Scope of work for laying new tile floor?

Question

My Contractor just told me

"No, sealing the grout isn't something we do,
unless you ask us to and then it's an extra charge."

Seriously?

When they lay a new tile floor sealing the grout isn't
part of the scope of work?

Sounds like going into a restaurant and ordering a
hamburger and needing to specify that Yes I would like a bun
and then being upcharged.

Maybe it's just me - I am new and I am learning.

And I'd like to hear from some of ya'all.

Thanks

Michael W. · Answer

I always like to go do each item in the proposed scope and ask questions to the contractor like "will there be any work required or recommended after this step is complete that is not reflected in the scope of work?" If all else fails you could potentially negotiate a free seal job by emphasizing your desire to work with him much more in the future as you plan to acquire additional properties and see what he says.

Chris Krivanek · Answer

It is technically a separate task, so should be treated as such. It would be more like a restaurant not furnishing ketchup for your burger, lol. Anway, yes you need to have it specified before the project starts. Ideally, the contractor should advise you of this ahead of time though. Also, there is sealer additives that can be added when mixing the grout, so you don't need sealing afterwards. There is also other grout that can be used with sealing properties inside of it. Ask about all of these options next time.

Christopher B. · Answer

Surprisingly, sealing the grout is something many/most tile installers don't do. Their reasoning is they have to comeback another day to do this, which kills their day of productivity for something that is optional and anyone can do. I too get frustrated with this so have started putting it into my SOW when they bid the project, if they want the entire job they have to seal it as well. Contractors of all trades will do stuff like this and over the course of a project you'll end up doing a dozen small "scrub jobs" yourself. It's maddening when you're on your knees sealing grout thinking about the $2k check you wrote to your tile guy or trekking through hot attic insulation putting blanks on junction boxes thinking about the $3k you paid the electrician... so the point is make sure you have a detailed SOW. I also add general lines in my SOW such as "electrical system brought to code to pass city inspection" or "includes punchlist items to 100% property". It's not perfect but it helps everyone understand that they're expected to 100% a job, so if there is something not specifically in the SOW it will be brought-up during the walk through.

Tammy Ratnam · Answer

Hi Jonathan, do you know if the Aqua Mix Sealer's choice gold darken light colored grout? Thanks

Maran Banta · Answer

Jonathan you are soo right about remembering the lessons we've learned the hard way!So yep there is that part - I'll always have sealer in my tile contracts :-) I am walking around chanting today "Payday is Near."

Jonathan Young · Answer

These are all great suggestions. If you do end up sealing the grout yourself, I recommend a product called Sealer's Choice Gold. It is available at Home Depot or Daltile. It's a little expensive, but a little goes a long way. Use a foam paint brush or a sponge and just apply it to all the grout lines. Wipe it off with a dry towel and you are done. Work in sections to avoid the sealer drying before you wipe the excess off. This is a great product that will protect the grout for several years before it needs to be reapplied. I always remember the lessons that I learn the hard way. I'm sure you will always have a contract that includes sealing the grout, in the future.

Maran Banta · Answer

Thank you everyone who chimed in.And I have learned about being very very clear moving forward.All in all this contractor has done a good job. His subs are all very skilled.Here's the rub, he told me up front he does A, B & C work - and at every step we would "catch" one of the subs doing B or even C stuff and have them start over.Always the subs claim they were instructed to deliver the lesser level - always they demonstrate the skills and ultimately deliver better. They are back today and among plenty of other stuff they are are sealing the grout - no upcharge.Will be looking for a new guy for next time.

Jake Thomas · Answer

See if you can get them to throw it in for free but honestly of entire project sealing is by far the easiest job. Even if they wanted $50 I might still do it myself. But, then again I lay all my own tile because it's a great cost savings. A spray can of impregnator sealer at Lowes is $9 I believe and all you do it spray it on and leave if for a couple hours. Then you know it was done and done right.