Assume = Nothing
After his initial query about the size of the floor and what to charge, I realized that this wasn’t going to be an easy answer.
McNallOn a terrazzo floor, there are a lot of factors to consider. And based on these factors, you can generally price it between $2 ft² and $5 ft². However, the things to consider that will affect the price (if the job is going to be done right):
• Does the customer want it diamond-polished? (It’ll last longer/look better than commercial wax-like finishes.)
• Are there deep scratches, gouges or missing chips (spalling)? (This takes longer to repair, and requires more diamond grits/filling.)
• Is it all open area (like a warehouse) or all hallways (like a hospital)? This will affect how quick crews can work.
• Are there competing bids?
• Are there any problems with dumping slurry (Non-toxic, but some local dumping/sewage laws can add to the price.)
• Is the area heated? Is there electricity on site? Water access?
• How damaged is it? Are the nickel (or brass) bars higher than the stone, due to previous improper janitorial care? (Chemical and nylon pads wear away the stone but not the metal, and it’ll take time and wear diamonds if abnormally high.)
And, if you live in an area where restorers customarily strip and wax terrazzo, and that’s what the customer desires, the price will be considerably less – and janitorial companies are plenty, which creates many competing bids.
“That is the extent of what I can think of offhand that needs to be considered when looking at terrazzo,” as I wrapped up the response. “I hope you are able to get it. Terrazzo can be a profitable restoration job when done right.”
That, however, led to some pesky (but very good) follow-up questions:
“So I am assuming I will have to find answers to all of the questions or are there some assumptions based on experience?”
“What if the customer has no clue about what they want?”
First, assumptions are not the way we price. Experience has taught me what to look for and what to expect when going into a job.