How to Get and Compare Tiler Quotes in NZ

Why it pays to compare tiler quotes properly

Tiling can look straightforward on the surface, but the final cost often depends on factors you can’t see at first glance: substrate condition, waterproofing, tile size, pattern complexity, trimming, grouting, movement joints, and how much prep is needed. In New Zealand, labour rates and material costs also vary by region, with Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown often sitting higher than many provincial centres.

Because of that, the cheapest quote is not always the best value. A good comparison starts with getting several written quotes based on the same scope of work, so you can see where each tiler has priced differently and why.

What to send when you request a quote

The more detail you provide up front, the more accurate the quote will be. If you only ask for “tiling for the bathroom”, you’re likely to get broad estimates that are hard to compare.

When you request quotes, send:

• the address and suburb
• clear photos of the room or area
• approximate measurements in square metres and lineal metres
• the tile type and size, if already chosen
• whether tiles are floor, wall, splashback, shower or outdoor
• whether old tiles must be removed
• whether waterproofing is needed
• whether the substrate is new or existing
• the surface material: concrete slab, plywood, plasterboard, fibre-cement, screed, etc.
• any tricky details such as niches, benches, steps, herringbone patterns, borders or mitres
• your timeframe and whether the job needs to fit around other trades

If you are not sure about the substrate or prep, say so. A site visit is often the best way for a tiler to price accurately, especially for renovations.

What a good tiler quote should include

A proper quote should do more than list a total. It should spell out exactly what is included, what is excluded, and what assumptions have been made. That lets you compare quotes fairly and reduces the chance of disputes later.

Look for these elements:

• Clear scope of work: what areas will be tiled, and to what finish
• Measurements: area in m² or lineal metres, and any allowances for wastage
• Tile supply or labour only: whether the tiler is supplying tiles, adhesive, grout, trim and waterproofing products, or just labour
• Surface preparation: levelling, patching, removal of old tiles, sanding, priming, sheet fixing or screeding
• Waterproofing: whether included, and who will do it
• Movement joints and trims: especially important in wet areas and external work
• Pattern and layout: straight lay, brick bond, herringbone, diagonal, feature borders
• Cutting and finishing: around doors, fixtures, drains, outlets and corners
• Cleanup and disposal: rubbish removal, old tile disposal, and dust management
• GST: whether the quoted price includes GST or it is extra
• Exclusions: anything not included, such as plumbing adjustments, electrical work, cabinet removal or council-related work
• Timeframe: start date, duration and any scheduling assumptions
• Payment terms: deposit, progress payments and final payment timing
• Quote validity: how long the price stands for, especially with changing material costs

A detailed quote is usually a sign of an organised tradesperson. It does not have to be long, but it should be specific.

Fixed price vs charge-up: which is better?

There are two common ways tilers quote in NZ: fixed price and charge-up. Neither is automatically better. The right option depends on how clear the job is.

Fixed price

A fixed price gives certainty, which many homeowners prefer. It works best when the tiler can inspect the site, measure carefully and see the substrate condition.

For a fixed-price quote, make sure the scope is tight. If you later decide to change the tile layout, choose a different tile size or add extra areas, the price may change.

Charge-up

Charge-up can be sensible where the scope is uncertain, such as in an older Kiwi bathroom where the wall linings, floor level or waterproofing backing may be in poor condition. It can also suit repair work, where hidden damage may only appear once the old tiles are removed.

If you accept a charge-up arrangement, ask for:

• the hourly or daily labour rate
• how materials are charged
• whether travel time is included
• who approves extra work before it happens
• how often you will receive updates on total spend

For a charge-up job, regular communication is essential. Ask for a written estimate of likely total cost, even if it is not fixed.

How to compare quotes fairly

To compare quotes properly, you need to compare the same thing. A low quote may simply exclude items that others have included.

