Should I become a tiler???

[rob39]

Hi all
Im Looking for a career change,worked in the building industry for a few years (laboured for joiners, plasterers, brickies etc) and picked up various advanced DIY type skills including tiling. Left the industry 10+ years ago. I'm in the SW Scotland area (Ayrshire) Wondering how the construction industry is fairing and is it worth attempting to start up as a tiler. Any advice would be appreciated.
Rob

[Sir Ramic]

Its still very quiet out there and a lot of competition. Most newcomers will find it a struggle to get a decent amount of work. If you have a job now , I would suggest try tiling in spare time, weekends and days off before jumping in.

[starmsy]

hi rob, ive just started out myself, maybe a bad idea for some as work seems to have dried up for alot of people. Iv only been tiling 8 months but im really busy having worked in the construction indusrty iv called in a few favours from builders i met over the years(to give me a chance) and they've kept me going i love it

[mikethetile]

I would usually say go for it as the market will always stand another quaility tiler, but at the moment I urge caution, dont jump in with both feet, get trained and then work part time around your existing work and as you get more experianced you can take on more tiling

[david campbell]

i'm with neale(sir ramic) on this one mate,the west of scotland is not the easiest place to find work at the moment,i was booked solid about a year ago and now it's coming in spits and bursts,theres weeks where i'm doing nothing then busy for about 6 weeks then goes quiet again,probably better having a full time job and tiling in your spare time or if you can afford it have a part time job to ensure there is still an income

[andy8758]

Rob, I guess it depends on where you are, and how much enthusiasm you have.

In my area (Somerset) I have a steady flow of domestic work - in fact I started tiling professionally because I had a lot of requests from people who wanted tiling work - it appeared to be the best professional trade to make a living in. Mind you I only do domestic, not commercial, and many jobs require more than just tiling (i.e. new bathroom). I know many tilers out there are struggling in the current climate - I say dont listen to them if you really want to do it - go for it.

[marbleman]

Rob you have advantages over most as you have been in the building game last 10 years, all i say is accept you will not make the money some advertise you can make , it takes time as iam sure you understand , i wish you the best of luck mate , go for it

[faithhealer]

tread carefully rob, we have had a lot of tilers on here of late just looking for work