tile and grout restoration company that provides an assortment of design and service options to meet the ever-evolving needs of your business.

A professional solution should always be tailored to a specific area’s needs, environmental factors and patterns of use and abuse. A one-size-fits-all approach is a recipe for failure.

Be sure to ask about project completion times and potential work schedules to make sure any cleaning or restoration can be done in a way that does not negatively impact your facility or cause excessive downtime.

Maintenance and Repair Services

Regardless of the industry, frequency or intensity of use, routine maintenance is an essential part of keeping tile and grout surfaces attractive and sanitary.

A reputable restoration company will not only discuss maintenance needs and practices, but it will also tailor a maintenance schedule to that area’s specific use and abuse factors and offer periodic servicing for repairs or refreshing sealants and coatings.

Companies that truly go the distance may also demonstrate daily and weekly maintenance techniques for specific areas, guide custodial staff on proper care, and partner with administrators to schedule projects around your business’s financial needs and budget cycle.