Becoming a tiler, what to expect

[rtm]

Try and start out part-time.

It worked for me...........and at least in the quieter times you have some money coming n to pay the bills.............your back up savings won't last forever.

Buy reasonbly decent gear that will last and do the job.........but don't go mad, second hand can be as good.

Don't expect to retire soon :smilewinkgrin:

Get decent knee pads

It all worked for me.............and I've never had any training

On call is how Im likely to do things, I can drive on the days/weeks theres no work and tile when something comes up. At least this way Im active and earning. My fatherlaw takes in about £800 - £1k a week on the cabs so it sounds like I'll be able to mix it around, well heres hoping. From what Ive read the courses seem to give you a solid grounding (theres no substitute for experience) With things hopefully picking up during 2010 following the big slowdown Im optimistic. Keep your thoughts coming.

 

[rtm]

I did my training at nett and it is a great place to learn. Not only does Darren teach you how to tile but does the 'Getting work in the tiling industry' too.
You will learn all you need to know and multi skilling with the plumbing is a great idea. If you can afford it, also do the plastering course there. It has brought me loads of work and is a super course. Do all three and advertise like mad.
Good luck mate.

Thanks for the tip, how have you found things since you started out (feel free to pm me if you prefer) Im taking a risk jacking in what Im doing at the moment but need a fresh start at something I can feel satisfied in.

 

[faithhealer]

Good Luck, I set up afte a Nett course, but did a more intensive plumbing course but a 'bathroom' type will suffice to get you started. Have you any mates who do similar because it's always nice to 'bounce' ideas off somebody else if not thats what the forums forums for.
Pm any time.

 

[Dale44]

Thanks for the tip, how have you found things since you started out (feel free to pm me if you prefer) Im taking a risk jacking in what Im doing at the moment but need a fresh start at something I can feel satisfied in.

I am working permanent morning shift at my regular job and Tiling-Plastering-Plumbing at evenings and weekends.
I have all the work I need for now but will have no time for my regular job soon. That's when I will go it alone.
Many people have started full time self employment after doing their training and made a success of their business.
It's really about self belief and getting the contacts.

 

[rtm]

Good Luck, I set up afte a Nett course, but did a more intensive plumbing course but a 'bathroom' type will suffice to get you started. Have you any mates who do similar because it's always nice to 'bounce' ideas off somebody else if not thats what the forums forums for.
Pm any time.

Thanks for the reply, no mates unfortunately. I'll rephrase that, i do have mates but not in the trade. Im fairly switched on, I previously built a business up from scratch before selling out in 2007. Im doing my research and scouring the web, its useful to hear from people who have started from scratch to understand the challenges. I'll keep a hold of your details and will know doubt PM you in the future. I work for a company in Dubai at the moment so Im getting everything primed mentally and financialy for the switch over. Its a big move given what Im doing and earning at the moment.

 

[Aqua Tiling]

2 weeks sounds abit short, i done 8 weeks, and still learning new basic things on here. ive just started out on my own and work is hard to get, i dont know if its the times or just hard to get into, maybe its a bit of both. but i believe if i stick with it, it will stick with me and get easier.

 

[rtm]

2 weeks sounds abit short, i done 8 weeks, and still learning new basic things on here. ive just started out on my own and work is hard to get, i dont know if its the times or just hard to get into, maybe its a bit of both. but i believe if i stick with it, it will stick with me and get easier.

The two week course at NETT (Newcastle) with 10 hour long days seems to feature best in the reviews and feed back. I dont think anyone would become fully proficient in that time, its down to a number of factors I guess. Im expecting weeks of nothing for a while, networking hard, and spending accordingly to ensure the business is properly marketed creating name awareness. Location is equally important, I live in quite an affluent area and there appears to be only two tilers listed locally servicing the immediate and surrounding area. Im pleased to here your focussed and staying resolute in what your doing. Stay in touch!

 

[Aqua Tiling]

will do, any way i can help i will, and hopefully the other way round. i suppose any course only teaches you the basics, and you learn most on the job. ive got to jobs this month and not even a sniff at any thing else.

im lucky in a way as for 6 yrs i worked for my uncle, god rest his soul, for his building company, so i know loads of chippies, plumbers, plasterers ect.but there all in london. but the best thing i did was go to the pub and get talking to the builders in there, as i live in a quiet area, i need all the contacts i can get.

 

[wacker]

Good luck RTM, I started up after doing a 8 week long course. That was nearly three years ago. Things have been good. There have been a couple of dry spells, but on the whole it has been the best thing I ever did. I can't say much more than whats already been posted. Best bit of advise I can give is to get in with as many trades as possible. Easyer said than done I know. If you ever get stuck I'm sure some one on the forum will be able to help. Best of luck mate.

 

[rtm]

Good luck RTM, I started up after doing a 8 week long course. That was nearly three years ago. Things have been good. There have been a couple of dry spells, but on the whole it has been the best thing I ever did. I can't say much more than whats already been posted. Best bit of advise I can give is to get in with as many trades as possible. Easyer said than done I know. If you ever get stuck I'm sure some one on the forum will be able to help. Best of luck mate.

Thanks for that, Im not just on the forum to hear the good stuff but posts like this sure help. I doesnt matter how many new starts you speak to, some will have had a break or two and got of to a good start, others will be questioning their own sanity.