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Defect library

Tiling defects in new builds

Tiling is judged on how flat, even and neatly finished it looks. Tap a few tiles with a knuckle or the handle of a screwdriver, as a hollow sound points to poor adhesive coverage behind the tile.

Updated 19 October 2026

SiteSnag’s library has 12 entries under tiling. They’re listed below with the most serious first. Each one gives the wording an inspector would put in a report and the trade that would fix it, and 7 carry a reference to the standard or guidance they relate to. The references help you look up the relevant section and aren’t a statement that a particular home does or doesn’t comply.

All 12 entries

  1. Hollow-sounding tiles

    Moderate

    Tiles sound hollow when tapped, indicating poor adhesion. Re-fix.

    Trade
    Tiler
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 9.2 / 9.3

  2. Movement joint missing

    Moderate

    No movement joint at perimeter or large tiled area. Form joint.

    Trade
    Tiler
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 9.3

  3. Cracked tile

    Minor

    Tile is cracked/chipped. Replace tile and re-grout.

    Trade
    Tiler
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 9.2 / 9.3

  4. Uneven / lipping tiles

    Minor

    Adjacent tiles not level (lipping). Re-lay to achieve a flat finish.

    Trade
    Tiler
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 9.2 / 9.3

  5. Missing or inconsistent grout

    Minor

    Grout missing, cracked or inconsistent. Rake out and re-grout.

    Trade
    Tiler
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 9.2 / 9.3

  6. Poor tile setting out

    Minor

    Tiles not centred or small cuts at prominent edges. Re-tile to a balanced layout.

    Trade
    Tiler
    Reference
    None listed

  7. Chipped / sharp tile edges

    Minor

    Cut tile edges chipped or sharp. Replace or fit trim.

    Trade
    Tiler
    Reference
    None listed

  8. Floor tile cracked

    Minor

    Floor tile cracked. Replace and regrout.

    Trade
    Tiler
    Reference
    None listed

  9. Tile trim missing

    Minor

    Edge trim not fitted to exposed tile edges. Fit trim.

    Trade
    Tiler
    Reference
    None listed

  10. Tile spacing / joints uneven

    Minor

    Tile joints vary in width or are not straight. Re-set affected tiles.

    Trade
    Tiler
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 9.2

  11. Tiles not cut neatly round fittings

    Minor

    Rough cuts around pipes, sockets or fittings. Re-cut and make good.

    Trade
    Tiler
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 9.2

  12. Grout discoloured / stained

    Minor

    Grout stained or discoloured. Clean or re-grout.

    Trade
    Tiler
    Reference
    None listed

Using these in a report

In the SiteSnag app, starting to type a defect title in the camera brings up these entries. Picking one fills in the description, severity, trade and reference, and you can edit the wording or add your own defects to the library. Every snag then goes into the branded PDF report with its photos and a numbered pin on the floor plan.

For a room-by-room walk-round, use the new build snagging checklist, or go back to all defect categories.

Other categories

Previous: Floors (16). Next: Kitchen (42).