Just want to ask all member...since u all bought ur own tiles.

Can i know what is the labour charges to hack and removed existing floor tiles and skirting? and install the new tiles include the cement levering work.

My method (Not necessarily the best, but it worked for me, so I'm sharing) :

1) Get 2 quotes from each renovation contractor (one for with tiles & one more without). With means 'tiles supplied by contractor', without means 'tiles you buy on your own, so contractor only charges labour'. Get quotes from at least 3 different contractors. Trust me, regardless what your friends & fmaily tell you, there IS a big difference between contractors).

2) If contractor can supply tiles, get some sample tiles (smaller tile, around 2" x 4"). Get the brand name & colour code. Preferably choose a tile which is common (i.e. MML, White Horse, Guocera, etc.). Choosing some cheaper but unknown brand (i.e. tiles from China) will be difficult to find when you need more later for replacement of damaged ones or extensions. Look around some tile shops to see the availability & price of the tiles using the sample tile. Ask the shop for equivalents if sample tile is not available, & important to ask what the differences are between the sample tile & the alternatives (i.e. price, durability, cleaning methods, etc.). Again, go to at least 3 established shops.

3) Make a comparison between the quotes. Lowest price alone isn't enough. Sometimes, choosing the cheapest contractor can become your worst nightmare (I should know, I've been a victim of this type of contractor! )

4) Always ask for referrals of the contractors. If possible, ask to see some work done by the contractor (i.e. other houses) & ALWAYS talk to the owners to ask about the contractors' performance (i.e. price, workmanship, quality, timing, attitude, etc.). Just showing you their showroom or work-in-progress is not enough.

5) Collect all these information & make an informed decision. This way, you don't have to rely on anyone & there won't be any hard feelings or regrets if your informer had recommended the wrong contractor for you.

As for the labour charges, it varies from one contractor to another. From what I've seen, around Kajang, the prices are normally from RM50 to RM80 per person per day. Not sure if the same rates apply to other areas. But anyhow, I don't think this matters much. If you follow step 1, you will already know how much your contractor is charging for labour alone. Take note that some contractors include all other material (i.e. other material like cement & grout, tools, etc.) with their labour charges while others will expect you to buy EVERYTHING ( they will ask you to buy & you go look for it). I prefer the 1st option, but again, to each his own. Not always convenient to go looking for supplies everytime the contractor asks for something, so consider this before finalizing your contractor & whether you want him to supply the material or otherwise.

Sorry, left out one thing: Get a breakdown for your contractors' quotes, so you know exactly how much they are charging to remove your old tiles & how much to install new ones. Most contractors like to give quotes in lump sum. Easier for them, more difficult for you to work out costs.

Just my few cents worth based on my own experiences. All the best to you !

This post has been edited by jeyarajshankar: Jan 5 2011, 01:19 PM

Tx for the tips jeyara.

Normally if we want to get quote from these kind of contractor, how long does it take for them to get back to us? Or was it usually given on the spot?

Hi all, would like to ask for tile contractor's contact that you have good experience with.. thanks