Quoting before seeing the state of the walls - how do I go about it?

[Stevee]

When quoting for a job how do I know what to quote if the old tiles havnt been removed and I don't know the state of the walls

 

[jobdone]

Are you removing the tiles? If you expect them to be removed then it's best to go and look when removed and then firm up your quote. If they are unhappy with a revised quote for extra prep work then walk away.
I always put a paragraph in my quote detailing the cost of worst case. e.g. all out and dot and dabbed walls with a cost so that the customer knows how much it could potentially cost.

 

[Stevee]

Are you removing the tiles? If you expect them to be removed then it's best to go and look when removed and then firm up your quote. If they are unhappy with a revised quote for extra prep work then walk away.
I always put a paragraph in my quote detailing the cost of worst case. e.g. all out and dot and dabbed walls with a cost so that the customer knows how much it could potentially cost.

Yes I'm removing the tiles thanks

 

[Spare Tool]

You can't 'quote' on a can of worms... Best and worst estimate is all you can offer at this stage, but the most important thing is to keep your customer informed and updated then they understand where there up to at all times...

 

[Dumbo]

You can only quote for what you can See and put in a caveat about possible extra work .

 

[One Day]

Good early clear communication is key. Explain that unforseen work will incur extra cost.

 

[J K Tiling Cornwall]

If any unknowns, try to quote on a 'worse case' scenario, maybe give 2 figures the first if all goes to plan, old tiles come off okay, minimum damage to substrate.. etc second one, tiles are a pig to get off, walls need patching and re-boarding. With experience you will get an idea of what walls will come out better. Tiles on bare plasterboard are the worse for causing damage, lath and plaster walls usually need taking back and a real mess.. block walls usually cause no issues. Never easy but by allowing a worse case you shouldn't end up shooting yourself in the foot (as I'm sure we have all done in the past) and end up loosing out. Like others have said, keeping the customer informed and good communication is key. Good luck