First job started....questions already!

[redrex]

Hi all,

I have been a bit under the weather, hence I havn't had a chance to reply...and getting to grips with this job over the week end. Thank you all for the advice, customer was happy to let me have a crack at regrouting etc it and I will be quoting for a re-fit in 2 months....at least this customer has no money worries(well they might have but more on the lines of 'what shall I spend it on!) I'm happy cos I have been paid and I get to go back and get paid again.I have learned a couple of valuable lessons though, not least don't assume that person in before you knew how to use a spirit level or straight edge! and the best advice when you are doing a physical job? ask the customer to turn the heated floor and towel rails OFF the night before you start working on a hot summer weekend! and if you are getting tired or frustrated.....stop and relax for a bit...cos thats when things get broken!

Overall though, a good experience and the nicest comment from the customer at the end? 'Gosh! That looks like brand new! You DO know what you are doing, don't you!'

 

[redrex]

That sounds exactly like the job I've just been asked about, only it's shower room walls rather than floor. It's even in a similar area (SW London) so maybe it was the same Tiler! Also this is apparently only a 2yr old house and the builder/tiler is taking no responsibility for the workmanship.

If I take it this will be my first job too. I've not seen it yet, only talked over the phone, but I've been told that the wall is damp in the next room too.

I've already advised the customer that the tiles will need to be removed and the walls dried out and treated before tanking and fixing, but he wasn't too happy about the cost implications. However, I think I've persuaded him that the work does need doing if he doesn't want the same problem to arise.

I'll be talking to him again at the weekend so would appreciate any tips that you might give.

Hi Mick,

Probably was! best advice as a newbie I can give is go and see the job and meet the guy in person. spend time looking and investigating, ask lots of questions and then go away and think. Don't quote a price just to get the job because it's your first one and don't get your addy and grout from Topps if you want to keep your costs down!

redrex