Having tiles installed: what a useful quote includes
Tile size and colour are immediately visible. The substrate, exposure to water and junctions matter just as much for the work and its durability. A useful enquiry therefore describes the surfaces and their use before deciding on adhesives or technical systems.
Where will the tiles be installed?
A living-room floor is planned differently from a shower or balcony. Even within a bathroom, floors, walls and directly wetted areas have different needs. Identify each area so the quote is more useful than an unclear lump sum for «bathroom tiles».
| Area | Points to clarify |
|---|---|
| Indoor floor | Finished height, substrate, transitions and use |
| Wall | Load-bearing suitability, tiling height and cut-outs |
| Shower / wet area | Waterproofing, junctions, drain and necessary falls |
| Balcony / terrace | Drainage and a suitable external construction |
| Staircase | Step dimensions, edges and adjoining finishes |
Make preparation visible in the price
The contractor checks whether the substrate is stable, sufficiently flat and ready for tiling. Loose finishes, cracks or residual moisture may require additional work. A new finish should not simply cover these problems.
Tiling over existing tiles may be possible under suitable conditions. Adhesion, height at doors and transitions, and the complete build-up matter. Before removing old finishes or adhesives in older buildings, potential hazardous materials need assessment. Mention underfloor heating when making the enquiry.
Choose format, layout and material together
Large-format tiles require especially careful preparation and handling. Access routes and working space may determine whether the chosen size can be installed practically. Fewer visible joints does not mean installation entirely without joints.
Natural stone, ceramic and mosaic require different processing and care. View samples together with the proposed joint layout. For floors, choose slip resistance appropriate to their use; a glossy or rough appearance alone is not reliable evidence.
Waterproofing sits beneath the visible finish
Tiles and grout alone do not replace suitable waterproofing in water-exposed areas. Junctions with baths, showers and penetrations belong in the design. A fresh silicone joint also cannot replace missing or damaged waterproofing behind it.
In a level-access shower, available height, drainage and falls must work together. Establish who handles the interface between plumbing and tiling. Outdoors, weather and drainage add further demands; an indoor build-up cannot simply be transferred to a balcony.
List floor and wall areas separately
A room measuring 3 × 4 metres has a 12 m² floor. Tiling all four walls to 2.4 metres adds 14 × 2.4 = 33.6 m² before deducting openings. «A 12 m² bathroom» would therefore be an ambiguous description of this job.
List individual surfaces such as the bathroom floor, shower wall and kitchen splashback. For stairs, exact step counts and dimensions help. Cutting allowance and spare tiles depend on size, layout and room geometry; do not order blindly using a single fixed percentage.
How much does tiling cost?
One Swiss contractor lists CHF 65–95/m² in 2026 for ceramic tiles up to 60 × 120 cm, including normal grouting but excluding tiles and extra preparation, with no additional VAT according to the provider. This is one indicative rate, not a Swiss average.
The total includes more than installation. A lower square-metre rate may end up costing more if preparation, materials or junction details are missing. Small areas and numerous cut-outs also involve different effort from a large clear floor.
- Removal and preparation. Price removal, disposal, substrate assessment and necessary levelling.
- Waterproofing and installation. Specify areas, system, material supply, tile size and layout.
- Details. Account separately for skirting, edge profiles, niches, holes, flexible joints and stairs.
- Final amount. Clarify transport, site setup, minimum order and VAT. The example contractor generally states a minimum job value of CHF 2’000.
Agree on these points before work begins
- Coordinate materials. Specify product, format, layout and grout colour; have suitability and quantity confirmed if supplying tiles yourself.
- Define the scope. Record areas, substrate work, removal of fixtures and responsibilities.
- Plan the time window. Allow for drying, curing and restricted use of the bathroom or kitchen.
- Complete handover. Check surfaces and transitions together and receive care instructions and remaining spare tiles.
Use and care after installation
Walking on the floor, full loading and water exposure may have different waiting periods. Ask for those applying to the chosen system, including restarting underfloor heating.
Cleaning must suit both tiles and grout. Keep product references and spare tiles. If damage occurs later, you will know what was installed; an identical replacement delivery is not always available.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy the tiles myself?
Yes, after agreement with the contractor. Confirm suitability, format, quantity and delivery date. Also clarify responsibility for damaged or missing materials.
Are large tiles automatically cheaper to install?
No. Fewer individual tiles do not necessarily mean less work. Preparation, transport, cutting and handling can be more demanding.
Must the old finish be removed?
Not always. Adhesion, finished height and the condition of the complete substrate matter. Waterproofing also needs assessment in wet areas.
Can only a few damaged tiles be replaced?
Yes, where technically possible. Replacement material, surrounding areas and any underlying waterproofing need checking. Without suitable spare tiles, an identical appearance cannot be promised.
When can I use the bathroom again?
It depends on preparation and materials. Visibly finished joints do not mean the shower or floor can immediately take full use. Agree on an explicit return-to-use time.
