We want to renovate our bathroom and have chosen 2.5cm (1 inch) mosaic tiles for the entire bathroom (walls and floor, about 30m² (322 ft²)).
The quote from the tiler has become significantly more expensive as a result.
“Because it requires cleaner work and more effort.”
The laying cost alone has increased by $1200, and the preparatory work by $2500 – all plus VAT.
The preparatory work also includes machine costs, which have risen from $1000 to $2500.
We cannot understand this, as we assumed that smaller tiles on mesh backing would be easier and faster to install. It is even recommended for beginners to do it themselves because it is supposedly easier.
You often read that there are surcharges for large tiles, also “because cleaner work is required… see above,” and now also for small tiles?
Basically, we always expect work to be done carefully.
It raises the suspicion that a surcharge is now generally charged whenever the tile size differs from the one that nobody wants to install anyway.
Question: Is the surcharge justified? If not, what would be acceptable?
The quote from the tiler has become significantly more expensive as a result.
“Because it requires cleaner work and more effort.”
The laying cost alone has increased by $1200, and the preparatory work by $2500 – all plus VAT.
The preparatory work also includes machine costs, which have risen from $1000 to $2500.
We cannot understand this, as we assumed that smaller tiles on mesh backing would be easier and faster to install. It is even recommended for beginners to do it themselves because it is supposedly easier.
You often read that there are surcharges for large tiles, also “because cleaner work is required… see above,” and now also for small tiles?
Basically, we always expect work to be done carefully.
It raises the suspicion that a surcharge is now generally charged whenever the tile size differs from the one that nobody wants to install anyway.
Question: Is the surcharge justified? If not, what would be acceptable?
H
HilfeHilfe3 May 2018 11:19Crustulum schrieb:
That was mostly a philosophical reflection, but I like your name^^ Crustulum schrieb:
These are not individual pieces. Mosaic tiles are mounted on mats that are about 30cm x 30cm (12 inches x 12 inches).
And the gaps are already fixed there as well.
@cschiko Thanks.
Are there any indications of how expensive something like this should be? You simply don’t understand the bigger picture.
No problem, that’s usually why managers have staff.
The cost should reflect exactly what the craftsman charges to do the work. No more, no less. Otherwise, there’s always competition you can ask for.
What good does it do you if we say: yes, the surcharge is clearly too high. Will you stomp your feet about it?
We’re now at 12,000 (gross?), of which 2,700 net (3,200 gross). That’s about a 36% surcharge.
Is that a lot? I don’t know.
Crustulum schrieb:
(But I would also expect the gaps to be perfect with other tiles).I wouldn’t. Or to put it differently: define “perfect.” Measured with a scanning electron microscope down to a single atomic layer? Certainly not, that would be absurd and impossible. Or measured somehow else but not quantifiable? With what tool and for what purpose?
“Also, no visible errors or irregularities even upon close inspection”? That would be a reasonable interpretation, but it immediately leads us back to the point that imperfections become more noticeable the smaller the tile size is. So, smaller tiles require more precise workmanship.
@HilfeHilfe (or better Captain Obvious): In short, it costs what it costs?
Thank you very much, that is really very enlightening.
PS: The forced connection regarding the general public just comes across as extremely unpleasant.
It wouldn’t have been so surprising if I had expected to find practical experiences in this forum.
@Kekse Of course, it’s about paying attention. I will now request other quotes.
Thank you very much, that is really very enlightening.
PS: The forced connection regarding the general public just comes across as extremely unpleasant.
It wouldn’t have been so surprising if I had expected to find practical experiences in this forum.
@Kekse Of course, it’s about paying attention. I will now request other quotes.
H
HilfeHilfe3 May 2018 12:22Crustulum schrieb:
@HilfeHilfe (or perhaps Captain Obvious): In short, it costs what it costs?
Thank you very much, that is really enlightening.
PS: The strained context regarding the rank and file just comes across as very unpleasant.
It wouldn’t be so far-fetched that I expected real-world experience in this forum.
@Kekse Of course, it’s about paying attention. I will now get other quotes. Experience won’t help you much. Percentages are just as misleading as absolute numbers. It’s always difficult to compare. The starting situations are different too. One person is building new with a general contractor, another is just having the bathroom renovated.
The best approach is always to get competitive offers.