1st Job: preparing quote for kitchen floor

[Mrs Tiler]

Hi everyone,

I am preparing a quote for 2nd job actually, for a kitchen floor which currently has laminate flooring over floorboards. The customer is going to take up the old floor himself and I have suggested that it requires 15mm plywood (can you get plywood delivered direct to job?)before tiling with 20 x20cm terracotta tiles - which I think I should seal before laying, in a diamond pattern (for which I am going to charge extra). The kitchen as a big stove with gas hob, on legs - presumably this will need removing will the work is done, with disconnection by qualified gas engineer. Also, I think I should remove kick boards whilst tiling rather than tile up to them, is that correct? And if so, how do you make sure the edges of the tiles are sealed to prevent any moisture getting under the tiles.

Any advice gratefully received.

thanks Mrs Tiler

[brian c]

get the ply from b and q and they will cut it for you and then stick it in the car.Make sure floorboards are secure,i prime ply but check manufacturers guideance.screw ply every 200-250mm with inch screws,this avoiding puncturing pipes.Cant you tile upto hob/IF NOT GET A CORGI REG FITTER TO DO SO.uSE A FILA sealer.Seal the tiles before fixing under the units or seal when fixed.

[marc1106]

Is it a gas cooker on legs IE range cooker, if it has a bayonet (push and 1/4 turn then you can dissconnect your self! remember it will have an electrical connection also for the ingnition! but you could tile up to it then stand it on the done part of the floor and crawl in behind then tile that partgrout there first then slide back in place!

[Mrs Tiler]

thanks Brian for the advice. What sort of size is workable for the ply? the stove is quite high of the floor, its modern and looks quite new with what looks like adjustable legs. Just be a dam slight easier if moved completely out of the way. Would I have to pay someone to disconnect and move it or should I leave that up to the customer?

Mrs Tiler

[marc1106]

Forgot to add yes remove the kickboards and tile up to feet on units NOT AROUND them! kick boards will need to be cut down before they go back unless the K/fitter knew tiling was being done and left you a gap!

[frostfree]

Most good builders merchants will deliver ply for you, there may be a small charge if you do not have an account with them. Best to tile under stove rather than up to it, makes future removal for cleaning etc much easier. Can you get client to remove laminating flooring before you do your quote?
You can then fully inspect floorboards and check floor deflection and quote accordingly for any remedial work. If not probably best to give an estimate as their may be unforseen problems.

[Mrs Tiler]

thats useful to know. I dont know what kind of cooker it is but now I can ask if they accept my quote

cheers for that

[brian c]

if i was you i would NOT mess around with gas.Get someone to disconnect for you.Get them to 1/4 the sheet then this is a workable size for you.If you want to use complete boards then you will need to have them delivered.

[Mrs Tiler]

I think they wont want to do that as it means disruption for longer and they have 3 dogs! The customers both work on the airlines and would like the work done whilst they are away although Ithink the job will take longer than there trip!

[marc1106]

NEVER quote always estimate! i was told that if you write quotation on the paperwork clients can legally hold you to that cost, EVEN if you do extra works! you can be held to the original price!

[Dave]

I wouldn't install terracotta over ply without some prep.......terracotta sucks alot of moisture from the adhesive quickly...and could result in it not bonding to the ply...A cement backer board would be better...or skim the ply with flexi adhesive before tiling, to try and create a better bond....back skim the terracotta as well to slow suction rate down...

It sounds like a faff on but is worth it for a stronger job...