first paid job any last min tips?

[Prem Tiler]

hi guys I've booked in my 1st paid job for Thursday, 6m2 kitchen splash back in 10x10 with glass mosaic border.

I'm just after any last minute tips. serous ones please.

 

[CJ]

Take ya time to get it right.

Work clean and clean up at the end of the day.

Dust sheet all the worktops etc etc

Don't eat ALL the biscuits

Go outside if you need to fart :smilewinkgrin: (I sometimes forget that one myself :lol

 

[doug boardley]

first thing out of your van.... your hoover, tends to put customer at ease knowing you'll be doing your best to clean up. Go with fresh, clean work clothes on, gives the impression of professionalism
good luck

 

[davy583]

be on-time and try to look confident, take your time and at the end of the job youll be as happy as they are

 

[Prem Tiler]

i wrote up a terms and conditions here it is tell me if this is ok. they didn't seem to have any problems with it so i will probably attach a copy to all my writen quotes.

Terms and Conditions
Terms and conditions of work subject to changes upon agreement from both myself the contractor and you the customer. If there are any details of the terms and conditions that you are not entirely happy with or wish to rearrange please do feel free to bring them with myself. My aim is to make and keep a 100% happy customer.
Tasks to be performed by myself.
I shall prepare and cover any surfaces with dust sheets and protective materials in work area to insure no damage comes to you property or belongings.
Undertake necessary preparation of the surface to be tiled.
Fix Tiles supplied by your self to the specification agreed ensuring I consult with you any significant problems they may cause change to that spec.
Fill tile spaces with Grout to a smooth finish.
Where ever possible clear and clean the work and cutting area regular to prevent unnecessary build up of excess mess. I shall make sure the work area is left in a clean and tidy condition in between work days and on completion of the job.
Leave you with all your unused tiles.
Supply all grout and Adhesive free of any additional charge.

Tasks to be performed by the customer.

To do any preparation agreed prior to work commencing for example, removing any old tiles if required.
Clear the room of any unnecessary paraphernalia and ensure the area to be tiled is clear of furniture. If help is required to move heavy items please feel free to ask in advance to work commencing.

 

[chris.tiling]

hi Dean...I have never used T&C's...but that doesnt mean it is wrong. However, if you do use them I would change the word "paraphernalia" to "items"...their prized possessions are not paraphernalia

 

[Prem Tiler]

hi Dean...I have never used T&C's...but that doesnt mean it is wrong. However, if you do use them I would change the word "paraphernalia" to "items"...their prized possessions are not paraphernalia

Cheers Chris.

The main reason for me doing the t&c was to highlight how clean and tidy i am in a bid to help me get the job.

I picked up one of your cards saturday from poole. Was in topps picking up my new TS-50.

 

[cornish_crofter]

So, the quote worked then Dean

I would add to the dust sheet. Dust sheets have a habit of falling off surfaces and falling to the floor. I don't use them as much as I should I must confess, but I would take along some duck tape to stick them in position on the worksurfaces, or use a roll of cardboard, or indeed boxes or newspaper laid thickly.

 

[bonemachine]

try to pursuade them to add a feature above the cooker (if room):smilewinkgrin:. more money in the pocket.........

 

[Sean Kelly]

Hopefully you will be working without the customer watching over you. However, most will leave you to do your job. Take it really easy, slow, methodical. Do not rush, as you will make mistakes. Remember that the customer called you to do their tiling.....it means (most of the time) that they are unable to tile themselves. Most customers do not know how long it should take to tile a room. So I reiterate.......DO NOT RUSH (sorry for caps!!). Double check you have all necessary tools in your car and make sure you keep your work area clean. Don't take too long for lunch. Have fun & good luck. Cheers Sean

 

[faithhealer]

Good Luck Dean, as above don't rush and as CC says, tape your sheets to the worktop because they do slip off and are a pain you don't need. On my last splash back I used a roll of industrial 'blue paper towel' and masking tape.

 

[Rob Z]

PT

Good luck on your first job! In addition to all the other good comments, I would add:

Take a lot of time on your layout. Get all lines drawn and everything planned out before you cut the first tile or even mix your thinset.

What seems to be second nature to a tile setter with a lot of experience won't be to you on your first job. Plan, plan, plan! Avoid surprises by doing layout ahead of time.

 

[Prem Tiler]

cheers guys some real good advise and no smart arse comments for once :hurray:not even from CJ! lol

seriously i'm very grateful of all the tips. most definitely gonna take some cardboard boxes to put on work tops.

already talked in great length about feature over cooker. the fella wanted the get a picture put on tile of his great great great grandaddy samuel plimsoll but Mrs was really against it. they want 3 bathrooms and down stairs loo done too so maybe i can squeeze it in somewhere. in the end i talked them in to having a glass mosaic border around the whole room and gonna mix it up a little over the cooker.

plannings gonna be a mare for me the newbie as there's two windows to negotiate along with usual suspects, sockets switches etc etc. but i've been taught well so lets see what i come up with.

there will be pics so stay tuned. and thanks again!!

 

[chris.tiling]

Forgot another bit for the T&C's, unless you have covered it elsewhere...what are you doing with the rubbish / off cuts etc? I always say on written quotes that I do not take them away, but will bag them for their disposal.

Good luck m8

 

[david campbell]

think everyone has covered just about everything for you!
all it's left to say is GOOD LUCK!