Getting a quote for tiling

patthecat on 05/12/2016 - 13:28
Last edited 05/12/2016 - 13:41

I recently obtained a quote from a tiling shop for tiling two bathrooms, toilet, laundry and a small hallway. I have measured it and I think its about 60m2 all up 25m2 wall and 35m2 floor.

The quote for the waterproofing and tiling but not the tiles came in at over 12k. Which I think is rather a lot for 60m2. I emailed them and I have asked for a breakdown of costs between the tiling and waterproofing, materials and labour they responded

"We don’t supply a breakdown of the calculations that go into our quotations; this is mentioned at the bottom of the quote I sent you. A breakdown can be used to our competitive disadvantage; some people want to take advantage of our experience and expertise so that they can use our calculations to buy their tiles on-line. It is similar to asking your local restaurant for a break down of the ingredients that will go into your meal

I hope you understand"

Well no I don't actually, is this normal business practice? I am getting other quotes but……

Further info,the quote did not include thecost of tiles, we are regional NSW, and the tiles I had chosen were the shops (where i obtained the tiling quote) budget, stock range (approx $30 per m2).

Home & Garden

Comments

  • gummibear on 05/12/2016 - 13:38
    +2

    but what?

    You can't force them to provide a breakdown. So you might as well go somewhere that you are happy with.

    • patthecat on 05/12/2016 - 15:10

      But….Ultimately I reckon it just boils down to the quote being to much, You are right better - find a better price even if they won't break it down.

  • garetz on 05/12/2016 - 13:45
    +1

    They dont have to give you a breakdown of costs, at the same time you dont have to go with them for the service.
    Also the comparison to " local restaurant for a break down of the ingredients that will go into your meal" makes no sense, if you ask for the ingredients in your meal, they have to provide it, as it can be life threatening for some people.

    Get several quotes, i find its always cheaper if you buy the tiles yourself, and just get a tiler for labor. You know the cost of the tiles is $1800, so they are charging you $10200 for labor.

    • patthecat on 05/12/2016 - 15:08

      You right the comparison does not make sense. Its not that often I spend 12K in a restaurant either!

      Yes will look for a tiler.

  • cauilfield on 05/12/2016 - 14:42

    It is a lot indeed.

    I have been using tilers who charge $60 per square meter. The tiles i've used were $35 per sqm making a total for material + labour to be under $95 per sqm.

    Don't forget to add waterproofing and plaster repairing as well. I guess realistically they are overcharging you $3-4k.

    • patthecat on 05/12/2016 - 15:06

      60m2 x $100 for tiling is $6000 so that would make the waterproofing $6000, does not add up to me. His quote did not include the tiles.

  • patthecat on 05/12/2016 - 15:04

    Thanks for the replies, Ultimately I think the quote is too high which is why I wanted it broken down so I knew how much per sq meter he was charging. I have chosen the tiles in his shop so feel offended at his response about his calculations being used to order online. They are pretty much the only tile shop in town apart from Bunnings although there are tilers listed in the yellow pages.

  • JimB on 05/12/2016 - 15:14

    You can get tiles shipped to pretty much anywhere in Australia.

    $50-60sqm for labour is reasonable + glue/grout etc.

    Another $1k for waterproofing and it seems like it's more than double what it should be.

    • patthecat on 05/12/2016 - 15:19

      That's pretty much what I had in mind budget wise, I understand there is a shortage of tilers in our area and everyone booked up till March.

      • JimB on 05/12/2016 - 15:29

        For 60sqm.

        I'd be asking people in your nearest town/city for the details of a tiler. Pay for their overnight or 2 night accommodation + an extra $1,000 and they may be interested in the job. 2 people 3 days max. The 3rd day may only required because of waiting for the glue to dry before grouting.

        Just get waterproofing done a week before hand.

  • gooddealmate on 05/12/2016 - 19:09

    I'm a qualified Tiler and I can tell you that you're being taken for a ride here.

    The tiling should be around $60 per m2.

    Waterproofing $30 per m2.

    Screeding of the bathroom floors $40 per m2.

    So all up, with materials should be around $6-7000.

    Anymore than that is excessive.

    This is unless of course you're wanting something unusual and takes much more time ie hexagonal tiles or herringbone style tiles.

    • patthecat on 05/12/2016 - 21:07

      Thank you, nice to hear this from someone in the trade

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