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Should I learn a trade


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I have been working in credit control and now a credit manager for 13 years now, and as you know have undertaken a lot of DIY over the last 6 weeks.

 

I have completely redone my kitchen and office room, and they both look great. Next it is time to start on the bathroom.

 

I really enjoyed tiling, and I was pretty good at it. I also tiled a bathroom about 12 years ago. I want to try and make a go of my own business and I think tiling is the way to go. There are a couple of week course that I could take holiday from work, and I can do the website. I would probably do it at weekends to start off with and see how that goes for some extra money, and then if I can fill a diary with booking I will jack in the job, which is well paid, and do something I enjoy.

 

The courses are good as they show you how to prepare for tiling, and different ways to tile, with different patterns, and they le you know how to set up you business, and cost the jobs. I have n accounts background and I am very business minded anyway, so no problem on that side of things.

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hi i dont post often but this rings a bell with me ,,im a manager at a high end landscaping firm and i will say that its the people that enjoy it (in my case landscaping ) and then try to turn it into a business that make no money ,,im afraid that seasoned tilers(in your case) will charge say 500 quid to tile a bathroom and it will take them (normaly two guys ) 1-2 days ,,whereas it would take you longer meaning you will have to charge the same or more and it wil take longer maybe 5-6 days ,,thats the problem ,,500 quid over 6 days is not that great a wage after taxes and fuel etc , im not saying dont do it but be aware there is a lots of "seasoned pros" after the same work ,,customers allways like trades to spend as little time in thier house as possible ,,that said , i think hands on work is much more satisfying :) hope that helps :)

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Always beware trying to turn a hobby into a business. There is a lot of competition out there at the moment and getting credit from suppliers is always a challenge when you start out. But if you are determined enough to make it succeed, then go for it and the very best of luck.

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Thanks all. I think doing the course even just to gain experience and hints and tips, means I can carry out projects in my own home, as well as friends and family.

 

I could then give it a go weekends for some extra cash, small projects maybe, the I can get done over a weekend... Like my kitchen tiling. It looks bloody good... If I do say so myself.

 

Perhaps I could say I am a bloody gret tiler , but I know nothing about accounts, your honour!

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if you want to be a tiler, get to know a good plasterer, easier to tile on a flat wall :-)

 

Cheers a few people have recommend that I do the plaster course as well. Then I can remove old tiles, prepare the wall, and do the tiling. If not I not a plasterer who I will recommend for a small fee.

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