At a glance
Mark loose or cracked tiles and any sign of moisture.
Show joints, drain, thresholds and clearance at doors.
Ask for a decision about your actual surface and zone, not a general yes.
Look at the tiles and the surface beneath
Walk through the whole proposed area. Note tiles that move when pressed, are chipped or cracked, or sound different when tapped. These signs do not tell you the extent of a problem, but they do need checking before the old finish is covered. Look for cracks crossing several tiles or joints too.
Tell the contractor about past leaks, repairs or movement if you know of them. A new decorative layer cannot diagnose why the old covering has failed.
- Photograph cracks and tiles that appear loose.
- Record stains, damp patches and changes in joint colour.
- Say whether the problem is constant or follows use of the shower.
Show the joints, flatness and finished levels
Joint width and depth, as well as steps between tiles, affect preparation. Manufacturers’ instructions for systems applied over tiles call for preparing and filling the joints and selecting a primer suited to a non-absorbent surface. The actual method still depends on the selected system and the condition of the existing covering.
Photograph door clearances, fitted furniture, thresholds and the transition to another floor. A new layer changes the finished level; even a thin finish needs room for a sound termination.
Separate the finish from waterproofing
Around a shower and drain, ask about the existing waterproofing, falls, seals and how they can be checked. The appearance of old tiles cannot establish that hidden layers remain watertight. A microcement finish in a wet area needs a solution intended for that location and consistent with the instructions for the chosen system.
If there is a leak or the hidden build-up is unknown, establish the cause before choosing a colour. Agree who is responsible for investigation and for the waterproofing work.
Photographs for an initial conversation
Provide a wide view of the room and close views of important details. Add dimensions or a simple sketch so that each area can be understood in context.
| View | What to include |
|---|---|
| Whole room | Floor, walls, doorways and the layout of zones |
| Damage | Loose or cracked tile and the surrounding area |
| Joints and edges | Joint width, thresholds and ends beside furniture |
| Wet area | Shower, drain, corners and visible moisture marks |
Possible outcomes of the inspection
The recommendation may be to prepare and cover a stable tiled surface, to repair particular areas or to remove the tiles and rebuild the base. Floor area alone cannot settle that choice. Ask which observed conditions lead to the recommendation and exactly which work the resulting quote covers.
VPD Design
Want to discuss your existing tiles?
Send views of the whole surface, damaged spots and wet zones. An initial conversation can establish what must be checked on site.
Send photographs