Porcelain tile quality

Sunil Radia • 13 January 2023

How to determine the quality of a porcelain tile.

How can I judge the quality of a porcelain tile?


There are several factors to consider when judging the quality of a porcelain tile:


Density: Porcelain tiles are made from a denser clay than other types of tile, which makes them more durable and resistant to moisture.


Water Absorption: Porcelain tiles have a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%, which makes them suitable for indoor and outdoor use.


PEI rating: PEI rating is a measure of a tile's resistance to wear and tear. Tiles with a higher PEI rating are more suitable for high traffic areas.


Surface finish: Porcelain tiles come in a variety of finishes, including polished, honed, and textured. The finish of a tile can affect its slip resistance and durability.


Quality Control: Quality control is important for ensuring that tiles are consistent in size and color, and that they meet industry standards for strength and durability.


Brand reputation: Look for a reputable brand with a history of producing high-quality tiles, and check customer reviews to see what other people have experienced with the product.


Warranty: Look for a tile that comes with a warranty that protects against defects in workmanship and materials.



It can be difficult to judge the quality of a porcelain tile just by looking at it. Some factors, such as surface finish and colour, can be visually assessed, but others, such as density and water absorption rate, are not visible. However, there are some things you can look for to get an idea of the tile's quality:


Look for uniformity in size and colour: Tiles that are consistent in size and colour are generally of higher quality.


Check for defects: Look for chips, cracks, or other defects in the tile.


Check the surface finish: A smooth, glossy finish is generally indicative of a high-quality tile.


Check the edges: Check the edges of the tile to make sure they are clean and straight, with no rough or jagged edges.


Brand reputation: Look for a reputable brand with a history of producing high-quality tiles, and check customer reviews to see what other people have experienced with the product.


It's important to remember that even if a tile looks good on the surface, it may not be of high quality. It is always recommended to check the technical specifications and certifications of the tile before purchasing.



Technical specifications and certifications are important indicators of a tile's quality and performance. Some of the most important technical specifications and certifications to look for when purchasing tiles include:


Water Absorption: The water absorption rate of a tile is a measure of how much water it can absorb before it begins to deteriorate. Tiles with a water absorption rate of less than 0.5% are considered porcelain tiles and are suitable for indoor and outdoor use.


PEI rating: The PEI rating is a measure of a tile's resistance to wear and tear. Tiles with a higher PEI rating are more suitable for high traffic areas.


Breaking strength: Breaking strength is a measure of a tile's strength and durability. Tiles with a higher breaking strength are more resistant to damage.


Slip resistance: Slip resistance is a measure of a tile's ability to prevent slips and falls. Tiles with a high slip resistance rating are more suitable for wet or high traffic areas.


Certifications: Tiles that have been certified by organizations such as the Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) and the Ceramic Tile Institute of America (CTIOA) have been tested and found to meet industry standards for quality and performance.


ASTM Standards: Tiles that meet ASTM Standards are considered to be of good quality and are suitable for use in residential and commercial settings.


ISO Standards: Tiles that meet ISO Standards are considered to be of good quality and are suitable for use in residential and commercial settings.


It is important to note that not all tile manufacturers or brands have the same certification and it can vary according to the region. It is always recommended to check the certifications and standards of the tile before purchasing.


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Selecting & Vetting Builders - Avoiding Cowboys & Disputes

