-=PCTechTalk=- Re: offtopic, remodeling project/home
- From: "cristy" <poppy0206@xxxxxxx>
- To: <pctechtalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:06:26 -0400
> Having grown up in an older city (Philly), I consider a 36 year old house
> as
> still new. lol
>
> If you were doing the work yourselves (or having it done by a handy family
> member who was only charging you food and beer), I would suggest taking
> things one step at a time. Since you're looking to hire someone to do the
> work, it will be cheaper to have all tile work done in one shot. The
> toilet
> will have to be pulled both for the floor and for the wall behind the
> toilet, assuming tile will be going back there. The sink may or may not
> need to be removed, depending on its style (pedestal sinks should be tiled
> under, enclosures like cabinets are usually tiled around). Tub and shower
> surrounds require a special type of backing (there are several approaches
> that work very well) to help waterproof the installation and this will
> also
> be considered as part of the tiling install if required.
Hmm, I hadn't considered the toilet and sink and all having to be removed to
do the work. The sink is an enclosure type cabinet under it, however; she
really needs a new sink also so I guess I'd have to decide or she would if
and when we get a new one, whether it will be cabinet like or pedestal.
What kind of backing are you referring to with the tile that surrounds the
tub area? some kind of waterproof thing? I am wondering what caused these
tiles to just "cave in". I went to grab for the one falling and could not
get it and noticed there is space back there for it to fall. I wondered how
was it staying in place to begin with? I can see others along the same side
of the wall toward where the tub meets the tile that are starting to cave in
too.
I know you cannot tell me the exact cost but any estimates? I would say
there are more tiles on the wall than the floor as it is a very small floor.
The tiles are larger on the wall, small on the floor. How long does a job
like this typically take? Lowes put down her laminate and it looks like
they did a really good job by the way. Also I am off work as of last Friday
for the summer so being at moms while they come to work is no problem. Is
the glue they use strong smelling?
Wish you could do the work, I know I could trust you to do a good job and I
love to cook ;0.
>
> To find the right installer, spend your time picking out what materials
> you
> want to use by going around to a couple of flooring stores in your area
> (all
> of them should have their own installers and their work will be backed up
> by
> the store). Be sure to take with you exact measurements of every surface
> you wish to cover and be aware that we always add a small percentage more
> material than the job requires to get around ugly or broken pieces
> occasionally found among the boxes as the job progresses. Let the store's
> salesperson discuss various coverings options with you and when you've
> come
> up with some usable ideas ask how much the materials come to and then ask
> how much more it would be to have the stuff installed by them if you
> choose
> to not do it yourselves. Also ask for an idea of how long it would take
> for
> their people to install it. Thank them for their time, tell them you want
> to spend some more time staring at your bathroom before making a final
> decision and move on to the next store. If you hit at least 3 stores, you
> should be able to gain enough of an instinct to choose which store is
> right
> for the job.
>
> On the other hand, it's usually less expensive to hire someone to do the
> actual work as a side job. They won't be sharing the labor money with a
> store and, assuming they have a day job, will be working on yours after
> normal working hours and weekends. This means no one will feel the need
> to
> take time off of work to be there during the say since the work will be
> done
> when everyone's already home. The downside is that there is no store to
> back up the installer's work, so you will be relying on the installer
> themselves if anything should go wrong (tile becomes loose after a few
> months, grout shrinks too much or washes out, etc.). If this type of work
> is what they do for a living, these issues should not be a problem as
> everyone I know who does side jobs has always been great at backing up
> their
> own work. To find someone like this, ask everyone you know who has had
> any
> tile work added anywhere within their home who they used.
>
> However, avoid using anyone who never did it for a living. It takes a
> long
> time to learn how to deal with everything that can, and usually does, come
> up during a typical installation. Uneven floors, non-squared walls, humps
> in walls, voids that need to first be filled, etc. are all issues that I
> would only trust to a pro. Plus, all of the various types and properties
> of
> substrates, glues, mortars, grouts, etc. really require a lot of
> experience
> before they will know what's best to use on your particular project.
>
> Any leftover tiles or cut pieces of significant size should be left with
> you
> at the end of the job (these are your spares and are important to have in
> case any tiles need replacement in the future), but be aware that some
> installers may try to keep unopened boxes without your knowledge. In most
> cases, they are only looking to have a supply of filler stick on hand for
> repairs or to break them into small pieces to use for custom decorator
> strips on other jobs. Most installers do NOT do this, but there are a few
> that do so I am making you aware of the practice. When you make the
> purchase, take note of the number of boxes ordered for each material and
> match that against what goes down onto your walls and floor (or what comes
> in through your door or garage when the installers arrive). Keep in mind
> that a significant amount of tile can be lost due to cutting around the
> room
> and other objects as well as tiles that break the wrong way when they are
> cut, both of which is something that the installer cannot prevent. If you
> suspect a mismatch near the end of the job, tell the installer (kinda
> puzzled) that you bought more than you needed so that you would have some
> for another project. Then ask him or her to check their truck to see if
> maybe they overlooked it as they brought in the materials. If the answer
> is
> negative, triple check your figures and make sure you're allowing for
> tiles
> lost due to cutting. If you still suspect you're not getting all you paid
> for, don't hesitate to call the store and say so.
>
> On the other hand, you could simply fly me in and I'll take care of the
> works for ya. I'll work cheap as long as the food is good. :O)
>
> Peace,
> G
>
> "The only dumb questions are the ones that are never asked"
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "cristy" <poppy0206@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> To: <pctechtalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Saturday, June 14, 2008 11:24 AM
> Subject: -=PCTechTalk=- offtopic, remodeling project/home
>
>
>> Hey,
>>
>> I know this is totally offtopic but we have some very informative people
>> on
>> these types of things on the list and so thought I'd ask. I am thinking
>> of
>> helping my mom (financially) with upgrading her bathroom. Since the
>> tiles
>> are now coming out that are next to the bath tub and everything else like
>> the sink, and floor tile could easily stand replacing. My question, is
>> it
>> more costly to do this piecemeal or the whole thing at once and any
>> recommendations on how to go about finding the right people for the job?
>> Her house is about 36 years old now.
>>
>> Thanks!
>
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------
> Please remember to trim your replies (including this sentence and
> everything below it) and adjust the subject line as necessary.
>
> To unsubscribe or change your email settings:
> //www.freelists.org/webpage/pctechtalk
>
> To access our Archives:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PCTechTalk/messages/
> //www.freelists.org/archives/pctechtalk/
>
> To contact only the PCTT Mod Squad, write to:
> pctechtalk-moderators@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> ---------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
---------------------------------------------------------------
Please remember to trim your replies (including this sentence and everything
below it) and adjust the subject line as necessary.
To unsubscribe or change your email settings:
//www.freelists.org/webpage/pctechtalk
To access our Archives:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PCTechTalk/messages/
//www.freelists.org/archives/pctechtalk/
To contact only the PCTT Mod Squad, write to:
pctechtalk-moderators@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
---------------------------------------------------------------
Other related posts:
