Why the right questions matter A good tiling job should look great, last for years and be installed to suit New Zealand conditions — from damp bathrooms to sun-exposed outdoor areas. But not every tiler works to the same standard, and a cheap quote can end up costing more if the preparation, waterproofing or finish is poor.
Asking the right questions before you hire helps you:
- check the tiler’s experience with your type of job - understand what is included in the price - compare written quotes fairly - reduce the risk of delays, rework or disputes - confirm they are properly insured and, where relevant, licensed for related work
If your project involves waterproofing, underfloor heating, plumbing fittings, electrical work or structural changes, there may be other trades and compliance requirements involved as well. A tiler should be able to tell you what they can do themselves, and what must be handled by another registered professional.
Start with the basics: experience and suitability Not all tilers do the same kind of work. A bathroom renovation, kitchen splashback, outdoor patio and commercial floor all bring different demands. Start by asking:
- How long have you been tiling? - What kind of jobs do you do most often? - Have you worked on projects like mine before? - Can you handle the preparation, or do I need a builder/other tradie first? - Who will actually do the work — you, your employee, or a subcontractor?
For NZ homeowners, this matters because many jobs need coordination with other trades. For example, a bathroom upgrade may involve a builder, plumber, waterproofing specialist and electrician before the tiler even starts. A good tiler should be clear about the sequence and whether your surfaces are ready for tiling.
If you’re tiling over an older home, ask whether they have experience with uneven substrates, moisture damage or floor movement. If you’re doing an outdoor area, ask about slip resistance, drainage falls and products suitable for local weather conditions.
Check qualifications, training and any required licence Tiling itself is not a regulated trade in the same way as electrical work or most plumbing and gasfitting work, but that does not mean qualifications are irrelevant. Ask:
- What training or certification do you have? - Are you a member of any industry association? - Have you completed manufacturer training for the products you use? - Do you hold any site-safe or health and safety training relevant to the job?
Also ask about any related work that may require a licence or registration:
| Type of work | What to check in NZ | |---|---| | Electrical work | Must be done by, or under the supervision of, a person authorised under the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) rules | | Plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying | Restricted work under the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB) | | Building work | May require building consent from your local council, especially for structural changes, waterproofing systems tied to building work, or alterations to wet areas |
A tiler does not need to be a licensed electrician or plumber to install tiles, but they should know when another registered tradesperson is required. If your job includes removing and reconnecting fixtures, changing waterproofing in a shower, or altering a wall or floor, ask them to explain what consents or specialist trades will be needed before work begins.
Ask about insurance and workmanship protection Insurance is one of the most important questions to ask, especially for bathrooms and other wet areas where mistakes can be expensive. Ask the tiler:
- Do you have public liability insurance? - Are your tools, materials and vehicles insured? - Do you have cover for accidental damage to my home? - What happens if your work causes damage or a leak? - How do you handle defects or call-backs after completion?
Public liability insurance is particularly important because a broken tile, dropped tool or water leak can damage cabinetry, flooring or neighbouring property. If the tiler is working as part of a larger renovation, confirm who is responsible for site insurance and whether your home insurance needs to be notified.
Also ask about workmanship guarantees. A professional tiler should be able to say how long they stand behind their work and what is covered. Be cautious of vague promises like “don’t worry, it’ll be fine” without anything in writing.
Get clear on the quote: what’s included and what’s not This is where many homeowners get caught out. A quote for tiling can vary a lot depending on whether it includes labour only, adhesive, grout, waterproofing, trimming, levelling, removal of old tiles, rubbish disposal and travel. Ask for a written quote that breaks down the work clearly.
Useful questions include:
- Is this a fixed price or an estimate? - What exactly is included in the quote? - Are preparation and surface levelling included? - Do you supply tiles, adhesive, grout, silicone and trim, or do I? - Is waterproofing included, and if so who is doing it? - Is old tile removal included? - Are rubbish disposal and site cleanup included? - Will I be charged extra for unexpected substrate damage or additional work?
A good quote should let you compare apples with apples. If one tiler is cheaper, check whether they have excluded important items such as floor preparation, waterproofing, edge finishing or return visits.
Common quote inclusions to confirm - Site measure and assessment - Tile layout and setting out - Surface preparation and levelling - Waterproofing and curing time - Tile cutting, installation and grout - Silicone joints and sealants - Waste removal and cleanup - Any aftercare or return visit for minor touch-ups
If the quote is vague, ask them to reissue it with more detail before you accept it.
