Looking for Fair Price to Charge on Tile

KeithM · 03-07-2008, 11:04 AM

I have a job schedule, for distant family member....need I say more.

I am looking for a fair price to pull up carpet, lay hardybacker, install and grout approximately 150 sq ft. includes closet.

Can you give me a high and low on where to go with a price for this job.

Keith M.

**AtlanticWBConst.** · 03-07-2008, 11:05 AM

I take it that this is for labor only (no materials)?

KeithM · 03-07-2008, 11:09 AM

Yes - customer supplied tile, and purchased on their own.

KUIPORNG · 03-07-2008, 11:58 AM

sounds like a one day to one day and half for professional...

and 3 days job for diyers...

Bill_Vincent · 03-08-2008, 11:14 AM

Between 9 and 12.00 a foot, labor only, based on square set 12x12's.

WiseNot · 03-11-2008, 03:03 PM

Home Depot (central NJ) charges $5.49 sq ft for tile that was on sale for $.77 sq ft. (No personal experience with tiling or anything else. In early thinking stages of deciding what to do in my own kitchen.)

JazMan · 03-11-2008, 09:13 PM

Hi WiseNot,

A few things to consider. It would be idiotic to hire someone to install tile that is worth .77 cents. That tile you saw is garbage. If you want to install it in a laundry or utility room...well OK? But to hire someone? Makes no sense to me.

As for what HD charges for labor, $5.49 per sq ft. is very fair. I wish I could get that here, but it is not high. To that you add the installation of the backer board and all other prep. By the time you're done the price should be close to or over $10.00. The Lowes in my area gets about $11.50 or so. Then they try to up-charge you by selling a few options, which is good. Like final clean up, sealing the grout, new moldings, etc.

Jaz

WiseNot · 03-11-2008, 09:41 PM

Hi Jaz,

Thanks. I agree with what you said and had no intention of actually buying that tile or having HD install it. I was just offering an example of what somebody charges to the original person who asked what to charge.

As to my own situation... I was in HD the other day for something else and just browsing the flooring aisles for ideas so I happened to notice those prices. I'm a reasonably competent woman, but I'm not sure I would attempt to install tile (if that's what I decide on) myself.

WW

Bill_Vincent · 03-12-2008, 07:43 PM

Please, let me advise you VERY STRONGLY against using installation services from ANY of the big box stores. Every once in a while you get a happy ending (even a blind squirrel will find a nut every now and then). But for the most part, it's one disaster after another.

WiseNot · 03-12-2008, 09:17 PM

Thanks for your advice Bill. My instincts tell me you are very right.

You guys are really nice to be so helpful. When I get around to actually doing that project, I'll be sure to check back if I have any questions or concerns.

Jeanie

JazMan · 03-12-2008, 11:03 PM

I agree with Bill 100%. I don't know of a competent tile setter that would ever consider working for those stores. They are so incompetent that it's not funny.

A few years ago I was asked by a floor contractor doing work for HD, to do a few jobs for HD's Expo division. All three were a comedy of errors. On two of the jobs I was the 3rd and fourth tile setter on the job. Too long a story and it doesn't matter now, but simply, they refuse to hire knowledgeable people...maybe someday?

Jaz