Forum Advice and help - TilersForums.co.uk | Tile Forums

GatesheadCol · 16-06-2007

Hi All

Im a new tiler, Just about to hand my notice in (I know risky) but its something I just got to do. I only earn £1200 per month net for sitting on my backside all day for the government and think I can manage that relatively easily (with a bit of hard work of course )

I just wanted to say. been on here for about 2 weeks and have to say the level of sharing and advice given by everyone is spot on. I can genuinely say that I feel that help and advice should it be ( and will be ) sought from you all will help me to do this.

A big Thumbs up to all involved and knowing that there is always a helpful and friendly bit of advice waiting.

Got 3 jobs this month 1 Bathroom full wall and floor, 1 Kitchen wall and floor and a wet room, which has already had a tanking system installed. Just a re-tile. All in all for labour that amounts to £1300 this month. all through friends/family with no advertising. fairly confident that this can be done but would appreciate a little honest feedback from people on how it was in the beginning. Advertising, etc. How long did it take to establish a good rep. And how scary it was. Have my eyes open and know that its going to be hard but any help/advice on where people went wrong would be greatly appreciated

Heres to a long and fruitful career as a tiler. working for myself.

Thanks again for any advice I seek in the future.

BrhTiling · 17-06-2007

I'm in a similar situation, I have completed my course and now I am setting up self-employed....

I have to admit I think if you expect to earn X amount each month every month then I think it is going to be hard work, as with all things it is going to take time to build things up.

I'm lucky that I am in the situation of having no responsibilities apart from to the bank for the loan I have taken out to get started.

In theory 1200 a month should be easy, I mean the guy who I did my course with told me he realistically expected to earn 800 per week domestic, doing two kitchens and one bathroom, but obviously he has years of experience and can charge full whack 25 sq/m and get the job done very quickly to a high standard.

Myself, I would be looking to charge less to get some work in and I would also be taking longer to complete jobs and maybe even turning some really tricky jobs away until I feel I can do them 110%.

Just out of interest, what area are you in and who did you train with?

**wivers** · 17-06-2007

Hello m8.
Hope we can all help you at some stage.

GatesheadCol · 17-06-2007

Cheers Yenool and Wivers.

Yenool I did the NETT course and have to say it was really good.

I am (was) a software tester for the pension service and luckily hace a qualification for that which allows me to take on contract work in between. Juts got tired of sitting at a desk all day in front of a pc.

Planning on doing slow and perfect jobs to start with, build up experience etc. have been tiling chipboard for now just to keep my hand in and try to build up my speed. Messy like lol but luckily they come off straight away and the boards are ready again.

Plusd I had to 'dirty' my tools ha ha.

Have alos heard people saying they are earning great money but im really doing it cos I'd be happier doing tiling and thats what its all about./ The money of course will be great but like you say that will take time.

**Dave** · 17-06-2007

alrite col mate, you should set yourself a minimum price for a days work and work up from there, i.e. small jobs day rate and larger meterage jobs on price per mtr that way you are gaurenteed a set amount and no less each day. dave...