Make sure you shortlist tradespeople who are tilers only and only consider those who have a high rating, plenty of positive reviews and photos of previous projects. Where possible, ask for references from previous clients.
Look at their reviews, and make sure that your friend's good experience wasn't a one-off. Thirdly, when you approach a tiler, be cautious of any tradesperson who can do the work right away. A good tiler will usually have 4-6 weeks of work backed up.
No gapping between the tiles and walls
To inspect for gaps, place a straight edge against the tile and wall, and look for any spaces in between both areas. A properly done installation will not have any gaps. Additionally, corner and side wall cuts should be clean.
“The labor costs for tile installation can be between $3-$15 per square foot—or, if the contractor charges hourly, it could range between $30-$120 per hour,” Micetich says.
Signs of poorly fit tiles include gaps, thick grout used to hide gaps, and thin strips of tile or broken tiles used to fill in narrow spaces. Experienced contractors plan to have around 10 percent more tile than the minimum they need to for the space to account for breakage and cutting errors.
Visual Signs of Water Damage Under Shower Tiles
Discolouration or mould growth on shower tiles. Check where the grout is cracked or missing, as this could be a sign that water is seeping through and causing damage.
Tiling costs per m² usually work out around £100 per square metre, including the cost of tiles and other materials. But this figure varies a lot depending on each scenario. Tilers charge between £150 – 350 as their day rate for labour only. That's a wide range; a day rate is just one way that tilers charge.
Tile setters are design professionals who cover interior and exterior walls in various types and styles of tile. They work with clients to choose between ceramic, quarry and marble tiles, and they may place tile on the floor, walls or ceilings within the designated room.
Expensive tiles generally require less maintenance and are more resistant to wear and tear, ensuring they look great for years. Cheaper tiles may require more frequent cleaning, sealing, or replacement, which can add to their overall cost over time.
Personal recommendations are among the best ways to find a reputable tile contractor. If you're working with a building contractor or interior designer, ask them which professionals they prefer working with. Friends and family who recently had tile work done might also have some good references for you to consider.
Mold spores, which are naturally present in the air, can settle and thrive in damp and dark environments. Underneath flooring, especially in areas prone to moisture such as bathrooms, basements, or kitchens, mold can take hold and spread rapidly.
Cement-based grouts are porous, and if they aren't sealed, they can absorb moisture. This moisture will eventually build up behind the walls and cause extensive harm. As we mentioned above, you may not notice it right away, and by the time you do, you may already have a lot of damage.
Tiling is a trade that has been around for hundred of years and tiled surfaces show no sign of ever going out of fashion. It is probably safe to say that there will always be a high demand for skilled tilers, meaning that prices will remain high and there's unlikely to ever be a shortage of work available.
Tile. Tile floors have an incredibly long life expectancy – if they're taken care of. Ceramic tile can easily last 75 to 100 years, while natural stone (like marble or granite) can last well over 100.
In any tiling project, lippage is a very real risk. An uneven surface or poorly troweled mortar can compromise an entire floor, wall, or countertop. The lippage that results can be unappealing and even dangerous.
Always verify that your prospective installer is certified, licensed, and has current insurance. Membership in the NTCA (National Tile Contractors Association) is a necessity for a pro-grade job. Also check out whether your prospective installer has training through the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF).
Grade 5 tiles are the most robust and durable option available. Built for extremely heavy traffic and industrial use, these tiles can handle continuous wear in high-demand areas such as airports, commercial complexes, and industrial facilities.