ᐅ How can I identify a skilled tile installer for large-format tiles?
Created on: 10 Aug 2017 15:27
E
EA-Tec
Hello,
perhaps a somewhat basic question, but how can I recognize a truly skilled tile installer with experience in large-format tiles?
The background to my question is that, after many visits from tile installers at the construction site, they all claim to have done this kind of work before, but so far I have only felt confident that one of them really knew what they were talking about.
Of course, I could look at the work of each tile installer individually, but I neither have the time nor the desire to do so and would like to make a preliminary selection.
So far, the selection has mainly been based on price...!? Meaning if someone is too cheap, they are dismissed... I just get the feeling that the person doesn’t understand how much work this will involve for us.
In total (two bathrooms) it’s about 40 square meters (430 square feet) of tiles and around 10 square meters (110 square feet) of mosaic, but a lot of profiles between the tiles will be used, and the grout cuts need to be precise. The store where we bought the tiles estimated about 30% waste, and this was also confirmed by the tile installer who has so far left the best impression. However, it remains to be seen if that will really be the waste, as much of it can likely be used for shelves and similar.
Anyway, I’m wondering what criteria I can use for a preliminary selection? Are there specific questions I can ask tile installers to find out if they have experience with large-format tiles? Or do I need to continue selecting based on gut feeling (and a low price)?
Personally, I’m budgeting around €4,500 to €5,000 including VAT (including adhesive, sealing tape, profiles, etc.) — labor costs, across several tile installers, tend to be around €2,000 to €2,500 net, with a duration of 7 to 10 working days.
One person offered to do it for €1,500 gross and would have finished in three days — I suppose you could hire them just so they realize what the job actually involves, but I want the tiles to be installed nicely, not just thrown together.
I would appreciate any tips or suggestions, thank you very much in advance!
perhaps a somewhat basic question, but how can I recognize a truly skilled tile installer with experience in large-format tiles?
The background to my question is that, after many visits from tile installers at the construction site, they all claim to have done this kind of work before, but so far I have only felt confident that one of them really knew what they were talking about.
Of course, I could look at the work of each tile installer individually, but I neither have the time nor the desire to do so and would like to make a preliminary selection.
So far, the selection has mainly been based on price...!? Meaning if someone is too cheap, they are dismissed... I just get the feeling that the person doesn’t understand how much work this will involve for us.
In total (two bathrooms) it’s about 40 square meters (430 square feet) of tiles and around 10 square meters (110 square feet) of mosaic, but a lot of profiles between the tiles will be used, and the grout cuts need to be precise. The store where we bought the tiles estimated about 30% waste, and this was also confirmed by the tile installer who has so far left the best impression. However, it remains to be seen if that will really be the waste, as much of it can likely be used for shelves and similar.
Anyway, I’m wondering what criteria I can use for a preliminary selection? Are there specific questions I can ask tile installers to find out if they have experience with large-format tiles? Or do I need to continue selecting based on gut feeling (and a low price)?
Personally, I’m budgeting around €4,500 to €5,000 including VAT (including adhesive, sealing tape, profiles, etc.) — labor costs, across several tile installers, tend to be around €2,000 to €2,500 net, with a duration of 7 to 10 working days.
One person offered to do it for €1,500 gross and would have finished in three days — I suppose you could hire them just so they realize what the job actually involves, but I want the tiles to be installed nicely, not just thrown together.
I would appreciate any tips or suggestions, thank you very much in advance!
Nice of you to consider our personal taste.
The main bathroom is 10 sqm (107.6 sq ft), the guest bathroom 5 sqm (53.8 sq ft), and that works for us. What’s important is that the rooms are large enough. Especially since the bathrooms aren’t really small compared to what is usually offered in and around Frankfurt.
The tile format was deliberately chosen (and calculated) because it results in very few grout lines and makes the bathrooms look bigger. Yes, some tiles will need to be cut, so what? Should I accept more grout lines (and thus a less attractive look) because the tiler has more work? Definitely not!
Both walls and floors will have tiles, as well as brick-style mosaics (made from the tile).
The main bathroom is 10 sqm (107.6 sq ft), the guest bathroom 5 sqm (53.8 sq ft), and that works for us. What’s important is that the rooms are large enough. Especially since the bathrooms aren’t really small compared to what is usually offered in and around Frankfurt.
The tile format was deliberately chosen (and calculated) because it results in very few grout lines and makes the bathrooms look bigger. Yes, some tiles will need to be cut, so what? Should I accept more grout lines (and thus a less attractive look) because the tiler has more work? Definitely not!
Both walls and floors will have tiles, as well as brick-style mosaics (made from the tile).
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