Questions Homeowners Ask Before We Start
Straight answers, the same ones you will hear on the phone — including the parts most installers skip, like who actually sets your tile.
Do you waterproof every shower?
Yes. Every shower gets a waterproofing membrane rated to ANSI A118.10 — Schluter KERDI-BOARD or a liquid-applied membrane — installed before any tile goes on, and the shower floor is flood-tested for 24 hours before tiling starts. Tile and grout are not waterproof on their own.
How long does a tub-to-shower conversion take?
A straightforward conversion usually runs about a week to 10 working days for demolition, waterproofing, the 24-hour flood test, tile, and finish work — not counting glass, which is measured after the tile is in. Large-format tile, a bench, or a recessed niche adds time, and your written scope will spell out the schedule before demo starts.
Do you work under my general contractor?
Yes. Northline installs as a subcontractor under licensed general contractors, who hold the project contract and permits and coordinate the licensed trades. Homeowners with a defined installation scope can also hire us directly, and we will tell you up front if part of your project needs a general contractor or a licensed trade.
Are estimates free?
Yes. Estimates are free through the form on this page or our online cost calculator. You get a written scope before any demolition starts, so you know exactly what is included, what is not, and who is responsible for each part.
What areas do you serve?
We are based in Ramsey and serve Anoka, Andover, Coon Rapids, Blaine, Elk River, Champlin, Dayton, Maple Grove, Ham Lake, Nowthen, Osseo, East Bethel, and Rogers, plus the rest of Anoka County and the Twin Cities metro.
Who does the work?
The owner. Northline is a one-man operation, so the person who looks at your project is the same person who sets the tile, checks lippage and mortar coverage, and does the final walkthrough — no hand-off to an unknown crew.
