Hiring a tiler is one of those decisions that looks simple until you’re faced with uneven floors, waterproofing questions, grout choices, and quotes that aren’t easy to compare. Asking the right questions upfront can save you money, time, and a lot of frustration later. It also helps you spot the tilers who know their craft from the ones who only sound confident.
Why asking the right questions matters
A good tiler does more than stick tiles to a wall or floor. They need to understand substrate prep, waterproofing, movement joints, layout, cuts, and the conditions that affect long-term performance in New Zealand homes.
Good questions help you check:
• whether the tiler is experienced with your type of job
• whether their quote is complete or missing key items
• whether they understand NZ moisture, weather, and building requirements
• whether they are insured and properly set up for the job
• whether the finished result will look tidy and last
1. What type of tiling work do you do most often?
Not all tilers specialise in the same work. Some mainly do bathroom walls and floors, while others focus on kitchens, splashbacks, outdoor areas, or large-format porcelain tiles.
What a good answer sounds like
A capable tiler should be able to clearly explain the types of projects they handle most often and any they avoid or subcontract.
Look for answers like:
• “Most of my work is bathrooms and laundries, including waterproofing prep.”
• “I do a lot of kitchen splashbacks and floor tiling, but I’d refer out natural stone feature work if needed.”
• “I’ve worked with large-format tiles and know the levelling system and substrate prep they require.”
If your job is more specialised, ask for examples of similar projects in New Zealand homes.
2. Are you licensed, insured, and experienced with NZ waterproofing requirements?
This is a crucial question for bathrooms, laundries, showers, and outdoor areas. In NZ, waterproofing and wet-area work must be handled carefully, and the tiler should know when a licensed waterproofer or other specialist is needed.
Ask whether they have:
• public liability insurance
• the right trade experience for wet areas
• knowledge of current NZ Building Code expectations
• a process for working with waterproofers or builders where required
What a good answer sounds like
A professional tiler won’t dodge the question. They should explain how they handle waterproofing coordination and whether they personally apply membranes or use a specialist.
Good signs include:
• clear mention of insurance cover
• awareness that wet areas need proper membrane systems
• a willingness to confirm who is responsible for each stage
• no vague promises like “she’ll be right”
If they seem unsure about water protection or compliance, treat that as a warning sign.
3. What is included in your quote?
Quotes can vary widely because some tilers include tile layout, adhesive, grout, trims, sealants, levelling, and cleanup, while others only cover labour. Comparing quotes fairly means knowing exactly what each one includes.
Ask for a written quote that lists:
• labour
• tile cutting and fitting
• adhesive and grout, or whether you supply these
• tile trims and movement joints
• waterproofing preparation, if included
• substrate prep and levelling
• rubbish removal and site clean-up
• GST
Cost guide: what tiling work may cost in NZ
These are indicative ranges only, and prices vary by location, tile type, and site conditions:
• Wall tiling labour: about $70–$140 per square metre
• Floor tiling labour: about $80–$160 per square metre
• Splashbacks: about $400–$1,200+ depending on size and complexity
• Bathroom tiling projects: often $2,500–$10,000+ for labour and related prep, depending on scope
• Waterproofing may add roughly $1,000–$3,000+ depending on the area and system used
A quote that seems very low may exclude prep, waterproofing, or materials. A good quote is detailed enough that you can see where the money is going.
4. How will you prepare the surface before tiling?
Even the best tiles will fail if the substrate is poor. This is one of the most important questions because preparation affects finish quality, tile lifespan, and whether cracking or lippage becomes a problem.
Ask about:
• floor flatness and whether levelling is needed
• whether old tiles must be removed
• screeding or plaster repair
• moisture issues in the subfloor or wall lining
• crack isolation or movement control
• priming before adhesive goes on
What a good answer sounds like
A good tiler should ask questions back and mention site inspection before giving final numbers. They may say something like:
• “I’ll need to check how flat the floor is before confirming the labour.”
• “If the surface is out of level, we may need levelling compound or screeding first.”
• “I won’t tile over a failed or moving surface.”
If they dismiss prep as unnecessary, that’s a red flag.
5. What tiles, grout, and adhesive do you recommend for my job?
A knowledgeable tiler should guide you on products that suit the room and use, not just the look. This matters in NZ homes where wet areas, temperature changes, and coastal conditions can affect performance.
Ask what they recommend for:
• porcelain, ceramic, natural stone, or mosaic tiles
• grout type and colour
• adhesive compatibility
• sealants for movement joints and edges
• slip resistance for bathrooms, entries, and outdoor areas
What a good answer sounds like
The answer should be practical, not salesy. For example:
• “Porcelain is a good low-maintenance choice for floors.”
• “For showers, I’d use a grout and sealant system suited to wet conditions.”
• “If this is an outdoor area, we need to think about frost exposure and slip rating.”
If you’re supplying tiles yourself, ask whether they’ve worked with that brand or format before, especially if the tiles are large, thin, handmade, or fragile.
6. How do you handle layout, cuts, and finishing details?
The final appearance of tiled work often comes down to layout and the quality of cuts. A careful tiler should plan where joints fall, how edges are finished, and how visible cuts are handled around fixtures and corners.
Ask about:
• how they set out the room before starting
• whether they centre tiles on feature walls or visible sightlines
• how they manage patterned tiles or herringbone layouts
• what trims they use on exposed edges
• how they handle penetrations, outlets, and plumbing cut-outs
What a good answer sounds like
Good tilers think ahead. They’ll discuss the layout rather than just “starting in a corner” without a plan.
A strong answer may include:
• checking the room dimensions first
• showing you where cuts will land
• avoiding tiny slivers at edges where possible
• discussing trims or mitres for a neat finish
If you care about a premium finish, ask to see photos of completed work with close-up detail shots.
7. What is your timeline, and how do you manage delays?
Good tilers are usually booked ahead, especially in busy centres like Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown. Timelines matter because tiling often depends on other trades finishing their work first.
Ask:
• when they can start
• how long your job will take
• what could delay the schedule
• whether they work with builders, plumbers, or waterproofers
• how they communicate if something changes
What a good answer sounds like
A realistic tiler won’t promise an impossible start date just to win the job. They should be able to explain that timing depends on site readiness, drying times, and product curing.
Good signs include:
• a clear estimate, not a guaranteed exact day if the job is still weeks away
• explanation of drying and curing times
• a sensible sequence of trades
Final checklist before you commit
Before you book, make sure you can answer these questions confidently:
• Have I seen similar work examples?
• Is the quote written and detailed?
• Do I know what is included and excluded?
• Have waterproofing and prep been discussed?
• Do I understand the expected start date and duration?
• Am I comfortable with the tiler’s communication and professionalism?
The cheapest quote is not always the best value. A good tiler will be clear, practical, and willing to explain their process. That upfront conversation is often the difference between a tiling job you enjoy for years and one you end up repairing sooner than you planned.