1. Insist on full-floor tiling without threshold stones!
Reason/Benefit: Initially misled by the idea that threshold stones divide space and block water, but they actually look unattractive and disrupt the overall unity and extension of the space. Full-floor tiling creates a grand, spacious, and modern appearance, allowing robot vacuums to move freely. In bathroom wet and dry areas, use tile height differences or invisible water barriers for a more aesthetic look.

2. Insist on whole-house tile seam alignment!
Reason/Benefit: Initially thought ‘close enough is fine,’ but misaligned seams can be frustrating, especially in prominent areas like the living room or hallway. Proper alignment makes floors and walls look neat, premium, and professional. This requires discussing the layout plan with the tiler before installation.

3. Insist on wall-over-floor technique, never floor-over-wall!
Reason/Benefit: With floor-over-wall, gaps at the bottom allow water to seep in, leading to edge leakage, hollowing, or mold over time. The wall-over-floor method (laying floor tiles first, then wall tiles over them) prevents this, offering better waterproofing and a cleaner look with gaps on the side.

4. Insist on using grout, reject white cement or ordinary fillers!
Reason/Benefit: White cement and basic fillers easily turn black and moldy, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, creating hygiene issues. Grout or epoxy grout offers diverse colors, waterproofing, mold resistance, durability, and easy cleaning. This investment is crucial for tile refinement and maintenance. For perfect results, hire a professional team for precise, smooth finishes that enhance tile quality.

5. Insist on quality tile adhesive; cement mortar isn’t universal!
Reason/Benefit: For large tiles, wall tiles, or low-absorption tiles like porcelain or slabs, cement mortar alone lacks sufficient adhesion, risking hollowing or脱落. Use appropriate tile adhesive (e.g., C1 or C2 grades) for safety and reliability, even if it costs more. Don’t be swayed by outdated practices.

6. Insist on a proper slope in the shower area and personally verify it!
Reason/Benefit: A poorly sloped shower leads to standing water. Emphasize this during installation and test it immediately by pouring water—it should flow quickly and unobstructed to the drain center. This is key for daily comfort.

7. Insist on leveling wall tiles as well!
Reason/Benefit: Many think only floor tiles need leveling, but uneven wall tiles cause issues with cabinet, vanity, or mirror installation, resulting in crooked gaps. For seamless countertops or embedded appliances, wall flatness is critical. Use a leveling tool during installation.

8. Insist on buying extra tiles for wastage—more is better than less!
Reason/Benefit: Buying just enough tiles risks shortages from cutting errors or losses. Different batches may have color variations. Purchase 5%-10% extra (negotiate returns for unopened boxes) to avoid mismatches or unavailability later.

9. Insist on on-site supervision of key steps!
Reason/Benefit: Don’t be completely hands-off! Check critical aspects like tile soaking (for high-absorption tiles), cement mortar or adhesive ratios, installation techniques, seam alignment, and slope testing. Address issues early to avoid costly rework.

10. Insist on planning water and electricity pipeline locations in advance and document with photos!
Reason/Benefit: Once tiles are laid, pipelines become hidden. Drilling later for hooks, towel racks, or mirrors could hit wires or pipes, causing disasters. Before tiling, obtain accurate utility maps or take clear photos and store them visibly or digitally.

Reason/Benefit: Tiling is a delicate task, especially for intricate patterns, seams, or special cuts. Rushing for deadlines compromises quality. Communicate with workers to allow sufficient time for meticulous work—good results are worth the wait.
