Advice on removing old tiles?

[GazLC81]

Hi,

I have a job to go and quote for in the next couple of days and need some advice.

It's only my second job and first job where I will have to remove old tiles before re-tiling. What is the likelihood that I won't need to plaster? I have never plastered before and don't know what to say to the customer with regards to it either.

What would you experienced tilers say/recommend?

Many Thanks
Gaz

 

[kapitan]

always go for sods law gaz , so expect the worse!! if walls are bad, dot dab with plasterboard where possible , use one coat plaster anywhere else, its p*ss easy just use a straight edge!! :wink_smile:

 

[DHTiling]

soz gaz, pure pot luck as to wot damage will happen till you take the tiles off.
if the worst happens just tell customer that there is more damage than estimated and room will need to be made good,either have a go yourself or try and get a plasterer .
most times it is just a bit a the skim coat that comes off and this is easily rectified with some one coat plaster just take your time and have a go yourself will save you loads of pennys. dont forget to prime areas to be patched first.. hope this helps mate!!

 

[Paul Sh]

Hi Gaz, With regards to the damage done to the plaster i think there is a few factors, (a) How good a condition the plaster was in in the first place, (b) How well the exsisting tiles were fixed and so on, TBH I would fore warn the customer that it may need plastering, just say to them that there is a possibility that the walls may need re plastering and see what they say, don't tell them it will, and don't tell them it won't, in my opinion you simply can't tell until you start removing them.
WHOOPS Beaten to it.

 

[Varley]

As the guys have said above m8, no way to know how bad the walls are gonna be, sometimes there will be very little damage, other times half the bloody wall comes down, just advise customer of this and then the possible solutions. If you don't feel confident in making good then advise customer that if the walls are really bad they may have to get a plasterer before you can tile.

 

[laurami tiling]

and make sure its a decent plasterer last one i had the walls were more bowed and outa line than before told customer to get him back and straighten em up , she did for no extra charge, plaster said he thought the tiler would be able to sortem out by packing in extra ady,
what a dipstick lol

 

[DHTiling]

and make sure its a decent plasterer last one i had the walls were more bowed and outa line than before told customer to get him back and straighten em up , she did for no extra charge, plaster said he thought the tiler would be able to sortem out by packing in extra ady,
what a dipstick lol

hi laurami. have got a good plasterer for the durham areas if you want it i will pm it to you .dave!!!

 

[GazTech]

Advise customer of worst case scenario,owt else is a bonus for all.

 

[GazLC81]

Wow thanks for the response guys! I feel more confident now after reading your comments. I had it in mind to just tell the customer that it's not possible to tell how bad the walls will be until I have removed the tiles and that I may be able to tile on it straight away or if the damage is minimal I can do the repair (how much would I quote and how long should I leave it???) or if the damage is more severe a plasterer will have to be brought in. Does this sound ok? Sort of things you'd say?

Thanks again guys, don't know what I'd do with out this forum!

Gaz

 

[guy1976]

tell the customer that the preperation is done on a day rate (removing tiles and making walls good) what ever yours is then charge as normal for fixing

 

[postie]

Just be confident in your approach and explain the possible scenarios when taking off tiles .If the tiles take a few lumps out of the wall seal with pva then get wicks one coat plaster fill holes and level of with straight edge dead easy mate and charge accordingly .

 

[Paul Sh]

Acrylic primer BAL APD deffo not pva
----
Leave PVA to the hairy arsed builders.

 

[DevonR]

I think it's important to let the customer know all eventualities as said above. Otherwise, especially if you get a twisty customer you could end up with them accusing you of the damage.
Forewarned is forarmed as they say. At least then they can figure this into the budget of the job as well.
Being honest with clients is a thing I think we should all look to do. Most will be happy you take the time to explain and will feel your giving a little extra value instead of trying to rip them off. May just make the difference in you getting the job as well.

 

[DHTiling]

Well Said Dev I Always Forwarn Customers Of What Could Or Might Happen
Best To Be Honest Up Front ( No Hidden Surprises For Customers )

 

[postie]

Acrylic primer BAL APD deffo not pva
----
Leave PVA to the hairy arsed builders.

I mean pva the holes in the wall so plaster will stick to them.