Why Should I Hire A Tile Setter

Why Should I Hire A Tile Setter?

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    We recommend hiring a professional tile setter to ensure the best quality installation for your project. You will see the tiles every day, and you want to ensure the installation looks the best it possibly can. As professional tile setters, we also remain current on new trends and products used in a tile installation. Looking for home renovations Melbourne? Look no further! Hitch Property Constructions has you covered.

    If paying for a professional tile installation is an issue, it’s better to hold off on the project before trying it yourself. If you choose to complete a DIY installation, there’s a lot you’ll need to consider. If you don’t have the time or desire to invest in the project, it could take many months before it’s complete. Therefore, you increase the possibility of abandoning the project.

    Unless you have some hands-on experience with installing tiles, the process might not be so straightforward. If there are pipes or drains near the area you want to install tile, it requires more work and professional guidance. However, people who install tiles all day long will know what to look out for and be ready.

    If you're hiring a tile installer, you are probably looking for a ceramic tile installation professional who will take the beautiful tiles you painstakingly selected and transform them into the floors or walls of your dream-come-true space.

    In other words, you want someone who has experience and knowledge of how to install tile correctly, without taking shortcuts, while ensuring that the final installation looks beautiful and performs as it should long after that installer is gone.

    It makes sense, right? However, that's where hiring the right tile installer gets complicated.

    Evaluating experience and knowledge can be difficult for someone not in the tile installation business day-in and day-out. And when you aren't sure, it's easy to rely on using the lowest price or bid as a way to evaluate who to hire.

    What is professional tiling?

    It might sound like embellishments to some people. Let me dive in. A professional tile installer doesn’t just “fix tiles”. Let’s take a look at some key points:

    • The first and foremost is that the tile installer is certified by a standards organisation, association, skills acquisition company or body. Ask anyone in any profession what certification means, and you would understand. It is not your usual piece of cake. Certification delves into the depths and explores the width, searching all nooks and crannies of what tiling entails. This is where you learn that esoteric bit of knowledge that separates the usual (DIYs) from the unusual (professional).
    • The second is the experience. Knowledge on its own is often just tried and tested data/information. It’s the work hours one has spent putting the knowledge into solving real-life scenarios that count. You can often tell the difference between the expert who has only tiled his own house (where he can “manage” the results) and a true professional tile installer. The experience of tiling with ceramics, porcelain, natural stone, mosaic, and others cannot be acquired by doing in-house DIY projects only.
    • Then there is licensing. This is a profession, not a hobby. The professional tile installer should be a member of an appropriate association. This way, they are exposed to the latest information, practices, products, tools, training, and workshops available.

    Why professional tiling?

    For anyone ordering a tile installation, the standard of the finish is what counts. The best option for any tiling project is to get a professional tile installer for the reasons below.

    • Get your tiling project done right the first time around: I will surely not be the only one to have come across tiling eyesores - tiling projects went wrong. Nowadays, tile installers get calls to come and fix tiling installation that’s gone awry. And it doesn’t take much for that to happen. A mispositioned tile can throw off the pattern and grout line. Use the wrong adhesive or sealant, and water seeps through - ruining framings, ceilings and finished walls. I shudder to think what will happen if it comes in contact with the electrical wiring found in places like kitchens. Save yourself the time and hassle and get a tile installer to do the tile installation once and for all.
    • Best result at your budget cost: People who choose NOT to call professional tile installers often cite cost as the major consideration. I think that’s “horse manure”. It is financially smart to get a professional to do it for you. There is a direct relationship between the nature and quality of the product required and the payment made by the customer. A professional tile installer is also a businessman/woman who would want repeat customers and good referrals. The concept will be well planned, the best tiles (colour, texture, size, pattern, adhesive, sealant, tools etc.) will be chosen, and the plan executed to the last square inch. As with any other profession, a tile installer will give you the best bargain at the price you have in mind. And what's more, you would sometimes get a discount. Remember, a bungled tile installation can be expensive to fix. Are Pennywise or Pounds foolish? You decide.
    • Specialisation: It's common knowledge that there are specialisations in every field. There are also specialisations in tile installation. Jack of all trade, master of none – that’s the DIY style. Tile installers often have specialisations - bathroom and laundry renovations, ceramics tiles, mosaic and natural stone on walls, floors and staircases in houses, commercial, industrial and public buildings, churches, swimming pools, outdoor installations and façades. The list goes on.
    • Confidence: Appropriate certification, relevant licenses, experience, carefully planned concepts, attention to details, neat, accurate and precise finish. That is what you get from a professional tile installer. This is a solid foundation for assurance that your tile installation will not be botched.

