Bad Tradesman = Big Cost | What I Had to Fix Before Tiling

Why Hiring the Right Tradesman Matters — A Real-World Example

When it comes to trades, you really do get what you pay for — but price alone doesn’t always guarantee quality. One of the biggest mistakes I see clients make is assuming that just because someone is expensive, they must be good. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

On a recent job, I was booked to start tiling a bathroom. Simple enough — or at least it should’ve been. But when I arrived on site, I quickly realised I couldn’t begin. The wall prep wasn’t up to standard. The rendering had been done poorly — uneven, patchy, and not suitable for tiling.

The surprising part? The renderer wasn’t cheap. The client had actually paid top dollar, thinking they were getting a professional result. Instead, they ended up with subpar work that needed to be redone.

Rather than getting the renderer back to fix it, the client asked me to take care of it. That meant extra time and materials on my part — and yes, extra cost to the client. What should’ve been a straightforward tiling job ended up delayed and more expensive.

This is a perfect example of how important it is to hire the right tradesman — not just the most expensive or the first one available. Whether it’s a renderer, plumber, or carpenter, poor workmanship at any stage sets the next trades back and ends up costing the client more in the long run.

The takeaway? Do your homework. Look at past work, check reviews, and go with someone who has a solid reputation for doing things properly. It’s worth it.

If you're planning a bathroom renovation or any tiling project, feel free to get in touch. I work with a trusted team of trades I can recommend, and I always make sure things are done right — the first time.