Am I Under Charging (Pricing up Jobs)

[devonmark]

Originally Posted by Jim Carlin

The "hacks" will come and go just like they have from the start of time, but by building a reputation for honest quality workmanship you build a client list that grows.

Never a truer word spoken...Mark.

[tiler tom]

Nice post jim and a good way of going about how to quote for a job because every job is different ie. a 3m sq kitchen with a window and 7 sockets will take longer than a 5m splashback with only 2 sockets.
You cannot rely on having to sort out a hacks job though as in most cases if the customer is not happy they will get the tiler to start over unless they walk away without payment.

[Jim Carlin]

"most cases if the customer is not happy they will get the tiler to start over unless they walk away without payment."

You are correct about walking away. Unfortunately, most of the time the hack is paid and then the trouble starts. In a shower, sometimes it starts within a weekof the installation, but most of the time it will take longer for the water to leak through and soak into the insulation, wood etc. Most of the time these materials will soak up the small leaks like a sponge and when it gets full then it spreads . Maybe in the case of a tile installation that was improperly done on a kitchen floor and hasn't manefested its ugly head for say 7 months or even longer. The hack is long gone leaving the client holding the proverbial bag. Hacks don't stay in business long, they seem to live paycheck to paycheck and when things start to become slow, they have to move on to greener pastures in search for their next paycheck. The economy is slowing down here in Maine, there is a glut of new homes on the market, along with the banks tightening the requirements for morgages. This eliminates a large percentage of the population. The remodeling industry typically takes a strong 2 months to gear up for the increase in work. This is from people that have decided to stay where they live and remodel the kitchen, bath, etc. Remember those hacks, well they can't hang around 2 to 4 months to make the transition. Then when the remodeling industry gets a full head of steam, they emerge from the woodwork and start to install tile in a hope of cashing in on the money.

[charlie1]

Its just life, it goes on all the time no matter what you do, wages will go up and then they will come down. it will allways reach an equilibrium bassed on different factors. Me personally i think the money is pretty good in tiling just now, and i'm doing a job i really love and thats the main thing.

[penno]

Im in Manchester myself mate and i charge 20 quid a sqm for ceramic if its a basic bathroom for instance but can totally vary depending on things such as tile size.
Only an hour a go i quoted a bathroom for a bloke and he said "wow didn't think it would be that much. Had another bloke who said he can do it for about a hundred less". Said to him "no probs mate but thats the price i charge, all work guarenteed and quality materials used. The other bloke may well do a great job for you but on the other hand he may not. May well turn up here with a tub of B and Q homebrand adhesive in his hands"
He gave it some umms and ahhs and said he will get back to me.
Jumped in my van and heard a shout "wait a sec mate, would like you you to do it, when can you fit me in?"

Always get people undercutting but if the customer likes you and is happy with what you say then i think they are happy to pay you rather than paying the dodgy bloke who can do 30sqm for 200 quid.

[NickH]

I always price a job based on how long it will take rather than the metreage. Work it out to the nearest half day and multiply by your rate, where I am that can be 200 a day, no probs, sometimes a bit more for "profit", might lose a few but get plenty more. Dont underestimate your material costs either, allow plenty. Most people will go for quality and are prepared to pay for a reputable tradesman. Plus when you start getting repeat work then price is less of an issue. I would rather not work for someone who is only interested in cutting the price down to the bone, but then i've got plenty on so its easier to be like that.

[webby]

I never price by the metre.£175 a day.

[CLAYS TILES]

i started off at £20 p/m2,plus materials etc, but i dont seem to be getting the jobs! do you all put mats on top of £ p/m2 or is that in WITH m2?
i'm trying day rates now! £120-£150

[TheWrightTiler]

depends on size of job if just a few m2 then day rate of 150 if bigger or a bugger to do then m2 rate always plus mats mate