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Coletrickle_78083 Aug 2021 21:12Hello,
We are building a house with a reputable construction company. We personally know 10 clients who have been very satisfied with them.
However, there is one issue that is really bothering me right now.
The house price includes a budget of €17,000 (about $18,000) for tiles (145sqm (1560 sq ft)). The material cost is €20 (about $22), with the entire bathroom fully tiled.
The tile we like costs €45 (about $48) online. At a local supplier, it’s €75 (about $80), but they would sell it to me for €52 (about $55).
The tile supplier used by the builder, also for the sample selection, charges €95 (about $102) for the tile. No discount is possible since our builder is a partner of theirs.
This gives me the impression that there is a double markup here. I pay €95, while the company probably buys it for around €50 (about $54). In the end, this results in additional costs of several thousand euros.
Am I really required to buy the tiles from the supplier specified by the builder?
Best regards,
Coletrickle_7808
We are building a house with a reputable construction company. We personally know 10 clients who have been very satisfied with them.
However, there is one issue that is really bothering me right now.
The house price includes a budget of €17,000 (about $18,000) for tiles (145sqm (1560 sq ft)). The material cost is €20 (about $22), with the entire bathroom fully tiled.
The tile we like costs €45 (about $48) online. At a local supplier, it’s €75 (about $80), but they would sell it to me for €52 (about $55).
The tile supplier used by the builder, also for the sample selection, charges €95 (about $102) for the tile. No discount is possible since our builder is a partner of theirs.
This gives me the impression that there is a double markup here. I pay €95, while the company probably buys it for around €50 (about $54). In the end, this results in additional costs of several thousand euros.
Am I really required to buy the tiles from the supplier specified by the builder?
Best regards,
Coletrickle_7808
Typical general contractor approach. At best, you can remove the entire trade and subcontract it yourself. However, then you lose the warranty coverage that comes with having everything from a single source.
You also need to find a tiler who either installs materials you provide (very rare or usually without warranty) or one who offers the tiles at a lower price.
You also need to find a tiler who either installs materials you provide (very rare or usually without warranty) or one who offers the tiles at a lower price.
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Coletrickle_78083 Aug 2021 21:49I had a tile setter lined up. Unfortunately, during the coronavirus period, he took a salaried position in a completely different industry. But he was great.
At that time, the construction company said they only work with their own trades.
At that time, the construction company said they only work with their own trades.
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Coletrickle_78083 Aug 2021 23:34No, it’s a small, regional construction company. We have a call scheduled tomorrow about the tiles. Let’s see what they have to say. I’m not really concerned about saving the last cent—everyone should and must earn a living. I also like to support local companies. But when the price is €95 compared to €52, that’s where I stop having fun. Also, because I will probably have to pay a surcharge anyway due to size. The work specification states 60x60cm (24x24 inches) without extra charge. The floor tiles would be 25x150cm (10x59 inches), and the wall tiles are available in 75x75cm (30x30 inches) and 75x150cm (30x59 inches).
Coletrickle_7808 schrieb:
But when it’s €95 versus €52, that’s where my patience ends. Same here. However, I would first check if a) the quality is actually the same, b) delivery beyond the curb is included, and c) it is even available when needed. Often, those “really cheap” offers don’t actually exist upon closer inspection. Also, with online orders, you usually have to include waste allowance. The supplier often only charges the net price.
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