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Written by Abdul Bahadoori Local Tile Experts | Serving Dandenong & Greater Melbourne
Prepping for Dandenong tile work? You’re not alone — but far too many local renovations go over budget as a result of avoidable errors. DIY or with a tradesman, minuscule errors can prove very expensive.
Below, we outline most typical renovation mistakes with tiling that we see around southeast Melbourne — and how to steer clear of them to stay exactly on schedule.
Rapid Response: What Errors Are Most Expensive?
| Mistake | Budget Impact | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Underordering tiles | Additional trips and increased costs | Add 10–15% extra for cuts and waste |
| Skipping surface preparation | Cracks, uneven tiles | Always level and prime surfaces before tiling |
| Intricate designs without planning | More labor time, more material waste | Plan ahead or simplify designs |
| Selecting the wrong tiles | Slip hazards, cracking, fast wear | Match tiles to room function and environmental conditions |
| Using unlicensed tilers | Poor results, no legal redress | Always verify licenses and check tiler experience |
1. Not Ordering Enough Tiles = Budget Blowout
Running out of tiles mid-project is a frustrating — and expensive — mistake. It’s more common than you’d think.
Tiles are sold per square metre, but that doesn’t cover breakages, cutting, or design layouts. For patterns like herringbone or feature walls, waste can climb as high as 20%.
Pro Tip: Order at least 10–15% extra, or 20% for intricate or diagonal patterns. It’s better to have a few spare tiles than face delays or mismatches later.
Skipping proper prep before tiling over uneven floors or old adhesives can cause major issues. One common result is lippage — where one tile edge sits higher than the next — which isn’t just unattractive, it’s a tripping risk.
Even worse? Improper prep can lead to tiles cracking or coming loose months down the line, turning a finished job into a redo.
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 |
3. Choosing the Wrong Tile for the Job
Just because a tile is pretty doesn’t automatically make it a good fit for your room. We’ve witnessed tile buyers go out and purchase high-shine outdoor tiles (too slippery) or flimsy tiles for high-traffic floors (prone to cracking).
Better Alternatives:
- Exterior areas → Install textured stone or porcelain tiles (R10+ slip rating)
- Kitchens → Choose stain-resistant, easy-to-maintain finishes
- Bathrooms → Always select tiles that are considered wet area tiles
4. Complex Patterns = Complex Labour
Patterns like subway brick, basketweave, or herringbone require tighter cut and layout time. If not taken into consideration properly, such designs will double your labour cost.
Labour Rate Comparison (Dandenong):
| Tile Pattern | Average Labour Rate |
|---|---|
| Straight Lay | $35 – $50/m² |
| Brick/Offset | $40 – $60/m² |
| Herringbone/Chevron | $60 – $90/m² |
Don’t Be Swayed by the Cheapest Quote
A low price tag might sound appealing, but cutting corners on tiling can end up being far more expensive in the long run. We’ve seen projects where waterproofing was skipped, adhesives failed early, or tiles were laid without spacers — all because the tiler wasn’t up to standard.
Before you hire a tiler, make sure to ask:
- Are you licensed with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA)?
- Can I see photos of recent jobs or client testimonials?
- Do you manage both tile supply and installation, or just the labour?
- Will you give me a detailed written quote with everything included?
- Doing your homework upfront can save you thousands in rework.
Always verify credentials with Victorian Building Authority
Final Take
Tiling your home doesn’t have to blow your budget or cause unnecessary stress. With a bit of planning, smart material choices, and the help of reliable local professionals, you can avoid the most common pitfalls. The result? A project finished on time, within budget — and something you’ll be proud to show off.
FAQs: Answering Real Questions
Q1: How much extra tile should I order to avoid running short?
We recommend ordering 10–15% more tiles than the exact area you plan to tile. For complex patterns like herringbone or diagonal layouts, increase that to 20% to account for cuts and waste.
Q2: What’s the most expensive mistake people make when tiling?
The biggest cost blowout usually comes from poor surface preparation or hiring an unlicensed tiler. These mistakes often lead to cracked tiles, waterproofing failure, and full rework — which can double your original budget.
Q3: Is it cheaper to use the same tile throughout the house?
Yes — using the same tile across multiple rooms often leads to bulk pricing discounts and faster installation, especially if you stick with simple patterns. Many Dandenong homeowners choose a large-format porcelain tile for kitchens, living areas, and hallways to keep costs down
