Should you replace the tiles or the whole suspended ceiling?

How do I check the grid?

Stand in the room and look along the grid lines. They should be straight and level. Lift a tile and check the hangers are tight and not just twisted around a pipe. Look for rust at cut ends, paint on the grid faces, and tees that have been cut to fit old fittings.

What does re-tiling cost compared with a new ceiling?

Re-tiling a sound grid typically runs from about £14 to £22 per m², against roughly £28–£42 per m² for a new standard ceiling, plus strip-out if the old one comes out. On a large floor the difference is significant.

When is a full replacement the better buy?

When the layout is changing, such as new rooms, new lighting or air-conditioning positions, because the old grid lines rarely suit the new plan. When the building needs better acoustics or a fire-rated system the old grid cannot provide. And when the grid is simply worn out.

Anything to check before work starts?

In buildings put up before 2000, an asbestos survey is needed before any strip-out. Check what is in the void too, because redundant cabling is often cleared at the same time.