Browse Forums Bathrooms and Laundry 1 Jun 15, 2010 1:25 am Just wondering with getting quotes from tradies (especially a tiler) - is it more cost effective and time effective - to ask for quotes for - time and material (ie. all adhesives, glues etc) OR - labour only? Do people also go out and buy the screeds, fiber cement sheeting, sealers, grouts adhesive etc for their tilers? I'm also wondering with any other professions would you do the same? With an electrician things such as change light switch or face plates i'd definately get the plates myself. What about also with builders (flooring, wall sheeting etc) and plumbers (say pipes, shut off values, hot water system etc). The reason that i ask is that it's rumoured that for materials they tend to charge you 1.5x-2x (if not more) the actual retail cost of the material? Re: tiler: time and material or just time/ labour costs? 2Jun 15, 2010 8:31 am I think you’ll find that most tilers quote on a per square meter basis. It depends on the type of tiles, the size of the tiles and whether they are doing the screeds, sealing, etc. The price can range from $25/sqm to $60+/sqm. My electrician charged per switch and light and then an hourly rate for installation. I think you’ll find that most electricians are able to get trade/bulk discounts. Of course if you can get the switches and face plates yourself at a cheap price then go for it… But a word of warning, stay away from the cheap and nasty Chinese made switches. Remember the old motto: you ALWAYS get what you pay for! As for the potential of being ripped off… I can only suggest that you go and get a number of quotes and compare. And if there is a large discrepancy, ask them why. Re: tiler: time and material or just time/ labour costs? 3Jun 15, 2010 8:40 pm cheers, they are standard ceramic (300x300 or 400x400) and potentially 200x400 or 300x600 rectified tiles. I've read that 600x600 tiles will incurr a higher install cost. Also rectified tiles may requires more skill to lay due to it's finer and thiner grout lines. I've had a quotes of $70 - $130/sqm. Haven't checked if they did included the screed.... If a tiler provides a quote for the overall work, are they obliged to break it down (from tile p/sqm and also material involved?) If not can you just ask for labour only and get the materials yourself? Just wondering if it's worth the trouble... i doubt most tradies will pass on these 'trade discounts' to the public. I may be completely wrong? Re: tiler: time and material or just time/ labour costs? 4Jun 16, 2010 9:07 am I think you’ll find that most tilers are quite happy for you to supply your own tiles and just get them for labour only. I have seen tiles go for as little as $15-20/sqm, plus labour costs of around $40/sqm and you’ll be looking at around $60/sqm. The obvious advantage is you can go and get the type of tiles you want, rather than what the tiler can get. Re: tiler: time and material or just time/ labour costs? 5Jun 16, 2010 10:34 pm How do you guys selecting a tiler? Just by asking friends? Re: tiler: time and material or just time/ labour costs? 6Jun 17, 2010 8:35 am Yep, pretty much just by word of mouth. Some of the traidies that I used, knew a few tilers, so I just got them to come out and provide a quote. In the end, I just ended up doing it myself. It is not too difficult if you have the time. Re: tiler: time and material or just time/ labour costs? 7Jun 30, 2010 12:38 pm A lot of tilers like you to get the tiles yourself, then you can't blame them when the color doesn't look like you expected when laid Their hourly rate would (normally), however, include all the other stuff like glue etc. Off course you pay more when you get someone else to supply products. You are paying for their time to order and the product and eithe rpick up or have delivered. After all, we all like to be paid for our time and effort As far as choosing one, ask around. Find out who your friends have used and whether they were happy. Re: tiler: time and material or just time/ labour costs? 8Jun 30, 2010 12:49 pm Most materials they add a markup up on what they buy them for for most of the time 20%... always offer cash and you will get a better price... Regardless of wall hung toilet or floor pan toilet your feet will be right on drain, seems to me the waste should not be in that location given the design. Also are you… 6 7026 Different to what others have said but thanks for that insight. 2 5196 |