Bore through precast floors with 6 inch screed

S

Salmon

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Hi All,

Just looking for a little advice here! My plumber (brother) is starting the first fix on my new build and I have installed a 3" precast floor with a 6" screed between the ground floor and first floor. I now need to core down through the floor for the rads and the electrics. There should be about 40 2" holes and I am after getting a couple of prices to do the work from specialised concrete drilling companies. Its gonna work out at €800 for the whole job (pardon the pun;) ). I know someone who took on this job himself and spent weeks drilling (and breaking expensive drill bits!). I was wondering if this price seems reasonable to ye and does any one have any suggestions on if this job could be made easier using specific equipment as a DIY Job? Im not afraid to take it on once it doesnt end up taking me weeks and slowing down the first fix plumbing/electrics!!!!

Salmon
 
Hi Salmon. A 52mm core bit 300mm long would cost in the region of €180 (you can get cheaper but they will break). If you get a basic wet core drill from a hire company it will probably cost around €100/week. It would be nearly impossible to drill all those holes without breaking a bit or even two especially if you are inexperienced using the machine. So all in all you could save some money by doing it yourself but if it takes you two weeks and you only use two bits it will still cost €560.
 
i wouldnt advise anyone to try and use these drills unless you knew how to. As squire said the bits are expensive and you probably will break them. And to be honest 20 quid per hole isnt that bad
 
I am not sure why you need 50mm holes. Normally, any tradesman retrofitting in a house will use a 20mm or 25mm drill bit on a conventional drill (not core drilling). Screed is not that strong and hollow core slabs are largley hollow!

Am I missing something?
 
Thanks for the advice folks! The reason for the 2" hole is that the guys i have contacted so far reckon that if the hole is 1" they will break more drill bits! not too sure but i guess they know what they are talking about! I was really just asking the question to make sure there wasnt another 'super easy' drill bit that could be used in a DIY jobbie! I think ill just get it done by a contractor! Oh yeah dmkelly the slabs have steel running through them so maybe this is part of the reason!!
 
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