I see and hear all to often of the horror stories when someone hires a supposed tiler only to have things go horribly wrong..
here are a few suggestions for anyone hiring a tiling contractor
1. Don’t hire general handymen/maintenance/general builders to do it… they rarely have the knowledge of tiling processes (not just measuring up) but different types of adhesive, what adhesives to use on which tiles and backgrounds, specialist areas such as wet-rooms, swimming pools, Saunas etc..
2. Ask some qualifying questions.. I.e will this job need expansion joints? Will you need to replace the background? What is the best substrate for this tile/application? There are more but these will raise immediate red flags if they cannot answer them or stutter when trying to answer
3. DO NOT let them use a ready mixed adhesive with a porcelain tile and one that has a surface area larger than 0.0625 M2 (I.e 250x250, 150x400 etc)
4. DO NOT let them spot fix, ever! Watch them apply the first couple of meters and then sporadically check.. remember you’re paying them to do a job properly
5. If a price seems too high, ask questions and have them explain why, a good tiler or any tradesperson knows their value and can justify it. Likewise if a price seems too low (or a bargain) you need to question why because it will cost you more to have it put right if and when it goes wrong..
6. If a tiler has a preferred product they use this is a good sign and shows they’re experienced and don't just use whatever is provided
6. Get in writing exactly what work is to
Be carried out, detailed and itemised, agree on terms and a price and get something signed
Just be vigilant, it’s your money and your project. Don’t rush a good tradesperson and don’t try and find the cheapest because you get what you pay for in this industry
This protects both the contractor and the customer and ensures a happy project
If anyone disputes any of the above from either side I would be happy to address any questions etc
here are a few suggestions for anyone hiring a tiling contractor
1. Don’t hire general handymen/maintenance/general builders to do it… they rarely have the knowledge of tiling processes (not just measuring up) but different types of adhesive, what adhesives to use on which tiles and backgrounds, specialist areas such as wet-rooms, swimming pools, Saunas etc..
2. Ask some qualifying questions.. I.e will this job need expansion joints? Will you need to replace the background? What is the best substrate for this tile/application? There are more but these will raise immediate red flags if they cannot answer them or stutter when trying to answer
3. DO NOT let them use a ready mixed adhesive with a porcelain tile and one that has a surface area larger than 0.0625 M2 (I.e 250x250, 150x400 etc)
4. DO NOT let them spot fix, ever! Watch them apply the first couple of meters and then sporadically check.. remember you’re paying them to do a job properly
5. If a price seems too high, ask questions and have them explain why, a good tiler or any tradesperson knows their value and can justify it. Likewise if a price seems too low (or a bargain) you need to question why because it will cost you more to have it put right if and when it goes wrong..
6. If a tiler has a preferred product they use this is a good sign and shows they’re experienced and don't just use whatever is provided
6. Get in writing exactly what work is to
Be carried out, detailed and itemised, agree on terms and a price and get something signed
Just be vigilant, it’s your money and your project. Don’t rush a good tradesperson and don’t try and find the cheapest because you get what you pay for in this industry
This protects both the contractor and the customer and ensures a happy project
If anyone disputes any of the above from either side I would be happy to address any questions etc
