A Four-Step Guide on How to Budget for Installing Tiles in Your House

Posted on 01.10.2019

The world of flooring has evolved so much over the last few decades that you can do virtually anything to the floors in your home or business. One constant, however, has been the popularity of using tiling as flooring. But what goes into getting ready for a tiling job on your property? There are many aspects of planning to consider. This blog will focus on all the things that you should remember while drawing up a budget for tiling your new build or renovation.

Our four-step guide covers all there is to think about, so you won’t miss a thing.

Step 1: Think About How Much Foot Traffic the Rooms You’re Tiling Will Experience

Every building needs floors, but not every floor is used to the same degree. Pay attention to how often people frequent the space you’re planning to tile before you decide which type of flooring you want. This way, you can mitigate factors such as cleaning, maintenance and repairs in advance.

The level of endurance that a floor has depends on the material that you select. The truth is, not all flooring materials are equal. For example, a marble tile is likely to chip with time. A natural stone tile, on the other hand, may become discoloured. These are the things you should consider, depending on how often people walk in and out of your premises.

Step 2: Examine Your Options When It Comes to Different Tiling Materials & Designs

Once you know how busy the building will be, you’ll have a clear idea of what kind of tiles will withstand the foot traffic. Consult with a tiling specialist so that you know what’s available in terms of styles, materials, size, design, and so forth. Tile prices will vary based on these factors.

Think about which room you intend to tile – this will tell you what to go for. Look for waterproof materials in places that get moist often, such as the bathroom. In spaces where you host lots of people, such as the dining room, you may want a durable ceramic.

Step 3: Consider Which Installation Method You Would Prefer

Some installations are more complex than others, and this affects the cost of labour. Think about this when you choose a tile, because this may be the expense that breaks the bank. Be careful not to go too simple or too tricky – find what works for your requirements.

As tiles evolve, so do the techniques that contractors use to install them. It depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of floor you had before, trending techniques, or the size of your new flooring material. What’s the difference? It depends!

Where the concrete foundation has cracks:

Leaving a crack to go unrepaired is the worst thing you could do for new tiling. If your concrete foundation has cracks, your contractor will need to fill them and level the surface before going any further.

Where you have a wooden base:

Wood is tricky because it may not be strong enough to hold up a tiled floor. Your contractor will likely need to reinforce the wooden floor with a backer board and sand the surface so that it holds the tiles thoroughly.

 

Where you already have tiles:

 

It’s not always possible or viable to remove existing tiles to make way for new ones. What needs to happen in this case, is that the old tiles must be grinded evenly to allow for the new ones to grip correctly. This may take a while, but the result is worth the effort.

Where your subfloor is uneven:

If your house has been around for a while, it’s possible that some dents and other uneven spots from the weight of the structure and other factors have developed over time. This is nothing to worry about as a contractor can patch the dents to even out the subfloor or possibly do complete floor levelling using flood method before installing the floor.

Step 4: Search For Quotes From Professionals In Your Vicinity

There’s nothing like a detailed quote from a tradesperson or company to give a full picture of what you’re getting into. Shop around or use a platform like Flooring Domain to compare quotes, then go with the one that covers everything you need, within your means.

If you want to have a solid plan for how you’ll finance the tiling in your home, you’ll have to cover all your bases. Don’t get caught unaware. Use this guide to ensure that there are no surprise expenses along the way.

Are you looking for a quote from a flooring expert near you? Join FlooringDomain.com.au, and we’ll set you up in no time.

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