Tiling software

[Gazzer]

There have been a few comments on such products in the past on the forums but can you see it being of any benefit to you as a tiler?,

What features would you expect of such products?

Do you think that if you could give a client an idea of how, Lets say a hallway floor would look tiled in a tile straight bond or diamond or even halfbond would look at your quoting stage it would help clinch a job ? Or maybe giving them a print out of the drawing could be a bad idea as they then have the idea and could go elsewhere with your design.

My thoughts on such items of software has always been that it would be down to you when at the planning stage to make sure every measurement of a room is mm perfect, otherwise it wouldnt work out to be accurate.
Also the ability to take a photo of a tile being used and use that in the drawing rather than just square lines to represnt the tile.

I would think that if you had a quote accepted and you before you started fixing you gave the client a few drawings of different set outs then it would show them that you are thinking and care about the overall look of the job.

Any thoughts and does anyone use such software on a regular basis ?

 

[aph257]

IMO I just can't see it being viable for domestic work.
1. as you say, if do it at quote stage, customes may just pinch it for themselves.
2. why waste all that time doing it after winning job.
3 if you can explain pattern (pictures/drawings) they should be able to visualise it.
4. i don't think you could get it accurate enough or you would spend too much time in doing so.

 

[maniek]

Customers love to see drawings as not everyone is able to visualise;
aph257 2nd point - totally agree...
Would only make sense if you got your laptop with you when quoting and make a couple of quick drawings,
would be a good point especially at the quoting stage when you competing other tradesman,

 

[Gazzer]

As for the laptop idea, I dont think that would work. As when I quote , I leave with the measurements and type quote up and then deliver the quote ASAP. So in that time I think I would knock a few idea together and on the quote say that I had created some visualisation of how the jobe would look and some options they may like to consider. They would only see these when I secure the job.

 

[maniek]

well it really depends who you dealing with...with some customers(who look/PAY for quality service) it would be worth to do
quick presentation, ...completely useless with budget customers..

 

[Gazzer]

well it really depends who you dealing with...with some customers(who look/PAY for quality service) it would be worth to do
quick presentation, ...completely useless with budget customers..

Maybe so, not really sure. Not really sure how quick it would be do operate the software in a clients house/workplace. i know I prefer to have quiet when doing stuff on the PC.

 

[maniek]

once you feel confident with the software, shouldnt have a problem to amaze customer..
re you talking about any particular soft or just general

 

[Gazzer]

No idea really, its just something that I thought could win a job or 2.

 

[maniek]

I've use drawing soft on couple of occasions, mostly CAD(still require people to use a bit of imagination),
and as I said some people do appreciate, some dont.
Im curious how much such a soft would cost

 

[maniek]

seems to be free of charge, dont know if any good

Tile Installation Software,TileGem Automatic Tile Layout Software and Materials Calculator

 

[Gazzer]

Tried it but very basic...unless its a new version.

 

[Stewart]

I would use the same design software as the likes of Porcelanosa, Vidaco and other high end suppliers use, but that would very costly and to have a copy with a live pass code without paying for the subscription costs would be a bit naughty........

It has over 1000 actual tile designs from most of the leading suppliers and is a great piece of kit, with virtual 3d walk throughs for customers.

 

[BoldreChris]

I use CAD software (AutoCAD LT) on some jobs but really only for my benefit. It helps me to sort out actual areas and tile layouts so I'm more prepared when I arrive on site. Sometimes customers get to see it and even though it's only line drawing, they are always impressed but not sure it would win me any extra jobs.

I think customers would like to preview the finished room - not just the tiling - and that would help them choose the right tiles but software advanced enough to show that realistically would be seriously expensive and probably complicated to use too.

 

[Pebbs]

I think I'm a bit diff, as we have to do drawings for every job and everything has to be signed off before we can start. Make no mistake its a long and tedious chore doing drawings, and fact is if its a new build, the drawings have to be all adjusted again. If youve got the job, then yes I think your clients would love drawings, but if your in the quote stage, they can take the drawings and give them to someone else to do. On smaller jobs take your paper and pencils out and do them a rough sketch, honestly its not difficult once you get into the swing of it.

Lynn