Tools and Transport question

[BrhTiling]

Hi guys.... Well, I am hoping to do my tiling course in a few weeks, I have just got the money saved up to do a 4 weeker (£1645, ouch!).

Now obviously on the course I will learn all about what tools I need, but my real question is how much should I budget roughly? I am hearing around £400 for the bare bones basics, is this correct?

My second question is transport - now at the moment I am hoping I might be able to get some work with a more experienced tiler on completion of my course or go self employed but just taking on basic jobs for friends/family - What kind of transport am I going to need for my tools?

At the moment I am thinking a decent estate car or small van such as a Ford Escort van would do the job - Does that sound about right?

Also, what are the pros / cons of having a proper van VS just starting out with a normal car?

The obvious one I can think of is with a van you can get your buisness name and number plastered all over the sides in big bold letters.... and it looks more professional...

Advantages of a car are I can only afford one motor and the extra seats/refinements would come in handy on non-work days.

PS:
So far I am budgeting about :
£1700 for the course
£800-£1000 car/van
£400 tools
£200 others....

 

[enduro]

Just get the basic tools, dont rush out and buy expensive cutters etc get a rubi ts 40, my wet cut came from screw fix and its fine, i had a lovely rubi wet cut cost me over £400 got it nicked on a site, try to keep your overheads down a car would be fine, your not going to be judged on the vehicle you drive. dont forget public liability insurance. good luck

 

[Concept PHT]

Just get the basics - your course tutors should go through all this with you. What to get and what not to get etc etc.

You will also find that you will buy tools that have nothing to do with tiling, but will help you out immensley (if you get what i mean?). So the list is not exhaustive.

Take a good look through this thread to see what others have said about tools they have seen / purchased.

http://www.tilersforums.com/tiling-tools-advice/

What course did you choose in the end?

 

[M D HUGHES]

You may get away with the bones of tiling tools but don't forget your gunna need a good drill/driver, circular saw (corless is good, preference for me for plying out, not sure about others), you might think you'll get away without a mixer but you'll be screaming for one after your first job (you can try with your cordless but will probs burn it out), making small mixes all the time means you'll end up feeling like your not getting much done. Drill bits, odds n sods you'll pick up all the time run into quite a bit quite quickly as well. All the things you don't think you'll need but will soon see the bonus they bring to the job speedwise and practically as well. I've picked up alsorts of stuff I think would tidy up a job.
Vehiclewise, if your budget is £1000 its £1000, you'll find something. Putting a new sign on the side of an old van may look a bit strange so would probs go for the best quality you can get. Loads of tilers use estate cars and just have a sign in the back window. I don't think people are that bothered about what you turn up in, or they shouldn't be. Personally I don't rate big sign writing on vans, probably because I never look at anyones vans and wouldn't know 'timmy tiler' if his van was parked in my street every day. Other may disagree.
It's not gunna work out to budget,it never does, all you can do is cut your cloth.
Good luck mate.
I wouldn't buy anything until you've finished the course, seen what you want and shop around. Buying on the course can mean you'll get carried away with the moment and get stuff you won't.

 

[Concept PHT]

I must admit there MD, I have my van written nicely and I have landed some nice work from this, especially when its sat on the car park of tile retailers for a few hours on a saturday / sunday.... (ahem)

Also, I agree with the hand mixer. Its good to get one of them hand mortar mixers. Gets a perfect mix every time, without breaking your back. Plus you can fill your old wall adhesive bucket to the top with powder mix and bang it down rapid style on them big floors

 

[BrhTiling]

I must admit there MD, I have my van written nicely and I have landed some nice work from this, especially when its sat on the car park of tile retailers for a few hours on a saturday / sunday.... (ahem)

Bingo, that is exactly what the guy running the course said to me.... You can't beat free advertising after all! Looks great too.

Maybe an estate car with the rear window used for a sign would do.

Anyway, I will search through the forums on tools, I have absolutely no idea what I need, I have never done anything like tiling before.... But I will make a success of it, I have never failed at anything in my life before and I don't intend to start now.

If I need more money for tools I will get it some how.

I am going with the local course, because to be honest I liked the guy who I met down there and the class size (6 max) seems good and they will offer me of help with the buisness side of things too.

I understand other people have made negative comments but I haven't had someone PM me with a direct critism / complaint that I can actually check out personally..... Please PM me if you have any specific info, before I blow my hard earned cash.

On the flip side two independant organizations recommended the course to me with positive feedback from others...

Apart from anything else, I just need to get on and do something now, learning all the way.


I will hold back on buying anything tiling specific until I have done the course... hopefully that way I can get an account set up with a supplier and get some kind of discount too?

 

[Leatherface]

Hiya mate - just going out on a limb here - depends upon how practically minded you are - if you have the aptitude to pick things up quickly or not. I personally found that a 5 day course taught me all I needed to know to get started. Did my own bathroom & kitchen & jobs for fiends & family afterwards. Also did some work with another tiler to gain confidence.
I cannot say 100% becaouse I personally have not been on a months course - you may be able to get away with a shorter one and save money to spend elsewhere. Depends upon if you can find another tiler - ask if you can help him for free. That way you are learning on the job and may have £1000 extra left over. You cannot beat on the job training.
Anyways - just my thoughts.
Good luck