    What to Look for When Hiring a Quality Tile Installer? 

    ceramic tiles installation

    As we mentioned above, it's important to determine the skill level of the person you are considering for your tile project.

    A Certified Tile Installer

    A tool available to you is certification: ask whether this person is a Certified Tile Installer (CTI). That means they have passed the only third-party assessment of tile experience and knowledge recognised by the title industry.

    If the person is not certified, ask about their tile installing experience. You should look for an installer with at least two years of experience as the lead installer setting ceramic tile on a full-time basis.

    Be concerned if the only experience is as a helper, improver, grouter, finisher, or entry-level support role. That isn't enough experience.

    By the way, that is the experience level CTEF requires of those installation professionals who register for the CTI Program.

    Speak with the Installer's References

    Next, ask for references and do your due diligence by asking the following questions of those references:

    • How easy was it to communicate with the installer?
    • How well did s/he listen to the homeowner or specifier?
    • How pleased is the reference with the quality of the work done?
    • Would the reference hire the installer again?
    • Would the reference do anything differently?
    • What were some of the details of the reference’s installation project?
    • Can you see the completed work – either in person or via photos?
    • Did the installer show up on time during the project?
    • How clean, neat and respectful of the home or job site was the installer?
    • Was the project completed on schedule?
    • Were final details taken care of on time?
    • How were unexpected situations handled?
    • Did the installer fulfil the terms of the contract?
    • How professional, ethical and honest was the installer throughout the process?

    Examples of Tile Installation Work to Avoid at All Costs!

    The images below are horror story examples of a real-life tile installation. These are the type of situations you will prevent when you hire a certified installer with the correct knowledge and experience.

    More specifically, why use tile when grout can more quickly fill this space? The tile "placer" (can't be called an installer) used poor layout skills resulting in a huge gap filled with grout over two to three times the recommended width! 

    Or, why bother setting tiles flat when you can create a permanent eye-sore? Check out our range of tiling renovations Melbourne at Hitch Property Constructions

    Or, why bother having flat floors, correctly installed tiles with consistent and straight grout joints when you can create a floor so uneven that you would surely trip every time you walked on it, given the significant slippage between the tiles! You may also find it unsightly.

    The Benefits Of Professional Tile Installation

    man construction worker is tiling at home, tile floor adhesive

    Have you decided to renovate your home's flooring or kitchen backsplash and install tile but aren’t sure whether you should DIY the project or hire a professional? Stone, glass, and ceramic tile are all very delicate materials and installing them correctly can make a huge difference in the finished product and its lifespan. Hiring a professional to install your tile might seem like an unnecessary cost now, but you’ll be thankful you did it.

    Using tile in your home renovation has many benefits. Not only will it give your home elegance and aesthetic appeal, but tile is also durable, easy to clean and maintain and can boost your home’s resale value. Whether you’re installing new tile flooring, tiling your bathroom or creating a focal point with a beautiful tile backsplash in the kitchen, expert installation can make a big difference in your results.

    The pros of hiring a professional tile installer heavily outweigh the cons. If you’re set on tackling a tile installation project on your own, let us show you why hiring a professional would be a better option.

    Unique Designs

    Whether you’re replacing the backsplash in your kitchen, renovating your bathroom, or installing tile flooring for the first time, there is a plethora of tile, grout, and design options to choose from. When working with a professional, you’ll be able to access hundreds of more design options that you wouldn’t typically think of if you were to DIY the project.

