Cost for tile installation in a shower in Denver?

Question

What do you guys think is a reasonable cost/sq ft for labor only to install new tile in a shower?  What if it includes replacing backer board as well?  The property is in Denver.  I’m talking quality work that will last.

On that note, does backer board always get replaced?

since I am a pro member now, can I ask for some recommendations for a good tile guy here?

Thanks !

Emilio Ramirez · Answer

Reasonable's got nothing to do with it. Market will be $6 - $20/sf. Depending... sole proprietor vs company with over head, legit contractor vs uninsured side jobber, type, size and quality of tile, shower walls and or floor, waterproofing, metal edging, niches, benches, shelfs, windows, deco bands, total square feet, backlog, substrate, relationship, layout. .. I'm sure I missed something... but that's why you get multiple bids AND why you need a detailed scope of work.

You find a reasonable quality tile guy you let me know... ;)

Matt M. · Answer

I use new dens shield and redguard it as well. I was thinking about trying out schulter for a higher end project that will be a steam room.

My guy charges $5k for a full gut and replace on a regular(non-master) bath for my clients. That's everything (paint, towel bars, tile, vanity, etc.) But you have to buy the materials.

Rob Van Vleet · Answer

@Andrew George Dennis.     I never reuse backer board. It usually gets destroyed during demo. I want the subsurface clean and prepped for tile and in some cases I use red guard for extra insurance. My tile contractor just did a tub surround for me, demo, backer, minor framing and replaced insulation for $1800. Normally he’s $8-12/sf depending on the type of tile,etc. I’ve used the same contractor for the last 8 years. I NEVER have to question the quality of his work. Most of my projects are high end residential or class A commercial here in Boulder. Hope that helps.

Good luck!

Trenton Miller · Answer

When I do estimates I base my labor rate on a flat $65/hr rate.  I know that it takes my tile guys 3 minimum days to do a full bathroom.  With that being said two guys for eight hours a day equals 48 man hours.  48x65=$3,120 in labor alone.

Again as stated above, this number can fluctuate greatly depending on the size of the bathroom, finish quality, niches, pattern, ect.  Hope that helps.

Also, we replace backer board whenever remodeling bathrooms.

Andrew George Dennis · Answer

Thanks for your input Bill.  The bathroom is already fixed up.  This is for a property I plan on holding.  I’m essentially a newbie doing my first project trying to soak up as much knowledge as I can.  The tile is probably 20  years old.  I decided I would rather bite the bullet and replace it - it’s the last thing I have to do before renting. I’m looking at trying to do Air BNB or some kind of a corporate rental.  Anyway, I’m planning on putting in some sweat equity, and I know a guy who can do the tile, just wanted to see if his pricing was fair for labor.

Bill S. · Answer

@Andrew George Dennis so are you asking because you have a specific project or because you want to figure the costs for a remodel? I would say that someone who has to go out and find a tile person 1 time a year or less the cost is far different than the cost for a flipper that moves the tile person from one job to the next. Right now, if you want the job done any time in the next 30 days, the question should be who is available to do tile? I had a guy that has two crews going full time tell me that a bathroom cost $7k to remodel. I asked what if there's rot behind the tile. He said it's in the price. Based on my experience, you should be able to get a bathroom done for that price with a little shopping unless you are in a huge hurry. Breaking it down further, is often an exercise in futility in my experience.

Usually, if I tear the tile off, I replace the "backer board". The products have changed over the years and most old showers just have the standard drywall behind them. That said, why do it if you don't have to? I don't think a lot of folks do it on flips but if it was a buy and hold, I would do it for sure.

Cost for tile installation in a shower in Denver?

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