The correct tiles and quantities have been delivered
Not withstanding your tile suppliers best endeavors, errors in delivery can occasionally occur. It is much easier to attend to any errors before any fixing commences. Tile suppliers will generally not recognise any claims once tiles are installed.
There are adequate tiles to complete the job
Please make sure your measurements are accurate and allows for wastage. If the tile company estimated your quantities it is usually done as a service only and the final responsibility for the quantity ordered still rests with you. In this case your tiler should also measure and confirm what has been estimated is enough to complete the job. Over measurements will lead to an over supply of tiles which may not be returnable. Under measurements will lead to a shortage of tiles which may no longer be available or may be from a different manufacturing batch / shade.
It is critical that you make sure that you have enough tiles to complete the job and check before laying any tiles that additional stock in the same batch / shade and size is available should you require more tiles in the future.
Tip: It is suggested that a small quantity of tiles be kept for any future maintenance.
Tiles delivered are of the same batch and caliber
Not withstanding your tile suppliers best endeavors, occasionally different shades or calibers are delivered to one job. Variations in shade and size are natural characteristics of kiln fired products.
It is the tiler's (your) responsibility to ensure that before any of the tiles are installed that the shade and caliber markings on all the tile boxes and wrappings are exactly the same. By not doing so exposes you to possible significant costs to rectify. There is also no guarantee that more tiles of the same batch will be available.
Tile suppliers will not recognise claims once tiles are installed. Please note that natural tile characteristics such as shade, batch, size variation and optical hazing on polished tiles are inherent characteristics of tiles and not considered tile defects.
Tip: Keep copies of your invoices and if possible note the shade and caliber markings / numbers as this will assist in obtaining extras.
Tip: Keeping an empty carton or wrapping that has these details can also assist.
Your tiler is aware of the tile layout pattern and any feature tiles
Not withstanding that you (or your tile supplier) may have supplied a diagram of the tiler to work from, it is highly recommended that before installation commences you clearly outline / agree on the following points:
any special / requested laying patterns.
the grout joint size for each different tile being installed.
the exact positioning of any feature, listelli, borders, patterns, trims or accessories.
Set aside and do not install defective tiles
Always inspect tiles before installation.
Being a kiln fired product, although not desirable, a small number of tiles with some visual defects may be supplied in first grade products.
These are generally used for cutting / wastage after the defect has been isolated.
Under no circumstances should tiles with any defects be installed.
Once the tiler commences a job, he has accepted (on your behalf) that the tiles are suitable to install.
Instruct your tiler to stop work immediately if they determine anything that is not as it should be. They should contact you to remedy the issue.
If the issue is product related, immediately contact your supplier before proceeding any further. Under no circumstances should the work continue until the issue is resolved. Tile suppliers will not recognise claims once tiles have been installed.