Keep Your Tiler Happy

Keeping your Tiling Contractor happy

Having large tiling jobs done in your bathrooms and kitchens, two of the most frequently used rooms in your house is always going to be a massive logistics problem and great inconvenience. Especially in the case of your bathroom the most private area of your home. It therefore important to realise that there will be times during the project when you may become frustrated that these essential areas of your home are off-limits for quiet a considerable time while. Try to keep in mind what the finished product is going to look like and remember that these days of inconvenience will be well worth the end results. Also, remember that without the hard work and skills of your contractor, the years of enjoyment you'll get from your newly tiled bathroom or other project, wouldn't be possible.

On a more practical note, because your tile installation could take up to a week or more. It's important that you take in to consideration the needs of your tiler, if the whole bathroom is being refurbished it is not only yourself who will be “inconvenienced” (no toilet facilities) and whatever arrangements you make for yourself should be offered to your tiling contractor. Also in these circumstances providing a source of water where your contractor can find a glass of water or fill his bucket is something every considerate homeowner should do.

Keep in mind as well that working with mortar and grout can be very messy work. Letting your tiling contractor make use of a sink or hose to clean themselves off and wash off equipment are a few small things you can do to make sure you're doing all you can to help the job progress along without a hitch.

Other Helpful Tips

Think ahead and make available other aspects of your home that your tiler could need to have access to during the project. Point out to them at the beginning of the job where the electrical outlets are what the options are for cutting off water if needed so they don't have to search your house for them when the time comes. Also, think about where your contractor can store things such as tools and materials. For the majority of your tile installation the work area will not be a place where things such as tiles, adhesive, and the necessary equipment can be stored. Find another place in your home, preferably close to the work area, where your contractor can keep these things close at hand and remember that boxed tiles are by nature very heavy to lift and move easily.

Good communication is the key to any successful business relationship, including those between yourself and your tiling contractor. Never be afraid to talk to him about any issues that might come up during course of the tile installation and always talk with your tiler regularly about how things are progressing and whether there's anything you can do to help make their job easier. Also, as with any relationship business or pleasure, remember that it's important to voice your concerns in a respectful manner.

You don't need to pamper your contractors he can only drink so much coffee and chocolate biscuits are fattening, but do keep in mind that nothing will endear you to your tiling contractor more than surprising them now and then with a special treat. You'd be surprised how things as simple as a plate of homemade biscuits or a cup of tea is often the difference between a tiler just doing his job and going the extra mile to please someone who clearly appreciates his hard work.