Quality isn't a commodity
The spectrum in tile setting

On the home page you'll find a good intro to the trade. Here we'll address the availability and pricing of industry standardized and Error methods ("error" is a somewhat cruel naming by the associations, seeing as it's the most common method) in Ottawa Ontario 2024.

Below you'll find an old document I don't employ anymore, but still has informational value for the cost of industry standardized tile installation. The remainder of the page attempts to address the variation in the marketplace.

Literature for pricing construction services.

Pricing, Complexity, and Industry Standards in Tile Installation

Pricing variability is expected in the industry, regardless of quality. Many contractors chronically undercharge for their services, while others mistakenly believe their earnings match a doctor’s salary—only to realize that once expenses are covered, they’re left with a standard income.

At a certain price threshold, industry-standard methods become infeasible, and Error methods—valued for their speed—become the only available option.

Pricing Breakdown

Error methods pricing (for common uncoupling membrane floors): <$15 per SF (labor + materials, excluding tile).
My pricing (based on GAAP and burdened labor rates): ~$26 per SF (labor + materials, excluding tile).
Reference document attached for additional assemblies.

Neither estimate accounts for project-specific requirements or a general contractor’s markup.

Quality vs. Pricing

Due to the many variables affecting installation, pricing isn’t always a reliable way to assess quality. Instead, refer to the three essentials of tile setting for an accurate evaluation.

Market Availability: An Observation

Track housing universally uses Error methods, with mixed results. Using plywood underlayment and avoiding large format tiles (no edge longer than 15") has proven effective.
Flooring stores: I have yet to confirm a store that consistently employs industry standards—many don’t, though some may.
Renovators & custom builders often rely on Error methods, but this isn’t a criticism—construction is inherently complex, and business owners focus on the aspects that interest them most.

Industry Insights from Experience

I started in residential construction with a subcontractor using Error methods. After launching my own business and adopting industry standards, marketing efforts revealed an apparent gap in these practices within the Ottawa market.

Fortunately, I’ve since connected with several professionals who uphold industry standards—you can find some listed on my contact page.

Summery

While pricing tends to follow repeated patterns within different industry networks, costs vary based on:

Quality, craftsmanship, and service level
A company’s organizational structure, estimating/bidding approach, and accounting practices

At the end of the day, lower costs mean less time can be invested into a project—whether for quality or client care.

Industry-standard installations remain in the minority, and a basic heuristic is to expect them to cost roughly twice as much as Error method installs (excluding GC markups).

For projects involving a general contractor, anticipate an additional 20–50% markup, with 50% being standard for project management and overhead expenses—which are often necessary and justifiable costs.