Tile Direct - Choosing a Tiler

If you plan to hire a tiler to install tiles for you the following points should be useful.

It is always a good idea to get at least 2 quotes when choosing a tiler.
Tile Direct can provide you with a list of tilers that we deal with. However, we do not guarantee the work of self employed tradesmen as we deal with so many and every job can be different than the last installation. The final decision on who to hire in the end is yours. Talk to the tiler and if possible ask to see photos of jobs they have done before making your decision.
Remember to compare any quotes in respect to what each tiler is going to do, for example: What total area (square metres) does the quote cover? Putting in tile & slate underlay over wooden floors? Waterproof membrane? Silicone in the corners and around the perimeter? Is the tiler going to seal the grout or tiles? What floor surface preparation are they doing?
All things must be compared to get an accurate assessment of the quote. Do not hesitate to ask why if one tiler is charging more than another, they may be doing something important that the other has left out. The cheapest quote may not always be the lowest cost in the long run and from our experience most times the lowest cost is not the best outcome for your long lasting tiling job that you want to look at and enjoy and not look at and wonder……
It pays to spend a little time making sure that you and your tiler both agree on exactly what is going to be done. The height of the tiles, any patterns to be used, where the trim is going, etc. A little communication now can save a lot of arguments later. Which colour tile is going in which room? Are the borders going to be off-set or not? If the tiler is picking up tiles for you, have they got the correct ones?
Don't be talked out of a decorative feature or extra rows of trims or borders just because it will be easier for the tiler. Decorative trims and borders often make the biggest impact and can be the difference between an average looking job and a spectacular one. The Tiler will only do the job once but you will see the finished product every day. If it takes a little longer or costs a little more in the end, you will be happier with the final job. You only get one chance to do it right so think about under tile heating as well.
If you have a small job it may save you money to get the job done on a charge up basis. It can be difficult for tilers, especially during busy periods, to find the time to quote on small jobs. If you choose your tile and have it on site the tiler may be able to fit those smaller jobs in around other work and save you a long wait.