Problem getting tiler

How do people ensure that they are getting a tiler who will do a good job?

I have had awful trouble trying to get a tiler for a small job - I reckon it's about 2 days work. I've had 3 different guys come out to quote and none of them ring me back when I ring to book based on their own quotations?

The only thing I can think is that I've been asking if people are insured because I've seen really bad tile jobs with leaks into other apartments. Should tilers be insured? This job would involve removing the toilet and sink and is otherwise straightforward.

Just can't believe how difficult it is to get someone to commit to the job. I had the same problem with wooden floors.

Anyone had similar problems or know of a good agency I could use? I have tried getting quotes on some of the online tradesmen sites before and never got any replies.

pebbledash,

A tiler's job is to place tiles on walls or floor and finish same with grout. It is not to remove and replace any sanitary fittings [w.c, sinks, baths, showers etc] - this comes under a plumbers remit.

While it may seem a straight forward job to remove the sanitary ware it adds an unnecessary liability to the tiler [pipe leaks - you hold him liable - not covered under his insurance] and this is why I imagine none of them are willing to call you back.

You will find that many of the larger tiling contractors [linked with tile shops] will possess public liability insurance to cover any accidental damage by them however smaller contractors are less likely. This is no way reflects the quality of their work!

A good place to start is contact the shop where you bought your tiles and ask if they have a recommended list of local tilers [most do]. Once they are on this their work is in all likely hood of a high standard. If in doubt ask to see some of their work.

more often than not poor plumbing is the cause of leaks into other apartments - but on occasion poor tiling to a shower tray or bath is the problem.
Ó Murchú

Ó Murchú said:

pebbledash,
..........but on occasion poor tiling to a shower tray or bath is the problem.
Ó Murchú

Click to expand...

Therefore should a tiler have insurance to cover this scenario, or is it likely that this becomes only a problem only with time?

take a look in the mirror, the problem might not be the tiler...................

donee said:

take a look in the mirror, the problem might not be the tiler...................

Click to expand...

+1. Just as you don't want a problem tiler, neither does the tiler want a problem customer.

I had to get someone to remove sanitary ware and fittings before the tiler started in my house, the tiler wouldn't do it himself.

can anyone recommend a good tiler for a small job in Dublin 8? (about 14sqm)

I contacted 2 tilers who were due to come to price the job, but neither bothered turning up when they said they would.

The recession mustn't have hit the tiling business yet!