Tile and grout service: regrouting, cracked tile, backsplash installs
Cracking grout isn't cosmetic — it means water is finding the substrate. We regrout when it's saving you a full redo, and tell you honestly when it's bigger than that.
What tile & grout covers
DIY vs. hire — which makes sense for your job
When DIY works
Re-caulking a tub edge is a 30-minute DIY with a tube of silicone and a utility knife. Regrouting a whole shower is different — 4-6 hours of scraping, 2-3 hours of mixing + applying, 24 hours of cure, and the physical toll is real. Floor-tile swaps require removing the old tile without breaking neighboring ones, which is a skill that takes practice.
When to hire
A pro uses a power grout saw + oscillating tool to cut old grout cleanly, kills mold with proper treatment, mixes grout to exact consistency, and presses it into every joint. Re-caulking gets smooth bead lines without the bumps that come from unsteady hands.
Permit, license, and safety
Tile and grout work is pure handyman scope in California. No license needed, no permit needed, at any residential scope under §7048 thresholds. Larger commercial tile installs may need permits, but residential shower regrout, tile replacement, and backsplash installs never do.
The one exception: if tile work includes new plumbing fixtures (new shower head location requiring new supply line, new drain relocation), that plumbing portion falls under licensed C-36 plumber scope and may need a permit.
This hub covers tile & grout generally. We serve Los Angeles County — for LA-specific pricing, neighborhood-level detail (pre-1978 homes, earthquake considerations, HOA rules), and typical local sub-contractor routing, see our Los Angeles tile & grout page.
Related reading
A few pieces we wrote for LA homeowners thinking about this category:
- Resealing bathroom grout in LA — Why LA bathrooms need resealing every 2-3 years and how to do it correctly.
Related services
Ready to get it done?
Tell us what you need. We'll match you with a vetted Los Angeles pro.