COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Inspection & Quality Assurance in Tiling Worksites course. This program is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and skills to ensure that tiling work is completed to the highest industry standards. High-quality workmanship in wall and floor tiling not only contributes to the visual appeal of a finished space but also ensures durability, safety, and compliance with building codes.
This course begins by defining quality assurance within tiling projects, emphasising the importance of structured inspections in preventing costly rework, and highlighting the direct relationship between precision craftsmanship and client satisfaction.
Adhering to recognised quality standards and regulatory frameworks is essential in all tiling works. This section outlines the key provisions of AS 3958.1 and AS 3958.2, the relevance of the National Construction Code (NCC), and the critical role that manufacturer instructions and product tolerances play in meeting project requirements and avoiding disputes.
Preparation is key to conducting effective on-site inspections. This section focuses on reviewing construction plans, preparing relevant tools and checklists, and coordinating inspection activities with supervisors, builders, and other trades to ensure efficient and thorough quality reviews.
Inspecting substrate conditions is a critical first step. This section explains how to verify surface flatness, level, and plumb; identify cracks, damp areas, and contamination; and assess the substrate’s suitability for receiving tiling works according to project specifications and standards.
Site preparation activities directly affect long-term performance. This section addresses the inspection of surface levelling, priming, and the installation of waterproofing systems. It also includes verifying fall direction and drainage planning in wet areas or external locations.
Tiling layout and set-out accuracy influences the entire installation. This section explains how to inspect grid layout, symmetry, tile orientation, joint consistency, and cutting alignment to ensure that the visual and structural elements of the project meet design expectations.
Correct adhesive application is fundamental to bonding integrity. This section explores how to inspect for the correct adhesive type, coverage consistency, trowel technique, application thickness, and adherence to manufacturer open time and working time limits.
Monitoring installation procedures ensures compliance with technical tolerances. This section covers how to inspect tile alignment, check lippage levels, verify bonding quality, and ensure consistent curing in accordance with material and environmental conditions.
Grouting is a visible finish that must meet exacting standards. This section discusses the inspection of grout joint consistency, surface finish, identification of defects like pinholes or cracking, and the correct cleaning and sealing of grouted areas.
Expansion joints are essential for structural integrity and must meet Australian Standards. This section covers how to inspect for correct placement, verify use of compliant sealants, and ensure joints accommodate movement as per AS 3958.1 requirements.
Waterproofing is a regulated element of tiling work, particularly in wet areas. This section outlines how to inspect membrane application, verify documentation, confirm coverage and thickness, and check compatibility with adhesives and substrate conditions.
Safety must be maintained throughout inspection processes. This section reinforces the importance of PPE use, identifies site hazards, and verifies safe practices when using ladders and inspection tools in compliance with WHS requirements.
Standardised checklists improve inspection consistency. This section introduces how to use templated checklists, maintain digital or paper inspection records, and communicate findings clearly to relevant parties such as supervisors or builders.
Identifying and documenting defects accurately is crucial for accountability. This section explains how to differentiate between minor and major defects, use photographic evidence, and report issues in a timely and constructive manner for resolution.
Final walk-through inspections mark the closing phase of tiling works. This section explains how to coordinate final inspections with clients and builders, verify completeness, and document any outstanding tasks or rectifications before project handover.
Rework must be planned carefully to minimise disruption and cost. This section explores how to manage rework safely, track resolutions, and prevent recurrence through adjustments to methods, supervision, or materials used.
Ongoing improvement is a hallmark of professional quality assurance. This section discusses how to analyse inspection results for patterns, conduct team debriefings or toolbox talks, and revise processes or techniques to maintain continuous quality enhancement.
Skilled and competent tiling staff are central to achieving quality outcomes. This section focuses on evaluating worker competency, offering additional training where needed, and reinforcing personal responsibility for delivering work to required standards.
Effective communication ensures a coordinated approach to QA. This section addresses how to report quality issues, set clear expectations, and collaborate with site personnel to resolve concerns efficiently and maintain workflow.
Final quality documentation supports compliance and client assurance. This section outlines how to compile complete inspection records, submit relevant certifications and warranties, and achieve formal project sign-off with full client satisfaction.
By the end of this course, you will be equipped to conduct thorough quality inspections, interpret and apply industry standards, identify defects, and implement corrective actions to ensure every tiling project meets professional, regulatory, and client expectations.
Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to Quality Assurance in Tiling
- Defining quality assurance in tiling practices
- Importance of inspections in preventing rework
- Relationship between workmanship and client satisfaction
2. Understanding Quality Standards and Regulations
- Australian Standards (AS 3958.1 and AS 3958.2)
- National Construction Code (NCC) compliance
- Manufacturer guidelines and tolerances
3. Preparing for On-Site Quality Inspections
- Reviewing project specifications and plans
- Preparing inspection tools and checklists
- Coordinating with builders and supervisors
4. Inspecting Substrate Conditions
- Verifying surface flatness, level, and plumb
- Checking for cracks, dampness, and contamination
- Assessing suitability of substrates for tiling
5. Verifying Site Preparation Activities
- Inspection of levelling and priming works
- Confirming installation of waterproofing systems
- Ensuring proper fall and drainage planning
6. Reviewing Tiling Layout and Set-Out
- Inspecting layout lines and grid accuracy
- Checking symmetry, centring, and tile orientation
- Assessing consistency of tile joints and cuts
7. Inspection of Tile Adhesive Application
- Ensuring correct adhesive type is used
- Verifying coverage, trowel technique, and thickness
- Checking open time and working time adherence
8. Monitoring Tile Installation Procedures
- Assessing alignment and bonding quality
- Evaluating tile spacing and lippage tolerances
- Verifying consistent setting and curing
9. Inspecting Grouting Workmanship
- Checking even grout joints and finish smoothness
- Identifying issues like pinholes or cracking
- Verifying appropriate cleaning and sealing
10. Quality Control for Expansion Joints
- Placement of movement and perimeter joints
- Use of correct sealant materials
- Ensuring compliance with AS 3958.1 requirements
11. Examining Waterproofing Compliance
- Confirming membrane coverage and thickness
- Reviewing wet area compliance documentation
- Checking curing time and substrate compatibility
12. Safety Compliance during Inspection Activities
- Inspecting use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Identifying access and trip hazards on-site
- Verifying safe use of ladders and tools
13. Use of Inspection Checklists and Reports
- Standardising inspection items and frequency
- Completing inspection forms and digital records
- Submitting findings to supervisors or builders
14. Identifying and Documenting Defects
- Differentiating between minor and major defects
- Capturing photographic evidence of issues
- Notifying relevant parties for rectification
15. Performing Final Walk-Through Inspections
- Coordinating with clients and builders
- Verifying completeness of tiling works
- Addressing outstanding issues before handover
16. Managing Rework and Rectification
- Planning for safe and timely rework
- Recording defect resolution steps
- Preventing recurrence through improved practices
17. Continuous Improvement in Tiling Quality
- Reviewing inspection outcomes for trends
- Conducting toolbox talks and team feedback
- Updating processes to prevent repeat issues
18. Training and Competency of Tiling Staff
- Assessing skills against project quality requirements
- Providing upskilling in inspection and standards
- Promoting accountability for quality performance
19. Communication and Coordination for QA
- Reporting quality issues to supervisors and contractors
- Ensuring clear instructions and expectations
- Resolving inspection findings cooperatively
20. Final Quality Documentation and Sign-Off
- Compiling inspection records for project files
- Submitting warranties, certifications, and QA reports
- Obtaining final approval and client satisfaction sign-off
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.