Tile Layers - How They Charge

[Debbie Zimmer]

Hi Everyone,

I'm struggling here and need educated (I guess). When it comes to getting tile work done, why isn't the labor for that just calculated by an hourly rate like everything else?  Why isn't it as easy to pay someone $50-$60 / hr to lay tile?  Why do they 'charge' by the job and then inflate?  For instance:  our last project, the tile layer charged us $1,500 for a day's work for 2 guys to install our kitchen back splash.  When doing the math - that is $187.50/hr divided by 2 guys.  That's a pretty damn good day's pay.  Why do they feel the need to charge by 'job'.  I mean, at my day job, I make so much an hour - it doesn't matter if i'm working on a spreadsheet or changing the paper in the copy machine - i'm still making the same per hour.   I'm frustrated and confused as a rehabber trying to make money!