Ask about materials, tile type and product choices The quality of the finished job depends on both skill and the right materials. Ask:
- What adhesive and grout do you recommend for this area? - Are your products suitable for wet areas, outdoor use or underfloor heating? - What grout joint size do you recommend? - How will you deal with tile variation, pattern matching or large-format tiles? - Do you recommend expansion joints or movement joints in my space?
This is especially important in New Zealand homes where temperature and moisture changes can be significant. Large-format tiles, polished finishes and natural stone may need more care in installation and maintenance. If you have chosen imported tiles, ask whether the tiler has worked with that type before, because some tiles require different cutting methods or adhesives.
If the tiler is supplying materials, ask whether they use trusted brands and whether product warranties apply only if certain systems are used together.
Clarify the timeline and start date Good tilers are often booked ahead, especially in busy periods such as spring and summer when renovations ramp up across NZ. Ask about timing early so you can plan around it.
Questions to ask:
- When could you start? - How long will the job take? - What needs to happen before you arrive? - How much drying or curing time do you need between stages? - What could delay the programme? - How will you keep me updated if anything changes?
Be realistic: tiling is not just about the installation day. Surface prep, waterproofing, adhesive set times and grout curing can all affect the programme. A bathroom or shower area may need multiple visits over several days. Outdoor work can also be affected by rain, humidity and temperature, which matter for adhesives and curing.
If the timeline is important — for example, before tenants move in or before Christmas — say so upfront and ask whether they can commit to it in writing.
Ask how they handle preparation and site conditions Poor prep is one of the main reasons tile jobs fail. Before hiring, ask:
- Will you inspect the substrate before quoting? - Do you level floors or fix minor wall defects? - What moisture checks do you do before tiling? - Do you identify hollow spots, cracking or movement? - Who is responsible for making good the surfaces before tiling?
In NZ, many homes have older floors, uneven concrete slabs or framing movement that can affect tile performance. If the substrate is not right, even expensive tiles can crack or lift. A careful tiler will be happy to explain what prep is needed and why.
For wet areas, ask about waterproofing. In many cases, waterproofing is a separate specialised task and may need to be carried out to applicable standards and consent requirements. Make sure the tiler tells you exactly who is doing it and whether you will receive a producer statement, warranty or other documentation where relevant.
Ask for references, photos and recent examples References matter because tiling quality is visible in the finish — straight lines, clean joints, neat cuts and consistent grout all show whether the tradesperson cares about detail.
Ask:
- Can you show me photos of recent jobs similar to mine? - Do you have references from recent customers? - Can I see examples of bathrooms, kitchens or outdoor tiling you’ve completed? - Have you worked with the same tile type or layout before?
When you call references, ask practical questions:
- Was the tiler on time and easy to communicate with? - Did they leave the site tidy? - Was the final price close to the quote? - Were there any issues after completion? - Would you hire them again?
If they can’t provide recent examples, that doesn’t automatically rule them out — but it does mean you should ask more questions and be cautious about relying only on price.
Know what guarantee, warranty or aftercare you’re getting A solid finish should come with clear aftercare advice and a willingness to return if something is not right. Ask:
- What guarantee do you offer on workmanship? - How long does it last? - What is excluded from the guarantee? - What should I do if I notice a problem later? - Do you provide written care instructions for cleaning and maintenance?
This is important because many tile issues are caused by improper cleaning products, movement, moisture or lack of maintenance rather than the tiles themselves. A good tiler should explain how to clean grout, what sealers may need reapplication, and when to avoid heavy use after installation.
Also ask how they handle defects. For example, if a tile chips after installation or grout cracks in one area, will they inspect it promptly and tell you whether it is a workmanship issue, product issue or movement issue?
Use a simple checklist before you commit Before you accept a quote, make sure you have answered these questions:
- Do they have relevant experience with my type of tiling? - Do they understand NZ consent and compliance requirements for related work? - Are they insured? - Is the quote written, detailed and clear about exclusions? - Are the timeline and start date realistic? - Have they explained preparation, waterproofing and curing times? - Do they have references or recent examples? - Is the guarantee or aftercare policy clear?
A professional tiler should welcome these questions. In fact, the way they answer them can tell you a lot about the quality of the job you’re likely to get.
Final tips for hiring a tiler in New Zealand Get at least two or three written quotes, not just one. Compare the scope carefully, not just the bottom-line price. If one quote is much lower than the others, ask what has been left out.
Also keep your project timing in mind. Tilers can book out quickly during renovation season, and weather can affect outdoor jobs. For bathrooms and kitchens, coordinate early with the other trades involved so the tiler is not waiting on a plumber, builder or waterproofing specialist.
Most importantly, trust a combination of price, communication and professionalism. The best tiler for your job is the one who gives clear answers, documents their quote properly and understands the specific requirements of your home.