    Faster Installation

    The tile installation process can be a long one, but with the use of specialised tools to cut, set, and grout your tile, the process can easily be sped up. Many of these tools can be expensive and might never be used again. By having a professional install your tile, the extra costs of purchasing these tools are eliminated. Flooring contractors have more experience installing tile in homes than the average homeowner and can complete the project faster, especially when unforeseen issues arise.

    Professional tile installers have done many more installations than you ever have, so they’ll get the job done a lot faster. They already know what they’re doing, so time won’t be wasted on second-guessing or re-doing a task multiple times. A quicker tile installation can save you money and stress!

    Better Protection Of Your Home

    Many things can go wrong when doing any renovation in your home, and when you DIY these projects, you don’t always have the answers and means to fix unforeseen issues that arise. A professional will protect your home from start to finish, including the demolition and disposal of old flooring and tile, protecting your trim and walls from damage, and closing off rooms with plastic to keep dust from spreading.

    Reduce Tile Waste

    Taking the correct measurements and making the correct cuts will help reduce the amount of tile, grout, and mortar you’ll need during the installation process. A professional will make the right cuts and install the tile the correct way the first time around, reducing the amount of time wasted on incorrect cuts or broken pieces, thus saving you money!

    Worry-free Installation

    In addition to purchasing the correct amount of materials and the specialised tools needed to cut and install the tile, our team will ensure a worry-free installation by properly preparing the surface, installing the tile correctly to avoid water damage, and designing the perfect pattern.

    They’re Already Certified

    A tile installer has the certification and experience to guarantee a smooth process. A professional will know the best tile for your home and order the right amount for the project. Ultimately, they’ll already have a solid plan for your installation so they can get the work done quickly and effectively.

    It’s Safer

    Professionals have the experience and tools to keep you and everyone else in your house safe. They’re less likely to make dangerous mistakes because they have all the right equipment for the job. Also, a poorly installed tile could cause water to seep through your wall or floor–causing a health hazard for you and your family because of mould and mildew.

    You Get to Ask Questions

    If you’re unsure about something, it’s better to have a professional there for you to ask any questions. They’re skilled in tile installation, so their knowledge will give you peace of mind. It’s also more convenient to ask a professional than to search for something on Google or YouTube.

    It’s Less Stressful

    Why would you want to go through the headache of trying to rent equipment, watch how-to videos, or spend all that time installing tiles? It makes more sense to pay someone who does it for a living!

    DIYing your tile installation could also cause financial stress since you’ll have to buy all the necessary equipment. Furthermore, if you make a mistake, it’ll cost you even more. We’re certain that what you pay for a professional will be worth avoiding the unnecessary stress.

    Hiring a skilled tile installation company is key.

    The tile is very versatile. Depending on your taste and budget, you can choose from glass, natural stone, slabs, ceramic, porcelain and even steel tile for both interior and exterior applications. Because each material is different, you want to make sure you’re hiring a tile installer with expertise working with and installing a wide range of tile products—an experienced and skilled company.

    They’ll make sure your tile flooring is installed correctly. This includes preparing the floor, using weight dispersing subfloor reinforcement when necessary, anti-fracture membranes and taking other measures to ensure your tile is not going to crack. If you’re installing a heated flooring system, they are skilled at installing those too, either in the form of cables or on a mat or pad.

    They offer unique designs for your bathroom renovation.  They will help you choose tile for your bathroom renovation. They can build shower enclosures complete with curbs, benches, niches or other designs you might like, making sure everything is sealed properly and is waterproof. The grout, seal and silicone work meticulously to ensure the best results.

    They offer demolition, reconstruction and tile repair services. If you are renovating a room with existing tile or have areas that need to be demolished and reconstructed before installing the new tile. They also offer cleaning and maintenance services for your existing tile.

    Ask about their Green Program. They can accommodate those who want their renovation to be more environmentally friendly. Their Green Program uses environmentally friendly products without compromising quality. Plus, they partner with Doug’s Rubbish Removal as they recycle 90 per cent of construction waste disposed of. Anything that will be recycled throughout your renovation project will be!

