NTCA Five Star Contractors Will Participate in the Installation Design Showcase at Coverings 2018

The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) will have its Five Star Contractors participating in the Installation Design Showcase, featuring tiny houses, during Coverings 2018 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

The Installation Design Showcase is a must-see at Coverings. The Showcase will feature three tiny houses each highlighting a different design aesthetic. Three NTCA Five Star Contractors will collaborate with top designers, exhibiting synergy between design and installation.

The Three Tiny Houses will have tile installed by the following NTCA Five Star Contractors:

• CG Villa – Installation by J&R Tile of San Antonio, Texas
  “We are proud to feature our staff of professional certified and advanced certified installers for the second year in a row,” states Erin Albrecht, chief operations officer of J&R. “Being a part of this showcase allows us to demonstrate industry-standard techniques via qualified labor installations. We look forward to show how crucial experience, attention to detail, and being centered and balanced is imperative on complex projects. Substrate prep and movement joints are essential for a moving small space, such as a tiny home. We at J&R pride ourselves on our field personnel having the ability to communicate and educate owners and architects. Problems solve themselves when you pride yourself on execution of design intent with a staff that shares the same vision and core values.”
• Luxe Cottage – Installation by Visalia Ceramic Tile of Visalia, Calif.
  Sam Bruce, president of Visalia (also participating for a second year) comments, “There are many aspects to the tile industry, starting from manufacturing, distribution, sales, design, products and tools. Each leads to the final installation process. The Installation Design Showcase covers each step of this procedure. In particular, it allows us to exhibit the importance of creating a relationship with the designer. As an installer, our job is to bring a designer’s vision to reality through tile installation using the right methods and standards. Clearly, we need to listen in order to understand what the designer is trying to achieve. At times, we must educate designers so they understand these methods and standards, as well. When this sort of teamwork happens, solutions are created which lead to successful projects.”
• Smart Modern Living – Installation by DW Sanders Tile & Stone Contracting Inc. of Marietta, Ga.
  Woody Sanders, founder of D.W. Sanders comments, “The Installation Design Showcase offers the construction industry as a whole and the tile industry, in particular, to witness methods of installation and techniques now entering the market. This sparks discussion to interface with peers of how the products would be used in their markets. Furthermore, it places a spotlight on qualified tile contractors to showcase their employees.”

Each of these installation companies has completed the NTCA Five Star Contractor recognition program and employs installers certified by the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation. “Without question, we love the opportunity to showcase the technical as well as artistic capabilities of our Five Star Contractors,” says NTCA Five Star Program Director Amber Fox.

“The tile industry believes in the quality of workmanship offered by NTCA Five Star Contractors,” continues Bart Bettiga, executive director of the NTCA. “Many manufacturers recommend Five Star contractors to their customers on challenging projects. This showcase brings these types of projects to real world scenarios; giving attendees the opportunity to interact with the contractors and observe the installations from beginning to end.”

To obtain Five Star certification, contractors must be a member of NTCA, and complete an application process that includes submitting examples of work, reviews and recommendations from peers and customers and proven commitment to service, quality, safety and job performance. Five Star Contractors are also required to certify a minimum of 10 percent of their installers through the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) Certified Tile Installer program or have completed a three-year apprenticeship program approved by the Department of Labor.