Tile Fixer Guide: How to Hire a Skilled Tile Fixer, Labour Rates Per Square Foot, What Is Included, Surface Preparation, Levelling, Spacing, Finish Checks, Mistakes to Spot and a Simple Agreement for Pakistan
A tile fixer is the tradesperson who sets tiles, and the quality of fixing matters as much as the tiles themselves. Poor fixing causes hollow spots, lippage and cracking. Labour typically costs about PKR 80 to PKR 250 per square foot depending on tile size and job. This page covers how to hire a fixer, rates, what is included, surface preparation, levelling, spacing, finish checks and a simple agreement. For related pages see tile glue, tile filler and how to measure for tiles.
Indicative labour rates
These ranges show common figures and vary by city, tile size and difficulty.
| Item | Indicative range |
|---|---|
| Floor tiles, standard size | PKR 40 - 80 per sq ft |
| Large format 24x48 in | PKR 70 - 120 per sq ft |
| Wall tiles, standard | PKR 45 - 90 per sq ft |
| Mosaic or patterned layout | PKR 80 - 150 per sq ft |
| Removal of old tiles | PKR 15 - 40 per sq ft |
Prices move with brand, model, size and stock. Use these ranges to judge a quote, then compare the exact model and what is included.
How to hire
Ask to see recent work, speak with past clients and agree rates, materials and schedule in writing. Experienced fixers handle large-format tiles and waterproofing properly. Avoid anyone who refuses to check levels or says spacers are unnecessary.
What is included
Clarify whether the rate covers surface preparation, adhesive mixing, grouting, cutting, trims and clean-up, and who supplies adhesive and spacers. Hidden extras are the main cause of disputes.
Surface preparation
Surfaces must be clean, firm, dry and level, with waterproofing in wet areas. Uneven floors need a levelling screed first. Tiling over weak plaster or damp walls leads to failure.
Levelling and spacing
Good fixers use levels, string lines and spacers, and fill the back of each tile with adhesive to avoid hollow spots. Large tiles need levelling clips. Joints should be even and straight with no lippage.
Finish checks and mistakes
Tap tiles to listen for hollow sounds, run a hand across joints for lippage and check grout fullness. Common mistakes include too little adhesive, no expansion gaps and grouting too early. Fitting should be done by a trained fixer, and the wall or floor checked for level, dryness and strength first.
What to check before buying
- Scope. Written in the agreement
- Adhesive. Right type, full coverage
- Levelling. Checked with a spirit level
- Payment. Staged, with final after checks
Before you decide
Hire on skill rather than the lowest rate, agree the scope in writing and inspect work as it goes. A good fixer saves far more than the labour difference by avoiding rework. Keep photos of each stage and hold back a final payment until checks are done. Ask what happens if a tile fails soon after fixing, and agree in writing who repairs it and who pays. Good fixers also protect finished floors with cardboard while other trades work. Do not allow walking on floors for at least 24 hours, and give grout time to cure before heavy cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Indicative labour rates run from about PKR 40 to 120 per square foot depending on tile size and layout. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay.
Tap for hollow spots, check levels and look at joints. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the seller before ordering. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit.
Agree this in writing before work begins. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the seller before ordering. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise.
Poor preparation, too little adhesive or missing expansion gaps. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis.
Yes, keep the last payment until checks are done. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay.
Yes, we supply across Pakistan. Share the quantity, the size or rating and the place of use on WhatsApp. You get a written rate with the exact model, what is included and the warranty, ready to compare with any other seller. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit.
Hiring a tile fixer?
Send the details and a photo. We reply with a written rate.