    Conclusion

    It can be tempting to jump right into a tile installation project with the full confidence of my choleric uncle (he learned his lesson after a plumbing/tiling “fix” of the lower half of his shower stall sloughed off). It can easily backfire for the minutest of reasons. We have a wide range of property maintenance Melbourne services at Hitch Property Constructions.

    We are a tile installation specialised company certified by a third-party assessment of installer skills and knowledge recognised by the Tile Industry.

    Content Summary: 

    • We suggest contacting an expert tile setter to make sure that your project is done well.
    • You will see the tiles every day, so you want to make sure they are set up as well as they can be.
    • As new tile setters, we also keep up with new tile installation trends and products.
    • If you can't afford to have a pro install the tiles, you should put the project on hold before you try to do it yourself.
    • If you decide to do the installation yourself, there are a lot of things you'll need to think about.
    • If you don't want to work on the project or don't have the time, it could take many months to finish.
    • So, you make it more likely that the project will be dropped.
    • Putting up tiles might not be easy if you have never done it before.
    • If there are pipes or drains near where you want to put tiles, you will need to do more work and get help from a professional.
    • But people who do nothing but install tiles all day will know what to look for and be ready.
    • If you're hiring a tile installer, you're likely looking for a ceramic tile setup professional who can take the beautiful tiles you carefully chose and turn them into the walls or floors of your dream space.
    • In all other words, you would like to have someone who has worked with tile before and knows how to do it right, without short-cuts, so that the finished job looks great and works as it should even after the installer is gone.
    • It makes good sense, right?
    • But that's where it gets hard to find the right tile installer.
    • It can be hard for someone who doesn't install tiles every day to judge how much experience and knowledge a person has.
    • And if you aren't sure who to hire, it's easy to use the lowest price or bid as a way to decide.
    • Putting tiles in a wall isn't all that a professional tile installer does.
    • Let's examine some essentials: First and foremost, the tile installer must hold official certification from a reputable trade group, trade association, or other skills-accrediting organisation or body.
    • Examining every nook and cranny of what it means to tile is a part of the certification process.
    • Where else can you learn the obscure fact that distinguishes the mundane (DIYs) from the extraordinary? 
    • That brings us to the second point: the actual doing.
    • By itself, knowledge is usually just tried and true facts and figures.
    • The number of hours spent applying one's knowledge to real-world scenarios is what matters most.
    • It's not hard to tell the difference between a "tile expert" who has only tiled his own home (where he can "manage" the results) and a true professional.
    • You can't learn the ins and outs of ceramic tiles with ceramics, porcelain, natural stone, mosaic, and other materials by doing it yourself at home.
    • Professional tile installers should be involved with relevant trade groups.
    • By doing so, they gain access to the most up-to-date resources, methods, products, instruments, and workshops.
    • The quality of the final tile installation is the most important consideration for any customer placing an order.
    • For the reasons stated below, hiring a professional tile installer is the best option for just any tiling project.
    • Complete your tiling job properly at the first try: There must be other people out there who have seen the results of botched tiling projects like the ones we have seen.
    • These days, it's common for homeowners to call tilers for help when a job goes wrong.
    • Moreover, very little is required for this to occur.
    • A tile's placement can affect the alignment of the grout lines and the overall aesthetic of the installation.
    • When water seeps through improper adhesives or sealants, it destroys framings, ceilings, and finished walls.
    • To think of what might happen if it made contact with electrical wiring in places like kitchens gives me the creeps.
    • Hiring a professional tile installer will save you a lot of time and effort.
    • Similarly to any other business owner, a professional tile installer values repeat business and word-of-mouth advertising.
    • The idea will be meticulously planned, the highest-quality tiles (in terms of colour, texture, size, pattern, adhesive, sealant, tools, etc.)
    • will be selected, and the plan will be carried out to the last millimetre.
    • A tile installer, like any other professional, will do their best to meet your needs at the price you set.
    • Additionally, there was the possibility of a price reduction.
    • Don't forget that fixing a botched tile job can be quite pricey.
    • Specialisation: We all know that there are subfields within every profession.
    • The tiling industry is highly fragmented, with many sub-sects.
