We spend so much time and energy choosing and comparing different tile collections, that for many people the decision to buy becomes a symbol if not of a new life, then certainly of the end of the repair. And here some may be disappointed. Even the most exquisite porcelain tiles can easily be spoiled by low-quality laying. So where to find and how to determine a good tiler? Tile laying only at first glance seems like a simple task that you can entrust the handyman on the ad. Install a porcelain tile, he most likely will, but here is a quality approach does not guarantee. But the result of repair – something that we will be inspired by and with which we will put up for many years. And that is why it is better to refuse to compromise and spend at least a couple of days in search of a good master.

Step 1.

Recommendations in the first place tiler rarely needs advertising, and the demand for his work often exceeds the capabilities of the master. Instead of searching for ads the first thing is to ask the phone number of a specialist from friends and relatives.

If there are no good recommendations in the immediate vicinity, it is worth turning to distant acquaintances, even through forums or social networks. Here, too, you can get a confirmation of the tiler’s qualification from a neutral person.

The third search option – contact the salon, where you choose the tiles.

Step 2.

Price list and examples of work A rough estimate of the price range in which the tiler works, and look at his work can be directly in the apartment of friends. Another way – to come to the object to the master you are interested in. On the spot will not be difficult to understand whether you are satisfied with the work or not. An extreme case – an assessment of personal portfolio specialist, which a reliable tiler will show without any conversation.

Regarding price, a good craftsman is unlikely to tell a fixed cost per m2 without inspection of the facility. The final estimate depends on the condition of the foundation, and the complexity of the laying, and the total area.

Step 3.

Visual inspection of the work If you were able to see the result of the tiler’s work in person, it is not worth trusting your eyes alone. Apparently correctly installed tiles may well be a shoddy job, and to check the quality of laying is to do a simple algorithm.

Check the evenness of the installation. Visually level floor and walls may have deviations from the norm vertically or horizontally. Check their absence by using tools such as a level, plumb line and rule. A maximum deviation of 1.5 mm per 1 m of the length of the surface in either direction is allowed.

Assess the quality of laying. If no tools are available, evenness can be checked by touching it and comparing the positions of the edges of the adjacent tiles around the joint. Your finger should not feel any differences in height. The evenness of the floor can also be checked with a ball or a small volume of water. On an even floor, they will be stationary.

Attention to seams and corners

The most obvious laying errors can be noticed by evaluating the long seams as well as the outside and inside corners. It is best if the outside corners are formed by tiles whose edges are trimmed at 45°. Less skilled craftsmen use plastic corners instead, masking irregularities in tile connections.

Method of tile trimming

While the trim scheme is usually determined by the design project, an evaluation of the areas cut and the openings cut for utilities will tell a lot about the craftsman. Trimming should be neat and inconspicuous. Ideally, the tiles are centered so that the trim at the edges does not exceed 1/4 of the full tile size.

Check for voids

Perhaps the most important test for porcelain tile is to tap the tile with a hard object or a knuckle. There should be no air voids under the tiles and the sound on impact should be uniformly deafening in any area of the wall and floor. A loud ringing sound indicates voids, which can cause damage or tile falling off.
Step 4. The skill of the master can be indirectly evidenced by the number, quality and condition of his tools. For laying porcelain tile will need not only straight and serrated trowel, level, plumb and rubber mallet, but also more serious equipment.
Of course, a drill-mixer for glue and tile cutter or a grinder with a disk and crowns for porcelain tiles can be rented, but a professional will not baffle the customer with these questions.

And a master professional providing tiling services Melbourne who is willing to install porcelain tile using his wet cutter is probably superior to an amateur without the necessary tools.
Step 5. What to ask the tiler. The first meeting with the master you chose by preliminary assessment largely determines the style of cooperation. It is now important to run through the ways of solving acute issues. It is worth not only to find out the qualifications of the tiler regarding the laying of porcelain tiles, but also to find out whether he makes waterproofing and is familiar with the intricacies of installation and cutting the material. It is equally important to talk about behavior during the acceptance of work and decide who will be responsible for possible alterations.

A good specialist will readily correct all legitimate claims and at the same time will not guarantee perfect quality without a thorough inspection of the object. Naturally, such a craftsman will not take on another order until he has closed all the issues at your site.