Tiling bathrooms

[Sanke]

Hi all
This is more of a question for those that regularly tile bathrooms etc in conjunction with a plumber As part of my plumbing business I have recently done two projects requiring the use of a tiler On both projects I have used different tilers but they had been recommended by experienced people The first project resulted in the clients only paying half the tilers fee The second (still to be concluded) has several problems, grout missing, dirty tiles, grout all over the window frame, pipes for shower reset from the 150 I left them at to 160 etc
Have the members any advise as to how to avoid problems with my next tiler or would they advise that I learn to tile myself and complete the whole job that way ???? If so anybody in Essex willing to teach me ?

[Daz]

It sounds as though you need a good tiler Sanke - Hello .

Where in Essex are you? Maybe we should have a chat?

I've never had a complaint from any of the plumbers that I work for.

[jay]

why not ask for a tiler on here to do your work just pm Dave and he will find one for you

[Sanke]

Hi Captain
Just outside Southend

[david campbell]

to the forum
i think you would be better checking the tilers work before you employ them rather than hear say

[Sanke]

Hi Jay
I posted on here before the first job & got a few replies However, despite giving them all the details none of them could give me a price so I had to look elsewhere

[Daz]

That may be a bit far for me, but there are some good guys on here that would be more than willing to help you.

You may want to post a thread in the "looking for a tiler" section, as that will attract a few guys.
I would suggest that you take time to vet any prospective tilers for future jobs, though. I think you have been suckered by previous so called tilers, but when you get a good one make sure that you treat them well and hang on to them. My plumbers remember to bring bacon sandwiches to site every morning!

[jay]

Hi Jay
I posted on here before the first job & got a few replies However, despite giving them all the details none of them could give me a price so I had to look elsewhere

problem there is its near imposable to quote a job without viewing

try captain slow sounds like he might help and check out his album

[faithhealer]

you just haven't found a good tiler yet mate,

[Smudger]

Tiling is one of those trades that anyone thinks they can do, but in reality it is a proper trade. Like any trade there are those that care and do a quality job and those that expect decent money for a poor finish. I would suggest (if you can't check out previous work) that the guys on here know what they are talking about. If you sub out work, you are still responsible for the finished job, so if you are not happy, don't pay until they put it right, at the end of the day it's your reputation and your business that's on the line.

[Sanke]

I agree with you Smudger That's why I was looking to avoid it happening again I have made contact with two guys from the forum so we shall see what comes of that Would still like to spend some time with a tiler to understand more of what has to be done, then I can appreciate it more & perhaps preparation etc could be better (not looking to learn another trade & replace you guys just understand/appreciate)

[Smudger]

Nothing wrong with learning another trade, mate. If you can do your own tiling to the standard you want then why not. I've just qualified as a domestic electrical installer so I can do my own electrics, that way I can keep my prices down and I'm not waiting around for someone else. All I am saying is that if its your job, and the tiling is poor, then the customer will be unlikely to recommend you. If you can find a decent tiler it will enhance your business because you'll get a quality finish, they are also a lot quicker. I can plaster to an excellent standard, but I use a specialist plasterer because I'm too slow to make money at it.

[andy-p]

Good tilers are rarer than hens teeth , ive been tiling over 20 years now and i can count on one hand the number of good reliable tilers i know , when you find a genuine good tiler pay him what hes worth...