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 30 m2 bathroom with all tiles removed and the substrate ready to tile should take around 45 to 60 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 depending on the design, size, and amount of time it takes to complete. A straight-lay metro tile splashback will be much cheaper than an intricate penny mosaic splashback with difficult access. Splashbacks aren’t generally priced on m2, but rather on the time they will take to complete. Projects range from $650 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 multitool with a grout removal blade and carefully work the blade into the joint till all grout is removed. Thirdly, wipe down the tiles and leave them to dry before finally applying your new grout.
When can you start? The best bet is to fill out our online form with your details and some pictures. Then we can discuss your project and when we can put you on 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 that 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 like you are 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 $55 an hour as a self-employed tradesman, and others who 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 choices 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 at 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 on what work is to be done and for what price the work will be carried out within the quote. This will be a flat rate price that includes materials and labour. Any changes to this scope will be signed on a change order before commencing the extra work.
When will I be invoiced? You will be invoiced at pre-discussed progress points on larger projects. Firstly, we’ll take a deposit to put you on the schedule. Secondly, there will be a predetermined 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 epoxy grout. It is impervious and 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 is to avoid white grout in wet areas and on your kitchen splashback, 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 2-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 with 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.