Re grouting and siliconing of tiles?

[surflaur]

I have just been round to quote on removing grout and silicon in a domestic bathroom and shower, about 10m square.

The tiling is really bad, only done 18 months ago so the customer doesn't want it doing again.

I haven't got a clue how much to charge or how long it will take. I've guestamated 2 days work and to charge a day rate plus materials?

Does anyone know the best way of removing the old silicon and what is the best tool for removing the grout?

Cheers Laur

 

[Dan]

There are grout removal tools and silicone removal tools on the market. Checkout tradetiler.com for a 'grout rake' and then do a google for 'silicone removal tool'. It's a bit of a nightmare job that if I do say so myself. You could chip or mark the tiles when you're removing the grout. The silicone can be cut away with a fresh stanley blade and some elbow grease but the grout is a pig if it's a good grout. Also, the Fein Multimaster has a grout removal tool with the tilers version of the kit but it's pricey.

 

[Leatherface]

I would avoid it at all costs - unless you charge BIG MONEY to make it worth your while. These kind of jobs usually take a hell of a lot longer than you expect.
Dan is right - very likely chance that you will damage some tiles.
Steer Clear

 

[Dan]

Make it logistically liable to re-tile the whole thing. Do them a quote for repairs at a silly rate and an attractive price for re-tiling and tell them you can get them a discount for the new tiles. Tile-on-tile and you're on a winner. Nice and easy job.

 

[Leatherface]

Hear Hear - that's the way to do it

 

[Concept PHT]

You can get silicone removal gel from BES plumbing supplies. Just apply and wipe away

Re grouts are for the quiet new year times.. Stear clear otherwise.

 

[Elliott]

Just regrouted my bathroom over easter, used a stanley blade in a window scraper to remove the bulk then silicon remover to remove thin bits. Took 4 days to remove grout in 18m2 of 200x250 tiles wall and 4m2 200x200 floor. Tried rake - wore down blade very quickly, dremmel tools - plaster board cutter was good but too long, others chipped and ran into tiles. diamond tipped blade in handle was the most effective but most time consuming and gave you 'the claw'.

I would never do this type of job for a customer - my nose is still recovering even with a mask on!

 

[Leatherface]

Another way -
Find someone unemployed ( that you know ) - pay him £40 a day and offer him a bonus of a 24 pack of stella and a bag of weed if he completes in expected time with no damage to tiles.
Charge customer £150 a day
Happy days - have done this before

 

[Varley]

Another way -
Find someone unemployed ( that you know ) - pay him £40 a day and offer him a bonus of a 24 pack of stella and a bag of weed if he completes in expected time with no damage to tiles.
Charge customer £150 a day
Happy days - have done this before

You shifty little sly boots, I like it :wink_smile:

 

[Leatherface]

Let the Donkeys do the Donkey work !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[UKTT Darren]

Be carefull though, if they do any major damage, its you they will come back to fix it

 

[Leatherface]

Be carefull though, if they do any major damage, its you they will come back to fix it

Yes - this is why I said - someone you know ( and trust )
I know a number of guys who are out of work, but will still do a good job for cash

 

[UKTT Darren]

Still gotta be carefull, even good tradesmen drop clangers, seen it happen loads of times, different story if they are there with you doing donkey work, but i would be carefull about sending anyone on behalf of yourself, especially if you have no insurance for them, Trust only yourself are good words of wisdom, you said it before theres only you to worry about then

 

[Leatherface]

Yes - point taken and understood.

 

[tjsmiler]

Laur..... if i was you i would give the customer a dirty look and tell him he smells then walk away, when you get to the end of his path you could through a brick through his window. He should get the message that you really really don't want to be doing this job.

Leave it well alone mate.... you are asking for serious trouble with work like this.

PS: Give his cat a good kicking just for good measure!!