Even a minor flaw in floor, wall, or bath tile can be distracting. One misplaced tile, for example, might throw the pattern and grout line off, making the error obvious. Fixing a messed-up tiling work is also costly, inconvenient, and untidy, especially if water has crept through the grout and harmed frames, ceilings, and finished walls.
That’s why selecting a seasoned practitioner and ensuring the task is done correctly the first time are critical. Furthermore, specialist tile, edging, grout, adhesive, and backer board may be required for specific applications. This is best handled by a professional who knows what he’s doing.
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Tilers are needed
Rather than acquiring contractor leads from retail tile stores, go where the specialists go and visit a tile supply store that caters to contractors. These businesses are more likely to know who provides high-quality work.
Hire a skilled tiler in Dublin that is willing to work on domestic projects like yours. These are the most experienced professionals because a major amount of tiling is done in commercial buildings.
Also, gently deny any offers from a carpenter, labourer, or other non-expert presently working on your property to undertake tiling on the cheap.
Once you’ve got a few names, start qualifying them by checking for current insurance, just like any other contractor. Look for tilers that have been in business for at least three years, as this is the minimum time required to build up an arsenal of specialised tools and a proven track record of outstanding work.
Request recommendations from the tilers. In this case, simply glancing at photos of previous work isn’t enough—photos can be deceiving. Insist on viewing at least one previous installation in person instead.
Identifying High-Quality Tile Work
Keep in mind that each ceramic or quarry tile is the same size as the next while looking at a contractor’s previous work on site. Keep an eye out for consistent joint spacing. Also, inspect grout lines to ensure that they are precisely straight.
Next, concentrate on the tile layout. Is it evenly distributed? Because a good tiler starts in the middle of the room, fractional tiles on opposite ends of the pattern wind up being the same size.
Also look for odd-shaped angles in the baseboard or trim, as well as doorways, windows, and corners. Because custom-cutting tile in these difficulty places is difficult, they’re an excellent indicator of a tiler’s ability.
Look for tiles that fit snugly together and avoid large gaps with lots of grout. Also, make sure that tiles are tucked neatly beneath doorjambs rather than butted against them, which looks bad and creates a water entry site.
Check the wood and walls for any spilled grout or water marks before concluding your assessment. Then inquire if the pro was tidy and if the sink and tub drains were free of debris; cleanup should always be done outside.
Check to see if the tile has leaked or the grout has cracked. If this is the case, inquire about the tiler’s swift and courteous response to any issues.
Another Method of Choosing Tilers
Inquire about visiting a current job site. Once you’ve arrived, assess how well-organized the project looks to be. Because tilers must work rapidly to take advantage of quick-drying mortars and adhesives, neatness is essential.
A seasoned pro will have tile packed neatly by kind, bespoke cuts completed ahead of time, and a pattern map on hand to avoid having to dash to his van for tools and materials.
Experienced tilers also cut their tiles outside to avoid dust and a nasty wet saw backsplash. To safeguard the driveway or lawn, the contractor should keep the saw on a plastic sheet and use runners to protect the path between the cutting and work areas.
Check that the tiler uses some sort of plastic dust containment to keep the work area apart from the rest of the house while you’re there. If ongoing tile work abuts wood trim, a bathtub, or an appliance, make sure the contractor shields it with tape or a specialist coating.
What do I have to offer?
So far, you’ve liked what you’ve seen? Then it’s time to start bidding! However, you’ll need to provide a scale pattern map and tile samples for the design and tile types you’re considering in order to acquire a correct estimate.
For roughly $75, a draughtsman or architect can translate your pattern ideas into a 1/4-inch size drawing. The tiler then estimates labour and waste using the scale drawing.
They should also alert you about potential hazards, such as specifying four speciality accent tiles that are only available in quantities of 50, resulting in a costly 46-piece memento package.
Make sure the contractor specifies 1/2 inch thick cementitious backer board or a comparable synthetic substance, with the seams taped with tiling glue, when submitting the proposal. Then seek a written two-year guarantee against leaks to establish clear lines of duty.
You should have gotten the same warranty from your plumber if you’re having the shower tiled, especially for the shower pan (the lead, galvanized, or rubberized basin that catches any water seeping through shower tile grout). Before the tiler arrives, the pan should be properly checked.
Choosing the Right Tile
Most tilers prefer to provide their own supplies. Don’t be concerned. They can often make a profit and charge you the same or less than you would pay for tiles in a home centre because of their professional discount. With so many different tile kinds, coatings, edge treatments, and porosity ratings to choose from, it’s best if the tiler does the purchasing. Furthermore, you want any material failure to be his fault, not yours.
Remember that the tiler has given you a formal assurance that he will stand by his work. So purchasing high-quality materials is in his best interests. Furthermore, failure of the tiles is uncommon.
You may discover that the pattern isn’t what you expected once the tiler gets started. If you act promptly, it is not too late to reconsider your decision. However, you’ll end up paying twice as much for the installation as well as the labour to remove any tiles that have already been installed.
This emphasises the importance of considering patterns and colours early on. Wait at least 24 hours before walking on freshly grouted tile (wait 48 hours for work done in a shower). To aid drying, use an air conditioner or a fan to circulate air across the area. Call the tiler back right away if the grout splits as it cures, which is a regular problem.
After the final grouting, the grout seams can be sealed with silicone sealer for added protection. The disadvantage is that you must reapply the sealer every six to eight months. Another option is to leave the seams open. If they become dirty, use grout stain to restore them to their original colour.
Wrecking isn’t cheap
A demolition fee is usually included in tiling bids. You can save hundreds of dollars by performing the demo yourself if you have a strong back and a cost-effective means to dispose of waste.
However, this is a difficult, dusty job that necessitates dust masks, safety goggles, a mason’s chisel, pry bar, hammer, and huge buckets for debris removal.
If you’re doing the demolition yourself, make sure you ask the tiler what needs to be removed and how clean the studs and floor surfaces must be before he starts working.
