Getting started in the tiling game....

[19bri79]

Posted recently on here about a career change and have since booked myself on a weeks tiling course the start off April in Edinburgh. Then going to tackle my bathroom see how I go then hopefully get myself a van and all the tools I need to go. Got a few friends willing to give me jobs once they have seen my finished bathroom.

Just wondering if any off you guys have not long started and how you are finding it?

Any other info from you pro tilers would be good, been looking at trade tiler to purchase there starter tool kit the advertise.?

 

[tileunique]

hi 19bri179, ive been tiling off and on for years but this year switched so that its now all i [hopefully] do. what do you want to know?

 

[19bri79]

just looking for peoples thoughts at the moment?

 

[Tony73]

remember you bfrom last time, think you will do well , good luck

 

[tileunique]

I personally went into tiling because i love the finished article, ive been a decorator for years but always envied the tilers and their skillset, anyone can tile but no-one can tile like a pro. Theres a lot of things to learn but this site will defo help you along the way.Take your time and plan it out and think about everything, easier said than done especially when your on a price. You need an eye for detail for sure. What do you do at the mo?

 

[White Room]

Just one old saying " Don't run before you can walk" and take your time....

 

[19bri79]

I would rather take my time and get a good job done and get a good name for myself than rush things and make a fool off it..

 

[19bri79]

I work on an oil rig so am going to take it up on my leave this will allow me to gradually build up as I will still be working offshore. Once I have mastered the tiling hopefully I can do it full time and pack working away from home for good!

 

[Drastik Lee]

one thing about this game is you will always be learning there are alot of very helpfull people and tips to be picked up on here so keep your eyes out for those also this extract was quoted by BUGS132 on here for another person starting up and itll couldnt be anymore helpful if it tried:

Hiya!
If i was in your shoes i'd do a number of things, now these are sensible and boring but necessary.

1. Try and love your job, ours is a finishing trade, and people can't wait for us to get in and tile, if someone does a duff job the customer is Very disappointed as visually it is so obvious, but on the other hand do a great job and you'll be a hero to the customer, and they will recommend you.

2. Business cards. Get loads done, hand them out everywhere to everyone, it could lead to one phone call that keeps you busy. Name. address, phone number, website, email and what services you do. Vital.

3. And this for me has been the turning point in my business, take pricing seriously.
Never price when you see the job, say to the customer it'll take a couple of days. Now you can think about the job. How long will it take, what materials will you need etc, is there anything awkward or special you need to pay attention too or order. Price it m2, then price it day rate plus adhesive, which works out better for you. Don't work for nothing, but also don't overprice, people aren't daft.

4. Learn Excel. Every pc computer has it, and yes when you turn it on it's just a grid, but this grid is the best tool you can own. Ask any friends that work in offices if they know how to use it, or go on Youtube and look at 'excel fun' and it teaches you easily how it works. This program does everything, all my invoices are generated on it, it can do all your pricing, material costs, add VAT, do your markup, addresses everything. It has totally changed how i work and i cannot recommend it enough.

5. Buy the best tools you can, nice tools make your day easier, and you can offset them against tax.

So there you go, turn up on time, let the customer know if you can't make it when booked (don't ignore this), and it will sort itself.

Hope it all goes well and please post pics of your first job for us to see how your getting on

 

[tileunique]

sounds like a plan, i take my hat off to you, working on an oil rig. Have a go mate, im sure you'll do great.

 

[AliGage]

I would rather take my time and get a good job done and get a good name for myself than rush things and make a fool off it..

That's the right attitude to start with.
Someone else has said something similar but i love my job because of the end article. Taking out a shabby, out dated kitchen or bathroom and installing and completing what i hope is my customers dream room.

There's no better job satisfaction than seeing the elated face of another happy customer. Their room is also your showroom. Make sure it's perfect everytime. All the best.

 

[Diamond Pool Finishers]

good luck to you, give-it all you got....................

 

[19bri79]

Like the support you guys are giving me will be on here a lot picking your brains once I get going. You will soon be fed up with all the questions. Don't know if I should ask this here but what is the going rate for pricing I.E m2?

 

[White Room]

Sorry mate no pricing in the open forum, when your posting becomes higher contact admin for access to the arms

http://www.tilersforums.com/tiling-forum/7477-wheres-door-tilers-forums-arms.html

 

[Drastik Lee]

Like the support you guys are giving me will be on here a lot picking your brains once I get going. You will soon be fed up with all the questions. Don't know if I should ask this here but what is the going rate for pricing I.E m2?

thatll get talk about more when your more involved start with the basic learn how to tile first pricing is different in all areas of the country