Trekkor, need your professional opinion

[biosurfer1]

I am getting quotes to have tile put in my bathroom, both replacing the existing tile and replacing the carpet/linoleum on the floor.

I wanted to get your off the cuff estimate so I can get a feel for how the quotes are when they come rolling in. Obviously there are some variables you can't narrow down since you're not here, but your best guess range would be appreciated.

The quote will only be for the labor to replace the tile, lay the new tile, and hot mop the shower. I will be doing the demo myself and remove the tub, sinks, shower door prior to the job. I also already have the tile ordered.

Here are the numbers I calculated:
· Walls, cill, tub splash, face and deck: 115 sq.ft.

· Vanity deck and splash: 18 sq.ft. / V-cap trim: 9 Lft.

· Floor: 53 sq.ft.

· Surface Bullnose Trim: 60 Lft.

Here are some pictures that show the room. Ignore the disgusting carpet, since I decided to replace it, I stopped caring about it (even though the stains don't look nearly that bad in real life)

[biosurfer1]

not sure why the first picture is turned, unfortunately can't modify it on my phone

[id10t]

Here ya go

[look 171]

Make sure someone is responsible for putting that big tub back in place and don't forget about the shower enclosure (New one going in there after the tile work?). If the old one is used, make sure the spacing is exactly. I am not sure if those shower has any adjustment build in to the alum. frame.

[biosurfer1]

Tub will be handled by myself and my dad, luckily we have experience in that area. New shower enclosure will be going in for sure, can't really see it but the old one is rusting and falling apart. House was built in 1997 so it's had a good run I guess

Just looked at the pictures and the tub is deceptive, its just a fiberglass drop in,actually very light...although now you got me thinking of finding something else to go in there, it's just money right?!?

[look 171]

Hydrosystem or Americh. Check out their wedsite. YOu can have your bath dealer order anything you like without the whirlpool or jets. They are both made down here. Service is great, Makd sure you pour a couple sacks of soupy mortar under there for a support and a solid feel. I don't care what mfg or others say, feet or not, its a better job. Some require it.

I know they are light, and easy to install, but that's time and money. some people expect the time setter to do that and assume that's part of the job (the whole put everything back just like you found it). Miscommunication between owner and tradesmen. it happens more often then you think.

[trekkor]

What kind of tile?

All floated in mortar, I assume?
Floor over properly installed Hardiebacker?

I can give you my price and where I think the competition will be.


KT

[biosurfer1]

rectified porcelain, multiple sizes available (probably go with 13x13 on the floors)

Yes, and yes

thanks, appreciate it

[biosurfer1]

Got the second estimate back and of course, it was less than half the first. Same exact scope of work...interesting.

[trekkor]

With just these details and a few unknowns, it would be about $8,000.
This includes all of the materials except the tile.

I wouldn't be surprised if you get guys coming in a $3750.


KT

[creaturecat]

wife's buddy got the discount deal.
put her expensivo glass tiles on BACKWARDS.

[look 171]

How can these guys do the whole thing for 3700 bucks? That shower alone (floated) would be at least $3000+. The whole wall must be floated, then there's the other side. I would run that tile up the whole wall instead of stopping half way on the window. Are the illegals that cheap up there? There's no way, even the dirtiest tile / handy man can do the whole thing for that little down here.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by creaturecat

wife's buddy got the discount deal.
put her expensivo glass tiles on BACKWARDS.

Some glass tiles are installed face first then you peel off the paper later. A lady freaked when she saw my tile man install them that way years ago when glass tile was starting to gain popularity. ONly a hand full of companies were hand making them. I calm her down so she can call the mfg. It was all smiles after that. I love discount deals. Some one's gotta pay tuition.

[trekkor]

Ask your contractors, people:

Will you warranty the work for life?

I do.


KT

[biosurfer1]

Wow, this must be why so many people have a hard time getting a project off the ground, the huge variations in bids is hard to digest.

I am waiting for one more bid to come in but so far I got $4350 and $1850 to do the job. I didn't get a warm feeling from the $1850 guy though I did check a couple references and they seemed happy (but who knows if they were family, etc). All bids are from licensed and bonded contractors.

I'm a little shocked at the $8k number since this is mostly labor, though I'm no expert so there could be extra steps I'm missing.

So my first bid was $1850, the next was double that, then the experts on here say double it once more....maybe I can live with it the way it is now

Thanks guys, a lot to chew on!

[look 171]

ask about installation methods. Floating mortar is a lot of work but really, really strong. That's the only way we build our showers. No exceptions. I laugh when my wife use to ask me why they would stick tile right onto drywall in the shower on these TV shows. Also, who's dealing with the demo and trash hauling?

[biosurfer1]

I will be doing demo and hauling (with the help of my dad). Luckily we have a spare bathroom to use so I can take my time.

Both guys mentioned floating mortar since it's what I already have(true?)

[trekkor]

I don't what these guys are thinking.

I couldn't even float the bathroom for $2000.

Also, are these guys licensed tile contractors?
This is a three week long job for me.

Those prices are very low and they include the materials, too?



KT

[gsxrken]

I'm doing some tiling right now and it's not a trivial thing to get it right. There's a lot of steps that I would be tempted to cut if I was a contractor losing my shirt on the quote.

[Bugsinrugs]

You mentioned hot mopping the shower pan. That's an old method. There are lots of products on the market that are superior to a mopped pan. Folding Corners in a Chloraloy Shower Pan Liner - YouTube