by Niket Kapur • 17 September 2025
The Assumption Many homeowners feel confident they already have a “good builder.” Often this is someone recommended by friends, family, or colleagues. But what worked for someone else’s project may not suit your project. Builder selection is the single most critical step in any renovation or rebuild. Done carefully, it leads to a smooth build. Done poorly, it can cause budget overruns, stress, and disputes. Why Proper Vetting Matters Most builders are hardworking professionals, but homeowners often don’t carry out the right checks. Some unscrupulous operators may show finished projects or photos that were not their own work. Looking only at glossy, finished results is misleading - poor workmanship can be hidden behind plaster or paint. Without proper vetting, even well-meaning builders can be mismatched to the size, style, or complexity of your project. This is why vetting is not about being suspicious - it’s about protecting your investment and ensuring the builder you choose is the right fit. How to Vet a Builder Properly Look backwards: Review a project the builder completed at least five years ago. Speak to those property owners to see how the work has lasted over time. Look forwards: Visit a current live site. See how it’s managed day to day, how organised it is, and how safety is handled. Speak with current clients: Ask how easy and flexible the builder is to work with. Do they communicate clearly? Are they responsive to changes? Check references: Speak directly with at least two or three previous clients - don’t rely only on written testimonials. Verify insurances: Public liability, employer’s liability, and contract works cover are essential. Verify financial stability: Review the builder’s company structure and trading history. A builder under financial strain poses a risk to your project. Review documents: Are quotes and specifications detailed, or are they vague one-liners? Are they willing to work under a proper written contract? Confirm who does the work: Will the builder’s own team deliver it, or will it be subcontracted to unknown trades? Common Red Flags While most builders are professional, there are signs to be cautious of: Requests for a large deposit before work starts. Vague or one-page quotes with no detail. Reluctance to provide insurance certificates or references. “Too good to be true” pricing. Unwillingness to agree to a clear written contract. These are not criticisms of builders as a whole - they are practical safeguards to avoid risks. Case Study: From Risk to Confidence A homeowner in North London chose a builder based solely on a personal recommendation. The quote was vague, no insurance documents were requested, and the photos shown turned out not to be from the builder’s own projects. Within weeks, disputes arose over extras and workmanship. The BGP stepped in, carried out due diligence, and sourced an alternative builder who was properly insured, experienced, and well-matched to the project. “The BGP's process gave us clarity and confidence. The new builder was organised, insured, and easy to work with - the project turned around completely.” Why Professional Guidance Saves More Than It Costs At The Building Guidance Partnership, we don’t criticise builders - we partner with the right ones. Our due diligence ensures the builder is properly matched to your project. With this approach, homeowners typically save multiples of our fee through: Avoiding inflated extras. Preventing costly delays. Ensuring lasting build quality. Recovering VAT correctly. Reducing disputes with clear specifications and contracts. Take Control of Your Build Selecting the right builder is the single most important decision you’ll make.  Book a free 20-minute consultation with The Building Guidance Partnership today. We’ll help you carry out due diligence, protect your investment, and ensure your project runs smoothly. The Building Guidance Partnership Telephone (020) 8076 3110 WhatsApp +44 7507 705376 www.theBGP.co.uk

Coaching Spotlight: Can You Project Manage Your Own Build?