Use this checklist when reviewing each quote:

• Does it cover the same rooms or areas?
• Are tiles, adhesive, grout and waterproofing included in the same way?
• Has each tiler allowed for the same prep work?
• Is GST included?
• Are removal and disposal included?
• Has each quote allowed for trim, edge finishing and movement joints?
• Are the payment terms similar?
• Are there different assumptions about the condition of the substrate?

If one quote is much lower than the others, ask the tiler to explain why. There may be a genuine reason, such as less prep required or a simpler pattern. But there may also be omissions.

Questions to ask before you hire

A quote is only one part of choosing the right tiler. You should also ask about experience, availability and credentials.

Useful questions include:

• Have you tiled similar jobs in New Zealand homes before?
• Can I see recent photos or references from local work?
• Are you licensed or trade-qualified? If not, what training and experience do you have?
• Who will actually do the work — you or a subcontractor?
• Do you have public liability insurance?
• Who handles waterproofing, and is it a licensed waterproofing specialist if required?
• What happens if you find a problem with the substrate after removing old tiles?
• What products do you recommend for this tile type and location?
• How long will the job take, and when can you start?

For wet areas, also ask how the job will comply with relevant building standards and manufacturer requirements. Bathrooms, laundries and showers often need proper waterproofing, and some jobs may need building consent depending on the extent of the work and whether you are altering structural elements or wet-area systems.

If the work involves plumbing, gasfitting or electrical changes, those parts must be done by appropriately authorised tradespeople. A tiler should not be assumed to handle restricted plumbing or electrical work unless they are separately qualified and authorised to do so.

Spotting quotes that are too cheap

An unusually cheap quote can be tempting, but it often comes with risk. Sometimes the price is low because the tiler is efficient and well organised. Other times, it is low because key items have been left out.

Common warning signs include:

• no written scope, just a lump-sum number
• no mention of GST
• no allowance for prep, waterproofing or substrate repairs
• vague wording like “all tiling included” without detail
• no time estimate or payment schedule
• pressure to pay a large deposit up front
• refusal to inspect the site before quoting for a renovation
• a price that is far below the other quotes without a clear explanation

If a quote seems too cheap, ask what happens if the substrate is uneven, if tiles need extra cutting, or if waterproofing is needed. A bargain quote can become expensive if the tiler later treats those items as variations.

What affects tiling prices in NZ

There is no single standard price for tiling, but several factors commonly affect the total cost in New Zealand:

• room size and layout complexity
• tile size and format, especially large-format tiles or mosaics
• pattern type and number of cuts
• wall versus floor work
• interior versus exterior work
• whether the job is new build or renovation
• condition of the existing surface
• access, parking and site logistics
• region and local demand
• season and weather, especially for outdoor tiling and jobs needing drying time

In busy periods, such as the warmer months when exterior work is in demand, good tilers can be booked out well in advance. If you want the job completed before Christmas or before a property goes on the market, start getting quotes early.

How to get better quotes from the start

A well-prepared homeowner usually gets better pricing and fewer surprises. Before requesting quotes:

• decide whether you want labour only or supply-and-install
• choose tiles before seeking final quotes where possible
• measure the area carefully, or ask the tiler to measure on site
• identify any repair issues, leaks or old waterproofing problems
• check whether the work may need consent or other trade involvement
• get the details in writing from each tiler

A good quote process saves money by reducing rework, delays and disagreements. It also helps you choose a tiler who is priced fairly, communicates clearly and understands the job rather than simply being the cheapest on paper.

Final checks before you accept a quote

Before you say yes, make sure you have:

• at least two or three written quotes
• a clear scope and inclusions list
• confirmation of GST
• start and finish timing
• payment terms in writing
• confirmation of who handles waterproofing, plumbing or electrical-related coordination where relevant
• confidence that the tiler understands the job and your expectations

If anything is unclear, ask the tiler to revise the quote before you sign or pay a deposit. Good tradespeople expect careful questions, and a clear agreement protects both sides.