For a straightforward bathroom retile, hiring a specialist tiler is usually the better choice over a general builder — but the right answer depends on the scope of the job. Here's how to decide.
When to Hire a Specialist Tiler
A dedicated tiler is the right choice if:
- You're retiling only — walls and/or floor — with no other structural or plumbing changes
- You want the best possible finish, particularly with larger format tiles, natural stone, intricate patterns, or herringbone/brick-bond layouts that require precise cutting and setting out
- The existing waterproofing (tanking) is sound and doesn't need redoing
Specialist tilers do this work day in, day out — their cutting accuracy, tile spacing, and grout finish are typically a level above what a general builder achieves, since it's their core skill rather than one of many trades they cover.
When to Hire a General Builder Instead
A general builder (or a bathroom fitter managing multiple trades) makes more sense if:
- The retile is part of a bigger renovation — new suite, moved plumbing, electrics, plastering
- You want one point of contact managing several trades (plumber, electrician, tiler, plasterer) rather than coordinating each yourself
- Structural changes are involved (e.g. removing a wall, changing the room layout)
The trade-off is that a general builder either does the tiling themselves (which may be a secondary skill for them, not their specialism) or subcontracts a tiler anyway — so you're not necessarily avoiding a specialist, just adding a layer of project management.
What to Ask Before Deciding
- "Is tiling your main trade, or one of several things you do?" — a straight answer here tells you a lot
- "Can I see photos of tiling work you've personally done?" — not just photos of a renovation where tiling was one part of a bigger job someone else may have handled
- "Who's actually doing the waterproofing/tanking?" — this is arguably more important than the tiling itself, since poor waterproofing causes leaks regardless of how good the tiles look
Waterproofing: The Step That Matters Most
Regardless of who you hire, proper waterproofing (tanking) before tiling is non-negotiable in a shower or wet area. This is often overlooked because it's invisible once tiling is complete — but it's the single biggest factor in whether a bathroom retile lasts 15+ years or starts leaking within 2–3.
Cost Comparison
| Approach | Typical Cost (average bathroom) |
|---|---|
| Specialist tiler (tiling only) | £800–£1,800 |
| General builder/bathroom fitter (full retile as part of renovation) | Included within overall renovation cost, typically £4,000–£10,000 |
For a tiling-only job, a specialist tiler is usually similarly priced or slightly cheaper than a general builder doing the same scope, simply because it's their core efficiency.
The Bottom Line
If it's tiling and only tiling, go with a specialist. If it's part of a wider renovation with multiple trades involved, a general builder or dedicated bathroom fitter managing the whole job is usually more practical — just make sure you know who's actually laying the tiles and doing the waterproofing either way.
Compare Quotes From Both
Not sure which route fits your job? Post it on Compare My Builder and you'll get responses from both specialist tilers and general builders — compare their quotes and approach side by side before deciding.
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