    • That's the DIY mentality: dabble in everything but become an expert at nothing.
    • Depending on their experience and training, tile installers may focus on either residential (bathroom and laundry) or commercial (office, factory, church, pool, outdoor installation, and façade) work.
    • The examples are endless.
    • Confidence: Complete with all required certifications and licences, as well as extensive experience, well-thought-out ideas, meticulous planning, and a clean, precise, and accurate final product.
    • Professional tile installation results in that.
    • It's a safe bet that your tile won't be sloppily installed if this is the groundwork laid first.
    • As we've already established, it's critical to evaluate the experience level of any potential tile installers.
    • You can use certification as a tool, so you should enquire as to whether or not the tile installer is certified (CTI).
    • This is the only independent test of tile knowledge and experience that is widely accepted in the title industry, so their success means a lot.
    • You can use certification as a tool, so you should enquire as to whether or not the tile installer is certified (CTI).
    • This is the only independent test of tile knowledge and experience that is widely accepted in the title industry, so their success means a lot.
    • The following questions should be asked of the references you contact next as part of your investigation: In what ways did you find it simple to speak with the installer?
    • To what extent did they hear what the homeowner or specifier was saying?
    • If a reference was provided, how satisfied would they be with the work completed?
    • Should you use this installer again, do you have any references?
    • Should we expect any deviations if we were to use the reference?
    • Specifically, what were the parameters of the installation project that served as the reference?
    • Is it possible to view the finished product, either in person or through photographs?
    • What was the installer's attendance like during the project's duration?
    • The following images depict horrifying actual tile installations.
    • Hiring a certified installer who has the necessary knowledge and experience will help you avoid these kinds of problems.
    • Specifically, why bother with tile if grout will do the job in half the time?
    • Poor layout skills on the part of the tile "placer" (can't be called an installer) led to grout being used that was twice or three times as wide as it should have been.
    • As an alternative: why bother with levelling tiles if you can make a permanent eyesore instead?Check out our range of tiling renovations Melbourne at Hitch Property Constructions Or, why spend the time and money making sure your floor is level and that your tiles are set with consistent and straight grout joints when you can make a floor that is so uneven that you will surely trip every time you walk on it?
    • Do you want to install tile as part of a home improvement project, but you can't make up your mind whether you should do it yourself or hire a professional?
    • Stone, glass, and ceramic tile are all very fragile materials, and improper installation can significantly reduce their useful life.
    • It may seem wasteful to spend money on a professional tile installer at the moment, but in the long run, you will be glad you did.
    • There are many positive outcomes that can occur when tiling a home.
    • Tile can increase your home's resale value because of its longevity, low maintenance requirements, and attractive appearance.
    • A professionally installed tile floor, tiled bathroom, or stunning tile backsplash in the kitchen can make a huge difference in the overall look of your new space.
    • Hiring a professional tile installer has many benefits that far outweigh any drawbacks.
    • Let us explain why it's best to have a professional handle your tile installation if you're dead set on doing it yourself.
    • Whether you are installing tile flooring for the first time, updating your kitchen backsplash, or remodelling your bathroom, you have a wide variety of tile, grout, and unique designs to choose from.
    • In contrast to tackling the project on your own, hiring a professional opens the door to countless additional possibilities in terms of design.
    • Tile installation can take a long time, but it can be sped up significantly by making use of specialised tools for cutting, setting, and grouting your tile.
    • These gadgets can be quite pricey, and you may never find another use for them.
    • If you hire a professional tile installer, you won't have to worry about spending money on things like grout floats and tile spacers.
    • Tiling a home's floor can be a challenging task, but a professional flooring contractor has more experience with the task than the average homeowner and can get the job done more quickly if any problems arise.
    • Professional tile installers have likely set up more tiles than you have in your entire life, meaning they can work much more quickly.
    • Since they are well-versed in the topic at hand, no time will be lost on guesswork or repeated attempts.
    • When attempting a home renovation project on your own, you run the risk of encountering a number of problems.
