2024-10-052 min read
DIY Tile Installation vs Hiring Contractor — Which Saves More?
Many think DIY tile installation saves money. But is it true? Here is the real cost comparison of DIY vs contractor.
"Installing tiles is easy, YouTube has tutorials." Really? Let us look at the real picture.
Cost Comparison (Standard Bathroom)
DIY:
- Tiles: RM300-600
- Cement, sand, grout: RM150-200
- Tools (tile cutter, trowel, spacer): RM200-400
- Waterproofing material: RM100-150
- Time: 5-7 days (weekends)
- TOTAL: RM750-1,350 + your time
Contractor (TilesPro):
- All inclusive: RM1,200-2,200
- Time: 2-3 days
- 2-year warranty
- TOTAL: RM1,200-2,200
DIY Risks
- Uneven tiles — visible immediately. Repair costs more
- Improper waterproofing — leaks within 6 months
- Tiles break when cutting — wasted material
- Inconsistent grout — looks ugly
- Body ache — tiling work is very physical
When DIY Is OK
- Small feature wall (not bathroom)
- Replacing 1-2 broken tiles (simple replacement)
- You actually have previous tiling experience
When You MUST Hire A Contractor
- Bathroom (waterproofing is critical)
- Porch (load-bearing, anti-slip)
- Full house tiling
- Large areas (>100 sqft)
- Large tiles (60x60 and above)
Verdict
Save RM400-500 but risk uneven tiles, leaks, and 3x longer time? For most projects, hiring a professional contractor is more worthwhile in the long run.
WhatsApp TilesPro for a quotation. Maybe our price is cheaper than you expect.
Want a price for your area? See where TilesPro works across all 16 states or check our tiling services and starting prices.