Before you even think of starting a tiling job it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the do's and don'ts of tiling, as this could save you time and money down the line.

Although you are appointing a contractor to do the job, there is still a lot of preparation and planning that is required before even laying that first tile.

Many first-time tilers will make basic mistakes that could have been avoided if they had only been forewarned. A successful tiling project starts by getting the fundamentals right.

"Taking advice before the start of the tiling project, will give you a much more pleasant and less stressful overall experience than going in without this useful information," says Kate van Niekerk of Tile Africa.

For the novice tiler wanting to do the job with the least amount of headaches, here are a few tips to guide you:

Do's:

• Do be sure to measure the area you wish to tile. Do it more than once to make 100 percent sure you have the correct measurements.
• Do make sure you buy enough tiles for the job and allow for extra tiles for breakages. About 10 percent more than the actual metre squared required. Save yourself the stress of going to buy additional tiles only to find that the store now stocks a different batch with a slight visual difference or worse, no longer supplies that particular tile.
• Do make a list of the supplies and tools that you are going to need for the tiling job to save yourself unnecessary trips in the future. Remember to include the correct adhesives and grouts. Spacers will simplify the task of ensuring 100 percent even gaps between the tiles.
• Do take a sample home first before purchasing the full stock of tiles that you like. Test the tile in the environment in which it is going to be used to make sure that it looks right in the light and is co-ordinated with the other colours in the room. Make sure that the tiles fit in with the lighting, furnishings, colours and shapes that exist in the environment.
• Do check that the tile that you have selected is suitable in terms of durability and stain, scratch and water resistant — particularly in high traffic areas. Your entrance hall will require tiles that can withstand high traffic. On the other hand, when making your choice of tiles for the bathroom consider how slippery they are.
• Do be patient with the job and with yourself. The project will not be done in a flash and it will have its obstacles and learning curves.
• Do investigate under-floor heating systems for all year comfort.

• Don't fall in love with tiles in the store that you suddenly take a fancy to and purchase immediately — assuming that they will look wonderful in the designated area.
• Don't buy the tools that you think you are going to need. You are most likely going to waste money if they are the wrong tools. Always speak to a sales consultant and make sure that you have what you need.
• Don't, on the other hand, get carried away in the store by buying everything related to tiling thinking that you need it all. Ask for help.
• Don't start with a complicated project. As a novice to tiling select a simple project to start with to get the basics right. This will build confidence to continue until you have renovated your entire home.

Be smart when embarking on a tiling project and be prepared as this will save you financially and from having a bad experience.