    • Having a professional handle the removal and disposal of your old flooring and tile, covering your trim and walls to prevent damage, and sealing off rooms with plastic to contain dust is a small price to pay to keep your home in pristine condition throughout the renovation process.
    • The amount of flooring, grout, and mortar you will need to use can be minimised by taking accurate measurements and making precise cuts.
    • If you hire a pro to lay your tile, they will do it right the first time, saving you time and money by avoiding costly mistakes.
    • Our staff will provide a worry-free installation by properly prepping the ground, installing the tile correctly to avoid water damage, and designing the appropriate pattern, as well as by obtaining the correct number of materials and the specialised necessary equipment to cut and install the tile.
    • A professional tile installer will have the training and expertise to complete the job without a hitch.
    • The right amount of tile will need to be ordered, and a pro will know exactly what that is.
    • Ultimately, they will have a well-thought-out strategy for your installation, allowing them to move swiftly and efficiently.
    • This is a safer option.
    • You and your family will be safe in the hands of professionals because they have the necessary training and equipment.
    • If they have the proper tools, they are less likely to make potentially fatal errors.
    • Water seeping through a wall or floor caused by improperly installed tiles can also pose a health risk to you and your family due to the growth of mould and mildew.
    • Have a professional on hand to answer any questions you may have if you're feeling uncertain about anything.
    • Since they are knowledgeable in the field of tile installation, you can rest easy leaving the job in their capable hands.
    • Asking a knowledgeable person is easier than researching a topic online.
    • Having to deal with less stress is a huge plus.
    • Why bother with the hassle of renting tools, studying instructional videos, and spending hours laying tile?
    • Since you'll need to buy all the required equipment, attempting a do-it-yourself tile setup could also put a strain on your finances.
    • In addition, the consequences of an error will be magnified.
    • There's no doubt in our minds that the money spent on an expert will be well worth the peace of mind it brings.
    • This tile can be used for a variety of purposes.
    • Glass, stone, slabs, ceramic, porcelain, and even steel tile are all available for interior and exterior use, giving you plenty of options to suit your style and budget.
    • Tiles come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, so it's important to hire a company that is well-versed in installing all of them.
    • They will supervise the installation of your tile flooring to guarantee quality.
    • In order to prevent your tile from cracking, you must take the necessary precautions, such as preparing the floor, using weight discharging subfloor reassurance when necessary, and installing anti-fracture membranes.
    • They are also well-versed in installing heated flooring systems, whether in the form of cables or a mat or pad.
    • They have creative options for your bathroom remodel.
    • They can guide you through the process of selecting tile for your new bathroom.
    • They can construct shower stalls customised to your specifications, including the installation of a kerb, a bench, a niche, and any other features you might want.
    • Using the highest quality grout, sealant, and silicone will yield the best possible results, so be sure to take your time with these processes.
    • They can break down a building, rebuild it, and fix tiles, too.
    • If you are remodeling a space that already has tile or if there are areas that must be demolished and rebuilt before the new tile can be installed, this is the guide for you.
    • They will also clean and maintain your current tile for you.
    • Investigate their Green Initiatives by inquiring about them.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Tile Setter

    Always verify that your prospective installer is certified, licensed, and has current insurance.

    As a Tilesetter, your duties may include: Laying and setting tiles to create decorative wall, mural and floor designs. Cutting and fitting tiles around obstacles and openings using hand and power cutting tools. Preparing, measuring and marking surfaces to be covered.

    Tiling is a time-intensive DIY project. It's not hard but it requires a lot of steps. It's important that you lay the tiles evenly the first time because tiling is almost impossible to reverse if you make a mistake. You might be able to adjust some tiles slightly after they have set.

    Tiling is often a very strenuous, physically demanding job requiring a lot of heavy lifting and working with your hands. As such, a high level of physical fitness is needed. Tilers also need a thorough understanding of their craft including good spatial awareness and good measurement and mathematical skills.

    Tilers in Australia may charge by the square metre or per hour. The average cost of tiling is $40 to $50 per square metre, but this can vary from $30 to $150, depending on the type of tiles and local rates. A more complex installation will be in the range of $100 to $150.

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