How to prepare for a tiler

Agree the work before setting a date

Start by confirming what’s included in the quotation. Removing old tiles, preparing the surface, levelling a floor and disposing of waste may be charged separately, depending on the project.

Ask who will supply the tiles, adhesive, grout and trims. Check whether moving appliances or removing sanitaryware is included, and discuss how any additional work will be handled if problems appear beneath the existing tiles.

This matters because the condition of the surface isn’t always clear until the old finish has been removed. If extra preparation is needed, you should understand why and agree the cost before the work continues.

Order your tiles in good time

Try to choose your tiles before confirming the installation date. Some products are readily available, while others may need to be ordered from a supplier.

The tile itself also affects how the job is carried out. Large porcelain tiles, natural stone and intricate patterns can require different preparation and installation methods from standard ceramic tiles.

Before ordering, check that the product is suitable for the intended location. Your tiler can help calculate the quantity needed, allowing for cuts and a reasonable spare allowance.

Remember the finishing details, too. Grout colour, edge trims and decorative pieces all contribute to the final appearance. Having these decisions made early makes it easier to plan the layout properly.

When the delivery arrives, check the quantity, size, finish and condition. Finding damaged or missing tiles before installation is much less disruptive than discovering the problem halfway through the job.

Clear the room and arrange access

You can make a real difference by clearing the working area before your tiler arrives.

Remove personal belongings, toiletries, loose furniture and anything else that will get in the way. In a kitchen, discuss whether appliances need to be moved. In a bathroom, establish whether the toilet, basin, bath or shower enclosure will remain in place.

Don’t assume that disconnecting appliances or removing sanitaryware is part of the tiling work. These jobs may need to be arranged separately with the appropriate tradesperson.

It’s also worth agreeing where materials can be stored and how the work area will be accessed. Cutting tiles and removing old finishes can create dust and noise, so consider nearby rooms and belongings that may need protection.

Check the surface before tiling begins

The condition of the wall or floor beneath the tiles is one of the biggest factors affecting the finished result.

The surface needs to be stable and suitable for the proposed installation. Depending on the room, it may also need levelling, repairs or specific preparation before adhesive can be applied.

Removing old tiles can reveal problems that weren’t visible beforehand. Loose plaster, damaged boards, cracks or signs of damp may need further attention.

If you’ve noticed movement, recurring cracks or previous water damage, mention it before work starts. These details can help your tiler assess what needs checking.

Avoid trying to repair or cover the surface yourself unless you’ve agreed the approach with your tiler. Using the wrong materials can create extra work rather than solve the problem.

Plan plumbing and electrical work

If the tiling is part of a larger renovation, get the order of work agreed early.

In a bathroom, the position of shower controls, pipe outlets, niches and fittings can affect the tile layout. In a kitchen, worktop dimensions, sockets and appliance positions can influence the height and arrangement of a splashback.

Changes made after tiling can mean drilling into finished surfaces or disturbing work that has already been completed.

Arrange plumbing and electrical work with the appropriate tradespeople, and confirm when their work needs to be finished. Your tiler should have the relevant measurements and layout details before installation starts.

Give waterproofing the attention it needs

Bathrooms and wet rooms require particular care. Tiles and grout alone do not make a shower waterproof.

Depending on the construction and the level of water exposure, a suitable waterproofing system may be needed beneath the tiled surface. The right approach depends on the substrate and the products being used.

Discuss this before the work begins. Make sure it’s clear who is responsible for the waterproofing and how the different stages will be coordinated.

This is not a detail to leave until the tiles are ready to go on the wall. Any necessary preparation should be completed at the appropriate stage and in accordance with the system manufacturer’s instructions.