Hired a builder, questions on the tile bid.

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

When we met our builder, we told him we found the tile we wanted at Lowes. We told him it was $1.50 sqft to help when he bid our custom home. Our allowance sheet shows $4.50 sqft for floor tile. We were thinking about changing tile, he told us the breakdown was $1.50 for the "tile" and $3.00 for the "labor". Now we have ordered our tile and he is telling me I am responsible for paying for the grout and glue too. I don't have a grout and glue allowance or line item on my draw sheet. Is it normal for a builder to bid like this?

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Comments (8)

dan1888
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
How much is the grout and 'glue'? If you're paying get epoxy grout. Mapei Keraflex thinset is about $12.50 for a 50lb. bag.
A.M. Texas
Original Author
5 years ago
I priced it out this morning. Thinset $15 per bag and I need 45 bags. Grout $30 bag and I need 9. I'm out $1000 more than planned. It could be worse. I wish this guy was more honest.
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millworkman
5 years ago
"I wish this guy was more honest."

Hopefully his work is better than his paperwork.
Kari P
5 years ago
Something is up here. Is he going to charge you for spacers as well? I would probably find a different contractor.
A.M. Texas
Original Author
5 years ago
Unfortunately, he is my home builder. It is not just a contracted project... it is my whole house.
SJ McCarthy
5 years ago
Uhhhhhmmmm....this is wonky. I would expect another $4.50/sf for the EXTA MATERIALS (thinset, grout). That I have no problem with. The LABOUR side is WAAAAAAAAAY TOO LOW!!!

His $3/sf labour quote is about $10/sf SHORT. He's quoting for laminate installation NOT TILE!!! I'm sorry to say but I have issues with this person's ability to manage a home build. If he BELIEVES tile floors are installed (labour only) for $3.00 per square foot, then he is either building the house in Peru or he is using UNSKILLED LABOURERS who are most likely undocumented.

The going rate for a tile install in my neck of the woods (labour only) = $12 - $15/sf. Costs of materials EXTRA. As I said, in my books the builder is SNIFFING GLUE if he thinks a TILING PROFESSIONAL (ahem....someone WAY more expensive than the builder is worth) is about to lay tile for $3.00 per square foot.

I'm assuming the tile floor is an UPGRADE? Please confirm.
A.M. Texas
Original Author
5 years ago
Nope, not an upgrade. When we met with him prior to signing the contract, we mentioned the tile we liked was found at Lowes. He created the bid using the $1.50 Lowes tile but must have made a mistake on the labor and only charged $3.00 sqft. Now he claims that he thought the $1.50 lowes tile included grout and glue. He has over 30 years building experience. I think he just messed up on the bid. But the DISHONESTY and deception really pisses me off.