by Niket Kapur • 14 September 2025
The Temptation Many homeowners are tempted to manage their own building project. The logic seems simple: cut out the cost of a project manager and save money. You already have a builder lined up, maybe one recommended by friends or family, and you feel confident that everything will go smoothly. But while it can work, managing your own build is a serious undertaking. Without preparation, it often leads to stress, delays, and costs spiralling out of control. What Project Management Really Involves Managing a build is not just about choosing finishes or chasing invoices. It requires: Coordinating multiple trades and suppliers. Handling schedules, deliveries, and staged payments. Ensuring compliance with building regulations. Managing risks, safety, and insurances. Keeping accurate specifications, contracts, and records. Even with a good builder, these tasks can overwhelm a homeowner. The Pitfalls to Watch For (Even with a “Good Builder”) Many people believe that because their builder is: “Tried and tested,” or Recommended by friends and family, … everything will go smoothly. Unfortunately, things can still go wrong. Hard to judge quality: Finished projects can look impressive, but hidden corners may have been cut. It is difficult for a homeowner to spot these issues. Knowledge untested: We rigorously test builders’ knowledge. Many homeowners do not - and miss key warning signs. Due diligence matters: We check business history, insurances, and financial standing. This step is often skipped, leaving clients exposed. Technical gaps: Homeowners often lack expertise in dealing with party wall agreements, public liability, and specialist insurances - all of which are critical to staying compliant and protected. The Benefits of Doing It Yourself To be fair, there are reasons why some homeowners still choose to self-manage: Potential savings on professional fees. Personal satisfaction from being hands-on. Full control over decision-making. Direct relationships with trades. For some, this works well - but only when they have time, knowledge, and systems in place. Case Study: From Chaos to Control A homeowner in Harrow decided to manage their own large extension. They trusted a builder recommended by family and assumed things would run smoothly. Within months, delays mounted, trades clashed, and costs increased as “extras” piled up. We were brought in to coach them through the rest of the project. With clear payment schedules, proper contracts, and regular reviews, they regained control. Why Professional Support Pays Off At The Building Guidance Partnership, we provide coaching for homeowners who want to take charge - and full project management when required. Either way, our involvement saves clients far more than our fees. 💡 With professional project management, clients often save multiples of the project management costs through: Better build quality – avoiding mistakes and rework. Preventing inflated builder extras. Reducing timing delays that push up costs. Correctly recovering VAT and council tax where applicable. Avoiding disputes by using clear, pre-agreed specifications and contracts. Take Control - With the Right Support Self-managing a build can be rewarding - but it is not for the faint-hearted. With the right coaching, you can avoid pitfalls, protect your budget, and finish your project with confidence. Book a free 20-minute consultation with The Building Guidance Partnership today. Let us help you decide if project managing your own build is the right choice - and give you the tools to succeed.

Why Staged Payments Protect Your Project - and Your Wallet

by Niket Kapur • 14 September 2025
The Risk of Big Deposits You have found a builder, the price is agreed, and you are eager to get started. The builder then asks for a large deposit upfront. Many homeowners feel they have no choice but to pay, only to later discover delays, unfinished work, or requests for more money. Large upfront payments remove your leverage and place all the risk in your hands. If the builder walks away or progress slows, your money may already be gone. Disputes, stress, and spiralling costs often follow. Why Staged Payments Make Sense The professional approach is to use staged payments tied to progress on site. This is not about mistrusting your builder - it is about protecting both parties and ensuring the project runs smoothly. With staged payments: You keep control of cashflow. The builder has incentive to deliver each stage on time. Payments are transparent and predictable. Disputes about “extras” are reduced because each stage is defined. By contrast, a large deposit creates imbalance. You lose the ability to hold the builder accountable, and problems become harder to resolve. How to Structure Payments Properly 1. Agree milestones in advance · Foundations completed · Roof installed · First fix services complete · Plastering finished · Practical completion 2. Keep it in writing · Payment terms should be part of your written contract and specification. 3. Always hold a retention · Retain 5-10% until all snagging is completed. 4. Avoid cash · Pay by bank transfer so there is a record. 5. Challenge unreasonable demands · If a builder insists on many thousands of pounds upfront, this is a red flag. Case Study: Regaining Control A homeowner we supported in Wembley had agreed to pay almost 40% of the contract value upfront. The builder became slow to mobilise, then requested further money before completing the first stage. The client felt trapped and anxious. We stepped in, reviewed the contract, and helped renegotiate a staged payment plan tied to milestones. Work progressed more smoothly, and the homeowner avoided what could easily have become a financial disaster. “Once the staged payments were in place, we finally felt back in control. Sunil and his team gave us confidence that our money was safe and that the builder was accountable.” Why This Matters for You Payment schedules may sound like a small detail, but they are often the difference between a successful build and a costly dispute. A fair, balanced structure protects your investment, gives your builder clarity, and keeps the project moving forward. Take Action Today Do not let unclear payment terms put your project at risk. Book a free 20-minute consultation with The Building Guidance Partnership. We will review your proposed payment structure and give you confidence that your builder is working to protect your money - not put it at risk.