Hi,

I want to do a plaster ceiling manhole but a few people quoted rm 250 which my opinion quite expensive

I went to a plaster ceiling material supplier shop and notice they sell ready made manhole cover

So I was thinking is it possible to diy the manhole? In theory I would think just cut the appropriate hole size, slide the cover in and that's it. if it is that simple, was thinking doing it myself

any opinion?

If you have the skill yes is possible. Plaster ceiling look easy but you need to have the skill for leveling, and mount it. To me 250 is small fees compare to the hassle you have to do. Unless is like RM 100 vs RM 1000

If you are getting the contractor to your house just to make the ceiling manhole only, then paying RM250 is reasonable for the aluminium frame plaster ceiling manhole. You may be able to purchase the manhole cover & frame yourself from the shops for about RM100-130. You will then need the plaster ceiling compound and the skill labour to complete the job. So, I would say paying RM 250 is reasonable.

However, you should solve the roof leakage first if the leakage area also requires repair on the plaster ceiling. Else you could end up getting the contractor to your place twice and end up paying more.

To put it in perspective, if the material cost is around RM 50 to RM 100, the contractor gross profit RM 200 to RM 150. This job might take half day,
Thus if he works 1 job everyday, he will earn as much as a standard manager in a company, with running expenses borne by himself. If got assistant less some more.
You get to "taruk" (releasr some steam) him if things goes wrong.
OK lah, income rate still whithin the rat race.

Bro, one of the reason I want to make the man hole is to look at the leak area

If that's the case, maybe you just cut a hole temporary for the inspection. After everything settle, then only get the plaster ceiling guy to install the manhole and repair the leakage area. Else, you may have to pay for two visits. Just my 2 sen

The aluminium main hole cost
12" = 22.50 / 18" = 24.50 / 24" only 27

You not only need the manhole, you also need to purchase the metal bar (Furring Channel) / screw / "Mee Hon" / stopping ....
Hence is the RM250 covered all the items need to be use?

The labour cost is consider as 1 day rate even if they finish early, because people can't just dropby and do 1 job for you. Also, normal plaster contractor only do plastering and without paint for you.

If 250 covered everything, I guess still OK.

Indo rate is only RM100-150, but if you need to buy all the above than is that worst it?

Maybe you could ask them RM250 to include check + repair the leaking if only small issue?

plan to use leave the manhole there for future "use"

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Added on September 16, 2011, 6:03 pmseems rm 250 is reasonable. lol

This post has been edited by brotan: Sep 16 2011, 06:03 PM