Regrouting work.

[cr0ft]

Hello all. Doing some work for Topps Tiles who have asked me to go and quote for some repair work to a tiling job done by one of their 'approved fitters'. Basically the customer isn't happy as the tiler has: -

1.) Not grouted properly. I guess by this they mean that the joints are not 'full' of grout. Topps Tiles want all the grout raked out and done properly - around 6sq m of 30x30 tiles I believe.

2.) Tiled over the threshold area. The doorway tiles need to be lifted, re-cut and obviously re-laid. Around 4 tiles with cuts around the doorway I guess.

My issues are: -

1.) How many hours is it reasonable to quote for this work? I don't need to know prices really as that depends on where in the country we all are, just a realistic amount of hours as I haven't done regrouting work before.
2.) Does anyone know of a tool that speeds the grout removal up? I was thinking of using my Fein Multimaster with carbide grinding tool attachment (carefully).

I'm viewing tomorrow PM so if anyone can voice their thoughts fairly quickly I'd appreciate it.

 

[enduro]

I reckon 1 day should do it...£250.00 should cover it. I also use a Dremmel with the grout removal tool, aswell as my Fein, having both tools work very well.

 

[Ian]

Just charge a full day rate, don't forget to price in for the bits for your fein and a bit of diesel.

 

[Time's Ran Out]

If its Topps who are paying you and you are anticipating more work from them, then keep it keen - its a days work whatever rate you charge!

Remember they have recommended the first tiler so if you do the job for a 'I'll help you out price' you should earn some brownie points.

If it's a one off and you don't want any more work from them or your not keen on getting the job - go in with a daft price.

 

[cr0ft]

Hi, went to view the job today. Topps want me just to regrout it but the job is awful. For a start, the 60x30cm tiles are laid directly on the floorboards with only (according to the customer) a rubber solution painted on the floorboards - some sort of decoupling product I'm guessing. Secondly, the tiles are visibly out of alignment. Grout line width ranges from 3mm to 8mm in varying parts of the floor. Lippage is anywhere from nothing up to 5mm.

Cracks are already appearing in the grout, I'm guessing these are caused by movement in the floorboards.

I think I am going to recommend to Topps that it needs to be ripped back to the joists and thick plywood installed prior to retiling. I don't feel very happy just regrouting it as (with 11sq m and a few tiles to recut) I think its close to 3 days of work really by the time all that sanded grout is cut out.

I don't want to hack Topps off as they pass me quite a bit of work but I don't want to cut corners to rectify the job I guess.

 

[dilz000]

I think your doug the right thing and if tops know the correct methods then they know your right. Besides if u dont do it properly then they will have to fork out to fix for a 3rd time!

 

[dhsanta65]

For sure get tell Topps it all needs ripped up and done the correct way as it's their reputation as well as yours. Customer will be happy and more likely to pass your name on.

 

[kilty55]

defo croft,dont touch it

advise topps(who seem to want to do it wrong for a 2nd time) the correct way to sort it

 

[Brinkley]

best thing to do is ask a manager to visit the clients house with you explain and describe all the faults to the manager and tell them the way it should be fixed im sure any one with a know how of tiling will agree with you.
DONT just remove grout etc you will be covering up a problem maybe for a week or two at the most.
Its your name at the end of the day and in this climate reputation needs to be protected.
good luck

 

[cr0ft]

Cheers all. Spoken with the supervisor at the branch today (manager is on holiday for a week) and said that I will happily quote to remove and install it all with a proper sub-floor but that I won't regrout it as there is an underlying problem.

I agree with you all in that it's the only solution really.

Thanks for all the advice.