can we think of any ways the gov

[Diamond Pool Finishers]

government, or us tilers can improve the work prospects for our industry for the next couple of years

[user123]

Yes, do a good job, always, so people come back for more...

[Diamond Pool Finishers]

Yes, do a good job, always, so people come back for more...

i agree g after reading the thread of the lady from BICESTER my old home!! but this should really go without saying

[garythetiler]

The government should do a first time buyer scheme along similar lines to the student loan scheme whereby offering a low interest loan for a deposit for your first mortgage they could get the money back buy charging you an extra 1 -2% income tax until the loan is paid off this would restart the housing market

[cornish_crofter]

That is a good idea Gary.

The only problem there is it would be a bit like the Student Loans. If you stay on a low income for 30 years you don't pay a penny back and the loan is written off.

One idea I like is the lifetime mortgages. A bit like renting but you own your own house, so you have security of tenure etc. It would work like a normal mortgage so you could pay all or some of it off if circumstances permit, or pay none bar the interest.

When you don't need it anymore, if there is and outstanding debt then that is settled at the point of sale.

At the moment there is this expectation to pay off the balance.

[cornish_crofter]

As for tiling as a trade. The problem is that professional tilers are seen as people who do bespoke floors etc, not people who may do kitchens and bathrooms.

There aint enough publicity out there for tilers doing the simpler household job. Lets face it we all know that painters and decorators will come in and paint your house for you. A lot of people who can't or won't decorate their house will call them in for quotes.

Sadly, the same is not true for tilers to the same extent. In my experience people get a builder or handyman in to tile, rather than look up 'tiler' in yellow pages.

As far as site work is concerned. Much of what you see in newbuilds will be done by labourers etc, rather than the site manager getting a tiler in.

Bathroom fitters are often non gas safety plumbers who have learnt to tile. The plumber I use to use was chuffed to bits with his shower cubicle. I thought 'plumber you may be, tiler you aint'

Lets face it - punters get a plasterer in to plaster, an electrician in to do the electrics but they seem to go to any of the above EXCEPT a tiler for tiling. That's MAD!

THAT is what is wrong with the industry.

.....and that is because all the DIY manuals make tiling look easy. It isn't - well not if you want a good job anyway.

[Mike]

well said cc

[turnip]

As far as site work is concerned. Much of what you see in newbuilds will be done by labourers etc, rather than the site manager getting a tiler in.

Not true at all, just looks that way,but alot of site tilers should know alot better! they will work to the lowest acceptable standard at all times.

(working to a high standard on site can backfire if the builder wants to hold up payment they will always find something in the way of snags, sometimes best to give them some obvious snags and meet their minimum standard).

During recessions it is alot harder to get/keep work and sometimes you got to be dog-eat-dog and think outside the box to get new custom, I dont envy all you lot doing 100% domestic work, even though you get paid quicker?

I always found that the general public are well aware when they need a tiler, theres always cheapskates out there but its also how you sell yourself.