Interviews / 12/9/2024

Elevating excellence: how Mapei systems enhances high-quality tile installation in Croatia

The experienced Croatian installer Dario Koščević (KD Expert d.o.o) shares the impact of Mapei's comprehensive offer for his installation works in high-end construction projects

Interviewee

Dario Koščević

KD Expert d.o.o

Dario Koščević, founder of KD Expert d.o.o., highlights how Mapei systems have revolutionized tile and stone installation in Croatia’s luxury construction sector. From embracing Mapei’s reliable, high-quality products in 1997 to benefiting from their comprehensive support and training, he underscores the brand’s pivotal role in elevating standards. By offering integrated solutions, Mapei ensures seamless installation across diverse projects.

What is your company specialized in and how did you come to use Mapei products?

We are a company specializing in the installation of ceramic tiles in various environments and types of buildings in Croatia. I started using Mapei products in my projects back in 1997when they were distributed by Mapei d.o.o., the Slovenian subsidiary of the Group, since Mapei Croatia had not yet been founded. Since 2002, with the birth of this new subsidiary, I began to purchase these materials directly in Croatia.

I chose Mapei products because after trying them, I was immediately impressed by their quality, workability, and reliability. I had, and still have, the need to guarantee high standards of quality and reliability in my projects, and using Mapei solutions helps me very much to achieve this goal.

At the same time, I have always appreciated the availability of Mapei technicians to provide technical support when I need it. Besides, as far as product distribution is concerned, Mapei's service has always been flawless, so I am satisfied from all points of view in choosing this supplier.

What kind of building projects do you deal with?

We deal with the installation of ceramic tiles and stone in new buildings: from the installation of large format tiles in interiors and on façades to the bonding of mosaic in swimming pools or the installation of tiles and stone on terraces and balconies. In particular, we often work on luxury residential building projects that have very high-quality standards. In the past we have mainly worked on installing ceramic tiles, while recently we have started laying stone slabs, which is why this year we decided to visit Marmomac, which is the most important international trade fair for the stone industry. We are always interested in trying out and dealing with new covering materials to be able to meet the ever-changing demands of our customers.

What developments have you noticed on the Croatian market?

Not so long ago, the Croatian market favored the use of sand and cement for installing ceramic tiles and natural stone. Then, also thanks to Mapei’s penetration on the Croatian market, adhesives became widespread, even if it took some time for installers to get used to using them instead of sand and cement. Training was also necessary for making them able and confident when using these new products and here too, Mapei made an important contribution because it was able to provide this type of training.

Why did you decide to use the colors and image of Mapei to decorate your vans?

We received Mapei Croatia Marketing Department’s support to decorate our vans with graphics supplied by Mapei and we immediately accepted it because it allows us to exploit the popularity of the Mapei brand, which is now very well known on the Croatian construction market. Mapei is popular because it is able to provide solutions and services that its local competitors are not able to offer. For example, Mapei Croatia has a training centre, the Mapei Academy, which organizes seminars, workshops and other training events on the use of the products to ensure their correct application.

What do you appreciate most about Mapei products?

Above all, I appreciate the fact that, thanks to Mapei, I don't simply work with products: I work with systems. Mapei is able to offer me all the materials I need for every phase of the installation work: from the creation of screeds to their waterproofing, from the bonding of ceramic tiles or stone slabs to the grouting and sealing of joints and even the final cleaning operations. For example, we have recently started using cleaning solutions from the ULTRACARE line. All these materials are compatible with each other, they work well together, and not many companies in Croatia are able to offer the same. In addition, the Mapei solutions also allow us to install coverings of various materials in very different, even problematic situations.

Why did you visit Marmomac?

I visited Marmomac with my business partner, Mario Koren, owner of Koren završni građevinski radovi, to learn more about stone and its installation. We are aware that this trade fair is a key meeting point for the global stone industry and would like to seize this chance to increase our know-how about stone materials and their application.

Dario Koščević (KD Expert d.o.o) and Mario Koren, owner of Koren završni građevinski radovi, visited Marmomac trade fair to learn more about stone and its installation.