Set out the finish before it is fixed

Tile choice and the prepared background

Include the tile manufacturer, material, dimensions and installation information, with the intended room and surface. Existing plaster, boards, floors or retained tiles need a suitable assessed background and preparation. Product weight, moisture exposure and the proposed system can affect the build-up.

For wet areas, agree the background and waterproofing system and who supplies and installs each part. Tiles and grout alone are not the waterproofing design. Keep any required inspection or closure record visible before the finish covers the background.

Layout, cuts and edge details

Mark the starting point or visual centre, pattern, feature areas, grout colour and joint appearance you want discussed. Include niches, windows, corners, sockets, sanitaryware and other interruptions. A complex layout can involve more setting out and cuts than a straightforward area of the same size.

Choose how exposed edges and adjoining surfaces finish: trims, thresholds, skirting and changes between wall or floor materials. Movement joints and other system details follow the specified construction and manufacturer guidance. Confirm the accepted setting-out arrangement before fixing begins.

Make one schedule for each tiled area

For each area, record its reference, approximate wall or floor dimensions, product, pattern, background, wet exposure and edge details. Keep wall and floor quantities separate. Final ordering allowances depend on the tile and layout. Agree who measures, orders, checks batches and deals with breakages or shortages.

Identify removal, waste, background repairs and service work before installation. Screens, cabinets, appliances and sanitaryware may need to be removed, fitted or protected at particular stages. Agree room release and the time needed for the selected preparation, adhesive, grout and sealant systems before the area returns to use.

Compare the whole tiling installation

A square-metre total can hide differences in preparation, format, pattern and finishing. Ask each quotation to identify the same products and boundaries.

Quotation item	What to make clear
Tiles and supply	Product, size, material, quantities, batch checks, supplier and delivery responsibility.
Background and wet areas	Removal, assessed repairs, preparation, specified waterproofing and responsibility for each layer.
Layout and installation	Pattern, setting out, cuts, niches, joints, trims, thresholds, adhesive, grout and sealing.
Interfaces and completion	Fitting sequence, retained fixtures, access, protection, use restrictions, exclusions and VAT.

The quotation confirms the accepted materials and system. Unverified backgrounds, specialist formats or concealed damage may need further assessment before a firm installation scope is agreed.

Waterproofing system guidance from BAL ↗

Questions before you enquire

Can you tile a splashback without fitting the whole kitchen?

We can discuss a defined splashback package. Send the area, tile and edge details, photographs and the positions of sockets or other fittings. Agree who handles any service adjustments and makes good the surrounding decoration.

Can tiles be fitted over an existing finish?

That depends on the existing background, adhesion, build-up and the selected installation system. A surface that looks intact is not enough to confirm suitability. Describe the current finish and known problems so removal or preparation can be assessed.

Can I provide my own tiles?

Yes, supply can be agreed. Send product details before ordering and confirm quantities, batches, delivery and replacement arrangements. Adhesives, grout, trims, waterproofing and other installation materials also need clear supply responsibilities.

What to send for a useful quotation

Send the London postcode, photographs, approximate wall and floor areas, tile product, size and pattern. Include wet areas, existing background information, removal, niches and edge details, fixtures or services, supply responsibilities and preferred timing.

If the work needs a site visit before we price it, our engineer's visit is free, with no obligation.

Related services and advice

Bathroom refurbishment

Kitchen refurbishment

Interior trade packages

Wall and floor tiling in London

Tell us about the tiles and the surfaces.