The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Tiler: Top Questions to Ask

When it comes to home renovations, few details make as much impact as professional tiling.

The right tiling job can transform a kitchen, bathroom, or outdoor patio — adding style, durability, and value to your property.

But here’s the challenge: not all tilers are created equal. Hiring the wrong person can lead to poor finishes, wasted money, and frustrating delays.

Hiring the right tiler, on the other hand, means peace of mind, flawless results, and a project delivered on time.

If you’re planning a project in Cork, Kerry, or Limerick, this guide walks you through exactly what to look for — and the top questions to ask any tiler before you hire them.

What to Look for in a Tiler

Before jumping into the questions, here are the four key qualities that separate a reliable tiler from the rest:

• Experience & expertise – Look for someone with proven years in the trade who can handle complex layouts and different materials.
  

• Portfolio of work – A strong portfolio shows craftsmanship and helps you imagine how your own space will look.
  

• Recommendations & reviews – Consistent positive feedback is a strong sign of a tiler who delivers on promises.

  
  

• Professionalism & communication – Clear, respectful communication from the first call to the final clean-up is essential.

Top Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Tiler

Here’s your checklist of must-ask questions when choosing a tiler in Cork, Kerry, or Limerick:

1. How long have you been in the tiling industry?
   

Aim for at least five to ten years of hands-on experience across different types of projects.

2. What types of tiling projects have you worked on?
   

A versatile tiler should be comfortable with residential, commercial, and outdoor tiling, plus different patterns and techniques.

3. Are you licensed and insured?
   

This protects both you and the tiler. Don’t be afraid to ask for documentation.

4. Can you provide a detailed quote for my project?
   

Look for an itemised breakdown of labour, materials, and timeframe. Clear quotes reduce misunderstandings later.

5. How long will the project take?
   

Good tilers give realistic timelines and are upfront about potential delays such as material shortages.

6. What materials do you recommend for my project?
   

An expert will suggest tile types suited to your lifestyle and space — for example, durable porcelain in high-traffic Limerick homes or weather-resistant stone for Kerry coastal cottages.

7. Will the tiler handle the project personally or subcontract the work?
   

Ideally, the tiler you hire should handle the project themselves to ensure quality and consistency. If they do plan to subcontract, they should explain their reasons and provide information about the subcontractor's qualifications.

8. What kind of warranty or guarantee do you offer for your work?
   

A strong warranty shows confidence in workmanship. At PD Tiling, we provide a five-year warranty on all tiling projects.

9. How do you handle issues or concerns that may arise after project completion?
   

Professional tilers outline a clear process for addressing concerns, with no hidden surprises.

Evaluating the Quotes

Once you’ve collected quotes from multiple tilers, compare carefully:

• Cost: The lowest isn’t always best — balance price with expertise.
  

• Scope of work: Make sure materials, prep, and finishing are included.
  

• Service quality: Consider communication, reviews, and professionalism, not just the numbers.
  

Making the Final Decision

Here’s how to confidently choose your tiler:

• Trust your instincts: If something feels off during communication, it probably is.
  

• Weigh the full package: Experience, reviews, warranty, and professionalism should matter as much as cost.
  

• Confirm the timeline: Ensure availability matches your renovation schedule.
  

Choosing the right tiler is about more than finding the cheapest quote — it’s about finding someone who can deliver precision, reliability, and style that lasts. By asking the questions in this guide, you’ll be able to separate the professionals from the pretenders.

If you’re based in Cork, Kerry, or Limerick, PD Tiling is here to help. With years of experience, a five-year warranty, and a portfolio of stunning projects, we take the stress out of tiling and deliver results you’ll be proud of.

👉 Ready to start your project? Contact PD Tiling today for a free, no-obligation quote.