Mon – Fri 8:30am to 5:00pm
Planning a tiling project in Dandenong or across southeast Melbourne? You’re not alone. But far too many renovations go over budget because of avoidable errors. Whether you’re working with a tradesman or tackling DIY, small mistakes can snowball into very expensive fixes.
Below, we’ve outlined the most common tiling mistakes we see in local renovations — and how to steer clear of them to keep your project on track.
Rapid Response: What Errors Are Most Expensive?
| Mistake | Budget Impact | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Underordering tiles | Additional trips, higher costs | Add 10–15% extra for cuts and waste (20% for patterns) |
| Skipping surface preparation | Cracks, uneven tiles | Always level and prime surfaces before tiling |
| Complex patterns without planning | More labour time, more waste | Plan ahead or simplify designs |
| Selecting the wrong tiles | Slip hazards, cracking, fast wear | Match tiles to room function and climate |
| Hiring unlicensed tilers | Poor results, no legal redress | Verify licenses and tiler experience before hiring |
1. Not Ordering Enough Tiles = Budget Blowout
- Wet conditions: safer movement in bathrooms, patios, and pool surrounds.
- Temperature changes: textured tiles dry faster, reducing hazards.
- Indoor–outdoor living: slip-resistant tiles flow seamlessly between spaces.
Running short on tiles mid-project is one of the most common — and costly — mistakes. Tiles are sold per square metre, but that calculation doesn’t cover cutting waste or breakages. Patterns like herringbone can increase waste up to 20%.
Pro Tip: Always order at least 10–15% more tiles than your area requires, and up to 20% for complex or diagonal layouts. Having spares prevents delays and ensures consistency if replacements are ever needed.
2. Poor Surface Prep = Long-Term Trouble
Tiling over uneven floors, cracked concrete, or old adhesive is asking for disaster. The result? Uneven surfaces (lippage), cracked tiles, or tiles that lift months after installation.
Extra Costs You Might Face in Dandenong:
| Service | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Floor Levelling Compound | $25 – $40 / m² |
| Tile Removal & Disposal | $20 – $35 / m² |
| Waterproofing (Bathroom) | $35 – $55 / m² |
Proper preparation may feel like an extra step, but it saves thousands in rework later.
3. Choosing the Wrong Tile for the Job
A tile that looks beautiful in the showroom may not perform well in your space. We often see homeowners buying glossy tiles for outdoor patios (slippery when wet) or thin tiles for busy living areas (prone to cracking).
Better Choices:
- Outdoor areas: Textured porcelain or stone (R10+ slip rating).
- Kitchens: Easy-to-clean, stain-resistant finishes.
- Bathrooms: Tiles designed for wet areas with slip resistance.
4. Complex Patterns = Complex Labour
Layouts like herringbone, basketweave, or chevron add style — but they also increase cutting and installation time. Without planning, they can double your labour costs.
Labour Rate Comparison (Dandenong):
| Tile Pattern | Average Labour Rate |
|---|---|
| Straight Lay | $35 – $50 / m² |
| Brick/Offset | $40 – $60 / m² |
| Herringbone/Chevron | $60 – $90 / m² |
Before locking in a pattern, confirm with your tiler what the labour impact will be.
It’s tempting to choose the lowest quote — but cheap tilers often skip waterproofing, use poor-quality adhesives, or lay tiles without spacers. The result? A job that fails within months.
Always ask your tiler:
- Are you licensed with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA)?
- Can I see recent photos or client testimonials?
- Do you provide both tile supply and installation?
- Will you issue a detailed written quote?
Tip: Verify all credentials directly with the VBA.
Final Word
Tiling your Dandenong home doesn’t need to be stressful or expensive. By planning ahead, choosing the right tiles, and working with licensed professionals, you can avoid the most common pitfalls. The result? A project that finishes on time, within budget — and flooring that lasts for years.
FAQs: Avoiding Tiling Mistakes
Q1: How much extra tile should I order?
Always order 10–15% more than the measured area. For complex layouts like herringbone, order 20% more to account for cuts and waste.
Q2: What’s the costliest mistake in tiling projects?
Skipping surface preparation or hiring an unlicensed tiler. Both often lead to cracked tiles, waterproofing failure, and full rework — doubling your original budget.
Q3: Is it cheaper to use one tile type throughout the house?
Yes. Using the same tile across multiple rooms reduces waste, speeds up installation, and can qualify you for bulk discounts. Many homeowners in Dandenong choose large-format porcelain tiles for living areas, kitchens, and hallways to save money.
