Ceramic tile is an enduring, hardworking surface, but the grout securing it to a wall is vulnerable to being cracked or stained with mold and mildew. When grout loses its holding power it can damage the underlayment, not to mention become an eyesore. If you’re handy or want to learn home repair and maintenance skills, you can fix the problem by removing the damaged grout and then applying new grout. The low cost of a few tools and material will pay back a high return, plus you’ll add a notch to your DIY skills, always a good investment for a homeowner.
The job involves first removing the old grout with a multi-tool or drill attachment designed for the job. Then thoroughly cleaning out the grout joints. Carefully apply the new grout following the directions, and then smooth the joint. Wipe off the glaze that appears on the tile so it’s clean. Then, to complete the job, caulk all the openings around the tile to seal them. Follow the directions for how long the grout takes to cure and the caulk needs to set.
A handyman will charge $1,265, which includes labor and material, to remove the old grout in 80 square feet of ceramic tile. You’ll spend $75, the cost of a multi-tool and material, and since this job is mostly labor you can save 94 percent.
To find more DIY project costs and to post comments and questions, visit www.diyornot.com and m.diyornot.com on smartphones.
Pro Cost—DIY Cost—Pro time—DIY Time—DIY Savings—Percent Saved
$1,265—$75—20.8—25.0—$1,190—94 percent
