Tile Layout - How to determine where to start?

This photo is taken at my sister’s house. The other day she sent me a text, “do you have time for FaceTime?” As a contractor, this a common question we receive from friends and family. The scenario is always the same. They have a contractor at their house and they want to know if their contractor is doing something right because something looks off.

So back to my sister. This is what she sent me:

Tile layout can be quite challenging. In this case, it shouldn’t have been. In the above situation, the center of window should have dictated where her contractor started. It’s the only object in her backsplash that would be eye catching if the grout joints are off around it.

Before you or your contractor start your tile project, take some time to think through the layout. Determine where the layout needs to start so that you get the layout right where it matters.

Fortunately for my sister, her contractor was willing to make it right. All is well now and she gets to enjoy her beautiful backsplash (after it gets grouted).