S
Stan001
I’ve used tubbed before but on smaller tiles, flat walls and let them dry for two days before grouting. It was Bal tubbed addy and I was ‘told’ to use it by CTD. I switched to powder and don’t use tubbed now. I think beginners (and I’m happy to include myself in that) ‘think’ tubbed is easier to use, and I think the distributors think that too so recommend tubbed to the DIY guys. I personally would never go back to tub, its heavy to lug around, dries off in the tub if you don’t use it all in one shot, and is damned expensive. Use powder as the guys recommend, the first time you use it you’ll stress out (if your used to tub) as it seems more work mixing etc. and you have to work faster. But once you do you wont go back.
Now the real reason for my mail. You can cover your *** somewhat ref what materials you are using, ref supplied by customers etc. I personally would when initially quoting a job let them know I (ie you!) will recommend the exact ,materials, spec and quantity and if they insist you use something they supplied then write a contract (only needs to be a few sentences) explaining that you are providing labour only and as they are supplying materials not recommend by you that you take no responsibility for the performance but only the workmanship! Ultimately the trade tilers on here are right, walk away or insist they use your stuff, but in recession times you cant be picky but you can cover your ***.
Fyi – the reason I can tell you this is I build / property develop and hire trades, if you build on a self-build basis, this means you can hire trades on labour only and buy materials as you can claim tax back on materials only. So contracts / agreements stating as I’ve just explained (i.e. cover your *** statement / combined quotes with a signature) are common!
I accepted one from a plumber a while ago who had to come in to replace a plumber I had to let go (he simply wasnt up to the job i could see that and eventually he told me so near the end of the first fix), I managed to hire a good second plumber for the second fix but of course he wrote a contract with me that he wont be responsible for certain leaks etc as he was effectively then pre-blaming the first plumber (he couldn’t see what was now inside walls and under floors etc. so that was reasonable). Don’t get scared about writing a contract at the very earliest stages, so both you and the contractor are on the same sheet. It feels uncomfortable at first – but after you’ve done one then you realise its not personal or making excuses. (I have not noticed anything on this forum ref contracts, terms and conditions etc. it’s a sticky subject and Id appreciate feedback from a tilers point of view if poss, ta). I write from a contractors point of view rather than as the trade, I can assure you 'we' don’t take it personally. Cover you *** by getting it in writing early!
Now the real reason for my mail. You can cover your *** somewhat ref what materials you are using, ref supplied by customers etc. I personally would when initially quoting a job let them know I (ie you!) will recommend the exact ,materials, spec and quantity and if they insist you use something they supplied then write a contract (only needs to be a few sentences) explaining that you are providing labour only and as they are supplying materials not recommend by you that you take no responsibility for the performance but only the workmanship! Ultimately the trade tilers on here are right, walk away or insist they use your stuff, but in recession times you cant be picky but you can cover your ***.
Fyi – the reason I can tell you this is I build / property develop and hire trades, if you build on a self-build basis, this means you can hire trades on labour only and buy materials as you can claim tax back on materials only. So contracts / agreements stating as I’ve just explained (i.e. cover your *** statement / combined quotes with a signature) are common!
I accepted one from a plumber a while ago who had to come in to replace a plumber I had to let go (he simply wasnt up to the job i could see that and eventually he told me so near the end of the first fix), I managed to hire a good second plumber for the second fix but of course he wrote a contract with me that he wont be responsible for certain leaks etc as he was effectively then pre-blaming the first plumber (he couldn’t see what was now inside walls and under floors etc. so that was reasonable). Don’t get scared about writing a contract at the very earliest stages, so both you and the contractor are on the same sheet. It feels uncomfortable at first – but after you’ve done one then you realise its not personal or making excuses. (I have not noticed anything on this forum ref contracts, terms and conditions etc. it’s a sticky subject and Id appreciate feedback from a tilers point of view if poss, ta). I write from a contractors point of view rather than as the trade, I can assure you 'we' don’t take it personally. Cover you *** by getting it in writing early!
