What a coincidence!! And I was hoping it was a different job so we both get the work. I'm glad to hear you are busy though, as I do really need the work!!
I've been back to see them this morning, to approve the exact design of the geometric border, inparticular over the wider than normal door threshold to the kitchen. It needed a few extra rows of tiles, so I sketched it out and emailed it for approval. Their internet was playing up this morning so they couldn't see it, so I had to go to Wilmslow anyway, and I thought it's only a couple of extra miles, so I called and arranged to go see them again. I gave them my best guestimates for different types of tiles. Don't normally do it, but as I did a fair bit of homework on it last night, I did feel confident enough to talk ball park figures. I said once the design was approved, I would finish off the 3 quotes and confirm final price via email, warning them it could go up or down, as it was only a ball park figure.
As I suspected, even my guestimate for the geometric also put them off and they said no to it there and then. But they could see 3 different prices, and they could choose what kind of tile would suit their budget. Now I'm just looking at doing a quote for Red/Brown 6x6 quarry tiles, or red/brown 6x6 victorian. Red diamond field tile with a Brown half tile border, to add a little definition to the edges. As the threshold is 37cm, I will even be able to make a diamond pattern across it with the 6x6's. Similar to the smaller geometric.
One thing I did spot is the builder who built the extension has cheaped out on the insulation boards, leaving alot of levelling to be done. So instead of me laying a 35mm screed of SLC over the 200W electric heating element, I have recommended peeling back the UFH wires and scrape off the cheapo 10mm insulation. Then relay with 30mm marmox, a good 4mm bed of appropriate adhesive and approx 11mm SLC screed over the insulation and wires. Should account for the 45mm required, once I take up the nasty stuff. Been told by a manufacturer that it will make it warmup alot quicker, if the wires are closer to the surface. I already costed the levelling last night, so I could tell the customer today how much extra it will cost to correct it before tiling. They thought the additional cost was reasonable enough, so they have said to include it in my price too. The builder also laid the wires UFH wires only 10-15mm from the edge in places, so I will also be relaying ensuring the wires are not too close to the edge.
So I've rang my suppliers today, check I can get everything delivered this week and I can. So I will put my amended quote in tomorrow morning, and hopefully get confirmation straight away to start this Thursday or Friday.
@Timeless - I walked in to find they had 3 different good ideas. It is an old building, and I thought the porcelain they choose did match certain stonework features of the house. But, my gut feeling was the it wasn't really in keeping with the building, or the finished look of the new conservatory. I did discuss it with the customer. No doubt the victorian tiles would look good in that kind of building, but the price was off putting to them. They weren't sure about the quarries, as all they knew about were red quarries. I educated them a little about Dennis Ruabon, and an example of a nice quarry tile floor from their gallery, and suddenly their concerns about having too much red in the room were laid to rest, and they could see you can also make nice patterns from quarry tiles too. Anyway, if I do win the job I promise I will be forthcoming with some pics this time and you will see what I'm babbling on about!
I tend to recommend to customers they should follow what the heart desires, and if it's too much, then please discuss the alternatives with me. So in this case I said if they want the victorian floor tiles then save for it and get back to me, otherwise there are other tiles that will be within budget. I find it a good tactik to keep your foot in the door with customers if they won't commit. Still it doesn't stop them from looking around for cheaper prices though does it!!
