We want to help answer the most common questions clients have when looking to begin a tiling project within their home. We hope you can find the answers to your questions below. If you can't find what your looking for please email us and we will add the question and answer to the list to help you and others who may need it. 
 
Pre-project
 
How long does it take to tile a bathroom?
An average 25 to 30m2 bathroom with all tiles removed and the substrate ready to tile should be around 45 to 50 hours hours to complete to a high standard, depending on the job design and tiles used. Starting with the screed, waterproofing, floor tiling, wall tiling, grouting and silicone.
 
How much does it cost to tile a bathroom?
This again depends on many factors as design and specifications can vary substantially. But an average sized bathroom  using 600x600 tiles with a tiled shower area walls and bathroom floor would start at around $4000 including materials (not tiles)
 
How much is it to tile my splash back?
The price to tile a kitchen splashback varies on the design, size and the amount of time it takes to complete. A straight laid metro tile splashback will be much cheaper than an intricate penny mosaic splash back with difficult access. Splash backs aren’t generally priced on m2 but rather on the time it will take to complete. Projects range from $500 up to $2000+ in some cases depending on the scope of the job.
 
How to remove and re-grout dirty grout?
The professional way to approach this job is to first protect your kitchen counters with dust sheets. Secondly, use an oscillating multi tool, with a grout removal blade and carefully work the blade in to the joint till all grout is removed. Thirdly, wipe down the tiles and leave to dry before finally applying your new grout.
 
When can you start?
The best bet is to fill in our online form with your details and some pictures. Then we can discuss your project and when we can put you in the schedule. 
 
Do you provide guidance when buying tiles?
We can absolutely offer guidance when you’re looking to buy your tiles. We can help you with the latest trends in wall tiles and what floor tiles are to be avoided in certain areas. For example, you shouldn’t use ceramic floor tiles on your tiled shower floor as they will absorb water over time and eventually pop up off the shower base creating a major problem.
 
How can I make my small bathroom feel bigger?
Large tiles are the best option to make a small bathroom feel more spacious as they give the illusion the room is bigger. So, if you have a small bathroom that you’d like to make feel as big as possible then go for the large tiles. You can also use the old trick of installing a mirror which helps the room feel much larger.

How much does a tiler cost?
This is an important question as you don’t want to feel your being taken advantage of. We believe you get what you pay for when it comes to high quality workmanship. We know tilers who will charge by the hour and are happy to charge $35 an hour as a self-employed tradesman and others that frequently charge $85 per hour and are booked up for months. Many tilers will also charge by the m2 which all depends on the tile size and design layout of your project.
 
What’s the process for picking tiles?
There’s a plethora of choice when it comes to places to choose tiles in Christchurch. Reptiles, Tile Warehouse, Tile Max, Brymac Tiles, Tile Direct, Naturally Tiles and of course Dakota Tiles in Rangiora are just a few of the many tile stores in Christchurch you can visit to find the ideal tile and design for your bathroom renovation or kitchen remodel.
 
How many tiles do I need to buy?
There are apps you can now use to measure your tiled areas using your phone. Googles, AR Measure app is one of them. Or you can work it out easily by measuring the height, width or length of the area you want tiled and multiply it by its height, width or length to get the total area.
 
Mid-Project
 
Do I need to be there when you’re working?
In short, no. If we have access to water, power, a toilet and somewhere safe to cut tiles and mix glue, we’ll be fine. We’re happy to provide Police checks for any employees that enter your home on your request.
 
Why use a professional tiler?
Using a professional tiler is important if you want your tiles to be installed correctly and to save time. It’s also vital that you use an approved waterproofing installer to waterproof the areas around your shower and bath as not doing so could prove disastrous further down the line.
 
What happens if the job starts to run over budget?
Before agreeing to any work commencing on your property we will have agreed, in contract, what work is to be done and for what price the work will be carried out for. This will be a flat rate price which includes the materials and labour. Any changes to this scope will be signed on a change order before commencing the work.
 
When will I be invoiced?
You will be invoiced at pre-discussed progress points.  Firstly we’ll take a deposit to put you on the schedule. Secondly, will be a pre-determined halfway point of the job, and finally, at the end of the job once you’re another happy customer.

What's the best grout to use?
In our professional opinion the best grout to use would be an epoxy grout. It is impervious and is incredibly hard to stain which is why it is used in public swimming pools. Epoxy grout is quite difficult to use if you’re not experienced with it. So, it is worth contacting a professional. Cement grouts with anti-bacterial additives are very good although they do tend to stain over the years, especially in splashback areas and showers. A good tip...avoid white grout in wet areas and on your kitchen splash back as it collects stains faster than coloured grouts like light grey, mid grey or anthracite.
 
Post-project
 
Do you guarantee your workmanship?
Yes. We proudly offer a 3-year workmanship guarantee on all our tiling projects with terms and conditions as follows:

• Valid on complete installations only
• We will fix any defect that is a result of our work
• We will cover the cost of the work to be fixed

What products can I use to maintain and clean my tiles?
A neutral Ph cleaning product for the daily cleaning of your tiles will be sufficient for most tile installations. Follow this by a wipe over with some clean hot water to pick up any remaining dirt and grease as it’s this grease and dirt that gets trapped in the face of the tile and grout.